Ahmed “Factors Influencing Students’ Career Choices: Empirical Evidence from

Business Students”

The structured questionnaire was distributed among MBA/BBA students enrolled in

different universities of Karachi. Data were collected from 120 participants and analyzed using

SPSS. Correlation and multiple -regression were applied as statistical tools to test the

hypotheses.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This is a quantitative research; we have selected questionnaire approach in order to collect

primary data from business students. The questions were closed ended. This method will help the

researcher to analyze the problem deeply. Business students are the target population for this

research. The business students of different business schools of Karachi are selected to answer

the questionnaire. Convenient sampling method is used and 145 questionnaires were distributed

out of which only 120 were found to be having complete data that can be used for analysis.

Response rate was high as 82.75% and only 17.25% of questionnaires were not included in the

analysis. Questionnaires consisted of single A4 size page, contained five sections assessing

Interest in subject, Ease of subject, financial outcomes, Future job opportunities and career

choices. 20% respondents belong to 19-23 groups, 50% belong to 24-27 group, and 30% belong

to 28 and above group. The majority were male’s 69% and 31% females. As far as the area of

specialization in MBA/BBA is concerned, 22.5% respondents belonged to Marketing; 30% to

Banking & Finance, 23.33% to HRM, 4.16% to MIS, 14.16% to Supply and Chain and 5.83% to

others.
Data Analysis

The alpha coefficient for the three items of each variables mentioned are as (CC = .517, INT =

.689, ES = .533, FO = .751 & FJ = .635). According to standards,the reliability coefficient of .60

or higher is considered "acceptable" in most social science research situations and in this

research statistics shows three variables that are independent are acceptable (INT, FO & FJ) and

two variables (CC [dependent] & GR independent) are coming close to 0.6.

Statistical Methods

Subsequent suitable statistical tools were used for data investigation.

Alphonse “Parental Factors Influencing Career Choice among High School Students in

Nairobi County”

The population of the study was all the 27,614 form four students who had enrolled for

the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examinations for the year 2016. A total of

400 students were sampled for the study out of which 383 responded giving a response rate of

95.75%.The survey used purposive sampling technique to sample 10 schools from Nairobi

County to carry out the survey while simple random sampling technique was used to sample the

students. Questionnaires were used as the instruments for data collection. Statistical Package for

Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics such as

frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the data. The results were presented in the

form of tables and graphs.

 METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The study used the descriptive survey design approach. According to Orodho (2003, 2012), the

descriptive survey design is effective, and easy to conduct and it also ensures ease in accessing

information. The descriptive survey design allows the researcher to gather information,

summarize and interpret data for purposes of clarification. The descriptive survey design is

useful in collecting information about people’s attitudes, opinions, habits or perceptions about

issues under investigation (Orodho&Kombo, 2002).

Target population

The target population for this study comprisedof form four candidates in Nairobi County who

had registered for the final Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examinations for year

2016. The choice of this group was based on the assumption that they had already selected a

career which they intend to pursue. The KNEC nominal roll for 2016 – run on May 2016 - gave a

total of 27,614 registered candidates for this year’s examinations. This was taken to be the target

population.

Sampling techniques

Sampling is the act, process or technique of selecting a suitable smaller size of apopulation of a

representative part of a population for the purpose of determiningparameters or characteristics of

the whole population.

Research instrument

Questionnaires were used as the instrument of collecting data. According to

Mugenda&Mugenda(1999), questionnaires are commonly used to obtain data about a population

within a short span of time and are easy to administer The questionnaires were distributed to the

schools by the researcher and left with the deputy head-teacher for administering to the students.

The questionnaires were designed using simple language so that students would give their

responses to the survey questions with ease.

Data collection procedures

A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed in 10 schools within Nairobi County. The

questionnaires were administered to the students through their respective deputy head-teachers

for the respondents to self-complete. The questionnaires were hand delivered to the schools by

the researcher. Once completed, the researcher collected the filled questionnaires from the

deputy head-teacher for analysis. The total number of returned questionnaires was383 and all

were used in the analysis.

Data analysis

The data from the field wasanalyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively using the Statistical

Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. All questionnaires were coded before analysis.

Data wascoded by identifying themes that related to the research questions and analyzed using

descriptive statistics to obtain frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was
used to test relationships between variables and their significance. Correlations were tested at the

0.01 or 0.05 confidence levels (2 –tailed). The results were presented in tables and figures.

Instrumentation

Questionnaires were used as the instruments for data collection. Statistical Package for Social

Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies

and percentages were used to analyse the data. The results were presented in the form of tables

and graphs.

