The role of leadership in creating excellence in a diagnostic radiography programme through curriculum restururing

Abstract

Democratic principles and values in South Africa and technological innovations influence the design of educational programmes provided by higher education institutions. The diagnostic radiography programme at the Medunsa Campus of the University of Limpopo has to align itself with policy requirements and the requirements of the world of work. Against this background this study aims at answering these questions: How has Radiography changed as a science and what demands are placed on practitioners to meet competence requirements in a changing working environment? What impact does the changing role of the radiographer have on the academic department in terms of curriculum development and curriculum management? What strategies should curriculum leadership use to improve the quality of the programme offered in terms of expectations essential to a competitive and changing working and teaching environment? A qualitative study was used where structured personal interviews were conducted with academe and clinical personnel to answer these questions. The responses were coded to facilitate the process of data analysis. The findings of this investigation indicate that changes in the Department of Education and the Department of Health transformation have an impact on the curriculum. The investigation has also revealed that there is lack of collaboration between the academic and the clinical personnel. It also indicates that professional development should be made more relevant in terms of focusing on areas that affect radiographers, for instance clinical personnel need to be aware of principles of primary health care and lifelong learning. In line with the changing nature of leadership, the proactivity of the academe cannot be underestimated as this could help in maintaining quality and excellence in the programme.