Professional Documents
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Angel Faith G. Segundino1,2,3 Amiel John P. Barotilla1,2,3 Geyanne Marie D. Villar1,2,3 Janie May C.
Dominguez1,2,3 Jasmine V. Chan1,2,3 Mark Lawrence D. Canonizado1,2,3 Aileen Kazel Dumagco, MBA1,2,3,4
1
College of Hospitality and Institutional Management
2
Research Development and Innovation Center
3
Our Lady of Fatima University
4
Aileen Kazel Dumagco, MBA
Research Adviser
March 2023
Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
ENDORSEMENT
The thesis entitled "Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating
Travel and Tour Operations Majors" prepared and submitted by Angel Faith G. Segundino, Amiel John P.
Barotilla, Geyanne Marie D. Villar, Janie May C. Dominguez, Jasmine V. Chan, and Mark Lawrence D.
Canonizado of BSITM-TTO 3-YB-2, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of
Science in International Tourism Management has been examined and is now recommended for
OralExamination.
Adviser
This is to certify that the thesis entitled "Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of
Selected Graduating Travel and Tour Operations Majors” prepared and submitted by Angel Faith G.
Segundino, Amiel John P. Barotilla, Geyanne Marie D. Villar, Janie May C. Dominguez, Jasmine V.
Chan, and Mark Lawrence D. Canonizado of BSITM-TTO 3-YB-2 has passed the Oral Examination.
Panel member
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
This is to certify that Angel Faith G. Segundino, Amiel John P. Barotilla, Geyanne Marie D. Villar, Janie
May C. Dominguez, Jasmine V. Chan, and Mark Lawrence D. Canonizado of BSITM-TTO 3-YB-2 have
submitted the final thesis manuscript entitled “Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of
Selected Graduating Travel and Tour Operations Majors” together with other relevant documents in
compliance to the requirements of the RDIC and their REAT 311 course.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Certificate of Originality
We hereby declare that this thesis isour own work and that, to the best of our knowledge and belief, it
contains no material previously published or written by another person nor material to which to a
substantial extent has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma of a university or other
institute of higher learning, except where due acknowledgment is made in the text.
We also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of our work, even though we may
have received assistance from others on style, presentation, and language expression.
Principal Investigator
Members:
Jasmine V. Chan
Adviser
March 2023
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Date Signed
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour Operations Majors
Table of Contents
Preliminaries
Title Page
Endorsement I
Certificate of Originality II
Abstract IV
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Issues 2
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour Operations Majors
4.0 Results 26
5.0 Discussion 34
5.1 Conclusion 35
5.2 Recommendations 36
Acknowledgement 38
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF APPENDICES
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Abstract
Career preparedness is needed because having the right skills, knowledge, and attitude can help
give the student a stable foundation that can help them in their careers moving forward and stay
competitive in the ever-changing landscape of the tourism industry. Being prepared also helps with the
longevity of one's career and the ability to adapt to any changes in the future. With all this in mind, career
preparedness is one of the most important things that a TTO graduating student would need to be
successful in their field and have an edge in the tourism industry.
This study utilized a quantitative-descriptive research design to gather information about the
graduating tourism student’s preparedness for their professional careers. It is a non-experimental type of
research whereby the variables are measured using numerical terms, although the variables under
interrogation are not manipulated by the researchers. The study conducted also uses objective research,
where we use a survey questionnaire and a Google Form with closed-ended questions. The researchers
selected 150 graduating tourism students majoring in travel and tour operations at Our Lady of Fatima
University, regardless of age and gender. Results showed that there are more enrolled female tourism
students than male tourism students, with Table 1 showing the profile of participants based on gender and
Table 2 indicating that all participants were enrolled in the study. Most participants were female,
comprising 98% of the total participants.
