Title: Self-efficacy and KM course weighting selection: can students optimise their grades?

Authors: Nick Bontis, Timothy Hardie, Alexander Serenko

Addresses: DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, DSB No. 207, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4M4, Canada. ' Faculty of Business Administration, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1, Canada. ' Faculty of Business Administration, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1, Canada

Abstract: The purpose of this research study is to evaluate whether or not students who choose to alter the grade weightings of required assignments a priori, in accordance with self-precepts of efficacy, improve their final course performance. Data was collected across three sets of MBA students who completed a course on strategic knowledge management. Results show a slight increase in overall performance when students optimise their weightings a priori; additionally, students demonstrated an ability to optimise their weightings correctly for specific course components related to technology and participation.

Keywords: knowledge management; curriculum design; higher education; class participation; grade weightings; student performance; MBA students; strategic KM; self-efficacy; grade optimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2008.019177

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2008 Vol.1 No.3, pp.189 - 199

Published online: 01 Jul 2008 *

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