Investigating the impact of extended programs on accounting students in North West University

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of extended programs on accounting students’ performance in North West University. A quantitative approach with the aid of an Ethnographic design was used to investigate the impact of an extended program on accounting student. Students that were registered on an extended program from first to fourth years were used as the respondents for the study. Questionnaires and document analysis were used to obtain data from the selected students. The document analysis helps to obtain statistical data on the performance and progress rate of the extended and mainstream students. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics that help to present the respondent’s response in Tables and Figures. The main findings of this study revealed that: The extended programs impact positively on the accounting students. It was found that the progression rate of the extended students is better when compared with the mainstream students. Findings also revealed that factors such as access to the extended programs, strong foundation and advice from parents or guardians influence students to take up an extended program in accounting. In addition, the respondents affirm that the extended program has contributed to the performance rate of the accounting students and support materials are necessary to aid the performance of the students. The study recommends that extended students should be provided with more extra time for tutorials and consultations, and good support should be provided by the faculty in order to enhance their learning. The researcher concludes that there is a dynamic interaction between the extended program in accounting, learner’s performance and success rate. As such, these interactions are said to impact positively on the goals of the extended programs at the university.

Keywords: Accounting, Extended program, Students, Accounting