The results of the study revealed that participants rated themselves highly in terms of knowledge
development, with extensive knowledge of the tourism industry and the capability to secure a desired job
position. Skills development was also rated positively, with participants expressing confidence in their
adaptability, problem-solving skills, technical skills, and communication skills. Attitude development was
also highlighted as a strong point, with participants demonstrating positive traits such as patience,
optimism, self-confidence, open-mindedness, and dedication to pursuing goals.
Overall, the findings suggest that the participants feel well-prepared for their professional careers
in the tourism industry, with favorable ratings in knowledge, skills, and attitude development. These
results indicate that the participants have a strong foundation and are equipped with the necessary
competencies to succeed in their future careers in the dynamic field of tourism and hospitality.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
According to D Surya Prakash (2016) based on his article entitled "A,S,K - Attitude, Skill, and
Knowledge" Attitude, skill, and knowledge, all three elements are put together to form a success formula.
It is a well-known fact that any person with a remarkable blend of all the above-mentioned 3
characteristics will come out as a human being with lots of intelligence, leadership qualities, and
mentoring abilities. He said ‘’If you don’t have skills, they can be acquired. If you don’t have the
knowledge, it can be gained. But, if you don’t have attitude, you are in trouble.’’
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
CHAPTER 1
1.0 Introduction
Tourism Industry is one of the fastest-growing fields of study in the Philippines. The growth of
hospitality and tourism programs can be attributed to two factors. The economy has increased the demand
for high-quality lodging facilities from both domestic and foreign customers. It runs and provides
programs that equip and prepare students with an understanding of the concept of quality service and the
creation of innovative products. A workforce originating in the Philippines, working in the hospitality and
tourism sectors, and dealing with various issues and challenges in obtaining industry-specific skills
(Barquilla and Bico et al., 2016).
Tourism students' ability to enter the tourism industry and the level of preparedness that allows
them to participate in the tourism industry. In line with this premise, the aim of this study is to determine
the level of preparedness of tourism graduating students in terms of knowledge, skills, attitude, and
employability. Preparing for a professional career while still in school can be highly beneficial. It allows
students to identify their strengths and interests, acquire valuable competencies, and gain practical
experience through networking, internships, and other opportunities. It also helps them set realistic career
goals and make informed decisions about their academic and extracurricular pursuits. Ultimately, early
preparation can lead to better career outcomes, increased earning potential, and more fulfilling
professional life. Additionally, the students themselves will benefit from this because they can prepare
better before they enter the industry, furthermore, researchers are currently taking the TTO program, and
it will help them to have more understanding of the industry they have chosen (Cueto, 2016; Felicen &
Ylagan, 2018; Mote et al., 2014).
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
1.1 Issues
In reality, many college students generally find it difficult to make decisions about their primary
or potential career paths. Since there are many factors affecting choosing their career path. Entering the
industry is not always easy. Some are indecisive because they are influenced by their environment or peer
pressure. (Bullock-Yowell and McConnell et al., 2014) some of them have even more trouble choosing a
career after completing their studies (Sidiropoulou-Dimakakou and Mylonas et al. 2012). Such
professional indecision can adversely affect a student's social, personal, and professional life (Osipow,
1999). If the hospitality industry expects most students to find jobs or pursue a career in hospitality upon
graduation, a student's professional indecision will not help. It has become important for hospitality
programs to provide students with effective career guidance and support them in making meaningful
career decisions related to the hospitality industry. According to (Chuang, 2011; Lee, Lee, & Dopson,
2019), career indecision is not useful because the hospitality industry anticipates that the majority of
graduating students will start working or pursuing careers in the industry. It becomes essential for
hospitality programs to provide students with sound career advice and assistance as they make vital
decisions on their futures in the hospitality industry.
Tourism education suffers from poor academic performance, often combined with low aspirations
and achievements resulting in a low long-term commitment to a career in the industry. Tourism is a
strong academic discipline at some institutions, but overall, it has a long history of relatively poor
performance (Airey and Tribe et al., 2014) and a lack of intrinsic motivation (Stansbie and Nash, 2016)
suffers from recognition of This is partly due to the increasing fragmentation of student engagement
(Lugosi and Jameson, 2017) and lower entry levels than other subjects such as economics and
management is career choice.
