Graduate Tracer Studies

at the Kassel Centre

Harald Schomburg
(Centre for Research on Higher Education and Work
University Kassel)

E-mai: schomburg@uni-kassel.de http://www.uni-kassel.de/wz1

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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

The Kassel Graduate Survey

Field of study 1.Mechanical engineering
2.Social work
3.Economics/business
21 Institutions of  Fachhochschulen
higher education
 Gesamthochschulen
 Universities
Panel study with 1.1983-1985 during the examination phase (N=2000)
four waves 2.1986-1987 2 years after graduation (N=1600)
3.1988-1989 4-5 years after graduation (N=1400)
4. 1995 10 years after graduation (N=1300)
Additional  Analysis of 21 institutions of higher education
research methods Expert interviews with deans, lectures and students; analysis of documents
 Analyse of regional labour markets
Interviews and document analysis
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Enders/Bornmann: Kassel Doctorate
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre
Study (Enders, Jürgen und Bornmann, Lutz (2001): Karriere mit Doktortitel? Frankfurt
a.M.: Campus)
Year of field phase
Mailed questionnaire
Number of respondents
Field of study
Cohort (year of graduation)
Key research questions
1999
About 500 variables
2,200 (55 %)
Biology, Electrical Engineering,
Germanistic, Mathematic, Social
Sciences
1980, 1985, 1990
Educational pathways;
The doctoral phase;
Evaluation of the doctoral phase
The postdoc career
Employment and work of the doctorates
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre
Enders: Doctorate Study 2004
Year of field phase
Mailed questionnaire
Number of respondents
Field of study
Cohort (year of graduation)
Key research questions
2005
About 500 variables
5.000 (expected)
All fields
1995, 2000 (Doctotates)– and 90-00
(Grad.kolleg)
Educational pathways;
The doctoral phase;
Evaluation of the doctoral phase
The postdoc career
Employment and work of the doctorates
 5
Maiworm/Teichler: HCM Evaluation
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Study (Maiworm, Friedhelm und Teichler, Ulrich: European

Research Fellowships 1987-1993. The Experiences and Views of
Fellows, Supervisors and Administrators. Luxembourg: Office for
Official Publications of the European Communities 1997)

Year of field phase 1995

Mailed questionnaire About 300 variables

Former HCM scholarship 2,000 (response rate of 62 % ; coverage
holders 52 %)
Supervisor of HCM scholarship 2,500 (response rate 69%; coverage
holders 66%)
Fellowships 1987-1993
Research questions Educational pathways;
Evaluation of the scholarship phase
The professional career; outcomes
Employment and work
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Enders/Mugabushka: Kassel Postdoc

Study (Enders, J and Mugabuska, A.-M. Wissenschaft und Karriere
(Science and Career). Erfahrungen und Werdegänge ehemaliger
Stipendiaten der DFG. Bonn: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft 2004. )

Year of field phase 2002

Mailed questionnaire About 500 variables

Number of respondents
DFG scholarship holders
Scholars of the year
Key research questions
1,400 (62 %)
postdoc, habilitation and research
schorlships
1980, 1985, 1990
Educational pathways;
The postdoctoral phase;
Evaluation of the postdoctoral phase
The postdoc career
Employment and work
 7
Over: Kassel Brain-Drain Study
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

(Beate Backhaus, Lars Ninke, Albert Over: Brain Drain - Brain

Gain. Eine Untersuchung über internationale Berufskarrieren.
Bonn: Stifterverband für die deutsche Wissenschaft 2002 )

Year of field phase 2001

Mailed questionnaire About 500 variables

Number of respondents About 4,000
Germans working abroad in R&D (past 1,500
scholarship holders)
Foreign researchers at German 2,000
universities or research institutes
Foreigners in management positions in 340
German companies
Key research questions International mobility
Evaluation of working conditions
Employment and work,
Push and pull factors for mobility
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International Mobility of
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

University Graduates
(hochqualifizierte Arbeitskräfte)
 A project for the German Ministry of
Research and Education (2000/2001)
 Cooperation of Institut zur Zukunft der
Arbeit (IZA), Infratest Burke
Sozialforschung und Wissenschaftliches
Zentrum für Berufs- und Hochschulforschung
 Employer survey in France, Netherlands,
Germany, United Kingdom, 530 companies
 Secondary analysis of the CHEERS data
 Secondary analysis of the Kassel Doctorates
data
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Personal Knowledge Transfer

