Influence of EAPI Skills Training Course on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Undergraduate University Students: A Case of the EAPI Program, Uganda
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Learning and Development
Abstract
Upon employment, fresh graduates have been widely criticized for their underperformance
due to their lack of relevant practical skills. Furthermore, students need training that allows
them to blend knowledge with the practice in the workspace. This study assessed the
influence of an ‘Empowerment of the Agro-processing Industry (EAPI)' skills training for the
agro-processing industry, on the knowledge, attitude, and practice among students in the
School of Food Technology Nutrition and Bio-Engineering (SFTNB), Makerere University.
Students were trained in 8 modules including; food process and value-chain management,
food product optimization, national and international standards of food products, application
of good management practices (GMP) and hygienic food processing, quality control in food
production processes, waste management, infrastructure development to meet quality &
production capacity in food production facilities and food product marketing & preparation
for export markets. A semi-structured questionnaire with a descriptive, scale and thematic
analysis was used to evaluate the impact of the training. The reliability of the responses of the
questionnaires was tested using Cronbach’s alpha and they showed high reliability; yielding
values that ranged between 0.88 and 0.97. Results showed a statistically significant difference
(p < 0.05) in knowledge, attitude and practice for product optimization, adequate processing
facility, standardization, certification, and export marketing. Cronbach’s alpha values ranged
between 0.88 and 0.97 for all stated variables indicating that the scales were sound and
reliable. Therefore, the inclusion of similar study material into the current curriculum would
help improve and enrich the curriculum thereby producing well-prepared students for the
food processing industry in Uganda.
Description
Keywords
Short off-the-job training, Students, Knowledge, Practice, Food processing industry, Uganda
Citation
Kigozi, J., Baidhe, E., Mukisa, IM, Muyanja, C., & Namubiru, L. Influence of EAPI Skills Training Course on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Undergraduate University Students: A Case of the EAPI Program, Uganda. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijld.v11i2.18807