In terms of graduate students working in the tourism industry, studies have shown that the
average level of education is low (Prize, 1994; Stansbie & Nash, 2016) and that employees with a tourism
education constitute a small proportion of the overall number of employees in the catering,
accommodation, and travel industries (Hjalager& Andersen, 2001), with research arguing that many
tourism employers do not require a tourism degree (Airey, Tribe, Benckendorff, & Xiao, 2015; Evans,
1993). A combination of poor image (Richardson, 2009; Riley, Ladkin & Szivas, 2002) poor pay and
working conditions, as well as the absence of motivation (Doherty, Guerrier, Jamieson, Lashley,
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
&Lockwood, 2001; Jenkins, 2001), brings additional challenges in recruiting the right candidates to
tourism programs (Mei, 2017). More recently, employment in the Tourism industry has been based on
qualifications (Baum, 2015; Baum et al., 2016), though studies indicate that jobs in tourism are not the
first career choice among young graduates (Getz, 1994). Instead, tourism is regarded as a temporary
solution, even by those with dedicated professional training. In terms of job opportunities, graduates have
a far wider perspective than accounted for in curriculum designs (Purcell & Quinn, 1996) but offer little
added value, as they compete with low-skilled, ordinary workers for traditional tourism jobs (Baum,
2018). Furthermore, about half of tourism and hospitality students never fulfill their potential or enter the
tourism industry, and many end up in low-paying jobs (Costa, Breda, Malek, & Durao, 2013; Hobsons,
2012; Walmsley, 2009). However, their training was geared toward careers in tourism (Hjalager&
Andersen, 2001; Purcell & Quinn, 1996). Limited research, particularly recent research, has examined
whether such low engagement may indicate anxiety or skill-related mismatch in career choices.
This research study aims to assess the KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude) of students and its
impact on their professional development and personal growth. Understanding the KSA of students can
provide insights into the effectiveness of current educational practices and identify areas where
improvements can be made to enhance students' readiness for their professional careers. Additionally, by
evaluating the KSA of students, this research study can contribute to the broader field of education and
professional development. The findings of this research can inform the development of interventions and
strategies to support students in achieving their full potential and succeeding in their chosen career paths.
Additionally, fostering a positive attitude encourages personal growth, adaptability, and resilience. A
strong KSA enables students to differentiate themselves in a competitive job market and increases their
prospects of securing a fulfilling job that aligns with their objectives. Ultimately, this research study aims
to empower students to realize their full potential by providing them with the necessary KSA for long-
term success in their chosen field.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
This study utilizes a quantitative research approach and a survey research method to arrive at the
results. A quantitative research approach according to Bhandari (2020) is the process of collecting and
analyzing numerical data to find patterns and averages and test causal relationships. On the other hand, a
survey research approach where surveys are used as the main data collection tool. Researchers employ
surveys as a method to better understand the views of individuals or groups regarding a given concept or
study (Dr. Mills Jessica, 2021).This research on student preparation can provide valuable insights into the
skills and knowledge that are in demand in the workforce by identifying the skills that are required for
different professions. This research can help ensure that graduates are better prepared to meet the needs of
employers. This study has the potential to have several positive effects; including providing students with
the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen professions, as well as improving
educational quality and curriculum relevance. Furthermore, by understanding the skills and knowledge
required for various professions, schools can provide better guidance to students and create more
engaging and relevant learning experiences. This can lead to improved student success and workforce
readiness. Overall, this research has the potential to make significant contributions to industry, society,
and education by developing a more skilled, innovative, and productive workforce, closing skill gaps,
increasing social mobility, and promoting economic growth and competitiveness.