Bochert “CAREER CHOICE FACTORS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS”

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The research design used the statistical information to see if dependant variables relating to

environment, opportunity, and personality were significant factors influencing the career choices

of high school students. The senior class of approximately 325 students was chosen to comprise

the population. The control group consisted of subject-based students intending to graduate

within the year. Internal validity was not guaranteed, however the subjects surveyed were

unaffected by environmental qualities that may skew results. The external validity in general

terms was applicable to other seniors of similar school populations.

Description and Selection of Subjects

The entire senior class of Germantown High School was chosen for this study based on the

belief that they should have the greatest reason to be interested in career choice. The

Germantown School District is comprised of students from several areas: Village of

Germantown, Towns of Germantown, Jackson, Polk, Richfield, Hubertus, Colgate, and part of

Cedarburg. Germantown High School is located approximately 15 miles northwest of

Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Four elementary schools feed Kennedy Middle School and then

Germantown High School. The high school is comprised of a total of approximately 1250

students, 325 of which are seniors. The staff at the high school is comprised of one principal, two

assistant principals, an athletic advisor, a full time librarian, four school counselors, and a

multitude of academic support staff personnel (Germantown, 2002).

Instrumentation

A survey was the selected instrumentation device. The agreed setting for distribution of the

survey was the senior class meeting during the first week of school. The survey was intended to

be answered without any verbal instructions. It was understood and distinctly directed that this

was an elective and voluntary survey on the part of the students. The introduction of the

instrument at the senior class meeting was intentionally worded so that students might be

challenged to answer the survey in an honest, respectful manner. Therefore the survey was easy

to complete, easy to understand, and had been written to give the students a stimulus to reflect

upon after the survey was completed. The format mirrored those objectives.

Data Collection

Permission from the high school principal, Mrs. Janet Barnes, was obtained. Mrs. Barnes

directed Ms. Susan Wolff to serve as a liaison during the survey process. The distribution

process was established and the surveys were passed out during the week of September 6, 2002.

All students were given a parental permission slip, not only as an issue of legality from UW-

Stout Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects, but also from an
introduction standpoint to reduce apprehension and to streamline the process on the day of the

survey. Parental consent forms were issued in tandem with the survey. Only those surveys that

accompanied a signed parental consent form could be accepted from students. The survey

proceeded as described under the ‘Instructions to Subjects’ heading.

Data Analysis

The information collected in this survey contains ordinal data. The measure of central tendency

used with ordinal data is mode and median. The range is the only appropriate measure of

dispersion for ordinal data. Later when the data is combined to form a composite, then standard

deviation will be used as the data will then be measured one composite score against another

composite score, all data then being of equal value. The hope is to draw areas of significance

from a parametric test of significance, namely the Anova and T-tests for significance. The

surveys were sent to the University of Wisconsin-Stout Computer Education and User Services

for tabulation and statistical analysis.

Edwards “Factors Influencing Students Career Choices among Secondary School

students in Kisumu Municipality, Kenya”.

The study was conducted using descriptive survey design with a population of 332 students. The

data for this study was collected using questionnaire and interview schedules. The findings of

this study indicate that availability of advancement opportunities and learning experiences are

the most influential factors affecting career choices among students. While males reported

learning experiences and career flexibility as the most influential factors, females however

reported availability of advancement opportunity and opportunity to apply skills as the most
influential factors. However, no variance was reported for persons influencing career choice by

gender.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design This study was conducted using descriptive survey research design. The study

was done in Kisumu City that is located on the eastern shores of Lake Victoria. The city has a

population of a half a million people.

There were 2,464 form four secondary school students preparing to do their final examination

during the time this study was being done. Stratified random sampling technique was used to

select 332 form four students who took part in this study. Data for this study was collected using

both structured and open ended questionnaire and interview schedules which were presented to

students. In order to remove the ambiguity and biasness and make instruments reliable, a pilot

study was conducted in three schools that did not form part of the study sample. Quantitative

data was analyzed using One Way ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance and descriptive statistics

such as graphs, charts, frequency counts and percentages. Qualitative data was transcribed and

organized into emergent themes.

Koech “FACTORS INFLUENCING CAREER CHOICES AMONG

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA: A CASE

STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF ELDORET”

The target population was second, third and fourth year undergraduate students at the University

of Eldoret. A convenience sampling technique was used in getting a study sample of 210. The

data collection instrument used was a self-administered questionnaire which contained both open
and closed ended questions. The study used a descriptive research design. Data was presented in

form of percentages, means and tables.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study adopted a cross-sectional study design. The target population was undergraduate

students from different schools in the University of Eldoret, Kenya. The study considered

second, third and fourth year undergraduate students who were in session during the period of

January to May, 2015. A convenience sampling technique was used to obtain the sample for the

study. Using simple random sampling technique, 72 students were selected from second year, 70

students from third year and 68 students from fourth year respectively to have a total sample size

of 210. The questionnaires were assigned randomly to the respondents so as to reduce biasness.

