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

Main Article Content

Natthawut Khemklad
Snitnuth Niyomsin

Abstract

ABSTRACT


This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing job selection decisions among undergraduate students majoring in Mechanical Engineering in Sakon Nakhon Province. Four job-related attributes were considered: salary, organizational stability, work schedule, and workplace location. The population consisted of 147 third- and fourth-year students from Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Campus, and Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 53 participants.


A scenario-based questionnaire (Concept Card) was used as the research instrument. Data was analyzed using Conjoint Analysis and Cluster Analysis techniques, with hypothesis testing conducted via One-Way ANOVA.


The findings revealed that organizational stability was the most influential factor in job selection decisions (42.81%), followed by salary (29.18%), work schedule (20.34%), and location of the workplace (7.84%). The cluster analysis classified students into three groups: (1) Salary and Stability Focus , (2) Job Security Focus and (3) Job Security and Fixed Schedule Focus.


Hypothesis testing indicated that educational institution and gender were significantly associated with job selection priorities, while factors such as hometown, financial status, and student loan obligations showed no significant differences.


Keywords: Fair Compensation, Job Security, Flexibility and Conjoint Analysis

Article Details

Section
Research Article

References

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