To begin, this study has the potential to improve communication between schools, industry, and
society. This alignment can promote improved communication and collaboration between schools and
industry; additionally, industry and society can gain a better understanding of new graduates' abilities and
knowledge, promoting improved communication and collaboration among professionals. This research on
student preparation for their professional careers has the potential to significantly contribute to
communication by promoting better communication among schools, industry, and society, improving
communication between students and their future employers and driving the development of new
communication technologies and practices.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
CHAPTER 2
This chapter presents related studies regarding work readiness, CHED order about competencies
CMO 62 series 2017, knowledge, skills, attitude, and preparedness.
Local Literature/Research
Gevana and Tan (2021) conducted research on "Career Preparedness and Employability Skills of
Hospitality Students" The aim of this research is to pinpoint the area of career readiness that most
significantly affects the employability abilities of hospitality students. The correlational method and a
quantitative, non-experimental research methodology were both used in the study. A contextualized
questionnaire was used to conduct a survey of 250 randomly chosen fourth-year college students enrolled
in hospitality programs at five different HEIs in Davao City. The findings indicated that the respondents'
career preparedness and employability skills are at a high level, indicating that the measurements of both
variables are frequently expressed. The study's conclusions also showed a correlation between career
readiness and employability abilities and their considerable influence. The generic abilities of career
preparation were found to have the greatest influence on employability skills when independently
regressed.
According to the research of Barton (2009), the outcome impact evaluation would be used to
measure the individual characteristics in order to ascertain whether individual abilities, knowledge, and
attitude have changed as a result of program intervention. She added that an outcome-impact analysis will
determine the program's impact on elements including knowledge, abilities, and attitudes related to
constructive conflict resolution. It is most helpful to compare knowledge, skill, and attitude levels before
and after exposure to a program or curriculum when using this form of evaluation to measure. Success is
determined by the deviations from initial or baseline values that occur as a result of school safety efforts.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Verdadero, Donna May, et al. (2020) conducted research on "Students' Preparedness to Enter
Tourism Industry" The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well-prepared Lyceum of the Philippines
University tourism students are to work in the field. It will determine the gender profile of the
respondents; evaluate how prepared students are to work in the tourism industry in terms of knowledge
and skills, functional area skills, and concentration area skills; and test whether there is a significant
difference in the students' preparedness when grouped according to profile variables. It will also suggest a
course of action. 134 graduating tourism students from the Lyceum of the Philippines University
Batangas participated in the study, which used a descriptive methodology to assess students' readiness for
careers in the tourist industry. The majority of respondents were women, and they were ready to work in
the tourism sector. According to the results of the exam, men are better equipped than women in terms of
functional skills.
As stated in the CHED CMO 62 series (2017), the first thing to do is to operate Global
Distribution System and converse it in a foreign language aside from English. Third, develop and defend
a tourism development plan that incorporates relevant inputs such as laws, market research and feasibility
study, and product development, among others. Prepare and sell tour package that includes, itinerary, tour
organization, and profit-generating costing. Lastly, stage an actual event using management, marketing,
and financial principles and theories.
As stated in the CHED CMO 62 series (2017), the tourism and hospitality industries are governed
by a complex domestic, international, legal, and regulatory framework. This course investigates this
framework and covers the essential legal principles that apply to hospitality, tourism, and associated
businesses. Various corporate legislation and international law concerns such as consumer protection,
product and service liability, employment, and legal access to the natural environment will be explored.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
the existing educational curricula. Synchronization between academia and industry also occupies a unique
position because the majority of newly graduated professionals will typically enter the market to deal with
real-world situations. (Manhas & Dogra, 2011). To confirm what students already know, assess whether
they have achieved the objectives of their individualized programs or the curriculum, or certify
proficiency and decide on the students' future programs or placements, an appropriate assessment of the
learning strategies must be developed (Buendicho, 2013, p.1). Assessment for learning is a component of
both learning and pedagogy, as stated by Vlachou (2015). By providing students with opportunities to
take control of their own learning and empowering them to do so, the involved procedures can enhance
instruction and foster student learning.
