Term Paper On

“Conducting a Research”

Course Title: Business Research Methodology

Course Code: MKT-304

Submitted By:

MERAZ HASSAN ID- 1538

TANJID HASAN FAHIM ID- 1540
ABM RAGIB HASAN ID- 1542
ABU TALHA ID- 1549
NUSHAKHA ISRAT NOVA ID- 1624

Batch: 9th
Department of Marketing, Jahangirnagar University

Submitted To:
DR. MD. KASHEDUL WAHAB TUHIN
Associate Professor
Department of Marketing, Jahangirnagar University

Date of Submission: 11th April, 2021

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Date: 11th April, 2021
To,
Dr. Md. Kashedul Wahab Tuhin
Associate Professor
Department of Marketing, Jahangirnagar University.
Subject: Submission of Research Paper.

Dear Sir,
We are very pleased to submit our research paper. The paper entitled as “Effectiveness of
Our Educational System in Current Job Environment: An Investigative Study”. Working on
this research was a great opportunity for us to apply our theoretical & analytical expertise,
views and ideas. We have gained a lot valuable knowledge by working on this research.

We are very thankful to you for providing us such an effective way of understanding the
course well. We hope this research paper will meet your expectations and will shed light on
the issue.

Yours Sincerely,
A B M Ragib Hasan, Abu Talha, Meraz Hassan, Nushakha Israt Nova, Tanzid Hasan Fahim.
9th Batch
Department of Marketing, Jahangirnagar University.

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 Table of Contents
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 5
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................ 5
LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................................... 6
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 7
FINDINGS..................................................................................................................................................... 8
From Sample 1........................................................................................................................................ 8
Table-1: Characteristics of Respondents .......................................................................................... 8
Figure-1: Participation in work by groups ....................................................................................... 9
Table-2: The Factors Influencing Decision Making ......................................................................... 9
Figure-2: Paid Internships or Works .............................................................................................. 10
From Sample 2...................................................................................................................................... 10
Table-3: Characteristics of the respondents .................................................................................. 11
Table-4: Failing to provide skills by Bangladeshi institutions...................................................... 11
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................................. 12
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................. 12

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EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR EDUCATIONAL
SYSTEM IN CURRENT JOB ENVIRONMENT:
AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY
A B M RAGIB HASAN, ABU TALHA, MERAZ HASSAN, NUSHAKHA ISRAT NOVA,
TANZID HASAN FAHIM.
3rd Year Students, Department of Marketing, Jahangirnagar University.

ABSTRACT
In the current job environment skills become the prime factor rather than academic
qualification. Bangladeshi students’ lack of adequate job skills boosting the rate of youth
unemployment and for the development of skills educational system plays a big role. The
purpose of the study is to find the effectiveness of our educational system in the current job
environment. The study is conducted in three parts. In the first part, we investigated about
the current scenario of our educational institutions’ curriculum, skills development program
and mentorship programs compared to the international standards. In the second part, we
inspected and recorded required job skills for Bangladeshi students to attain currently as
well as in future to survive in the competitive market. In the third part, we analyzed data
collected in prior parts to provide relevant recommendations and insights from the survey
respondents. For developing the theory, both quantitative and qualitative data have been
used to explain the different factors. This is a field research, and both primary and secondary
sources of data have been analyzed and interpreted. This research is conducted on February,
2021. The research reveals that the failure of many Bangladeshi educational institutions in
providing the adequate job required skills causing the high discrepancy between the
required skillsets and attained skillsets. This study also shows the participation in part-time
skill-based works during students’ academic career is very low. This investigation suggests
the educational institutions to focus on developing technical and soft skills of the students
instantly, then slowly commence to change the education structure. The study also suggests
to develop a part-time skill-based work culture among the students during their academic
careers.