The researchers used questionnaires as an instrument of data collection. The questionnaires had

both closed and open ended questions. The open-ended questions permitted a greater depth of

response. The closed-ended questions captured personal details and attitude scales. The

questionnaire had 3 sections. Section A gave the general information of the respondents. Section

B addressed the specific objectives of the study which included parental, peer and role models

influence on career choices. The questions used were in likert scale form which ranged from

strongly disagree with a score of 1 to strongly agree with the highest score of 5. Section C

provided the respondents with an opportunity to share any additional information relevant to the

study. Questionnaires filled by the respondents were edited for completeness and consistency.

Data was checked for coding errors and omissions. Descriptive statistics were generated for both

categorical and continuous variables using percentages, means and standard deviation. To test for

associations between various career choice factors, Pearson correlation was employed. Data

analysis was done using both Microsoft Excel 2010 and STATA version 13.
 Shahzad “Determinants and Influences on Students’ Carrer Choice”

In this study Target population is Students of Gujrat city where as sampled population is students

enrolled in first year of intermediate. Taking the 5% margin of error a sample of 380 is

suggested, for collecting the desired information according to the nature of population we use

stratified random sampling .In reliability analysis the “Cranach‟s Alpha” guide us that the

variables included in the study are reliable and the confirmatory factor analysis, confirm our all

factors. Neural network analysis is also performed on the data which shows that education

background and educational background playing most important role in determination of career

selection.The characteristics of different groups of students who chose their career “by choice”

or “by force” are explored by using cluster analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The population of study consisted of all the students who had enrolled in first semester of B.S

and M.Sc., Semester Fall 2012 and were studying at University of Gujrat Hafiz Hayat Campus

and students who were enrolled in first year of Intermediate, Graduation and Post-Graduation

those were studying at Fatima Jinnah College, Marghzar College, and Zamindar College.

Stratified random sampling had been applied;it was used as data was heterogeneous,homogeneity

was requiredand to ensure the adequate representation of each discipline in the sample.To

determine the sample size of the study a formula given by Yamane (1967) 2/1n N

Ne was used.

Since the total population size was 7528 and the data was categorical so the sample size „n‟ was

taken 380 with 0.05 margin of error. By using the proportional allocation method a sample of

380 students was selected. Firstly, strata's were made with respect to the institute and then each
designed stratum was further stratified on the basis of degree (class) in which students were

enrolled. As total population was 7528, population of students in M.Sc., population of Marghzar

college was 892 from which 874 students were enrolled in Intermediate and 18 students were

enrolled in Post-graduation, population of Fatimah Jinnah college was 1056 from which 1008

students were in main campus of UOG was 3630 from which 2500 students enrolled in B.S and

1130 students were enrolled in Intermediate and 48 students are enrolled in Post-graduation, and

the population of Zamindar college was 1950 from which 1000 students were enrolled in

Intermediate, 600 students were enrolled in Graduation and 350 students were enrolled in Post-

graduation. So, according to sample 182 students were selected from UOG from which 125 were

enrolled in B.S and 57 were enrolled in M.Sc. 47 students were selected from Marghzar College

from which 45 were from intermediate and 2 students were from master degree, similarly 52

students were selected from F.J College of which 50 students were enrolled in Intermediate and 2

were from Master degree and 99 students were selected from Zamindar College from which 50

students were of Intermediate ,31 of graduation and 18 of Post-graduation total sample was of

380.

Well-structured questionnaire,a main instrument was employed, it consisted of two parts. First

part was about demographic information and second part constituted the factors selected through

literature review and measured through total number of 57 questions and the 5-point Likert

Scale.

Descriptive statistics were carried out for all items involved in the study. Confirmatory factor

analysis was used to confirm the factors. Neural Network Analysis was usedto fulfill the main

objectives of the study. An Artificial NeuralNetwork (ANN) was an information processing

paradigm that was inspired by the way biological nervous systems, such as the brain, process
information. The key element of this paradigm is the novel structure of the information

processing system. It is composed of a large number of highly interconnected processing

elements (neurons) working in union to solve the specific problems. There are numerous ways to

sort cases into groups,

Hierarchical cluster analysis, k-means cluster, and two-step cluster are the major types of

clustering; in this study two-step cluster analysis is used.It provides a simple profile of

individuals and also suggests how groups of units are determined such that units within groups

are similar in some respect and unlike those from other groups. 3

Nyamwage “Influence of Student’s Interest on Career Choice among First Year

University Students in Public and Private Universities in Kisii County, Kenya”

The study utilized two hundred and ninety six (296) first year students selected from six

universities. The Respondents were selected using purposive as well as systematic sampling

approaches within the descriptive survey design. They responded to a specially designed

questionnaire and the data collected were analyzed descriptively using the Statistical Package for

Social Sciences as the main tool of analysis.

