Factors motivating postgraduate students to graduate on time: a case study in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Purpose This study investigates underexplored factors influencing postgraduate students' intention to graduate on time (GOT), which is crucial given rising student numbers. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) is integrated with achievement motivation, family support, institutional support and supervisory practices to offer insights for institutions and policymakers. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from 235 postgraduate students at Malaysian universities in Klang Valley via an online survey. The proposed relationships between the variables were then tested using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings Achievement motivation, supervisory practices, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and attitude play significant roles in affecting students' intention to GOT. Achievement motivation turned out to be the strongest predictor. Interestingly, attitude is affected by subjective norm, but not by perceived behavioural control. Family and institutional support showed no significant impact on the intention to GOT. Originality/value This study offers novel insights into postgraduates' intention to GOT, particularly in Malaysia. It enriches the TPB model along with key additional variables in providing specific findings that can inform strategies for success among postgraduate students.