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INTRODUCTION
Educational institutions, in most of the cases, are considered as the second home for
students. An average student spends almost one third of his lifetime in educational
institutions. This is a huge investment of time and the students’ desire for the well-
established future from the attained knowledge from the institutions as a return on
investment.
In Bangladesh, most students and institutions thrive for achieving good results. However,
they do not pay attention to the quality of the provided knowledge. As a result, many
students are struggling in attaining jobs due to the lack of required skillsets from employers.
The unemployment rate in Bangladesh is 4.37% (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 2019), and
among the unemployed youths, 46 percent are university graduates. Moreover, according to
the estimates of International Labor Organization, in the year 2020, approximately 11.56%
of the total youths of our country were unemployed.
In the current work environment recruiters expect the candidates to have these three skills-
problem solving & independent thinking, work attitude and positive personality. However,
most of the institutions fail to assist students to develop these skillsets at the early stage.
Additionally, some unethical practices in each level of education diminishing the potentiality
of various talented candidates, thus increasing the production of non-qualified workforce.
Therefore, a doubtful question arises on the effectiveness of our educational system and
curriculum on producing qualified, competent graduates. Our study aims to find out the
possible discrepancies and mismatch between what we are taught in class and what is
expected of us in the job sector. The study has been conducted on two separate segments;
First on University students to identify their viewpoint and satisfaction about the current
educational curriculum at the same time, their expectation about future career. Secondly on
Company HR officials to find out their viewpoint about present job candidates and their
requirements and expectations from the students.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The broad objective of the study is to investigate the Effectiveness of Bangladeshi
Educational System in Current Job Environment. This main objective has some sub-
objectives. These are –
I. To inspect the current educational system’s efforts and current job environment of
Bangladesh.
II. To measure the degree of imbalance between employers required job skills and skills
developed in Bangladeshi educational institutions.
III. To find out the nature of skills required to attain by Bangladeshi individuals in future.
IV. To provide relevant insights for the development of educational sector based on the
opinions of various professional and non-professional individuals.

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LITERATURE REVIEW

Comparison of National Curriculum and International Curriculum

When searched for the countries holding best education policies, USA, UK, Canada, Germany,
Australia, France, Denmark etc. are likely to be the answer. Even if we cross less miles and
focus on Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, China, we are bound to accept that, they have
outstanding education policy. The mismatches of standard, unavailability of efficient
employment program are reported. Furthermore, Bangladesh education system highly
keeps a tab on the international systems and such negligence has been keeping Bangladesh
far behind. On the other hand, Japan’s institutions are governed according to the
international standards. Thus, the number of seats in the lecture halls is greater than the
number of students attending. In Bangladesh, the policies that govern the conduct of
teachers and the school workforce are not well defined.

Comparison of Job Skills in between Local and International candidates

Unemployment rate in Bangladesh is still very high but the higher authority that provides
job still find it difficult to get qualified individuals in the higher position of their organization.
A large number of students graduate every year but the lack of potential and unsafe
environment makes it harder to get qualified job. Most of our universities provide bookish
knowledge rather than practical concept. On the other hand, foreign individuals are much
more ahead than that of Bangladeshi students because of their interpersonal skills, quality,
and job-related knowledge and so on. Although there are lots of blue-collar jobs available but
who would want that job after graduating from universities or colleges.

Percentage of Skilled Job Candidates in Bangladesh

Looking upon the survey of Bangladesh, where roughly out of 40lakhs approximately 8lakhs
gets the chance to enter the job market (source-The Business Standard). Rests are thrown
out for not having adequate skills. Then again, almost 3 out of 5 jobs are not “promising” job
as well (source-Brookings Institution). However, the outflow of Bangladeshi skilled workers
surged by more than 36% and a total of 434,344 skilled workers went abroad with jobs in
2017, which was 318,851 in 2016, according to the statistics. But the number of professional
Bangladeshis marked a declining trend last year. Some 4,507 professionals went abroad with
employment in 2017 compared with 4,638 in 2016, the data showed.
(Source- The Financial Express)

Bangladesh’s Job Sector

With the new development across the job sectors and curriculum set aback 10 years, we get
to observe the decrease in number of unskilled labors in market yet is to set a drastic change.
Only around 10% of labor force reported to receive some sort of training which is even lower
in females. According to the Labor Force Survey 2013, 27.67% received training in
computer-related studies, 24.53% in crop production and preservation, and 9.75% in RMG.
Skill development will serve the requirement of high-skilled works and meet the SDGs
(Sustainable Development Goals) and thereby will lift the country towards the higher growth
trajectory in the medium-to long run.