METHODOLOGY

The study employed a descriptive survey design in which a questionnaire was utilized to survey

296 first year University students to determine how interest influences career choice decisions.

The use of a descriptive design is an extremely effective way of collecting information more cost

effectively from a large number of Respondents and in a relatively short time. Another advantage

of the design is that Respondents are more truthful while responding to the questionnaires

especially regarding sensitive personal data since the responses are anonymous. However, the
main disadvantage with this method is the challenge of notably low questionnaire returns to the

extent that in most cases, it may affect the representativeness of the originally selected sample

(Leedy & Ormrod, 2012). To mitigate against low return rates, the researcher made sure that

Respondents were allowed adequate time to complete the questionnaires and thereafter collected

them. The study was located in Kisii Municipality which is the cradle of the Kisii community but

also serves as a confluence of the Luo community of south Nyanza, the Kalenjin of South Rift

and the Masais of the Mara. The choice of Kisii town as the area to conduct the study was

motivated by a number of reasons: (i) the town is host to number of Universities (17 as of the

time of conducting this study) operate campuses; (ii) there is an increasing number of individuals

who having graduated from Universities don’t fit into the job market and living in the town; (iii)

the researcher, having been born and educated here is interested in finding out how to resolve the

career choice problems, (iv) the location is easily accessible and ‘the researcher can quickly

develop rapport with the Respondents’ (Shi, 2007 p.151); (v) finally, the researcher is familiar

with this location which helped to contextualise the responses given by Respondents (Kombo &

Tromp, 2006). The tool the study employed for data collection consisted of two sections: section

‘One’ with 8 items focussing on probing Respondent demographics and section ‘Two’

concentrated on probing the study variables. Piloting testing of the research tool was conducted

at Kabianga University which is located outside the study location. It is easily accessible from

Kisii town where the researcher is based. To enhance validity of the instrument, the researcher

established both content and criterion related validities by subjecting it to the scrutiny of two

experts. They assessed the concepts the instrument purported to measure and whether the

intended measurement scales were adequate to measure the concepts. In addition and to

minimise or eliminate threats to reliability, the researcher subjected the instrument to evaluation
by a language expert to determine the clarity and meaningfulness of items and instructions to

Respondents. As a result, ambiguous, inconsistent, illogical, unclear and invalid questions were

identified. Unclear items were rephrased and ambiguous ones were either replaced by alternative

ones or eliminated altogether; inconsistence and invalid items were eliminated; and, illogical as

well as unclear ones were worked on. To establish the reliability of the instrument, the researcher

went on to assess the coefficient of reliability by administering the instrument twice to 20 first

year students (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003 A period of two week interval was allowed between

the first and second administration of the questionnaire. The coefficient of correlation between

the first and second scores was calculated to determine the relationship between the two

measurements. The calculations resulted in a correlation coefficient, α =.77 which according

McLeord (2003), is more than sufficient for a scale to be regarded as reliable enough to be

employed in research. Prior to collecting data, the researcher sought a permit from the National

Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). Using the permit, permission

was sought from University administration to carry out research. To prepare for the study, the

researcher visited each participating University thrice. Taking advantage of the first visit, the

researcher introduced herself, explained the purpose of the visit, sought permission to conduct

the research and indicated the role of the University as well as information required in order to

undertake the study satisfactorily. In this regard, the researcher request for an electronic file

containing names, cell phone numbers and email addressed of all first year students. The list was

used to select students to participate in the study. The second visit which was arranged by phone

was utilized to make logistical arrangements for the survey. The researcher was shown the halls

to be used, the lecturers to assist during the actual administration of the questionnaires. During

the last visit, the researcher and a research assistant arrived at the designated venues where there
were assigned Lecturers to assist in identifying the students. Once they were admitted to the hall,

the researcher explained the purpose of the study, the benefits that will accrue from the study, the

importance of providing truthful data and reiterated that participation was voluntary. One could

decline participation at any time or decline to answer any question. Also, participants were

informed that response was not timed and therefore they could take as much time as they needed.

More importantly, participants were re-assured that the information was to be treated

confidentially and that if disclosed, it will be in a way that does not identify them uniquely.

