Systems analysis of the national performance management system for TVET lecturers in South Africa

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14426/jovacet.v7i2.420

Keywords:

Performance appraisal; continuing professional development (CPD); causal loop analysis (CLA); TVET colleges; TVET lecturers

Abstract

A quality performance appraisal (PA) and continuing professional development (CPD) system is an essential component of a national performance management system for TVET lecturers. It is intended to support an improvement in lecturer quality and accountability, strengthens student graduation rates and feeds national human resource development for sustainable employment. The aim of this research study was to contribute to improvements in the functional integration and synergies between PA and the CPD system as applied in TVET colleges. The study involved the collection of qualitative data at six South African TVET colleges in order to develop a general description that captures the key features and interactions commonly shared across the case studies in a general analytic model. Data collection, coding and analysis informed the iterative development of a systems model based on causal loop analysis (CLA). This application of the CLA tool provided the means to represent multiple relationships and the feedback loops between them visually. We found that four main causal loops strongly influence the dynamics of PA and the CPD system. The findings offer an analytic platform for further research towards strengthening and reviewing the overall performance management system for TVET lecturers. 

Author Biographies

Dr Andrew Paterson, JET Education Services, Johannesburg, South Africa

Andrew Paterson is a research associate with JET Education Services. His research includes skills development, skills accreditation and the development of pathways into employment for marginalised people on the African continent such as international migrants, refugees and unemployed youths.

Dr James Keevy, JET Education Services, Johannesburg, South Africa

James Keevy is an experienced policy researcher in South Africa, Africa and internationally. His specific areas of expertise include qualifications, the recognition of learning, digitalisation, and the professionalisation and migration of teachers. At present, his principal expertise lies in the ability to oversee extensive multinational research and large evaluation teams with a view to implementing programmes. 

Zaahedah Vally, JET Education Services, Johannesburg, South Africa

Zaahedah Vally is a qualitative researcher with JET Education Services. Her areas of research include innovative financing in education, lecturer professionalisation relating to technical and vocational education and training, credentialing, and the post-school sector more broadly in South Africa and Africa. She is currently completing her master’s degree in management, specialising in development and economics.

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Published

16-12-2024

How to Cite

Paterson, A., Keevy, J., & Vally, Z. (2024). Systems analysis of the national performance management system for TVET lecturers in South Africa. Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training, 7(2), 22. https://doi.org/10.14426/jovacet.v7i2.420