A Multi-dimensional Supervisory Support Model for Enhancing Postgraduate Success in South Africa and Zambia
Keywords:
Postgraduate Supervision, Graduate Completion Rates, Higher Education, South Africa, Zambia, Supervisory Support Model.Abstract
Postgraduate completion rates in South Africa and Zambia remain critically low, posing a significant threat to the development of knowledge economies. Although many factors contribute to student attrition, the quality of academic supervision has been identified as a pivotal determinant of student success. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a holistic, evidence-based framework for improving supervisory practices. Drawing on a mixed-methods study that integrated quantitative data from 342 postgraduate students and qualitative insights from 12 in-depth interviews across both nations, this study first diagnoses the systemic weaknesses in the current supervisory landscape. Key findings revealed that inconsistent feedback, overwhelming supervisor workloads, and a lack of structured institutional support were the primary drivers of delays and dropouts. In response, the researcher introduced Multi-dimensional Supervisory Support Model, a comprehensive framework built on four interconnected pillars: Institutional Scaffolding, Supervisor Professionalisation, Student-Centred Support, and Continuous Quality Enhancement. The model provides a practical roadmap for higher-education institutions to create a nurturing, effective, and equitable supervisory ecosystem. By implementing this integrated approach, universities in South Africa, Zambia, and similar contexts can move beyond isolated interventions to foster systemic change, ultimately enhancing graduate completion rates, improving the student experience, and strengthening their contributions to national development.
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