An Investigation on the Decrease in Productivity among University Graduates in the Job Sector

By

Wilberforce Opanga

A Research Proposal Submitted to the School of Theology Education and Arts in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of BSc Computer Science Kabarak University

2010

Table of Contents
Declaration .......................................................................................................................... 3 Approval ............................................................................................................................. 3 Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 4 Chapter One: Introduction .................................................................................................. 5 1.1 Background to the study ........................................................................................... 5 1.2 Statement of the problem .......................................................................................... 5 1.3 Objectives of the study.............................................................................................. 5 1.4 Hypothesis................................................................................................................. 5 1.5 Significance of the study........................................................................................... 5 1.6 Scope and Limitations of the study........................................................................... 5 1.7 Definition of terms .................................................................................................... 6 1.8 Theoretical framework .............................................................................................. 6 Chapter two: Literature review ........................................................................................... 7 Chapter three: Research methodology ................................................................................ 8 3.1 Research design ........................................................................................................ 8 3.2 Target population ...................................................................................................... 8 3.3 Sampling procedures ................................................................................................. 8 3.4 Data collection .......................................................................................................... 8 3.5 Data analysis and interpretation ................................................................................ 8 Chapter Four: Work plan ................................................................................................... 9 4.1 Work plan.................................................................................................................. 9 4.2 Budget ....................................................................................................................... 9 Reference list .................................................................................................................... 10

Declaration
This is my original work and has not been presented for the award of any degree in any other institution of higher learning. Name Wilberforce Opanga Signature Date

Approval
This research proposal has been submitted for examination with my approval as a university supervisor

Name:

Signature:

Date:

Abstract
Poverty levels in Kenya have since independence been on the increase while production rate has been declining tremendously. This is partly attributable to minimum input in economic development by university graduates. This study intends to establish whether, and if so, the reasons why and how the failure by university graduates to gainfully get involved in national economic development has led to high poverty levels as well as low productivity. It is expected that the study will provide some long lasting solutions to the phenomenon that will help boost the rate of development in Kenya thus putting the country in league of rapidly developing countries. The study will apply various methods in collecting and analyzing data

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background to the study
Kenyas education sector has since independence witnessed a tremendous growth in the university sub sector, in terms of the number of students admitted and the variety of programs offered. Many students have been certified to be qualified yet when they get to the job market they have tended to fail to deliver as per their employers expectations. This is clearly seen in the low development rate in our country.

1.2 Statement of the problem

An analysis of information from the Mass Media and the internet has revealed that the rate of production from university graduates in Kenya has gone down yet no systematic research has been conducted to establish the reasons behind this decline.

1.3 Objectives of the study

(a) To establish the reasons behind the low production by university graduates on job market. (b) To propose how the production of university graduates in the workplace can be improved.

1.4 Hypothesis
Low productivity among university graduates has lead to low high poverty levels in Kenya.

1.5 Significance of the study

It is expected that the study will establish the causes of low production in relation to university graduates in Kenyan workplaces based on which measures to arrest the anomaly will be ascertained. This will go along way in making graduates more gainfully involved in national development. In the long run the country will realise more productivity and minimal poverty levels.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the study

There are many factors that lead to low production but due to time and monetary constraints, the scope of this study will be the contribution of university graduates to economic production. Data will be drawn from a representative sample of graduates drawn from three public and three private enterprises in Nakuru Town in the Rift valley Province.

1.7 Definition of terms

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1.8 Theoretical framework

The study will be conducted under the framework of Douglas Mac Gregorys theory X on employee's motivation. According to this theory, an average person: Dislikes work and attempts to avoid it

has no ambitions, wants no responsibility and would rather follow than lead is self-centered and therefore does not care about organizational goals Resists change is Gullible for money and not particularly intelligent

Essentially Mac Gregorys theory X assumes that people work only for money and security. The study will strive to establish to what extent at this time in development Kenyas graduates are governed by this theory and how the basics of the theory can be employed by the country to make university graduates more productive.

Chapter two: Literature review

Chapter three: Research methodology

3.1 Research design
The study will be conducted using a questionnaire survey conducted by the study team. Pertinent issues arising from the questionnaire survey will be pursued and clarified through probing questions posed to the interviewees by the study team.

3.2 Target population

The target population will be composed of: government and private sector enterprises employing university graduates.

3.3 Sampling procedures

Probability sampling, precisely simple random sampling will be used to draw the study sample.

3.4 Data collection

Data will be collected directly from the respondents by the study team using questionnaires.

3.5 Data analysis and interpretation

Chapter Four: Work plan

The study will be conducted in twelve months commencing March, 2010 as detailed in table 4.1.

4.1 Work plan

Period February to March March to April April to September September to October October to November November to December December to January January Activity Writing the proposal Defend the proposal Collect data Analyze the data Type and print the report Present the report Defend the report Publish the report

4.2 Budget
Item Cost Hire a van for six months 10000 per month Fuel for the van In six months 6000 per month Accommodation for seven people 30000per in twelve months month Catering for seven people in 35000 twelve months Typing and printing the 1500 questionnaires Typing and Printing the 2500 Report Allowance for seven people in 14000 per month twelve months Grand total Total 60000 36000 360000 420000 1500 2500 168000 1048000

Reference list
Douglas McGregor. 2006: The Human Side of Enterprise: McGrow Hill Publishers. New York