Academic staff development strategies in engineering fields of study: case study of Zimbabwe
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Date
2013-06
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Abstract
Higher education is the basic instrument of economic growth and technological advancement in
any society. The economic meltdown in Zimbabwe which climaxed 2008 with an inflation level
of 231million % exacerbated the brain drain. After the economic meltdown, Zimbabwe is in the
process of rebuilding the quality of staff and the staffing levels in its higher education
institutions. The challenge has been the decision on the mode of study: whether to go via taught
masters or masters by research; where to allow the faculty members to study: in the region, or
beyond; on a fulltime or on a part-time basis or on a split-site basis. These challenges have been
due to the need to have a quick but quality programme of staff development, while maximising
on the resources available for staff development. A survey was undertaken of the engineering
related departments in Zimbabwe universities focusing on the existing staffing levels, their
qualifications, current numbers undergoing study and their levels. The challenges faced by each
institution from the administrative side and from the staff side are summarised.
Recommendations on staff development strategies are given in conclusion.
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Higher education is the basic instrument of economic growth and technological advancement in any society. The economic meltdown in Zimbabwe which climaxed 2008 with an …