Applied Quantitative Analysis

Positive Character and Academic Achievement: The Moderating Role of Family Function

Hasanuddin Hasanuddin — 2024-07-12

Student academic achievement is an indicator of success in studying in college. Student habits in carrying out tasks reflected in personal character will impact student learning achievement. However, the positive character does not always influence learning achievement. Other factors that can weaken the role of positive character in academic achievement include family function. This research examines the moderating role of family function in determining the strength of the influence of positive character on student academic achievement. The 201 students majoring in natural sciences selected using stratified random sampling were involved in this explanatory quantitative research. Researchers employed the family function, the noble character scales, and the student cumulative achievement index. Data analysis used the Jamovi statistical software moderation test version 2.0.0. The results show that family function determines the magnitude of the influence of positive character on academic achievement. For students with high family function, character determines significantly academic achievement. On the contrary, for students with low family function. The study is beneficial for educational counsellors in overcoming the problem of low academic achievement by focusing on developing character and improving family function.

The Effect of Nurturing Program, Boarding School, and The Use of Social Media on The Character Building of Politeknik Ilmu Pelayaran Semarang Cadets

Andy Wahyu Hermanto — 2024-07-18

Character building is very essential for cadets. As future leaders and officers on commercial ships, they are expected to have strong personalities, be disciplined, be responsible, have high integrity, and be able to work together in a team. Based on this issue, this research aims to analyze the effect of nurturing programs, boarding schools, and social media on the character-building of Politeknik Ilmu Pelayaran (PIP) Semarang cadets. This research used a quantitative method with respondents PIP Semarang cadets from the Nautical Studies, Marine Engineering, and Port and Shipping Management Study Program with a sample of 200 cadets. Sampling was conducted using a questionnaire via Google Form with a Likert scale of 1 to 4. Data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using the SPSS 21st version program. The results of this research show that the nurturing program has a very significant influence on the character-building of cadets. Thus, if the nurturing program can be implemented well and correctly according to established norms and regulations, the character of the cadets will be built well and meet the expectations of PIP Semarang. In addition, the boarding school system has a significant influence on the character-building of cadets. A well-built Boarding School system will assist in shaping the characters of PIP Semarang cadets. Lastly, the use of social media does not significantly influence cadets' character-building since there is a regulation related to the limitation of the use of communication devices and the internet.

Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Cement Plant Location Selection Using SMART Method: A Case Study of PT. RKB

Toman Nico Felani Sihombing — 2024-08-26

The strategic selection of a cement plant location is crucial for optimizing operational efficiency, sustainability, and market positioning. This study examines the optimal location for PT. RKB's new cement plant in West Java, Indonesia, uses the quantitative Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) within a Multi-Criteria Decision-Analysis (MCDA) framework. The SMART method transforms various criteria into measurable insights, ensuring a systematic evaluation of alternative sites. Key criteria included economic viability, technical feasibility, environmental impact, and socio-economic considerations. A comprehensive analysis of three potential sites revealed Location C as the most suitable, offering the best balance of economic benefits, technical advantages, manageable environmental impacts, and strong community support. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of this decision under various scenarios. This study provides a data-driven methodology for strategic site selection in the cement industry, contributing to PT. RKB's sustainable growth and competitive positioning. Theoretically, this research advances the application of MCDA in industrial site selection, while practically, it offers a replicable model for decision-makers in similar industries.

Analyzing The Impact of Online Marketing on Students' Purchase Decisions on Shopee E-Commerce in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia

Lati Sari Dewi — 2024-09-30

The study was driven by the growing trend of online shopping among students and the need to understand how digital marketing strategies impact their purchasing decisions on e-commerce platforms like Shopee. This research aims to evaluate the influence of online marketing on the purchasing decisions of students at STIE Latifah Mubarokiyah Suryalaya, in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia, specifically using the Shopee platform. Online marketing facilitates the transaction of goods and services via the Internet, providing the convenience of shopping without time and space constraints and allowing consumers to select products based on their preferences. The study employs a descriptive quantitative approach, involving 77 respondents selected through purposive random sampling. Data collection includes both primary and secondary sources, which are analyzed using simple regression, correlation analysis, determination analysis, and hypothesis testing. The findings reveal that online marketing strategies significantly influence students' purchasing behaviour on e-commerce platforms, with a correlation coefficient of 0.694 and a determination coefficient of 48.1%. This indicates that nearly half of the variability in student purchase decisions can be attributed to online marketing strategies. Moreover, the study offers new insights into how specific online marketing tactics, such as targeted advertisements and social media promotions, uniquely influence student preferences and purchasing patterns. These findings highlight the importance of personalized marketing approaches in shaping consumer behaviour. The study also suggests that further research should explore additional factors influencing consumer behaviour in e-commerce to achieve a more comprehensive understanding.