Cos, John Carl Vincent, et al. (2018) conducted research “Career Readiness among International
HospitalityManagement Graduates” the aim of this research is to evaluate the career readiness of
graduating students from LPU-Batangas in the CLOHS, CLOCA, CAKO, and HRM programs. The study
intends to present the respondents' profiles by sex and program and assess their readiness in terms of
knowledge, skills, and personality. It also seeks to determine if there is a significant difference in
readiness among graduates when grouped by the program. A descriptive research design was used to
collect data on graduates' career readiness levels. The study involved 110 graduating students from the
CLOHS, CLOCA, CAKO, and HRM programs. The findings suggest that CAKO program graduates are
better prepared for their future careers in terms of knowledge, while CLOCA program graduates are more
ready in terms of skills. To ensure that students' knowledge, skills, and personality related to hospitality
management are developed to a level that prepares them for their future careers, instructors in the
International Hospitality Management program should individually check students' performance and
conduct relevant activities.
2.2.6 Preparing Future Industry Leaders: A Framework for Philippine Tourism Education
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
industry's supply and demand requirements can be filled. This effectively places the tourist education
program in the context of the country's needs and links it to development plans. In the end, the individual
who is prepared by the educational system through the acquisition of knowledge and skills benefits the
society and community of which he is a member.
2.2.7 Employable Skills for Hospitality Graduates as Perceived Among Hotel Supervisors in Cebu
City
According to Mcnair (2003), in the coming years, it will be crucial for graduates to take
responsibility for their own employable skills and have the confidence to navigate economic disruptions
to take advantage of career opportunities. Employable skills are specific competencies that prepare
students for the workforce, including hospitality operations, human resources, personal, and conceptual
skills. This research examines how employers perceive the skills of Hotel and Restaurant Management
graduates, particularly those needed for accelerated performance in the hospitality industry, which is
constantly changing. The study aims to identify the factors that measure the employable skills of hotels,
as well as to understand how well universities are preparing graduates for the changing demands of the
Philippine hospitality industry.
According to Fallows & Steven (2000), graduates must acquire skills that will increase their
employment prospects. A student's knowledge refers to theoretical or factual information about a
particular subject. Most people think that knowledge is the most important factor in how well a task is
done. It is basic to recognize the sorts of information abilities that should be created in the travel industry
graduates to set them up for the labor force.
Foreign Literature/Research
2.2.10 The students' career choice and job preparedness strategies: A social environmental
perspective
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
were to look at the factors influencing students' career decisions and learn about their methods for getting
ready for the workforce. Additionally, the study aimed to put out a theory that, when seen from the
standpoint of the social environment, could explain the students' job choices. The study put forth a
hypothesis of professional choice that contends that students' career preferences and choices are
influenced by a variety of social, cultural, and economic factors rather than just their own personal
interests. As a result, the study recommended that as a strategy for work readiness, NSTU students enroll
in professional development courses. The research also recommended that the NSTU establish a career
advisory and counseling center to help connect its students with the labor market.
Theron and Wakelin (2019) conducted research on "Determining tourism graduate employability,
knowledge, skills, and competencies in a VUCA world: Constructing a tourism employability
model"through the development of a tourist employability model, the goal of this study was to ascertain
the employability, knowledge, skills, and competencies of tourism graduates in a VUCA world. The idea
of employability varies based on the situation, as well as the perspectives of individuals making
employment decisions and those looking for work in a VUCA environment. In a technologically driven
world, it is essential to ensure that tourism graduates have the necessary level of preparedness. This can
be done by identifying the crucial knowledge, skills, and competencies that will improve graduates'
chances of finding and keeping jobs in South Africa's tourism sector.
2.2.12 The study assessed employees' perceptions of their employability skills in tourism and
hospitality management (THM) graduating in the Zimbabwean sector
Moyo and Ozgit (2022) as stated in their journal “The study assessed employees' perceptions of
their employability skills in tourism and hospitality management (THM) graduating in the Zimbabwean
sector”. Participants in the study stated that internship tasks provided little training in practical skills.