 2003-2004
 Center for Research on Higher
education and Work
 Teichler, Dunkel, Schomburg
 Selected German University
 Document analysis
 Mailed questionnaires on mobility
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CHEERS
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Careers after Higher Education: a European Research Study

Higher
Education and
Graduate
Employment
in Europe
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

The CHEERS Study - Overview

 European Graduate Survey

A representative survey of about 40,000 persons

 Interview surveys with graduates and employers

(about 400 interviews)

 Partner: 12 countries, 13 research institutions

 Funded partly by the EU (TSER)

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The CHEERS Team – Researchers from
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

12 Countries

Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy

Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom

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Key Design Elements of the CHEERS
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Graduate Survey

 Cross-sectional survey
 Graduates of institutions of higher education of
the academic year 1995
 Conducted about three to four years after
graduation
 Field phase mainly 1999
 At least 3-years-study programs
 Only first degree (e.g. Bachelor, Diplom, Laurea)
 About 3,000-3,500 graduates in each country
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Research Instrument of the CHEERS
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Study
 Common research instrument: master questionnaire in English
 Highly standardized
 Few open questions
 National adaptations of some questions (e.g. regarding the
educational system)
 Use of national and international classification (ISCED97, NACE,
ISCO88(COM), NUTS

 Broad scope of questions

 16 pages
 80 questions
 600 variables

 Mailed questionnaire
 Three mailing actions (questionnaire-reminder-
reminder+questionnaire)
 Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre
15

2000
2500
3000
3500
4000

500
1000
1500

CHEERS 1999
Italy

Spain

France

Austria

Germany
from 12 Countries;

Netherlands

United
Kingdom

Finland

Sweden

Norway
About 3,000 Graduates from each Country

Czech Rep.

Japan
CHEERS Data Base: 36,000 Graduates
 Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre
16

20
30
40
50
60

0
10
Italy

Spain
Mean: 39%
France

Austria

Germany

Netherlands

United
Kingdom

Finland
Return Rate, by Country

Sweden

Norway

Czech Rep.

Japan
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

AAU Tracer Studies

Financial support: Association of African

Universities (AAU) ("Study Programme
on Higher Education Management in
Africa”) and partly by UNESCO

Field phase 1996/1997: More than 6.500

graduates questionnaires

Reports: published 2001-2002 by AAU

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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Countries

 Only English speaking countries

 East and West Africa

 Ghana
 Kenya (2 studies)
 Malawi
 Nigeria (4 studies)
 Tanzania
 Uganda
 19

African Tracer Studies (1)

Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Researcher Title Respondents

Graduates Other
Anyanwu, University of Business Concepts and Entrepreneurial Career 626
Nigeria, Nsukka; Nigeria Exploration Unit Development for Home
Economics for Higher Education
Djangmah, University of The Challenge of Vocationalism: A Follow-up 1100
Ghana; Ghana Study of Students of Ghanaian Universities
Kaijage, University of Dar The FCM Graduate: A Tracer Study of the 331 77
es Saalam; Tanzania Faculty of Commerce and Management Employers
Graduates
Karugu, Kenyatta A Tracer Study of Kenyatta University Students 508
University; Kenya
Kimani, University of An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Bachelor 592 70
Nairobi; Kenya of Education Programme (B.Ed Arts) in Meeting Students
Job Needs of Graduates
Mayanja, Makarere A Tracer Study of Makarere University 430
University; Uganda Graduates
Omeje and Ugwuonah, Higher Education and the Demands of 266 436
University of Nigeria, Manpower Development in the Nigerian Students
Enugu; Nigeria Manufacturing Sector: An Empirical Study of
Enugu and Anambra States
Omoifo, University of Benin; Education and Achievement in the Early Career 1052
Nigeria of the University of Benin 1981-1991 Graduates
Omotosho, University of The Tastes of Higher Education and Work: A 980
Nigeria, Ilorin; Nigeria Follow-up Study of the Alumni of a Nigerian
University
Zembere and Chinyama, University of Malawi Tracer Study 635
University of Malawi;
Malawi
 20

