Exploring Graduate Perspectives on Institutional Betterment: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The study investigates how graduate students assess institutional improvement needs while determining how students and alumni support institutional development at People’s Campus.

Methodology: The researchers used a qualitative exploratory research design to investigate their research question. Data were collected from 154 graduates from BBM, BBA, BBS, and MBS programs through two open-ended questions that asked for (i) institutional improvement suggestions and recommendations, and (ii) student and alumni potential contributions. The researchers analyzed the responses through inductive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke's 2006 analytical framework. The researchers identified and interpreted themes from academic programs to analyze how graduate perspectives differed between programs.

Findings: The study results show that undergraduate students who completed their Bachelor of Business Management and Bachelor of Business Administration programs at the university give priority to learning through real-world experiences and participating in extracurricular activities, and using technological resources, but they mainly contribute to the university through their roles as mentors and their ability to share knowledge. BBS graduates state that they need structured learning environments that support all students while providing academic assistance because their contributions stem from their dedication to volunteer work and peer mentoring, and their commitment to supporting institutional needs. The postgraduate graduates from MBS programs demonstrate their commitment to systemwide enhancements by showing dedication to improving governance and digitalization, career services, and research engagement while they actively participate in professional organizations and strategic planning. Cross-program evaluation shows that campus facilities, hygiene standards, and administrative response times create common problems that decrease student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness.

Originality/Value: The research delivers qualitative findings about graduate student expectations and alumni participation in Nepalese higher education, which has not yet been adequately studied by existing literature. The study presents solutions to enhance academic programs and university facilities through its examination of graduate experiences from various study programs, which contribute to institutional development through their structured alumni participation process.

Paper Type: Empirical Research-based Analysis.