Furthermore, the Tourism and Hospitality Management students indicated a need for increased
collaboration between higher education and industry partners to improve their employability skills
additionally the findings emphasize the importance of gaining practical skills through extended internship
experiences to develop more skilled human resources for the tourism industry.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
2.2.13 Perception of tourism graduates and the tourism industry on the important knowledge and
skills required in the Tourism Industry
Theron and Ukpere et al. (2018) as stated in their article entitled "Perception of tourism graduates
and the tourism industry on the important knowledge and skills required in the tourism industry" the
requirement for higher education institutions (HEIs) to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, and
qualities that would make them highly adaptable and employable in various tourist businesses. This
suggests that the many degrees in tourism that HEIs grant should take into account the needs and
objectives of the travel industry. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the knowledge and skills that recent
tourism graduates must obtain in order to prepare for the workforce. The purpose of this article is to
identify the viewpoints of recent tourism graduates and the critical knowledge and skills required in the
travel and tourist industry.
According to D Surya Prakash (2016) based on his article entitled "A,S,K - Attitude, Skill, and
Knowledge" Attitude, skill, and knowledge, all three elements are put together to form a success formula.
It is a well-known fact that any person with a remarkable blend of all the above-mentioned 3
characteristics will come out as a human being with lots of intelligence, leadership qualities, and
mentoring abilities. He said ‘’If you don’t have skills, they can be acquired. If you don’t have the
knowledge, it can be gained. But, if you don’t have attitude, you are in trouble.’’
2.2.15 Competency
Competence is defined as knowledge, abilities, skills, and attitudes in the completion of a task
required in an organization depending on the extentto which it may need in different jobs and levels
within the organization (Hager &Gonczi, 1996). Much of the previous and current literature on
competency pay particular attention on performing and adapting the knowledge, skills, and attitudes
(KSA) that are needed to deliver the duties required by the organization (Brownell & Chung, 2001;
Vakola et al., 2007; Wang, 2013). In the hotel industry, competency is a crucial aspect that is tailored to
the nature of the occupation itself. It has been demonstrated that competency plays an important role in
shaping hotel employees’ skills in providing quality services to customers (Safavi &Bouzari, 2019). Over
the years there have been few studies examining the competency attributes across different fields and
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
occupational tasks, some suggested how competencies might contribute on an individual level (Heinsman
et al., 2008; Thompson & Cole, 1997) while others distinguish the need the on an organizational level (De
Vos et al., 2011; Jaykumar et al., 2014). Gaining knowledge might be the aim in terms of educating
employees but it is still insufficient to ensure that they are competent in doing the job, hence it is
important to include the important attributes of competency in developing skillful hotel front liners. There
are several attributes highlighted by previous studies expected from fresh graduates such as
communication competency, cognitive competency, leadership competency, problem-solving
competency, and human relation competency (Brownell & Chung, 2001; Crawford et al., 2014; Jaykumar
et al., 2014; Lin, 2002; Safavi &Bouzari, 2019; Tas, 1983; Wang, 2013).
According to Oliver (2015), students are evaluated as employable if they can “discern, acquire,
adapt and continually enhance the skills, understandings and personal attributes that make them more
likely to find and create meaningful paid and unpaid work that benefits themselves, the workforce, the
community and the economy” (p. 59). In the definition of student employability proposed by Coetzee et
al. (2015), the ability to change jobs is included in the concept. Accordingly, the authors define
employability as knowledge, skills, attitudes, and attributes enabling students to secure, maintain, and
transit employment across different organizations and positions within organizations (Coetzee et al.,
2015).
The importance of workplace readiness skills for graduates’ employability has been
acknowledged in several studies (Bakar et al., 2013; Makki et al., 2015; Musa et al., 2011; Peltola, 2018).
