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Context typically refers to the broader social, cultural, economic and
political environments and/or a specific HEI environment or setting
(Mbindyo, Gilson, Blaauw & English, 2009).
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It is risky to consider the setting and wider context of a programme as
the inert backdrop for programme design and delivery since its impact
may be subtle but real (Wells et al., 2012; Johns, 2006).
•
Evidence based studies on the inclusion of context when designing and
developing the orientation programmes for HEIs in the South African
context is scarce.
•
Therefore the aim of the study was to explore, highlight and advocate
for, the importance of context as a key factor in the design, delivery and
development of orientation programmes.