An evaluation of integration of information communication technology into business education and training programmes in Uganda colleges of commerce – Soroti

Abstract

Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) institutions in Uganda have integrated Information Communication Technology (ICT) into their training programmes to cope up with rapid changes in technology. However, the labour market indicators have pointed to unmet skills requirement in ICT amongst employees. The study was carried out to: find out the level of integration of ICT into the training programmes of UCCs, establish whether the integration of ICT into the training programmes makes the graduates more acceptable to the employers than those without and identify the constraints involved in the integration of ICT into the training. The study used a descriptive survey design taking both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Purposive, snowball and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. The methods used to collect data were majorly interviews, self administered questionnaire, observation and document analysis. Qualitative data was subjected to descriptive analysis and quantitative data analysis was done using simple statistical methods. It was generally found out that the level of training in ICT in UCCS is relatively low. Limited software and inadequate period for training were equally found to affect the level of ICT training. The graduates were found to be acceptable to the employers though they have to be retrained on the tailor-made programmes that are nonexistent at college. Constraints involved in training include administrative, manpower, financial, time and technical constraints. The study recommended provision of a variety of software for training in different technologies and review of curriculum to offer more practical . oriented training. Others included procurement of more computers t9 cater for the large student numbers, installation of the internet, procurement of a standby generator with a larger capacity and increase budget allocation for ICT training. Recruitment of a systems administrator, more ICT lecturers and administrative support in updating their skills was suggested. The employment agencies should be involved in curriculum design and reviews in order to minimize mismatch between training provisions and requirements in the job market.