CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Choosing a major is important decision in the person life

because it’s effect in the study continuity success or failure,
satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and determine the job
opportunity, appropriate financial return and social status,
therefore, Beggs et al (2008) define “good” major choice as the
major best capable of helping the student’s abilities and
interest required for the major is important in selection majors
by undergraduate students.

Academic institution sought to observe the requirements of

the customers, prospective students and other clients like
industry partners when preparing an educational program (Hrnciar
& Madzik, 2013). Degree programs and other student’s services are
being developed to promote the image of the university (Nadelson,
Semmelroth, Martinez, Featherstone, Fuhriman, & Sell, 2013).
Hewiit (2010) stated that factors influencing course
preference can either be intrinsic or extrinsic or both. He
further stated that most people are influenced by courses that
the parents favor. Some however, choose to follow their passion
regardless of how insufficient their income in it would, while
others choose the career that would give them high income. Career
information must be available to students, and representatives
from business and industry must work closely with the school and
counselor in preparing students for the world or work
(Cooley,2010 as cited by Cabasag, 2013).
Love and Simmons (2011) studied the relative importance
of thirteen (13) factors influencing the choice of business
major. They found that the most important criteria influencing
the choice of major across all business student majors were:

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future earning, career options, initial earnings, and
ability/aptitude.

Review of Related Literature

Foreign Literature

“Factors Influencing the Student’s Choosing of Business

Administration as a Major: The Case of Arab Open University, Oman
Branch” Dr. Abedalqader Rababah, Tajnuva Chowdhury, Arwahmed AL-
Marzooqi, Faisal AL- Mudhafar, (2017)

Previous studies tested some factors that influence the students’

choice of major. The next explanation is a summary about these
factors.

Results
The aim of this study was to understand the relative choice
criteria used by students while selecting business as a major at
AOU (Oman branch).
This study attempted to understand if these factors (past
achievements, reputation of the university, personal interests,
job prospect, family members and peers and media) influence on
students when selecting the major.

This research revealed that personal interests, family

members and media have an influence on the student decisions. The
findings confirm with the study of Fogg and Harrington (2010),
that the major influence affecting choice by students was based
on personal factors and family members and peers.

The respondents agreed that websites of AOU have a strong

influence along with information sources such as ads on media,
brochures and leaflets.

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 Finally, the study’s main objective has been accomplished as
to which factors students prefer and perceive to be reliable to
consider. The research furthers the knowledge of choices made by
students which confirms the most influential elements and while
the limitations restrict from drawing a substantial conclusion,
some insight is provided into the level of importance students
place on certain factors, which the management of AOU should
focus more on these attributes that are considered relatively
important. These results could greatly help the administration of
AOU as it has highlighted the need for customization of marketing
strategies as per the needs of the students.

Job Prospective
The future outlook for jobs is important in picking one’s
major (Walstrom et al.., 2008). Muranguri (2011), confirms the
presence of several agents, mixing up to give the resultant of
profession selection. According to him, an individual’s own
trait, his cultural environment, his family experiences, guidance
and expectation provided and pertinent to particular field has an
effect on the occupation selected by an individual

Influences of Family Members and Peers

A number of studies have been conducted examining the
selection of business as a major where it was discovered that
students would seek advice from their parent’s due to the common
perception that parents have the required information or
experience with regards to higher education and thus, parents are
usually viewed as a significant credible source of advice
(Westbrook and Scott, 2012). At the same time, there is a long
term active part that parent’s play in their child’s education
future such as saving money for university, attending

3|Page
postsecondary preparation workshops, assisting with university
applications and forms, and monitoring their child’s secondary
education (Henry, 2012).
Fogg and Harrington (2010) discovered that students are
more likely to attend a particular degree if their classmates
intend to pursue the same too. Studies that stated that parents
have the most influence at various stages of the search process
for the suitable institution (Anctil, 2008).

Reputation of the University

Noel-Levitz (2012) stated the factors of influences which
included “cost, financial aid, academic reputation, size of the
institution, recommendations from family and friends, geographic
setting, campus appearance, and personalized attention prior to
enrollment”. Through this study, it was discovered that “academic
reputation is a strong factor, ranking as one of the top three
enrollment factors across all institution types, with at least
seventy percent of students indicating it is important or very
important [in their enrollment decision]” .
Sia (2010) concluded too the significance of institutional
reputation as the main factor for students in choosing their
desired place to study. They agreed that a university’s
reputation was a significant indicator that influenced higher
education institution choice decision. The existence of this
relationship explores the positive relationship between college
reputation and college choice decisions.
Another research by Hazelkorn (2009) claimed that
“Institutional reputation is a key driver of student choice” .In
contrast, a study by Dolinsky (2010), stated that students failed
to rank academic reputation as their top priority when selecting
the university. However, he identified other academic elements,

4|Page
which included programs of study and job placement rates, as key
drivers in the university choice decision.

Personal Interest
Researches show that genuine interest in a major may be the
strongest factor when it comes to choosing a university major
(Mahani & Molki, 2011, Misran et al., 2012).

Media
Mass Media is a factor that plays a key role in the choice
made by students in order to seek information on the selection of
the major. Information assessed about the majors offered by
universities from different channels has been identified in
several researches, especially through the university websites
(Kim & Gasman, 2011, Pampaloni, 2010). However, it is reported
that this type of information may have less influence after in
comparison with the information available online (Simões&Soares,
2010).

