A Study of Employment Preference Among Mechanical Engineering Students In Sakon Nakhon: A Conjoint Analysis

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Natthawut Khemklad
Snitnuth Niyomsin

Abstract

In this research investigation, the researchers examine the factors influencing employment preferences of mechanical engineering students in Sakon Nakhon province with the consideration of four job-related attributes i.e. salary, organizational stability, workplace location, and work schedule; investigate the relationship between personal factors and students’ job selection patterns; and analyze the characteristics of the students who place different levels of importance on these attributes. The research population consisted of 147 third- and fourth-year students from Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat campus and Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University. The sample population of fifty-three students was obtained using the technique of purposive sampling.


A scenario-based questionnaire (concept card) was used as a research instrument. Data were analyzed using the techniques of conjoint analysis and cluster analysis. The hypothesis test was conducted using one-way ANOVA. Findings showed that the factor that exhibited the influence at the highest level on job selection decisions was organizational stability at 42.81 percent. Next in descending order were salaries at 29.18 percent, work schedule at 20.17 percent, and workplace location at 7.84 percent. The cluster analysis classified students into three groups: salary and stability focus; job security focus; and organizational stability with a fixed work schedule.


The hypothesis test showed that the educational institutions and gender correlated with job selection priorities at a statistically significant level. Other factors such as hometown, financial status, and student loan obligations exhibited no differences at a statistically significant level.

Article Details

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Research Article

References

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