Research Design on Unemployment and Job Suitability Gap among

Government University Graduates in Sri Lanka

BBA 3303
Research Methods

Course Facilitators: Prof. Kumuduni Dissanayake

Prof. R. Senathiraja
Dr. Seuwandhi Ranasinghe

Department of Management and Organization Studies

Faculty of Management and Finance
University of Colombo
 Group Members
Name with initials Registration numbers

A.S.N.Fernando 2020MS9294

R.K.K. Padmini 2020MS9552

P.G.H.Nimeshika 2020MS9541
 Table of content

1.Introduction……………………………………………………….
1.1 Research problem with background
1.2 Research objectives
2. research questions
3. research design
3.1 research philosophy
3.2 research approach
3.3Research strategy
3.4 Time horizon
3.5 Data collection method
3.6 Data analysis method

References
aPeendix literature review
 1. Introduction
1.1Research problem with background

The high unemployment rates and job unsuitability among government university graduates in
Sri Lanka have emerged as significant concerns in recent years. Despite completing their
degrees, a substantial number of graduates find it challenging to secure suitable employment
opportunities aligned with their qualifications. Our research aims to investigate the underlying
reasons for this phenomenon and provide insights into potential factors contributing to the
unemployment and job unsuitability among Government University graduates in Sri Lanka. The
issue of graduate unemployment is a pressing matter that not only affects individuals but also has
broader societal and economic implications. It results in underutilization of human capital,
reduces productivity, and hinders the country's overall development. Therefore, it is essential to
understand the factors contributing to this problem and develop strategies to address it
effectively.

This research will carry into the various aspects related to the unemployment and job
unsuitability experienced by government university graduates. It will explore factors such as
skills mismatch, limited job market demand, lack of career guidance, and potential shortcomings
in the educational system or government policies. By examining these factors, the study seeks to
sort out on the root causes and propose possible solutions to bridge the gap between graduates'
qualifications and available job opportunities. Understanding the challenges faced by
government university graduates in securing suitable employment is crucial for both
policymakers and educational institutions. By identifying the barriers and limitations that
contribute to this issue, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions and initiatives to enhance
graduates' employability and ensure a better match between qualifications and job prospects.

Our research will employ a comprehensive methodology involving data collection through
surveys and interviews with graduates, as well as engaging key stakeholders such as government
officials, employers, and university faculty members. These diverse perspectives will provide a
holistic understanding of the issue and contribute to formulating effective strategies and
policies.The outcomes of this research will not only benefit government university graduates but
also inform policymakers, educational institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. The findings
will guide the development of policies, programs, and interventions that address the challenges
faced by graduates, enhance their employability, and foster a more favorable environment for job
placement according to their qualifications.

Through this research, we aim to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on graduate
unemployment and job unsuitability in Sri Lanka. The study findings will serve as a valuable
resource for future research, policy formulation, and program implementation in the field of
higher education and employment in the country.

1.2 Research Objectives

Based on this research, we try to reflect on these objectives.

 To analyze the current unemployment rates among government university graduates in

Sri Lanka.
 To investigate the factors contributing to the lack of suitable job opportunities aligned
with graduates' degrees.
 To identify the challenges faced by government university graduates in securing suitable
employment.
 To explore the role of educational institutions and government policies in addressing this
issue.
 To propose potential strategies to bridge the gap between qualifications and job
opportunities for Government University graduates.

2. Research Questions
Following research questions aim to investigate the factors, challenges, and perceptions
surrounding the unemployment and job suitability gap among government university graduates
in Sri Lanka. They provide a foundation for exploring the underlying causes and potential
solutions to address this issue and improve graduate outcomes in the country.

i. What is the current unemployment rate among government university graduates in Sri
Lanka?
ii. What are the major factors contributing to the high unemployment rate among
government university graduates in Sri Lanka?
iii. What are the main reasons why government university graduates in Sri Lanka are unable
to secure suitable jobs according to their degrees?
 iv. What are the perceived gaps between the qualifications and skills possessed by
government university graduates and the requirements of available job opportunities in
Sri Lanka?
v. What are the challenges faced by government university graduates in Sri Lanka during
their job search process?
vi. How do employers perceive the qualifications and skills of government university
graduates in Sri Lanka, and what factors influence their hiring decisions?
vii. How do government university graduates in Sri Lanka evaluate the effectiveness of
career counseling and guidance services provided by their universities?
viii. What are the institutional factors within government universities that may contribute to
graduate unemployment and job unsuitability?
ix. How do government university graduates in Sri Lanka perceive the role of internships,
practical training, and industry engagement in enhancing their job prospects?
x. What are the potential policy interventions and strategies that can be implemented to
bridge the unemployment and job suitability gap for government university graduates in
Sri Lanka?

