6 - Availability of Study Time for Undergraduate Finance Students at an Open and Distance Learning Institution in South Africa

Abstract

Adult learners at open distance learning institutions often experience in- creased demands from their employers, families and society. Continuously challenged by time constraints, adult learners are confronted with time allocation decisions of meeting academic responsibilities while maintain- ing a work–life balance. This research evaluated the time management of adult learners by determining whether adult learners commit the appropriate number of study hours to their academic responsibilities in accordance with the prescribed notional credit hours. An online questionnaire was distrib- uted to a sample of students studying towards a baccalaureate degree in financial management within an academic department at an open distance learning institution. The results suggested that students commit insufficient time to academic responsibilities measured against the notional credit hour system. To manage time better, adult learners should be informed of the rationale behind the notional credit hour system and be introduced to a time management tool whereby those students who fail to make adequate progress should be enrolled on time management courses.