Therefore, they were asked not to write their names or phone numbers or any mark on the

questionnaire that can be used to identify them. The questionnaires were then administered and

participants responded. On average, most participants took 45 minutes to complete it and

immediately thereafter, the questionnaires were collected.

Omari “STRATEGIC FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE STUDENTS’ CAREER

CHOICE IN KENYAN UNIVERSITIES: A Study of United States International University”

This study used a descriptive research design, i.e. this research design involved observing and

describing the behavior of a subject without influencing it in any way. The target population

under the study was the USIU students. Simple random sampling technique was employed in this

study. A sample of 100 respondents was selected randomly. This technique allowed the

researcher to ensure that each case in the population had an equal chance of being included in the

sample. Data collection tool that was used to collect the relevant information needed for analysis

was the questionnaire. To ensure effective and efficient data analysis process, the data was

coded, sorted and analyzed using regression analysis in the statistical package for social sciences

(SPSS). Presentation of data was in bar charts.

 METHODOLOGY

The study was guided by the following research questions: To what extent do environmental

factors influence career choice among students in Kenyan Universities? To what extent do

factors of opportunity influence making career choice among students in Kenyan universities?

And to what extent do factors of personality influence career choice among students in Kenyan

universities?

Data Collection Method

The types of data employed in the study were primary data. The primary data was collected by

use of questionnaires that were distributed to the students through hand delivery. The

questionnaires were the most appropriate tool to use because it contained both open and closed-

ended questions. The open ended questionnaires allowed for free responses from the respondents

without providing or suggesting any structure for replies whereas the structured questionnaires

allowed for responses from the respondents to be restricted to the stated alternatives. The

alternatives were designed in such a way that it was simple and easy for the respondents to

understand. Structured questionnaires was also used to avoid the responses of the respondents to

be influenced by the external variables (Collis and Hussey, 2009) as regards to the open ended

questions that gave respondents total freedom to express their views in unbiased manner.

Research Procedures

A pilot study was conducted randomly on twelve respondents from USIU students as indicated in

the sample size so as to ascertain the suitability of the tool (questionnaire) before administering it

in the study. Pre-testing enabled the researcher to fine tune the questionnaire and enhance the

objectivity and effectiveness.

Accompanying the questionnaire was a letter of introduction for authentication that assured

respondents‟ confidentiality. This letter also served as permission for the researcher to collect

data comfortably. In its administration, the questionnaire was estimated to take 10-15 minutes to

complete. The researcher had to assist the respondent, where necessary to understand the

significance of the study and so as to ensure that the response was compatible with the objective

of the study. This further ensured respondent‟s cooperation, as well as a high response rate. In

collection of data, this study employed two research assistants who was trained on how to

respond to different questions that could have been raised by the respondents. Questionnaires

were self-administered to the respective respondents. This exercise took three weeks.

Data Analysis and Presentation

The data obtained in this study was quantitative data. Quantitative data are observations

measured on a numerical scale. Quantitative data are those that represent the quantity or amount

of something (Quang and Hong, 2009). Descriptive method was used in analyzing the data.

Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to make clarification of the research

findings. Mean of the sample, regression analysis was used to find average data results then the

data was presented in percentages for easier assessment. Frequencies, percentages and averages

were determined to assess the level of responses.

Pascual “Factors Affecting High School Students’ Career Preference: A Basis for Career

Planning Program”

The relationship of the factors affecting students’ preference of course to their career preference,

Brainard’s Occupational Preference Inventory (BOPI) results, academic achievement and their
elective grades were considered. Frequency, percentage and chi-square were used as statistical

treatments.

METHODOLOGY

The study utilized descriptive assessment method of research to describe the preferred course of

the students and the determined factors affecting their course preference. Descriptive normative

method of research was also employed since data on the suited course for the students were

gathered with the use of BOPI and the records of students’ grades in third year. The study also

used descriptive correlational method of research since one of the objectives of the study is to

determine factors related to the course preference and suited course of the students. The data

were gathered with the use of a validated questionnaire checklist, Brainard Occupational

Preference Inventory (BOPI) scale, and students’ general grade and elective subject grades when

they were in third year. The study was conducted in school years 2012-2013 using 69 fourth year

student-respondents of University of Rizal System Laboratory School of Morong Rizal. Data

ware statistically analyzed through SPSS ver.19. The study is limited only to the determined

alignment of the use of standardized test in career selection to the grades of students in different

subjects. The data of the study is also limited to the availability of the senior students of one of

the two laboratory schools in the province of Rizal. The descriptive data are also limited to the

perception of students on the factors that affect their career preference.