An evaluation of pre-entry performance predictors for bachelor of commerce students at the University Of Nairobi

Abstract

This research project reports on the results of an investigation into the relationship between certain Bachelor of Commerce student attributes and their performance in the final year of study at the University of Nairobi. The total sample used was 300 students divided into three sub-samples of 100 students each. Each sample of 100 students were selected from a period of four years. So the total period for the study was twelve years from 1973/74 to 1984/85 academic years inclusive. The scores obtained by the students in their final year of study in the Bachelor Commerce programme was used as a measure of performance and as the criterion variable~ The attributes against which their performance was measured (the predictor variables) were the scores attained in the subjects taken at Ordinary (secondary ; school) level and two demographic variables, age, and sex. The results show that the attributes that had the strongest association with performance at the University are scores in Mathematics, age, Commerce-related subjects,finance subjects and a-level aggregate score. Those that seemed to lack significant association with University level performance were, (iii) sex, scores in English Language and Literature, General Sciences, other languages, and the Liberal Arts subjects. Many of these predictor variables were also found to be strongly correlated. The main statistical tools that were used in analysing the data were multiple, stepwise regression analyses and correlation analysis. Though there were limitations in the study, the findings from this research still have strong implications as concerns the admission criteria into the Faculty of Commerce programme.