Outsourcing at Walter Sisulu University: students’ perceptions of an outsourced campus-based cafeteria.

Abstract

Widened global access to higher education led to massification of the higher education system. However the funding allocated to institutions of higher education is not sufficient to cater for the high student numbers. Inadequate government subsidies have led to financial challenges for institutions of higher education. South African institutions have faced similar challenges, and universities such as Walter Sisulu University have sought strategies to operate and survive within the limited resources available. Outsourcing has been one of the strategies employed by universities to save costs. A study was undertaken to determine the students’ perceptions of outsourcing at the WSU Butterworth campus, particularly of the outsourced campus-based cafeteria. Other outsourced services included very briefly in the study are the outsourced campus security and cleaning services. The study used a quantitative research approach and a structured data collection process. Participation in the study was voluntary and involved a sample drawn from the Butterworth campus. Results indicate that students in the study were not satisfied with food pricing or food quality and hygiene and were concerned about their general well-being and safety. Services offered, particularly the outsourced catering services, did not meet the needs of students and thus students’ expectations and this may negatively affect students’ experience of the campus. Food also provides for students’ physical and cognitive developmental needs thus is important to students’ academic performance and progress. Safety and security services are vital to an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning. This study highlights an urgent need for the evaluation of the outsourced services. University management needs to put measures in place to redress the situation and ensure that students’ best interests are served. The university should further prioritise students’ experience of the university by ensuring that campus space promotes effective learning and development. This may be done by ensuring that outsourced companies adhere to the terms of the contract, failing which termination of the contract should result.