Local Literature
“Factors Affecting the Decision of Freshmen Students in Pursuing
Hospitality and Tourism program in Lyceum of the Philippines
University-Laguna: Basis For Enhancement” Malubay, Gia Janine J.;
Mercado, Kimberly Anne O.; and Macasaet, Emeliza (2015)

Results
The researchers found out that the respondents are mostly in
the age of 17 to 19 years old, mostly female, majority or whom
are Filipinos, and with family incomes ranging from P20,834 and
over.
The study also shows that the primary factor affecting the

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decision of freshmen students in taking up Hospitality and
Tourism programs is the economic factors that include economic
stable wages and in-demand jobs.
Lastly, within the demographic profile and the factors
affecting the decision of freshmen students, only age, social
factors, nationality, and economic factors have significant
relationships while other variables do not show either.

Job Prospective
The future outlook for jobs is important in picking one’s
major (Walstrom et al.., 2008). Muranguri (2011), confirms the
presence of several agents, mixing up to give the resultant of
profession selection. According to him, an individual’s own
trait, his cultural environment, his family experiences, guidance
and expectation provided and pertinent to particular field has an
effect on the occupation selected by an individual

Influences of Family Members and Peers

A number of studies have been conducted examining the
selection of business as a major where it was discovered that
students would seek advice from their parent’s due to the common
perception that parents have the required information or
experience with regards to higher education and thus, parents are
usually viewed as a significant credible source of advice
(Westbrook and Scott, 2012). At the same time, there is a long
term active part that parent’s play in their child’s education
future such as saving money for university, attending
postsecondary preparation workshops, assisting with university
applications and forms, and monitoring their child’s secondary
education (Henry, 2012).
Fogg and Harrington (2010) discovered that students are
more likely to attend a particular degree if their classmates

6|Page
intend to pursue the same too. Studies that stated that parents
have the most influence at various stages of the search process
for the suitable institution (Anctil, 2008).

Reputation of the University

Noel-Levitz (2012) stated the factors of influences which
included “cost, financial aid, academic reputation, size of the
institution, recommendations from family and friends, geographic
setting, campus appearance, and personalized attention prior to
enrollment”. Through this study, it was discovered that “academic
reputation is a strong factor, ranking as one of the top three
enrollment factors across all institution types, with at least
seventy percent of students indicating it is important or very
important [in their enrollment decision]” .
Sia (2010) concluded too the significance of institutional
reputation as the main factor for students in choosing their
desired place to study. They agreed that a university’s
reputation was a significant indicator that influenced higher
education institution choice decision. The existence of this
relationship explores the positive relationship between college
reputation and college choice decisions.
Another research by Hazelkorn (2009) claimed that
“Institutional reputation is a key driver of student choice” .In
contrast, a study by Dolinsky (2010), stated that students failed
to rank academic reputation as their top priority when selecting
the university. However, he identified other academic elements,
which included programs of study and job placement rates, as key
drivers in the university choice decision.

Personal Interest
Researches show that genuine interest in a major may be the
strongest factor when it comes to choosing a university major

7|Page
(Mahani & Molki, 2011, Misran et al., 2012).

Media
Mass Media is a factor that plays a key role in the choice
made by students in order to seek information on the selection of
the major. ]However, it is reported that this type of information
may have less influence after in comparison with the information
available online (Simões&Soares, 2010).

Location of Residence
Gibbons and Vignoles (2009) claim that commuting or
relocation costs are important factors to the students that have
lower income and may discourage them from attending university.

Conceptual Framework

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 INPUT OUTPUT PROCESS

Profile of the
Respondents:
a. Age Factors that
b. Gender 1. Survey
affect the
c. Family Distribution
decision of
Income and Retrieval
freshmen
d. Location of of
Residence students in
Questionnaire
e. Major taking Business
Tabulation,
Administration
Factors affect in PHINMA
2. Analysis of
the decision of Araullo
data
freshmen: University
a. Economic South Campus
b. Social
c. Personal 3. Interpretation
Interest of Data
d. Environment
al

Figure 1.1 Research Paradigm

Figure above shows the flow of this study to be easily

understood by the readers.

Statement of the Problem

This study will be conducted to describe the factors that affect
the decision of freshmen students in taking Business
Administration in PHINMA Araullo University South Campus

Specifically, the study seeks to determine the following

questions:
1. How may the profile of the respondents be described in terms
of:
1.1 age;
1.2 gender;

9|Page
1.3 family income; and
1.4 City/Municipality
1.5 Major?

2. How may the factors affect the students decision in taking

business administration be described in terms of:

2.1 Economic factors;

2.1.1 in- demand job
2.1.2 stable wages
2.2 Social Factors: and
2.2.1 family
2.2.2 Peers
2.3 Personal interest
2.4 Environmental Factors?
2.3.1 reputation of the university

3. Is there a significant relationship between the age and the

factors affecting students’ decision in taking business
administration?
4. Is there a significant difference between gender, and factors
affecting students’ decision in taking business
administration?
5. Is there a significant relationship between the family income
and the factors affecting students’ decision in taking
business administration?
6. Is there a significant difference between location of
residence and factor affecting students’ decision in taking
business administration?
7. Is there a significant difference between the major and the
factors affecting students’ decision in taking business
administration?

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Hypotheses of the Study
H3. There is no significant relationship between the age and the
factors affecting students’ decision in taking business
administration.
H4. There is no significant difference between gender and factors
affecting students’ decision in taking business administration.

H5. There is no significant relationship between the family

income and the factors affecting students’ decision in taking
business administration

H6. There is no significant difference between location of

residence and factor affecting students’ decision in taking
business administration?

H7. There is no significant difference between the major and the

factors affecting students’ decision in taking business
administration?

Significance of the Study

The researchers believe that this research study will not

only answer the research questions raised in the later part but
will also be beneficial to the following:

To the Students
The respondents are the center of the research because ultimately
they develop the awareness themselves, strength, and weaknesses
for their career development by continually summarizing and
reflecting upon what they are learning from home, school, and
community.