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The analysis is based on primary data collected through online survey over a period of 15
days. The survey questionnaire was designed in a way to obtain both the quantitative and
qualitative data from the respondents. The study was carried out in two parts and different
questionnaire were prepared for each part.
In the first part, the respondents were university students or graduates from the universities
situated in Dhaka city. The respondents were selected on a probability basis from the target
group. Social media platforms were used to contact with the respondents.
In the second part, the respondents were HR officials from various organizations and the
organizations servers in different sectors of the economy. The respondents are selected
specifically from all over the Bangladesh. The respondents are contacted through e-mails
and organization websites.
Both open and closed ended questionnaire were prepared for data collection process which
had two parts- demographic profile, opinion of the current situation. Some questions in the
second part were prepared using 5-point Likert Scale (Likert, 1972, where 1= strongly
disagree and 5= strongly agree) and in the other questions’ respondents can share their own
perspective.
MS word and Excel were used for analyzing the data. Simple tabulation and charts are used
for analyzing the data. The data were analyzed in two sections. The first section analyzed the
quantitative data such as the demographic profiles of the respondents, the response
percentage of the participants on some particular questions etc. In the second section, the
qualitative data were analyzed from the open-ended questions and the relevant and feasible
opinions are represented in the study.

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FINDINGS

From Sample 1

The study finds that all the respondents are aged between 18 and 25 and among them most (85
percent) of the respondents are male. According to survey results (Table-1), the majority of the
respondents (70 percent) are undergraduate students.

Table-1: Characteristics of Respondents

Status of Respondents
Male Female
Characteristics Category
Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage
Frequency Frequency
(within group) (Between groups) (within group) (Between groups)

Undergraduate Students 39 76.5 65 3 33.3 5

Education Undergraduate Degree 9 17.6 15 6 66.7 10
Postgraduate Degree 3 5.9 5 - - -
Total 51 100 85 9 100 15

Sciences 9 17.6 15 6 66.7 10

Engineering & Technology 18 35.3 30 - - -
Field of Study
Business Studies 21 41.2 35 3 33.3 5
Arts 3 5.9 5 - - -
Total 51 100 85 9 100 15

Part-time 15 29.4 25 - - -
Doing Job Full-time - - - - - -
Not doing job 36 70.6 60 9 100 15
Total 51 100 85 9 100 15

0 to 2 12 23.5 20 - - -
2 to 5 3 5.9 5 - - -
Work Experience
5 to 10 - - - - -
No experience 36 70.6 60 9 100 15
Total 51 100 85 9 100 15

Government - - - - - -
Private(National) 6 11.75 10 - - -
Private(international) - - - - -
Working Organization Non profit(Government) - - - - -
Non profit(Private) 3 5.9 5 - - -
Self-employed 6 11.75 10 - - -
Not Applicable 36 70.6 60 9 100 15
Total 51 100 85 9 100 85
Source: Fieldwork

Among the working respondents most (80 percent) of them are self-employed or working in
private owned organizations and have working experience of less than 3 years. However, the
participation of arts, science and engineering students in workforce (part-time or full-time) is very
low compared to business studies students (Figure-1).

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 Paticipation in Work
Sciences Figure-1: Participation in work by groups
7% Source: Fieldwork
27% Engineering &
Technology
53% 13% Business Studies

Arts

Moreover, there are many factors that influences the respondents’ decision making criteria both
in job market as well as their own interests. The educational institutions has the highest influence
of about 90 percent that shows the dependency of students on educational institutes in attaining
skills (Table-2: The Factors Influencing Decision Making).