McClarty et al. (2017) define workplace readiness skills as individual basic academic preparation and the
life skills needed to maintain employment. Workplace readiness enables graduates to contribute towards
the achievement of the organization’s objectives through knowledge, attitudes, and commercial
understanding (Mason et al., 2009). Fromother perspectives, Raftopoulos et al. (2009) define workplace
readiness as skills involving graduates’ confidence, skills regarding leadership, self-discipline skills,
knowing how to solve problems, and numeracy skills. They additionally identified workplace readiness as
the composition of many aspects such as workforce readiness, work-readiness skills, workplace know-
how, transferable skills, and career skills.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
2.2.18 Skills South Africa's tourism-led development plan was covered in the article "development
in tourism: South Africa's tourism-led development strategy”
Kaplan L. (2004) in his investigation "Skills South Africa's tourism-led development plan was
covered in the article "development in tourism: South Africa's tourism-led development strategy," which
focused on the importance of skills development. To ensure the efficient and long-lasting development of
skills, and transformational growth of the tourism sector. They highlighted the importance of developing
soft skills among the workforce if tourism was to fulfill its potential as a driver of socioeconomic growth,
the creation of jobs, and business prospects.
Kalargyrou. V (2005) In the chapter of the dissertation the study, “Leadership Skills and
Challenges in Hospitality Management Education”, attempted to examine the necessary abilities that
made administrators in hospitality management effective, and it came to the conclusion that one of the
keys to becoming effective leaders of the future is leadership skills, followed by interpersonal, personal
values, communications, and strategic skills.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Enhancing graduates’
employability
Selvadurai et al. (2012) the Consensus Employability Theory states that improving graduates'
employability and their career growth depends on improving capital, especially the development of their
skills Moreover, human capital theory goes down prominently whenever employability is considered, the
context of human resources is the terms is used to describe graduate quality, i.e., the level of skills and
knowledge that graduates bring to their jobs. Human development and human capital are therefore
identified with the definition of employability skills, which refers to knowledge and skills (Jonck 2014;
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Jonck and Van Der Walt, 2015). Therefore, based on the theoretical framework and empirical background
on employability skills, this study finds that skills development has a positive impact on employability
indicators of graduates, which in turn will lead to their future employment opportunities. Furthermore, the
study will theoretically contribute by describing graduate students' understanding of the importance of
developing skills for future employment.
RESPONDENTS
Demographic Profile
Gender
Academic Status
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
A conceptual framework depicts the expected relationship between your variables. It defines the
relevant objectives for your research process and shows how they fit together to form a coherent
conclusion.
Professional Career
Career choice, according to Wan et al. (2014), is a complicated and diverse phenomenon.
Students' job prospects and devotion to the travel and hospitality industry are influenced by a variety of
variables. A career is widely described as a lifelong sequence of activities linked to work, and it develops
via a continuous cycle of phases with distinct concerns, themes, and duties. Young professionals display
career behaviour that may be characterized as a "bricolage" of easily available short-term job and
volunteer options that, when supported by a strong professional identity, can lead to flexibility and a
sense of well-being.
Smith (2015) stated that "Given the connection, it has with the communities where it operates and
the active role it plays in influencing socioeconomic progress, the tourism industry has generally been
viewed favourably for its economic effects". However, there is mounting evidence of its detrimental
socio-cultural (e.g., commodification, exploitation, etc.) and environmental (e.g., pollution, waste, etc.)
effects, which have received additional scrutiny.
OECD (2006) stated that "tourism graduates have historically had greater employment rates than
unskilled employees, the recent decade has witnessed a significant increase in the number of graduates
seeking to enter the labor market, making it increasingly difficult to obtain job".
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As stated in the CHED CMO 62 series (2017), the CHED Memorandum of Understanding
(CMO) implements a transition to learning outcome-based education. It sets the learning outcomes
expected for graduates of all types of universities graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Tourism
Management (BSTM) and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) graduates. In
addition, this CMO offers many opportunities for higher education institutions to innovate curricular
according to their design to achieve the best learning outcomes in their respective situations, their
respective visions, missions, goals, and areas of activity.