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To the Teachers
This study will give information to the teachers of PHINMA
Araullo University South Campus as to the preferences of students
such that they can focus on the skills needed by the students if
ever the latter would pursue the career they have chosen.

To the School Administration

The result of this study will help in putting an effective,
integrated career information and guidance system that plays a
very helpful role in guiding students towards making the best
possible career decision.

To the Researchers
The proposed study will serve as a basis to them for the
foundation of facts. It aims to give accurate and positive
information derived from actual information and data.

To the Future Researchers

This study can serve as resources for researchers undertaking
related field.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The research study will focus on the factors that affect
the decision of freshmen students in taking Business
Administration in PHINMA Araullo University South Campus. The
study will be conducted on 1st semester of academic year 2018-
2019 in PHINMA Araullo University South Campus.

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Definition of Terms

The explanation of the following terms would give

enlightenment to the terminologies used in research;

Intellectual. Person engages in critical thinking, research, and

reflection about society and proposes solutions for normative
problems.

Intrinsic. Being naturally; essential.

Extrinsic. Not part of the essential nature of someone or

something.

Career. An occupation undertaken for a significant period of a

person’s life and with opportunities for progress.

Chapter II

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes the research methodology that will be

use in this study specifically, it focuses on the techniques and
procedures of gathering the data, the population and sampling
design, the instruments to be used and the statistical tools and
techniques necessary for analysis and interpretation of data.

The researchers will utilize the descriptive method of

research in determining the factors that affect the decision of
freshmen students in taking Business Administration in PHINMA
Araullo University South Campus.

Descriptive research design is a scientific method which involves

observing and describing the behavior of a subject without
influencing it in any way. (www.explorable.com/)

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Descriptive method provides accurate data based on the observation.
It is the best method for collecting information that will
demonstrate techniques for a quantitative description and prevailing
conditions in a group of cases for the study.
Through gathering information, the researchers could meet
the factors that affect the decision of freshmen students in
taking Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo University South
Campus.

The secondary sources will help the researchers to gather

more information for data, facts and ideas.
The survey will be administered through total enumeration
sampling. The study will use descriptive research in which the
research interrelates with the respondents and may involve surveys
or interview to collect the necessary information.

Respondents of the Study

The study will involve 64 respondents taken from the

freshmen students of Business Administrtion in PHINMA Araullo
University South Campus. The population of the study will be
taken at PHINMA Araullo University in Cabanatuan City. Total
sampling will be use to determine the sample size in selecting
group.

Distribution of Respondents

Courses No. Of Respondents Percentage

BSBA-MM 47 88.68%

BSBA-BM 6 11.32%

Total 53 100%
Table 1

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 Table 1 shows the distribution of freshmen Business
Administration students according to their major.

Locale of the Study

The study will be conducted at PHINMA Araullo University South

Campus located at Brgy. H.Concepcion, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

Materials and Instrument

The researchers will use questionnaire as instrument

in gathering and providing informative and relative evaluation of
data. The questionnaires call for a short answer only by
requiring of checking the items and answering the questions in a
way the respondent wants. The concerns and items explored in the
questionnaire are made by the researchers and based on the
objectives of the study.

The questionnaire will be divided into two main sections:

the demographic profile of the respondents and the factors
affecting the freshmen students in taking Business
Administration. The first part is made up of questions used to
gather information about the profile of the respondents such as
name, age, gender, family income, and location of residence. The
last of the questionnaire talked about the different factors
affecting the freshmen students in taking Business Administration
such as economic factors, social factors, and environmental
factors.

Response Mode
Data Analysis Verbal Qualitative
Parameter Interpretation Description

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 3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree
Greatly Affect

2.50-3.24 Agree
Moderately affect

1.75-2.49 Disagree
Do not affect

1.00-1.74 Strongly Disagree

Not considered
Table 2

Data Collection

Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring

information on targeted variables in an established systematic
fashion, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and
evaluate outcomes.

Request letter
First, the researchers presented a letter to the a request letter
signed by the professor and submitted to the registrar office
requesting the permission to get the total population of business
administration freshmen students at PHINMA Araullo University
South Camps

Determine the sample size

Total sampling will be use to determine the sample size.

Questionnaire
The researchers designed a questionnaire and presented it first
to the adviser for approval; secondly, together with the request
letter asking for the approval of the DEAN of CMA and School
administrator for the researchers to distribute questionnaires to

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the respondents. After that the researchers prepared the number
of questionnaires needed to be distributed to the respondents.

Privacy of respondents
The researchers assured the respondents that their views,
responses, and opinions will be treated in full confidentiality.
The convenience of respondents’ schedule was also taken into
consideration.

Distribution and Collection questionnaire

The researchers will explain the directions, and then, they let
the respondents answer the questionnaires. Upon collecting the
data through survey, the results are then analyzed.

Data Analysis
The researchers will use frequency and percentage
distribution. The gathered data will be computed and analyzed for
a clearer discussion of the findings. Frequency and percentage
distribution were done using the following formulas:

Statistical Treatment

The researchers used the following tools to summarize all the

collected data:

 Frequency count was used to summarize the demographic

profile of respondents.
 Percentage distribution was used to determine the proportion
of the demographic profile of all respondents.
Formula:

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 F
P= x 100
N

Where:

P = Percentage

F = Frequency

N = Total Number of Respondents

100 = Constant Multiplier

Weighted Mean was used to determine the overall average responses

of the respondents.

