A Theory of Planned Behaviour-Based Analysis of IT Specialisation Choices in a South African Historically Disadvantaged Institution

Nqobile Thobile Mpulo, Khumbuzile Mzobe, Zinhle Mkhize, Kudakwashe Maguraushe

Abstract

Decisions to specialise in Information Technology (IT)-based courses have notably gained prominence in shaping academic pathways among students, more specifically within historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs) within South Africa, influenced by persistent socio-economic factors. While research has examined factors influencing career decisions, including specialisation decisions, in IT, there has been minimal use of theory-based frameworks, particularly within resource-constrained contexts of higher education. In this regard, this research aims to investigate the factors influencing IT students' specialisation decisions at a historically disadvantaged institution in South Africa, applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour as the framework for this inquiry. The research employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted among 104 second- or third-year Information Technology students recruited through stratified random sampling. The research findings revealed that attitudes toward IT specialisation decisions have had the greatest influence, relative to subjective norms, while perceived behaviour control has had relatively less influence. Overall, 34.1% of the variation in specialisation decisions was accounted for in the study. As this study draws on the Theory of Planned Behaviour to examine specialisation decisions in IT at historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa, it aims to make a relevant contribution within the field of informatics education.

Keywords

Informatics Education; Historically Disadvantaged Institutions; HDIs; IT Specialisation Choice; Student Career Decision-Making; Theory of Planned Behavior

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/ijie.v10i1.109245