Key success factors for implementing a workplace skills plan: a case study of Limpopo Department of Education.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the key success factors for implementing a workplace skills plan (WSP). To obtain the perspective of department managers regarding the key success factors for implemention of a WSP in the Limpopo Department of Education, a quantitative research approach was used. A probability sample of 75 managers was drawn from the Limpopo DoE with a population size of 1019 managers. The sample was composed comprise 51% males and 49%. Of the sample, 74% of the participating managers were members of the skills development committee, and the remaining 26% were not. The managers were chosen to participate in this study because the majority of them were members of the skills development committee. The data was gathered through the use of structured questionnaire which were developed by the researcher. The study revealed various key success factors for WSP implementation that were determined by managers, which included aspects of information gathering to inform a WSP, aspects of skills auditing, aspects of compiling and submitting a WSP, aspects of implementing, monitoring and evaluating a WSP, and aspects of reporting on an implemented WSP. The study also revealed that these key success factors for WSP implementation were not executed appropriately in the Limpopo DoE. The study provides insights for organisations in implementing a WSP according to the determined key success factors, identifies obstacles that may hinder the implementation, and recommends strategies that can be employed to overcome such challenges.