Enhancing the Graduate Careers Australia (GCA) National Surveys: An examination of critical factors leading to enhancements in the instrument, methodology and process

This report is the outcome of Graduate Careers Australia National Surveys Enhancement Project which was conducted in 2005 and early 2006. The overarching aim of the project, which was funded by the DEST Higher Education Innovation Programme, was to review central aspects of the graduate surveys, including survey methods and management, and data processing, analysis and reporting. The project consisted of a number of primary elements:

• to critically review, design and formalise important aspects of the existing model;
• to assess and recommend changes that would further advance the surveys towards international best practice; and
• to increase sector confidence in the survey through the adoption of rigorous, consistent, effective and transparent processes.

The Enhancement Project included a suite of studies, two software development projects and extensive collaboration with the Australian higher education sector. Ten universities took part in a national study of survey non-response, six participated in a national study of survey engagement, 12 helped to test the redesigned survey instrument, and nine participated in a study of coding validity. Representatives from all institutions attended a series of workshops at the start of the project, participated in reviews and consultations throughout the year, and attended a national forum to discuss preliminary findings from the research. The project report also put forward a series of recommendations for further action for sector consideration.

Download PDF    (3.1 MB)

Hard copy not available, electronic publication only by DEST