Abstract:

In the context of the changing nature of work and education globally, it is vital that assessment methods at higher education institutions (HEIs) implement the use of technology. Over the past years modules that are management study-based modules, such as Human Resource Management (HRM) modules at the University of KwaZulu-Natal depend on manual pen and paper assessment methods. This study focuses on the transformation process of assessments into e-assessments. The theoretical frameworks utilised to underpin this study were the TAM and UTAUT frameworks, which assist in understanding the perceptions associated with the acceptance and use of technology. Data was collected from undergraduate students that have completed one paper-based assessment and then one online assessment (e-assessment) of a HRM module. A paper-based questionnaire was then administered to these students to gain insight on their reactions and acceptance to the transformation from paper-based to e-assessment methods. Data was then analysed statistically to obtain aspects that significantly impacted this transformation. Discussions and conclusions will thereafter be provided on both the positive and negative facts that were obtained through the study. This study will assist HEIs, and specifically academics in the disciplines of Management Studies, in understanding students’ perceptions of the implementation of e-assessments as a form of assessment method in curricula. Continued research in this field would be proposed, as there is a lack of understanding and implementation of e-assessments as part of Management Studies modules at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Keywords:

Electronic Assessment (e-assessment), Moodle, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAT).