Abstract
Historically the retention of first year students has been an ongoing problem for many tertiary institutions. Recent issues such as covid disruptions, greater financial challenges, and increased mental health issues have also contributed to lower levels of engagement, performance, and retention rates. This study investigates the expectations and perceptions of first year business students at an Institute of Technology located in regional New Zealand. Comparing student expectations prior to commencing study with the perceptions of their experience after a semester of study helps with improving the management, course content and teaching delivery of programmes, especially when gaps are identified. A three-stage mixed-method approach was used, with data collected from 42 responses to an expectations questionnaire, 18 responses to a perceptions questionnaire, and nine semi-structured interviews. Findings suggest that students have reasonably realistic and accurate expectations when entering their first year of tertiary business study. However, tertiary institutions can still do more to develop flexibility within delivery modes, improve assessment schedules and timing, develop student time management skills, and better manage group work.
Keywords: Higher education; student expectations; business students; group work.
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