Title: Challenges in managing postgraduate distance education in a Sub-Saharan African higher education institution

Authors: Justice Mensah; Aba Nyameyie Mensah; Godwin Awabil

Addresses: Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana ' Counselling Centre, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana ' Counselling Centre, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract: Although distance education (DE) is steadily deepening its relevance in the contemporary global higher education landscape, its management is beset with challenges in some developing countries. This study examined the challenges in managing postgraduate DE programs in a public higher education institution in a Sub-Saharan African country. Qualitative data were gathered from course facilitators, managers of the programs, and students, through structured interviews and focus group discussions. It was established that the programs faced challenges related to course material development, internet access, access to the library, Information and Communication Technology, and physical infrastructure, The programs were more print-media supported and face-to-face based than technology-anchored and online-based. For purposes of modernity, cost-effectiveness, and continuous quality improvement, the program managers should develop course manuals and modules and utilise technology-supported virtual teaching and learning instead of the current state of overreliance on face-to-face interactions. For sustainability reasons, the program managers should devise innovative ways of making the programs more practice-oriented to meet the demands of the growing competitive job market.

Keywords: challenges; innovation; postgraduate education; distance education; higher education institutions; sustainability; University of Cape Coast.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2023.128459

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2023 Vol.8 No.1, pp.1 - 19

Received: 09 Apr 2021
Accepted: 07 Apr 2022
Published online: 23 Jan 2023 *

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