Exponential Mean Modeling of Coping Strategies and Dietary Diversity During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mozambique

Abayomi Samuel Oyekale — 2024-10-18

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant socioeconomic problems to many developing countries. In Mozambique, the impacts of the pandemic were felt in different spheres of households’ livelihoods. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by analyzing the effects of coping strategies and other factors on households’ dietary diversity scores (HDDS). The data were collected in two non-longitudinal waves in 2021 and 2022 from 3975 households by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The instrumental Poisson regression model was used for data analysis. The results showed that across the two periods, cereals were mostly consumed (96.93%), while meats (15.75%), milk and dairy (13.99%), and eggs (9.16%) were the least consumed. There was an increment in the proportion of households that consumed between zero and four food groups. Furthermore, there were declines in the utilization of coping strategies, while depletion of savings (50.62%) and credit (45.21%) were mostly used. The instrumental variable Poisson regression results revealed that expected HDDS decreased significantly (p<0.05) with sold animals, eating elsewhere, consumption of seed stock, decreased agricultural input expenditures, and emergency begging, whereas illegal activities increased it. In addition, household incomes, crop farming, and being younger than 35 years significantly increased (p<0.05) the expected HDDS, while all regions except Gaza had significantly higher expected HDDS than Cabo Delgado. It was concluded that adopted coping mechanisms could not offset households’ food problems during the pandemic, although some regional differences existed. Therefore, initiatives to promote human nutrition in Mozambique should enhance households’ resilience to income shocks through region-specific income-promoting activities.

Board Performance of Fisheries Graduates: Logistic Regression Analysis for Curriculum Enhancement

Nora M Matusalem — 2024-11-05

This study investigates the factors affecting the board performance of Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSFi) graduates in the fisheries technologists licensure exams in a specific region of the Philippines. The impetus for this research arose from observed variations in exam performance among graduates, prompting an examination of educational and institutional influences on success. The study used a purposive sampling technique to gather data from 138 respondents across State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) who took their first licensure exam from October 2018 to October 2023. A validated online survey questionnaire assessed academic performance, teaching methods, curriculum, faculty qualifications, library resources, laboratory facilities, and student characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between these independent variables and licensure exam performance. The findings of this study are of profound importance, as they reveal strong correlations between faculty qualifications and exam outcomes, emphasizing the need for continuous professional development. Moreover, the study identifies improved laboratory facilities and a robust curriculum as critical factors contributing to student success. These insights have the potential to significantly impact stakeholders, informing them about essential areas for intervention and improvement. Ultimately, they aim to elevate the educational experience and licensure performance of BSFi graduates, thus supporting their professional trajectories in the fisheries sector.

E-Business Online Experience, Satisfaction and Trust: Basis for Customer Loyalty among Selected SMEs in Bulacan

Allan B Pleno — 2024-11-06

This research paper investigates the relationship between e-business online experience, satisfaction, and trust as predictors of customer loyalty among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a selected area of Bulacan. Considering the increasing reliance on digital platforms for e-commerce, issues surrounding online security and user privacy have arisen, raising concerns about consumer trust in e-business environments. Employing a quantitative research methodology, the study utilizes a quantitative descriptive and correlational design to measure and identify the mean and standard deviation of online experience, satisfaction, and trust as independent variables, with customer loyalty as the dependent variable. The findings reveal that SMEs in Bulacan have a strongly positive perception of their e-business online experience, particularly highlighting the simplicity, visual appeal, and effectiveness of the websites they use. They appreciate the quality of information provided by these e-business platforms, which facilitates e-purchases through up-to-date content and straightforward transactions. The study also indicates a strong agreement among SMEs regarding the effectiveness of e-business websites in meeting consumer expectations for repeat purchases, while also identifying areas for improvement in online performance features. Moreover, SMEs generally perceive a high level of security regarding e-business platforms, particularly regarding information transmission and electronic payment safety. However, there was a slightly lower perception of user privacy concerns. The regression analysis indicates that both e-business online experience and customer satisfaction are significant predictors of customer loyalty, underscoring the importance of enhancing these aspects to cultivate lasting customer relationships.

Shaping Patient Loyalty through Quality Care: Analyzing Patient Satisfaction in Public Hospitals in Ghana

Francis Osei — 2024-11-12

Public hospitals in Ghana face challenges such as limited resources and inconsistent care delivery, which impact patient satisfaction and loyalty. In this context, enhancing service quality is crucial for retaining patients and improving healthcare outcomes. This study investigates the role of service quality in shaping patient loyalty and explores patient satisfaction as a mediator in selected public hospitals in Ghana using the SERVQUAL model. A survey was conducted among 200 outpatients from five public health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana, between January and February 25, 2024. A quantitative methodology was applied to evaluate how patients' perceptions of service quality influence their loyalty toward public healthcare providers. In order to analyze the data, SPSS and the smart partial least square (PLS) software version 3.0 were used for structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings revealed that communication, the physical environment, and responsiveness significantly affect patient loyalty, whereas factors such as privacy, safety, and a customer-friendly atmosphere do not. Additionally, this study confirmed that patient satisfaction mediates the relationship between service quality and patient loyalty, underscoring the importance of service quality in enhancing both satisfaction and loyalty in health care. Based on these insights, this study recommends that health care institutions improve their service quality to strengthen public healthcare systems. The significance of this paper extends beyond regression analysis, as it also addresses the delayed effects of service quality on patient loyalty, considering both direct and indirect influences in the regression models.

