People Process Culture alumni follow-up and recommendations for course improvement

by Przybylski, Angie M.

This study is an extension of a two phase study that began in May 2000. E. Stump conducted Phase I (Stump, 2000). She created an instrument that determined leaders' opinions of characteristics that establish and sustain peoplecentered cultures. Phase 11, conducted by K. Davis in August 200 1, modified the survey and conducted similar research (Davis, 200 1). This extension study is a follow-up of students who have taken the People Process Culture course at UW- Stout to determine if they practice the concepts learned and if the learning outcomes are aligned with the course objectives. A total of 167 surveys were sent to all students who have taken the People Process Culture course at UW-Stout before the fall 2005 semester. The respondents varied in age, the industry in which they worked and were both male and female. The survey asked for detailed explanations of what was the most valuable information gained through the course, how they use the information learned, suggestions for course improvement, and foundations that contribute to a people process culture. The analysis of results included tests of significance for quantitative items and categorization of qualitative results. The most common themes among all responses were awareness of people process culture philosophy and characteristics, followed closely by recommendations for course improvement. Overall means suggest that students are generally pleased with the course, though have several suggestions how to make learning more effective.