Design of the Surveys

Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Researcher Institution of Faculty/ Study Program Cohorts

Higher Education Department (Year of
Included in the Graduation)
Survey
1. Anyanwu University of Nigeria, Agriculture & B.Sc., B.Arts, HND 1984-1994
Nsukka Arts
2. Djangmah Univ. of Ghana, Univ. of All, except Med. Bachelor 1984-1993
Cape Coast, Univ. of
Science & Technology
3. Kaijage University of Dar Es Faculty of a) B.Com., M.B.A. 1980-1995
Salaam Commerce and Grad.
Management b) Employers
4. Karugu Kenyatta University Education a) B.Ed. Grad. a) 1991-1995
b) B.Ed. Students b) 1995/96 3rd&4th year
5. Kimani University of Nairobi Education a) B.Ed. Grad. a) 1991-1995
b) B.Ed. Students b) 1995/96 3rd&4th year
6. Mayanja Makarere University Science & Arts B.Sc & B.Arts 1985-1994
7. Omoifo University of Benin, All Bachelor 1985-1993
Nigeria
8. Omotosho University of Ilorin, All Bachelor, Masters, 1985-1994
Nigeria Doctorate
9. Omeje/ 3 Universities & 3 Engineering, Bachelor, Masters, a) advanced
Ugwuonah Polytechnics Management, undergraduate students
HND
Science, Social b) graduates: 1985-1994
Science
10. Zembere University of Malawi All Bachelor 1987-1995
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Methods

 Highly standardised questionnaire

 The same content in all studies
 About 80 questions and 400 answers
 In some studies additionally lecturers,
students or employers were included
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Major topics

Transition to employment (time to get the

first job, methods of job search, etc)
Employment situation (sector, income,
working time, etc)
Use of knowledge and skills
Work orientation and job satisfaction
Relationship between study and work
Study assessment
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Methods of Tracing Graduates

 University records
 University Alumni Association
 Employers records
 Mass media (8 studies)
 Snowball technique
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

What are TRACER Studies?

 Similar terms
 Graduate survey
 Alumni research
 Follow-up study
 Target population
 Graduates of an institution of higher
education
 Asked some months/years after
graduation
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Key Objectives of Tracer Studies

 Employment, labour market signals,

professional success
 Use of qualification and work
 Retrospective rating/evaluation of study
 Curricular development
 Continuing education (marketing)
 Networking, alumni databank
 Evaluation – Quality assurance - accreditation
 26

Key Limits of Surveys on

Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Graduate Employment and Work

 Employment and work of graduates might

change quickly.
 Some universities tend to adapt to simply to
presumed labour market demand.
 University graduates (and also employers) are
no experts about the relationships between
learning, knowledge and work.
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre
Key Theoretical Problems

1. Which indicators do we need?

2. How to measure the labour market signals?
3. Which factors are relevant to explain the
success of the graduates besides higher
education?
4. To what extent is the professional
success/career caused by HE?
5. Which elements of HE (study conditions and
provisions, etc) have an impact?
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Methodological Problems
 Comparability
 Resources
– Empirical research experiences
– Budget
– Design, sampling, topics, questions
– Low return rate
 Quality assurance
– Conduction/organisation
– Coding, data entry and data management
– Data analysis, interpretation and reporting
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Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Data Analysis and Reporting (1)

Simple frequencies (e.g. % of gradautes
employed)
Crosstabs (e.g. more male than female
are employed four years after
graduation)
Causal analysis (e.g. the most important
factor for explaining a smooth transition
is the gained practical training)
 30
A Common Model of Analysis in
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre

Higher Education

Input TRACER STUDY

Study conditions
and provisions

Input Output Outcomes

Students‘ bio Transition
Kowledge,
data, employment,
skills,
experiences, work
motivation,
motives
grades
Process service to society
Teaching and
learning
 31
Harald Schomburg, Graduate Tracer Studies at the
Kassel Centre Key Issues of an Advanced
Approach for Tracer Studies
Collection of several measures of professional success
Horizontal differentiation – does the study programme
matters?
Mixture of objective and subjective indicators
Causal relevance of study conditions and provisions
Broad scope of questions
Background variables (social origin, gender, motives)
Key-qualifications
Regional mobility
Triangulation: combination with employer, student and
academic staff surveys