Factors associated with the satisfaction of chartered accountancy students in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to identify the factors that significantly associated with the satisfaction of the Chartered Accountancy students in Sri Lanka. This scenario has been tested with a sample of 380 (n = 380) randomly selected Chartered Accountancy students from two main external institutes in the context. The response rate for the study was 98.68% and relevant statistical tests were performed to prepare the data set for the statistical analysis. Results highlighted that almost all the current students are with a high level of satisfaction about becoming a Chartered Accountancy student in Sri Lanka. The significant associations were identified by using Pearson Chi-Square and validated by Spearman Rank Correlation and based on the analysis a significant association has been identified among the academic role, staff quality, examination, marking and feedback, course management, industry and job market implications, personal attributes and age towards Chartered Accountancy students’ satisfaction. The factors utilized in testing the student’s satisfaction have been derived mostly through research based on academic contexts, but a highlighted difference has been identified among both academic and professional education. Therefore, the factors have been rearranged with the intention of better representation of the professional educational context. Through the factor analysis, the 34 dimensions used in defining 8 independent variables have been rearranged to 9 factors except the state of the academic role and staff quality. Those renamed newly arranged nine (9) factors are compatible syllabus and personal influence on succession, industry and job market behavior, learning atmosphere, academic role, institutional policies, examination and marking standards, control over practical training firms and its pressure on career progression, staff quality and administration function. The findings of the study provide insights on the policy prospects of the institute, the factors that must be considered on satisfying the students.