An evaluation of pre-entry performance predictors for bachelor of commerce students at the University Of Nairobi
Abstract
This research project reports on the results of an
investigation into the relationship between certain
Bachelor of Commerce student attributes and their
performance in the final year of study at the University
of Nairobi.
The total sample used was 300 students divided
into three sub-samples of 100 students each. Each
sample of 100 students were selected from a
period of four years. So the total period for the
study was twelve years from 1973/74 to 1984/85
academic years inclusive.
The scores obtained by the students in their
final year of study in the Bachelor Commerce programme
was used as a measure of performance and as the criterion
variable~ The attributes against which their performance
was measured (the predictor variables) were the scores
attained in the subjects taken at Ordinary (secondary
;
school) level and two demographic variables, age, and
sex.
The results show that the attributes that had the
strongest association with performance at the University
are scores in Mathematics, age, Commerce-related
subjects,finance subjects and a-level aggregate
score. Those that seemed to lack significant
association with University level performance were,
(iii)
sex, scores in English Language and Literature,
General Sciences, other languages, and the Liberal
Arts subjects.
Many of these predictor variables were also
found to be strongly correlated.
The main statistical tools that were used in
analysing the data were multiple, stepwise regression
analyses and correlation analysis.
Though there were limitations in the study,
the findings from this research still have strong
implications as concerns the admission criteria
into the Faculty of Commerce programme.
Citation
Masters of business administrationPublisher
University of Nairobi Faculty of Commerce, University of Nairobi.