Employability Analysis of Management External Degree Holders of Sri Lanka: Longitudinal Study Based on University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of employability of the graduates receiving external management degrees in the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Study Design:  The study used past three years’ data gathered at the Convocation days held in year 2015, 2016 and 2017. It included graduates’ demographic characteristics, employability and the nature of jobs engaged. Results: The study provided quantitative results about the employability of external degree holders and the results showed that the employability rate of external degree holders was relatively high compared with the employability rate of the management graduate in Sri Lanka at the date of convocation. On the basis of findings, the study proves that business graduates possess average levels of employability skills in terms of technology and communication skills. Conclusion: Although the results exemplify the initial step towards a description of employability of external degree holders, they shed light in terms of future development of the management external degree programmes. Presently, Sri Lanka meets the management employment expected, but in the future, management graduates need to realize that education is not all about to attain good marks but to explore and develop personal capabilities.