FORMULA:
WF
Where: WM=
N

WM = the weighted mean

TWF = the total weighted frequency

N = the number of the responses

The weighted mean of the responses to each item in the

instruments was computed and interpreted using the following
scale:

Table of Equivalence

Data Analysis Verbal Qualitative

Parameter Interpretation Description

3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree Greatly Affect

2.50-3.24 Agree Moderately affect

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 1.75-2.49 Disagree Do not affect

1.00-1.74 Strongly Disagree Not considered

Table 3

Table 2 shows the table of equivalence. The table shows the

qualitative meanings that correspond to each numerical value that
will be computed.

CLASS INTERVAL:

4−1
=0 . 75
4

1. T-Test –the researcher will use T-test to describe the

difference between the gender, location of residence and
factors affecting the decision of freshmen students in
pursuing business administration program.

2. Pearson’s Moment of Correlation – to describe the

relationship between the ages, family income, major and
factors affecting the decision of freshmen students in
pursuing business administration.

T-Test can be used to determined if two variable are

significantly different from each other.

Formula:

Where:
X1 = mean of the first sample

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 X2 = mean of the second sample

S1 = Standard deviation of first set of value

S2 = Standard deviation of the second set of value

N1 = Total number of value in first set

N2 = Total number of value in second set

Standard Deviation Formula:

Where:

X = Value given

= Mean

N = Total number of value

Measure of Relationship

 T-stat > T-critical = Significant

 T-stat < T-critical = Not Significant

Table 4

Analysis of Variance

ANOVA is a collection of statistical models used to analyze the

differences among group means and their associated procedures

developed by the statistician Ronal Fisher.

Formula:

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Where:

F = Anova coefficient

MST = Mean sum of squares due to treatment

MSE = Mean sum of square due to error.

Formula for MST:

Where:

SST = Sum of squares due to treatment

P = Total number of populations

N = Total number of samples in a population

Formula for MSE:

Where:

SSE = Sum of squares due to error

S = Standard deviation of the samples

Measure of Relationship

 F-stat > F-critical = Significant

 F-stat < F-critical = Not Significant

Table 5

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 Pearson’s Moment of Correlation:

n ( Σxy )−(Σx)(Σy)
r=
√ ¿¿ ¿ ¿

Where:

R = Pearson correlation coefficient

x = Values in first set of data
y= Values in second set of data
n = Total number of values
∑ = Summation of data

Correlation (R-Values)

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±1.00= Perfect positive (Negative) Correlation

±0.91 to ±0.99 = Very High Positive (Negative)

Correlation

±0.71 to ±0.90 = High Positive (Negative) Correlation

±0.51 to ±0.70 = Moderately Positive (Negative) Correlation

±0.31 to ±0.50 = Low Positive (Negative) Correlation

±0.01 to ±0.30 = Negligible Positive (Negative) Correlation

0.0 = No correlation

Correlational Analysis

Table 6

CHAPTER III
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
This chapter presents the essential data gathered regarding
factors affecting the decision of freshmen students in taking
Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo University South

23 | P a g e
Campus. It also includes the presentation, analysis and
interpretation of data gathered by the researchers through the
use of research instrument. These data were presented in tabular
and textual form.
Demographic Profile
Gender
Table 7 Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Respondents
According to Gender
Gender Frequency Percentage %
Male 13 24.53%
Female 40 75.47%
Total 53 100%

Table 7 shows that from a total of 53 respondent,13 or 24.53%

were male while the 40 or 75.47% were female.
The data implies that the majority of the respondents were
female.

Age
Table 8 Distribution of Respondents According to Age
Age Frequency Percentage %
18 26 49.06%
19 11 20.75%
20 10 18.87%
21 2 3.77%
23 2 3.77%
25 1 1.89%
28 1 1.89%
Total 53 100%

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Table 8 shows that out of 53 respondents, 26 or 49.06% of the
respondents were 18 years old, 11 or 20.75% were 19 years old, 10
or 1887% were 20 years old, 2 or 3.77% were 21 years old, 2 or
3.77% were 23 years old, 1 or 1.89% was 25 years old and 1 or
1.89% was 28 years old.
The data implies that the majority of the respondents were at the
age 18.

Family Monthly Income

Table 9 Distribution of Respondents According to Family Monthly
Income
Family Monthly Frequency Percentage %
Income
8,000 below 31 58.49%
8,001-13,000 16 30.19%
13,001-18,000 3 5.66%
18,001-23,000 2 3.77%
above 23,000 1 1.89%
Total 53 100%

Table 9 shows that from a total of 53 respondents, 31 or 58.48%

of their family monthly income were 8,000 below; 16 or 30.19%
were 8,001-13,000; 3 or 5.66% were 13,001-18,000; 2 0r 3.77% were
18,001-23,000; while 1 or 1.89% were 23,000 above.
The data implies that the majority of the respondent’s family
monthly income were 8,000 below.

City/Municipality
Table 10 Distribution of Respondents According to
City/Municipality

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 City/Municipality Frequency Percentage %
Cabanatuan 13 24.53%
Sta.Rosa 20 37.73%
Zaragoza 8 15.09%
Jaen 3 5.66%
San Leonardo 3 5.66%
Gapan 1 1.89%
San Antonio 3 5.66%
San Miguel, Bulacan 1 1.89%
Aliaga 1 1.89%
Total 53 100%

Table 10 shows that 13 or 24.53% of the respondents were from

Cabanatuan City; 20 or 37.73% were from Sta.Rosa; 8 or 15.09%
were from Zaragoza; 3 or 5.66% were from Jaen and San Leonardo; 1
or 1.89% were from Gapan; 3 or 5.66% were from San Antonio; while
1 or 1.89% were from San Miguel, Bulacan and Aliaga.
The data implies that most of the respondents were from Sta.Rosa.