Employees’ Work-Life Balance and Career Contentment in a Philippine Local Government Unit

Bryle Jhon W Concepcion — 2024-12-12

Work-life balance (WLB) is crucial for employee well-being and career satisfaction, particularly among government employees. This study examined the relationship between WLB and career contentment within the Philippine Local Government Unit (LGU), assessed the levels of both factors, explored their interaction, and recommended strategies to enhance WLB. Using a quantitative-descriptive research method, data were collected from 133 employees from a Philippine LGU through an adapted questionnaire formatted in Google Forms and distributed via electronic mail and Messenger. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, and linear regression. Findings revealed that the WLB level among Philippine LGU employees is high. Moreover, the study also showed that LGU employees are generally contented with their careers. However, the findings also suggest no significant relationship between the two variables, where improvements in WLB may not always align with increased career contentment, although job satisfaction and performance are presumably enhanced. The road map strategy proposed by the researchers is recommended as a guide to improve WLB, thereby enhancing employee satisfaction and LGU employee performance. The study findings are significant because they shed light on the intricate relationship between WLB and career contentment within a specific context, thus offering valuable insights for Filipino LGUs. Thus, this study can serve as a reference for public sector organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employees and seek to further improve the workplace environment for more engaging and productive employees.

The Role of Psychological Capital and Job Securities Factors on Shaping Readiness to Change

Emmanuel Taru Guritna — 2024-12-16

This study investigates the challenges construction sector companies face due to market disruptions and the lack of innovation, with a specific focus on PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA), a leading Indonesian construction firm. Drawing on Kodak's failure as a cautionary example of the risks of neglecting technological advancements, the research underscores the critical need for companies to remain adaptable and ready to innovate to address evolving customer demands. In response to a significant financial loss of IDR 7.13 trillion in 2023, WIKA implemented cost-saving measures, including workforce restructuring and halting recruitment. Despite these setbacks, the company showcased resilience by initiating innovative projects, such as electric motorcycles and precast concrete technologies, contributing to its recovery. The research emphasizes WIKA's initiatives to cultivate employee readiness for change through programs like Wikasatrian and technology skills development. Utilizing a descriptive quantitative approach, the study surveyed 233 managers and directors from government-owned construction firms (BUMN), employing instruments to measure readiness for change, psychological capital, and job security. Data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) confirmed that psychological capital plays a critical mediating role between job security and readiness to change. Findings reveal that job security significantly impacts readiness to change, with psychological capital acting as a strong mediator. The study highlights the importance of investing in psychological resources to foster adaptability, particularly in sectors undergoing technological and organizational transformations. The model demonstrated strong validity, with fit indices including GFI (0.90), CFI (0.98), TLI (0.97), NFI (0.97), and RMSEA (0.09), affirming its robustness and providing valuable insights into the public construction sector, an area often underexplored in previous research.

Communication Skills and Timely Delivery of NGO Projects in Lagos State: A Study of Female Project Managers

Riyanat Olasumbo Tiamiyu — 2024-12-17

The timely delivery of projects is a critical factor in the success of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), particularly in dynamic environments like Lagos State, Nigeria. However, many NGOs face challenges in meeting project deadlines because of ineffective communication among project managers. This study specifically focuses on female project managers because they have been shown to bring unique perspectives to project management, yet their role in the timely delivery of NGO projects has been underexplored. This study examined the influence of female project managers’ communication skills on the timely delivery of NGO projects in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. Adopting a survey research design, the study targeted female project managers at NGOs, with a sample size of 57, of which 49 valid responses were used for analysis. The study employed a questionnaire as the primary research instrument, and the reliability of the instrument was assessed using a test-retest method, while content and face validity were used to measure its validity. A simple linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between female project managers’ communication skills and timely delivery of NGO projects (R² = .590, p-value = .000). The findings highlight the critical role of communication skills in ensuring the success of NGO projects. Based on these results, it is recommended that NGOs in Lagos State prioritize the development and enhancement of communication skills in female project managers through targeted training programs, enabling them to navigate project complexities, foster collaboration, and ultimately achieve more timely and impactful project outcomes that contribute to sustainable social change within their communities.