ERIC Number: EJ1211663
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0892-3647
EISSN: N/A
The Gap between Student Perceptions and Expectations of Quality Support Services at the University of South Africa
Makoe, Mpine; Nsamba, Asteria
American Journal of Distance Education, v33 n2 p132-141 2019
Assessing service quality gaps in Open Distance Learning (ODL) universities is essential to promote quality and develop programmes to manage deficiencies. The purpose of this study was to compare students' expectations and perceptions of student support services, to determine service quality gaps. Data were collected from a sample of ODL students using a modified SERVQUAL questionnaire consisting of four quality dimensions: Tangibles, Reliability, Delivery, and Assurance. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to analyze the data. The results showed that students' expectations were higher than their perceptions in three service quality dimensions with the tangibles dimension having the largest gaps. Students' expectations were not met in Tangibles, Reliability, and Delivery dimensions. Assurance was the only dimension rated highest for perceived service.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Students, Student Attitudes, Expectation, Distance Education, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Student School Relationship, Academic Support Services, Delivery Systems
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A