Assessing the causes of SMME learner drop-out and attrition in the national rollout of the Productive Capacity Building Programme (PCBP): A Case Study

Assessing the causes of SMME learner drop-out and attrition in the national rollout of the Productive Capacity Building Programme (PCBP): A Case StudyThe aim of this evaluative research study is to investigate the causes of learner dropout and attrition within the national rollout of the Productive Capacity Building Programme PCBP of the National Productivity Institute (NPI). This study is undertaken using a case study format with particular interest in the behaviour of adult learners within the context of a learning environment as well as particular interventional measures that could be undertaken by adult educators and facilitators in retaining adult learners within contact training programmes. The research study not only has internal validity in terms of the PCBP training programme operations but also contextual importance for long distance education, e-learning, other modes of learning delivery as well as the larger human resources development (HRD) domain. The ultimate objective is to minimize PCBP training costs resulting from adult learner attrition and the failure to meet training targets. A survey population comprising sixty (x60) small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) learners who attended PCBP training is selected using simple random sampling. The study is undertaken using case study format from a learning practitioner’s perspective. Utilizing a questionnaire instrument and interview method, the survey population is interviewed through a qualitative research method. Historical training statistics as well as post-implementation training statistics resulting from the application of recommendations are stratified and compared. Qualitative data collection methods such as observation, interview and documents are utilized. The study ends with recommendations for business application and the practical effects brought about by the implementation of initial recommendations.An analysis of recommendations indicates that adult learner dropout within the PCBP training programme is minimized through the introduction of adult learning principles within the delivery of the programme.