Major
Table 11 Distribution of the Respondents According to Major
Major Frequency Percentage
MM 47 88.68%
BMF 6 11.32%
Total 53 100%

Table 11 shows that 47 or 88.68% of the respondents were

Marketing Management major and 6 or 11.32% were Banking and
Microfinance major.

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The data implies that the majority of the respondents were
Marketing Management major.

Factors Affect the Decision of Freshmen Students in Taking

Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo University South Campus
Social Factors
Table 12 Weighted Mean and Verbal Interpretation of Factors
Affecting the Decision of Freshmen Students in Taking Business
Administration in Terms of Social Factors

Statement WM Verbal Qualitative

Interpretation Description
Family
Background
Q1. My parents’ 2.77 Agree Factor
occupation or moderately
family business affects the
influenced me decision of
to take freshmen
Business students.
Administration.
Q2. I seek my 2.85 Agree Factor
parent’s advice moderately
for my career affects the
choice. decision of
freshmen
students.
I consider the 2.96 Agree Factor
financial moderately
status of my affects the
family in decision of
choosing freshmen
Business

27 | P a g e
Administration students.
Program.
My parents’ 2.38 Disagree Factor do not
relative course affect the
influences me decision of
in choosing my freshmen
course. students.
Friends/Peer
Influence
My friends 2.42 Disagree Factor do not
affected my affect the
decision in decision of
choosing my freshmen
course. students.

I believed that 2.66 Agree Factor

my friend’s moderately
advice would affects the
take me to the decision of
right path in freshmen
the future. students.
My friends, who 2.75 Agree Factor
are successful moderately
BSBA graduates, affects the
influenced me decision of
in pursuing freshmen
business students.
administration
program.
My friends want 2.40 Disagree Factor do not
BSBA that is affect the
why I took the decision of
same course. freshmen
students.
Average 2.65 Agree Factor
Weighted Mean moderately
affects the
decision of
freshmen

28 | P a g e
 students.
*Legend
Q=Question
WM=Weighted Mean
3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree-Factor greatly affects the decision of
freshmen students.
2.50-3.24 Agree- Factor moderately affects the decision of
freshmen students.
1.75-2.49 Disagree- Factor do not affect the decision of freshmen
students.
1.00-1.74 Strongly Disagree- Not considered factor to the
decision of freshmen students.

Table 12 shows that some of the respondents agreed that they are
influenced by their parents’ occupation or family business (2.7),
parent’s advice (2.8), financial status of their family (3),
friend’s advice (3), successful friends who are BSBA graduates
(3), while some of the respondents disagreed that they are not
affected by parents’ relative decision (2.4), their friends’
decision in choosing their course. (2.4), and their friends wants
BSBA that is why they took the same course.

The overall weighted mean obtained by this concern was 2.98

with a verbal interpretation of “agree”, means that social
was a factor that “moderately” affects the decision of freshmen
students in taking Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo
University South Campus.

PERSONAL INTEREST
Table 13 Weighted Mean and Verbal Interpretation of Factors
Affecting the Decision of Freshmen Students in Taking Business
Administration in Terms of their Personal Interest

Personal VERBAL QUALITATIVE

WM
Interest INTERPRETATION DESCRIPTION
Taking BSBA is 2.94 AGREE Factor
my personal moderately
choice. affects the
decision of
freshmen

29 | P a g e
 students.
I decided to Factor
pursue business moderately
administration affects the
2.94 AGREE
based on my decision of
skills and freshmen
abilities. students.
I wanted to be Factor
a “business greately
owner” someday. affects the
3.36 STRONGLY AGREE
decision of
freshmen
students.
Working in a Factor
corporate moderately
environment is affects the
my “childhood decision of
3.09 AGREE
dream” that’s freshmen
why I pursued students.
Business
Administration.
My decision in Factor
pursuing moderately
business affects the
2.91 AGREE
administration decision of
is related to freshmen
my interest. students.
Average 3.05 Factor
Weighted Mean moderately
affects the
Agree
decision of
freshmen
students.
*Legend

Q=Question
WM=Weighted Mean
3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree-Factor greatly affects the decision of
freshmen students.

30 | P a g e
2.50-3.24 Agree- Factor moderately affects the decision of
freshmen students.
1.75-2.49 Disagree- Factor do not affect the decision of freshmen
students.
1.00-1.74 Strongly Disagree- Not considered factor to the
decision of freshmen students.

Table 13 show that the respondents strongly agreed that they

wanted to be a “business owner” someday (3.36) while they agreed
on the concern regarding personal choice (2.94), they decided to
pursue business administration based on their skills and
abilities (2.94), their childhood dream was to work in a
corporate environment (3.09) and related to my interest (2.91).

The overall weighted mean obtained by this concern was 3.05

with a verbal interpretation of “agree”, means that personal
interest was a factor that “moderately” affects the decision of
freshmen students in taking Business Administration in PHINMA
Araullo University South Campus.

ECONOMIC FACTOR
Table 14 Weighted Mean and Verbal Interpretation of Factors
Affecting the Decision of Freshmen Students in Taking Business
Administration in Terms of Economic Factor

Economic Factor WM VERBAL QUALITATIVE

INTERPRETATION DESCRIPTION
The 3.06 Factor
availability of moderately
job for affects the
administration decision of
in the future Agree freshmen
affects my students.
decision in
choosing this
course.
I pursued 3.91 Strongly Agree Factor
Business greately
Administration affects the
based on my decision of

31 | P a g e
expected salary freshmen
in the future. students.
I considered 2.77 Factor
in-demand jobs moderately
in choosing affects the
Agree
business decision of
administration. freshmen
students.
Average 2.91 Factor
Weighted Mean moderately
affects the
Agree
decision of
freshmen
students.
*Legend

Q=Question
WM=Weighted Mean
3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree-Factor greatly affects the decision of
freshmen students.
2.50-3.24 Agree- Factor moderately affects the decision of
freshmen students.
1.75-2.49 Disagree- Factor do not affect the decision of freshmen
students.
1.00-1.74 Strongly Disagree- Not considered factor to the
decision of freshmen students.

