University facilities and student satisfaction in Sri Lanka

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impacts of university facilities on student satisfaction at regional state universities in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachIn order to accomplish the proposed object quantitative research design was used. All undergraduates at four selected regional state universities, namely, Universities of Ruhuna, Rajarata, Wayamba, and Sabaragamuwa, were the population of the study, in which 650 undergraduates were selected as the sample using the stratified sampling technique. The researcher administrated close-ended questionnaire, which consisted of two parts and 31 items, was used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software, and a confirmatory factor analysis was applied to ensure the discriminant and convergent validities of the model. Correlation and regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe factors identified as the ones that most strongly influence student overall satisfaction were the lecture room facilities, library facilities, accommodation facilities, employment facilities and entertainment facilities at regional state universities. However, computer facilities did not significantly influence student satisfaction in Sri Lankan context.Originality/valueThis is the first study which comprehensively investigates the impact of university facilities on student satisfaction at regional level state universities in Sri Lanka.