Influences Frequency Rank

Educational Institutions 54 1
Own Skills 51 2
Table-2: The Factors Influencing Decision Making
Job Availability 48 3
Financial Status 45 4 Source: Fieldwork
Family 42 5
Social Thoughts 39 6
Total- 60

Further interviewing the respondents, some important insights have been found. According
to the respondents, traditional curriculum, lack of job required knowledge and lack proper
guidance, provided by the educational institutes are the prime factors that causing
Bangladeshi students to hustle in the job market.
Traditional Curriculum

The education curriculum is not well organized and not consistent. The sudden gap of
knowledge between switching to higher levels from lower levels are comparatively high.
Moreover the provided knowledge is totally theoretical.
Job Required Knowledge

The country has some dedicated vocational institutes which are not enough for developing
specific skills for the whole young population and there is less practice of practical education
in other educational institutes. However, most of the institutes provided skills are backdated
and does not match with the current required skills in the job market.

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Proper Guidance

Other than developing cognitive and technical skills an education institutes also helps in
developing students’ people skills and soft skills. Due to high student to teacher ratio and
unethical actions by institutions’ management also hampering the chance of developing
those skills.

Along with the above-mentioned factors the majority of the respondents (90 percent) are
suggesting to introduce paid part-time works or internships in the formal sectors during
their educational period (Figure-2: Paid Internships or Works) to develop their cognitive,
technical, communication and soft skills. The proposed age to perform these internships and
part-time works is to be at least 16(Figure-3: Minimum Age to Perform Paid Works),
according to the majority of the respondents (45 percent).

Figure-2: Paid Internships or Works. Figure-3: Minimum Age to Perform Paid Works.
Source: Fieldwork Source: Fieldwork

From Sample 2

The study finds that all the respondents are directly working in recruiting department of an
organization and have more than five years of experience. According to survey results
(Table-3: Characteristics of the respondents), the majority of the organization (61.5 percent)
are about more than ten years old and among the organization most of them are national
private organization (38.4 percent). Moreover, about 53.8 percent organization are serving
the industry sector which is the most.

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 Table-3: Characteristics of the respondents
Status of the Respondents
Particulars Categories
Frequency Percentage

Government 1 7.7
Private(national) 5 38.4
Oraganization
Private(international) 2 15.4
Type
Non-profit(national) 3 23.1
Non-profit(international) 2 15.4
Total 13 100

0-5 years 3 23.1

Organization's
5-10 years 2 15.4
Age
10+ years 8 61.5
Total 13 100

Agriculture 2 15.4
Serving sector Service 4 30.8
Industry 7 53.8
Total 13 100
Source: Fieldwork
According to the respondents, Bangladeshi institution do not provide sufficient cognitive and
technical knowledge (Table-4: Failing to provide skills by Bangladeshi institutions.) that is
required for current job market. They think traditional educational system is one of the main
reasons, and sometimes the students are being taught some courses or subjects that are not
necessary in the recent job market. In addition, the respondents point out the institutional
efforts, unethical actions are also responsible for the cause.

Particulars Frequency Rank

Technical Skills 12 1 Table-4: Failing to provide skills
Cognitive Skills 11 2 by Bangladeshi institutions.
Soft skills 9 3
Source: Fieldwork
Personal Skills 7 4
Total- 13

Moreover, Bangladeshi institutions do not focus on the development of students’ soft and
personal skills. The recruiters give these skills also importance while hiring an employee.
The respondents also mention, although Bangladesh students are slowly adopting the trends
in job required skillsets, the educational institutions efforts will boost the growth at a greater
extent.

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CONCLUSION
The current job environment of Bangladesh is very competitive and is expected to be even
tougher in future. In order to survive in this environment an individual must acquire extra
skills and knowledge compared to the required skills in that level. To prepare students for
the future job environment, they should be familiarized about the environment from the
early stage of their education. Moreover, job related technical and cognitive skills focused
curriculum may have affirmative results in the long term. Besides, the educational
institutions efforts on developing students’ soft and personal skills will provide fruitful
results both in the short term and long term. Additionally, for better understanding the work
ethics and culture; different part-time works, paid or non-paid internship programs may be
introduced to students. Therefore, combined efforts of government, educational institutions
and private organizations is highly needed to implement the recommendations for better
development of current and future workforce.

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