Table 14 shows that the respondents strongly agreed that they

pursued Business Administration based on their expected salary in
the future (3.91), while they agreed on the concerns regarding
availability of job (3.06), and in-demand jobs (2.77).
The overall weighted mean obtained by this concern was 2.91
with a verbal interpretation of “agree”, means that economic was
a factor that “moderately” affects the decision of freshmen
students in taking Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo
University South Campus.

ENVIRONMENT FACTOR
Table 15 Weighted Mean and Verbal Interpretation of Factors

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 Affecting the Decision of Freshmen Students in Taking Business
Administration in Terms of Environment Factor

Environment WM VERBAL QUALITATIVE

Factor INTERPRETATION DESCRIPTION
PHINMA Araullo 3.02 Agree Factor
University has moderately
good affects the
reputation. decision of
freshmen
students.
PHINMA Araullo 2.96 Agree Factor
University moderately
offers good affects the
quality decision of
education. freshmen
students.
Ranking of the 2.89 Agree Factor
leading moderately
Universities affects the
here in Nueva decision of
Ecija affects freshmen
my decision to students.
enroll in
PHINMA Araullo
University.
PHINMA Araullo 3.08 Agree Factor
University has moderately
successful affects the
graduates. decision of
freshmen
students.
AVERAGE 2.99 AGREE Factor
WEIGHTED MEAN moderately
affects the
decision of
freshmen
students.
*Legend

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Q=Question
WM=Weighted Mean
3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree-Factor greatly affects the decision of
freshmen students.
2.50-3.24 Agree- Factor moderately affects the decision of
freshmen students.
1.75-2.49 Disagree- Factor do not affect the decision of freshmen
students.
1.00-1.74 Strongly Disagree- Not considered factor to the
decision of freshmen students.

Table 15 shows that the respondents agreed that PHINMA Araullo

University has a good reputation (3.02), offers good quality
education (2.96), one of the leading Universities here in Nueva
Ecija (2.98) and has successful graduates (3.08).
The overall weighted mean obtained by this concern was 2.99
with a verbal interpretation of “agree”, means that environmental
was a factor that “moderately” affects the decision of freshmen
students in taking Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo
University South Campus.

LOCATION OF RESIDENCE
Table 16 Weighted Mean and Verbal Interpretation of Factors
Affecting the Decision of Freshmen Students in Taking Business
Administration in Terms of their Location of Residence

Location of WM VERBAL QUALITATIVE

Residence INTERPRETATION DESCRIPTION
PHINMA Araullo 3.06 Agree Factor
University moderately
South Campus affects the
is near our decision of
residence freshmen
that’s why I students.
enroll BSBA in
the
University.
AVERAGE 3.06 Agree Factor
WEIGHTED MEAN moderately
affects the

34 | P a g e
 decision of
freshmen
students.
*Legend

Q=Question
WM=Weighted Mean
3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree-Factor greatly affects the decision of
freshmen students.
2.50-3.24 Agree- Factor moderately affects the decision of
freshmen students.
1.75-2.49 Disagree- Factor do not affect the decision of freshmen
students.
1.00-1.74 Strongly Disagree- Not considered factor to the
decision of freshmen students.

Table 16 shows that the respondents agreed that PHINMA Araullo

University South Campus is near in their residences.
The overall weighted mean obtained by this concern was 3.06
with a verbal interpretation of “agree”, means that location of
residence was a factor that “moderately” affects the decision of
freshmen students in taking Business Administration in PHINMA
Araullo University South Campus.

Table 17 Average Weighted Mean, Qualitative Description and

Ranking of Factors Affecting the Decision of Freshmen Students in
Taking Business Administration
Factors AWM Verbal Qualitative
Affecting the Interpretation Description
Decision of
Freshmen Rank
Students
Location of 3.06 Agree Factor 1
Residence moderately
affects the
decision of
freshmen
students.
Personal 3.05 Agree Factor 2

35 | P a g e
 Interest moderately
affects the
decision of
freshmen
students.
environmental 2.99 Agree Factor 3
moderately
affects the
decision of
freshmen
students.
economic 2.91 Agree Factor 4
moderately
affects the
decision of
freshmen
students.
social 2.65 Agree Factor 5
moderately
affects the
decision of
freshmen
students.
*Legend

Q=Question
WM=Weighted Mean
3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree-Factor greatly affects the decision of
freshmen students.
2.50-3.24 Agree- Factor moderately affects the decision of
freshmen students.
1.75-2.49 Disagree- Factor do not affect the decision of freshmen
students.
1.00-1.74 Strongly Disagree- Not considered factor to the
decision of freshmen students.

