Management Students’ Research Experiences in the University through the Lenses of the Management Curriculum

Abstract

Research experiences of the university student plays a critical role in the holistic development of such students. Therefore, the Management curriculum can never be taken for granted in augmenting the research experiences of Management Education students in higher education. Using the sequential explanatory research design and by the adoption of the stratified proportionate sampling technique, 361 Management Education students across all levels from two public universities in Ghana were involved in the study. It was found out that regarding students’ research experiences, a statistically significant difference exists among the students. However, the difference is obvious between undergraduates and postgraduate students, but not among the post-graduate students including research masters, non-research and PhD students. The PhD students’ research experiences did not necessarily differ from the M.Phil students due to their busy schedules. Therefore, time for research exposure activities such as conferences, workshops and seminars are scarce that inhibits the amount of research exposure given to students as part of acquiring research experiences in the university. Conversely, the exuberance level on the part of research masters coupled with the enthusiasm to complete their thesis on time compel them to attend all programmes intended to beef-up and enhance their research skills. It is, however, recommended that the university should create the enabling research environment for all students regardless of their level and programme, as well as, faculty in order to instil research culture in them in order to augment their research experiences.