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Methods Proposalproposal

This chapter introduces the research topic of examining the relationship between degree programs and employment outcomes in Belize. It notes that while education is important for development, graduate unemployment remains high. The purpose is to identify factors affecting graduates' employability. Key research questions explore which programs align best with employer needs and opportunities. Limitations include lack of time and accessible information. Definitions are provided for terms like labour force and unemployment rate. References are listed at the end.

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Barry Hilton Patnett
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78 views

Methods Proposalproposal

This chapter introduces the research topic of examining the relationship between degree programs and employment outcomes in Belize. It notes that while education is important for development, graduate unemployment remains high. The purpose is to identify factors affecting graduates' employability. Key research questions explore which programs align best with employer needs and opportunities. Limitations include lack of time and accessible information. Definitions are provided for terms like labour force and unemployment rate. References are listed at the end.

Uploaded by

Barry Hilton Patnett
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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University of Belize

Research Methods for Social Science


Chapter One
01/02/2016
Barry Patnett
Hugo Lizama
Chloe Mcfadzean
Devanki Williams
Sheila Pook

Chapter 1:
Statement of problem
The importance of education to a countrys development strategy has been widely
acknowledged. In Belize, education and training play an important role in the countrys
development strategy. Education is not only a pathway to poverty reduction, but it also equips
the workforce with the necessary skills to transform an agriculture-based economy into an
industrialized economy (Tan, Mcgough, & Valerio, 2010). For this reason, the Government of
Belize considers national education policy to be a top priority. Students have access to
loans/Grants for education. (Itciloorg, 2016) stated, However, despite the achievements in
improving access to education for the masses, many remain sceptical about its low quality and
relevance. Belize is a parliamentary democracy. The economy relies primarily on tourism,
followed by exports of marine products, citrus, sugar, and bananas (Heritageorg 2016).
Measuring the extent to which investment in education leads to gains in terms of labour
market performance is important to informing the public. According to the September 2014
labour force survey the total population 14 years and over was that of 240,312. 13.7% of the
population had completed up to tertiary school (Siborgbz 2016). The graduates who are a
stylized component of the educated personnel, obviously face severe difficulties in finding
suitable employments. However any reliable statistical evidence in regards to graduate
unemployment is not available.
Further Preliminary findings of the Statistical Institute of Belizes September 2015
Labour Force Survey show that, for this month, the total number of employed persons stood at an
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estimated 140,475 or 10.2% of the labour force. The causes for the high unemployment
regardless of the fact that a lot of people are graduating from tertiary school are in many folds.
The new job creations in the labour market is not sufficient to absorb the increasing number of
graduates passing out from the universities. It is also observed that the private sector is heavily
relies on the non-graduates with certain experience or technical qualification. According to
Meanwhile, a severe criticism has emerged against the traditional and relatively non-updated
university curricula, for which the major burden of rising graduate unemployment is assigned
(Itciloorg, 2016). In one way the non-compatibility of university curricula has created a
mismatch between the skill possessed by the graduates and the skills demanded in the labour
market.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to the areas of degree that one takes and the receptiveness to
the labour market.

Significance:

This study will provide useful information for policy makers, economists, and academic
researchers in order to identify the critical factors affecting the employability of universities
graduates and also the nature and magnitude of such effects. This will also give directions for
academic researchers in their future studies on career outcomes of the graduates.

Research Question(s):

1. Which programs majors, credentials, or institutions provide the best likelihood of


accessing job that matches the graduates interests and provide solid earnings and
employment opportunities?
2. Which programs are well aligned to the actual needs of employers and the availability
opportunities for the graduates?
3. Which programs may need to be improved, redesigned, expanded, or eliminated?
4. How well are the government meeting the needs of the country employers, driving
economic growth, and advancing the social well-being of the countrys citizens?
5. How institutions should be founded to meet this unemployment crisis amongst graduates.

Limitations:
1. Lock of time
2. Lock of attainable information.

Definition of Terms:

1. Labour Force: The labour force is comprised of all those persons aged 14 years and over
who were engaged in any form of economic activity, for at least one hour, during the
survey week or who were willing and able to be engaged in producing economic goods
and services. Also included would be all those persons who were temporarily absent from
work during the survey week. Hence, the labour force is made up of all those persons
who either had jobs (the Employed), or those who did not have jobs but were willing and
able to work (the Unemployed).
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2. Unemployment Rate: Unemployment rate refers to the ratio of the unemployed over the
total labour force, i.e. the percentage of the labour force that is unemployed.

References

Heritageorg. (2016). Heritageorg. Retrieved 1 February, 2016, from


http://www.heritage.org/index/pdf/2016/countries/belize.pdf
Itciloorg. (2016). Itciloorg. Retrieved 10 February, 2016, from http://www.itcilo.org/en/trainingoffer/turin-school-of-development/research-papers/WP_No.3_2015_FINAL_approved.pdf
Siborgbz. (2016). Siborgbz. Retrieved 1 February, 2016, from http://www.sib.org.bz/
The aspen institute. (2015). FROM COLLEGE TO JOBS: MAKING SENSE OF LABOR MARKET
RETURNS TO HIGHER EDUCATION. Retrieved 1 February, 2016, from
file:///C:/Users/2012110452/Downloads/LaborMarketReturns_0.pdf
Worldbankorg. (2016). Worldbankorg. Retrieved 1 February, 2016, from
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/2782001290520949227/WfD_Benchmarking_Framework.pdf

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