Table 17 shows the average weighted mean, qualitative description

and ranking of factors affecting decision of freshmen of students
in taking Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo University
South Campus. Location of Residence(ranked 1), with an average
weighted mean of 3.06 was a primary factor that “moderately”
affects the decisions of freshmen students in taking Business

36 | P a g e
Administration in PHINMA Araullo University South Campus;
Personal interest (ranked 2), with an average weighted mean of
3.05 was a factor that “moderately” affects the decisions of
freshmen students in taking Business Administration PHINMA
Araullo University South Campus; Environmental (ranked 3),with an
average weighted mean of 2.99 was also a factor that “moderately”
affects the decisions of freshmen students in taking Business
Administration PHINMA Araullo University; Economic (ranked 4),
with an average weighted mean of 2.91 was a factor that
“moderately” affects the decisions of freshmen students in taking
Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo University; Social
(ranked 5), both with an average weighted mean of 2.65 were also
factors that “moderately” affects the decisions of freshmen
students in taking Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo
University.
Table 18 Test of the Difference Between Gender and Factors
Affecting Decision of Freshmen Students

Factors T-stat T-Critical Verbal Measure of

Interpretation Relationship
Social -9.32 1.98 Accept Null Not
Significant
Personal -11.27 1.99 Accept Null Not
interest Significant
Economic -10.05 1.99 Accept Null Not
Significant
Environmental -10.93 1.99 Accept Null Not
Significant
Location of -9.60 1.99 Accept Null Not
Residence Significant

*Legend: T-stat > T-critical = Significant

T-stat < T-critical = Not Significant
Table 18 shows that gender was not significant to social,
personal interest, economic, environmental factors and location
of residence.

37 | P a g e
 The data implies that there was no significant difference
between the evaluation of gender and the factors mentioned.

Table 19 Relationship Between Age and Factors Affecting Decision

of Freshmen Students
Factors R-Value Verbal
Interpretation
Social 0.08 Negligible Positive
Correlation

Personal interest -0.13 Negligible Negative

Correlation

Economic -0.39 Low Negative

Correlation

Environmental 0.15 Negligible Positive

Correlation

Location of -0.02 Negligible Negative

Residence Correlation

*Legend:
±1.00 = Perfect Positive (Negative) Correlation
± 0.91 to ± 0.99 = Very High Positive (Negative) Correlation
± 0.71 to ± 0.90 = High Positive (Negative) Correlation
± 0.51 to ± 0.70 = Moderately Positive (Negative) Correlation
± 0.31 to ± 0.50 = Low Positive (Negative) Correlation
± 0.01 to ± 0.30 = Negligible Positive (Negative) Correlation
0 = No Correlation
Table 19 shows that age has a negligible positive relationship
toward social factors (0.08) and environmental factors (0.15)
which means that there is a negligible positive relationship.

38 | P a g e
 The data implies that if the age increases, there will be a
negligible increase on the student’s perception about social and
environmental factors.
The table also shows that age has a negligible negative
correlation towards personal interest (-0.13) and location of
residence(-0.02) which means that there is a negligible negative
relationship.
It also implies that if age decreases, there will be a
negligible decrease on the student’s perception about personal
interest and location of residence.
Table 20 Relationship Between Family Monthly Income and Factors
Affecting Decision of Freshmen Students

Factors R-Value Verbal

Interpretation
Social -0 No Correlation

Personal interest 0.11 Negligible Positive

Correlation

Economic 0.13 Negligible Positive

Correlation

Environmental Negligible Positive

Correlation
0.17

Location of 0.12 Negligible Positive

Residence Correlation

*Legend:
±1.00 = Perfect Positive (Negative) Correlation
± 0.91 to ± 0.99 = Very High Positive (Negative) Correlation
± 0.71 to ± 0.90 = High Positive (Negative) Correlation

39 | P a g e
± 0.51 to ± 0.70 = Moderately Positive (Negative) Correlation
± 0.31 to ± 0.50 = Low Positive (Negative) Correlation
± 0.01 to ± 0.30 = Negligible Positive (Negative) Correlation
0 = No Correlation
Table 20 shows that family monthly income has a no correlation
toward social factor (0).
The data implies that the relationship between the family monthly
income and the social factors has no correlation.

Table 20 also shows that family monthly income has a negligible

positive relationship towards personal interest (0.11), economic
factor (0.13), environmental factor (0.17) and location of
residence (0.12) which means that there is a negligible positive
relationship.
The data also implies that if the family income increases,
there will be a negligible increase on the student’s perception
about personal interest, economic factor, environmental factor
and location of residence.

Table 21 Test of the Difference Between City/Municipality of

Residence and Factors
Affecting Decision of Freshmen Students

Factors Measure of
Relationship
F F-Critical
Social 2.97 1.37 Significant

Personal 6.41 1.39 Significant

interest

Economic 1.28 1.41 Not

Significant

Environmental 1.37 1.43 Not

Significant

40 | P a g e
 Location of 0.70 0.70 Significant
Residence

*Legend:
F< F-critical= Not Significant
F> F-critical= Significant

Table 21 shows that decision of freshmen students was

significant to social, personal interest, and location of
residence.
The data implies that there was a significant difference
between the City/ Municipality and the factors mentioned.
Table 21 shows that decision of freshmen students was not
significant to economic and environmental factors.
The data implies that there was no significant difference
between the City/ Municipality and the factors mentioned.
Table 22 Test of the Difference Between Major and Factors
Affecting Decision of Freshmen Students

Factors T-stat T-Critical Verbal Measure of

Interpretation Relationship
Social Accept Null Not
Significant
-17.65 1.99

Personal Accept Null Not

interest Significant
-18.00 1.99

Economic Accept Null Not

Significant
-16.69 1.99

Environmental Accept Null Not

Significant
-17.80 1.99

Location of Accept Null Not

Residence Significant
-15.02 2.00

*Legend:
T-stat< T-critical= Not Significant

41 | P a g e
 T-stat> T-critical= Significant
Table 22 shows that decision of freshmen students was not
significant to social, personal interest, economic, environmental
factors and location of residence.
The data implies that there was no significant difference
between the Major and the factors mentioned.