3. Research Design
3.1Research Philosophy

The research philosophy provides the overarching framework that guides the researcher's
worldview and influences the approach to knowledge creation and understanding. For
investigating why Government University graduates in Sri Lanka face unemployment and job
unsuitability despite their degrees, two research philosophies we can be considered: positivism
and interpretivism.

Positivism: Positivism is a research philosophy that emphasizes objectivity, quantifiability, and

causality. It seeks to uncover universal laws and generalizations through empirical observation
and rigorous measurement. A positivist approach would involve collecting quantitative data to
analyze patterns, correlations, and causal relationships between variables related to graduate
unemployment and job suitability. It would focus on identifying measurable factors that
contribute to the issue and developing evidence-based recommendations.

Interpretivism: Interpretivism is a research philosophy that emphasizes understanding social

phenomena through the subjective experiences, meanings, and interpretations of individuals. It
recognizes the role of context, culture, and human agency in shaping reality. An interpretivism
approach would involve collecting qualitative data through in-depth interviews and exploring the
perspectives and lived experiences of government university graduates, employers, faculty
members, and other stakeholders. It would focus on understanding the social and contextual
factors that influence unemployment and job suitability, highlighting the unique challenges faced
by graduates and the nuances of their experiences.

Both research philosophies offer valuable insights into the issue, and a combination of these
approaches (known as mixed-methods) can be beneficial. By utilizing both quantitative and
qualitative methods, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue,
triangulate findings, and provide a richer analysis of the complex factors contributing to graduate
unemployment and job unsuitability in Sri Lanka.

.3.2Research Approach

To investigate the reasons why Government University graduates in Sri Lanka struggle to find
jobs and fail to secure suitable employment according to their degrees, a mixed-methods research
approach can be adopted. This approach combines quantitative and qualitative research methods
to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The following research approach is
proposed:

Quantitative Research:

 Survey Design: Develop a structured questionnaire to collect data from a representative

sample of government university graduates. The survey should include questions related
to employment status, job search experiences, job satisfaction, skills acquired during
education, perceived gaps between qualifications and job requirements, and factors
affecting job suitability.

Qualitative Research:

 In-depth Interviews: Conduct semi-structured interviews with government university

graduates, employers, university faculty members, policymakers, and career counselors
to gain a deeper understanding of the reasons behind unemployment and job
unsuitability. Explore their experiences, perceptions, and insights regarding the issue.
Consider conducting interviews until saturation is reached.
  Sampling: Use purposive sampling to select interview participants who can provide
diverse perspectives and insights related to the research topic. Ensure representation from
different disciplines, industries, and regions.
 Data Collection: Conduct interviews face-to-face or through virtual platforms. Audio-
record the interviews (with participant consent) and transcribe them verbatim for
subsequent analysis.

3.3 Research Strategy

To explore the reasons behind the unemployment and job unsuitability experienced by
government university graduates in Sri Lanka, the following research strategy we can be
employed:

1.Literature review

We conduct a Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on graduate unemployment and

job-market dynamics in Sri Lanka. Explore relevant studies, reports, academic articles, and
government publications.

2.Research Design

Develop a comprehensive research design that integrates quantitative and qualitative methods to
gather data and address the research question effectively. Determine the specific objectives,
research questions, and hypotheses to guide the study.

3.Sampling

Determine the appropriate sampling strategy for both quantitative and qualitative data collection.
For surveys, employ stratified random sampling to ensure representation from different
faculties/disciplines and universities. For interviews, use purposive sampling to select
participants who can provide diverse perspectives and insights.

4.Data Collection

5.Data analysis
6.Combination of data

7. Interpretation and Conclusion

By following this research strategy, you will be able to gather quantitative and qualitative data,
analyze the factors contributing to graduate unemployment and job unsuitability, and provide
insights and recommendations to address this issue in Sri Lanka.

3.4 Time Horizon

3.5Data Collection method

For conducting research on why Government University graduates in Sri Lanka face
unemployment and job unsuitability despite their degrees, the following data collection methods
we can be used.