TRAINING PRACTICE OF ETHIOPIAN ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION (EEA): EFFECTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This study assesses the existing practice of training programs of EEA; identifies the effects of training programs on trainee’s performance and competence/KSA; and identifies the associated challenges of training programs from the perspectives of both trainees and EEA. In the attempt of answering the objectives of the study, the concurrent, identical sampling design- generated through the joint use of simple random and purposive techniques were employed to obtain a sample size of 169 out of which 135 (79.88%) responses have been obtained and analysis was conducted based on obtained responses. Self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interview had been conducted to collect data. Data obtained from the questionnaire had been analyzed with descriptive statistics (mean and frequency) and inferential statistics (General Linear Model-MANOVA) had been used to identify the existing relationship between training program (independent variable) and trainees’ performance (dependent variable) and competence (dependent variable). The study revealed that main effect of training programs increasing performance and competence/KSA is significant, there by proving that training programs have positive effect on performance and competence/KSA. Moreover, training programs are found to result in increasing task accomplishment and technical proficiency aspect of trainees’ performance as well as increasing the knowledge and skill of concept aspect of competence/KSA. On another note, the most prominent challenge related with acquiring KSA resulting from training programs of EEA is related with KSA transferring process whereas the short timeframe allotted for the training program is found to be the most prominent challenge of implementing the acquired KSA as perceived by both the trainees and EEA. The study concluded that the training programs of EEA increase the performance and competence of trainees. Therefore, it has been recommended that EEA take corrective measures to eliminate the existing challenges accordingly; works towards strengthening adequacy of man power of its research wing-EBTI to meet trainees’ demands; improve participant selection process of the existing training practice and develop incentive schemes to motivate research staffs and attract professionally capable manpower.