CHAPTER IV
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusions and
recommendations of the study entitled “Factors Affecting the
Decision of Freshmen Students in Taking Business Administration
in PHINMA Araullo University South Campus”.

Summary of Findings
The summary of findings were as follows:
1. Respondents’ Profile

Gender

From a total of 53 respondent,13 or 24.53% were male while the 40

or 75.47% were female.

Age
It was noted that there were 50 or 94.34% of the respondents were
age 18-21 and 3 or 5.66% of them were 22-25 years old.

Family Income
From a total of 53 respondents, 31 or 58.48% of their family
monthly income were 8,000 below; 16 or 30.19% were 8,001-13,000;
3 or 5.66% were 13,001-18,000; 2 0r 3.77% were 18,001-23,000;
while 1 or 1.89% were 23,000 above.

42 | P a g e
 City/Municipality
It was noted that 13 or 24.53% of the respondents were from
Cabanatuan City; 20 or 37.73% were from Sta.Rosa; 8 or 15.09%
were from Zaragoza; 3 or 5.66% were from Jaen and San Leonardo; 1
or 1.89% were from Gapan; 3 or 5.66% were from San Antonio; while
1 or 1.89% were from San Miguel, Bulacan and Aliaga.

Major
47 or 88.68% of the respondents were from Marketing Management
and 6 or 11.32% were from Banking and Microfinance Major.

2. Factors Affecting the decisions of freshmen students

Social Factors
Some of the respondents agreed that they are influenced by their
parents’ occupation or family business, parent’s advice,
financial status of their family, friend’s advice, successful
friends who are BSBA graduates, while some of the respondents
disagreed that they are not affected by parents’ relative
decision, their friends’ decision in choosing their course, and
their friends wants BSBA that is why they took the same course.
It was revealed that social was a factor that “moderately”
affects the decision of freshmen students in taking Business
Administration in PHINMA Araullo University South Campus.

Personal Interest

The respondents strongly agreed that they wanted to be a

“business owner” someday while they agreed on the concern
regarding personal choice, they decided to pursue business
administration based on their skills and abilities, their
childhood dream was to work in a corporate environment and
related to their interest. It was revealed that personal interest
was a factor that “moderately” affects the decision of freshmen

43 | P a g e
students in taking Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo
University South Campus.

Economic Factors

The respondents strongly agreed that they pursued Business

Administration based on their expected salary in the future,
while they agreed on the concerns regarding availability of job,
and in-demand jobs. It was revealed that economic was a factor
that “moderately” affects the decision of freshmen students in
taking Business Administration in PHINMA Araullo University South
Campus.

Environmental Factors

The respondents agreed that PHINMA Araullo University has a good

reputation, offers good quality education, one of the leading
Universities here in Nueva Ecija and has successful graduates. It
was revealed that environmental was a factor that “moderately”
affects the decision of freshmen students in taking Business
Administration in PHINMA Araullo University South Campus.

Location of Residence

The respondents agreed that PHINMA Araullo University South

Campus was near in their residences. It was revealed that
location of residence was a factor that “moderately” affects the
decision of freshmen students in taking Business Administration
in PHINMA Araullo University South Campus.

3. Significant difference among the factors in freshmen

students’ decision when grouped according to their
demographic profile

Gender and Factors Affecting Decision of Freshmen Students

Gender was not significant to social, personal interest,

economic, environmental factors.

44 | P a g e
 City/Municipality of Residence and Factors Affecting Decision
of Freshmen Students

The decision of freshmen students was significant to social,

personal interest, and location of residence while it was not
significant to economic and environmental factors.

Major and Factors Affecting Decision of Freshmen Students

The decision of freshmen students was not significant to social,

personal interest, economic and environmental factors.

4. Significant relationship among the factors in freshmen

students’ decision when grouped according to their
demographic profile

Age and Factors Affecting Decision of Freshmen Students

Age has a negligible positive relationship toward social factors
and environmental factors which means that there is a negligible
positive relationship.
It also revealed that age has a negligible negative correlation
towards personal interest and location of residence which means
that there is a negligible negative relationship.

Family Monthly Income and Factors Affecting Decision of

Freshmen Students
Family monthly income has a no correlation toward social factor.
It also revealed that family monthly income has a negligible
positive relationship towards personal interest, economic factor,
environmental factor and location of residence which means that
there is a negligible positive relationship.

Conclusion

45 | P a g e
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions
were drawn:
1. Majority of the respondents were female, 18-21 years old,
from sta. rosa, has a family monthly income of 8,000 below
and Marketing Management Majors.
2. Social factors, personal interest, economic factor,
environmental factors, and location of residence were
factors that “moderately” affects the decision of freshmen
students in taking business administration in PHINMA Araullo
University south campus.
3. The data implies that there was no significant difference
between the evaluation of gender and the factors.
4. The data implies that if the age increases, there will be a
negligible increase on the student’s perception about social
and environmental factors.
It also implies that if age decreases, there will be a
negligible decrease on the student’s perception about
personal interest and location of residence.
5. The data implies that the relationship between the family
monthly income and the social factors has no correlation.
The data also implies that if the family income increases,
there will be a negligible increase on the student’s
perception about personal interest, economic factor,
environmental factor and location of residence.
6. The data implies that there was a significant difference
between the City/ Municipality and the social factors,
personal interest, and location of residence.
The data implies that there was no significant difference
between the City/ Municipality and the economic factors and
environmental factors.
7. The data implies that there was no significant difference
between the Major and the factors.

Recommendation
In view of the findings of the study, and the conclusion
drawn, the following recommendations are offered:
1.

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