Abilities (The Greenwood Dictionary of Education, 2003), relate to things "one understands how
to accomplish" and "achieved through practice" (The Greenwood Dictionary of Education, 2003).
Attitudes are defined as the "inclination to act favorably or negatively toward an item, “person, event, or
concept" The Cyclopedic Education Dictionary (1998) and that which guides "a person's objectives and
desires" The Greenwood Dictionary and Education Dictionary (2003). The target of this research is to
better understand the knowledge, attitudes, and skills produced by foreign language teacher educators and
pre-service foreign language teachers who participated in a study group. Knowledge has to deal with the
"collective name for concepts, principles, and practices in a specific field or professional specialty and the
general data, knowledge, and experience that are needed to good performance in learning and
implementing what has been taught".
The study “Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating
Travel and Tour Operation Majors” Sought to answer the following questions:
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1.2 Gender
2. What are the major factors of graduating students that can affect students’ preparedness for a
professional career in terms of:
Hypothesis
Ho1: The students who do not have KSA development are not prepared to get employed in their
professional careers.
Ho2: The students who have KSA development are prepared to get employed in their professional
careers.
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The diagram shows the process of the study in order to know the different perspectives of
graduating Travel and Tour OperationMajors regarding the student's preparation in their chosen
professional career.
2. What are the major factors of survey questionnaire and chosen professional careers. The
graduating students that can google form researchers will also know
affect students’ preparedness for Messaging through whether it will benefit the
a professional career in terms of messenger and emails students. It will benefit the
knowledge, skills, and attitude Reading older research, teachers and the school because
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CHAPTER 3
In this chapter, we discussed the research design that uses the objective type of research in which
the questions are closed-ended, and we used the descriptive approach. The research locale where we will
be conductingis Our Lady of Fatima University Campus. In research sampling, where purposive sampling
has been used in the study, Research Ethics, researchers proposed a consent letter to every participant so,
that they are fully informed about the mechanics of the study before giving them the survey questionnaire.
Research Instruments, we will gather information usinga survey questionnaire. For the purposes of this
research, an in-depth interviewis used through a survey questionnaire with every respondent. And, lastly
the Data Analysis, we will use “Quantitative Analysis” to collect and compile the analyzed form.
The study that is conducted uses objective type research, where we use closed-ended questions.
Descriptive research is a method of study that clearly defines existing phenomena. Descriptive research
encompasses some methods of research, such as surveys, correlation studies, quantitative studies, and
content analysis. Quantitative research is an approach for testing objective theories by examining the
relationship among variables. The correlation method was utilized. It is the design that was used by the
researchers. This research used correlation as a tool to organize data into patterns that emerge during
analysis. The variables involved in this are called independent and dependent variables. Independent
manipulated factor and, thus, a potential cause. On the contrary, the dependent variable is a factor that can
change in the study in response to the changes in the independent variable.
This study will be conducted on the campus of Our Lady of Fatima University in Quezon City, as
the selected respondents are graduating Travel and Tour Operation majors at universities who are eligible
for the type of research we are conducting. Researchers also chose the Quezon City campus because of
the availability of the respondents on the campus and because it is convenient for the researchers.
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Purposive sampling was used in this study. The main goal of this non-probability method is to
focus on particular characteristics of a person that are of interest. The sample is selected because it is
more effective when the respondents are few, and it is effective in choosing the respondents because it is
based on the researcher’s observation or judgment. Our respondents are the graduating Travel and Tour
Operation majors at Our Lady of Fatima University, and 150 respondents will be selected.
Slovin formula is used to calculate the sample size (n) given the population size (N) and a margin
of error (e). It’s a random sampling technique formula to estimate sampling size.
whereas:
n = no. of samples
N = total population
n = 240/ (1+240*0.05²)
n = 150 samples
In this study, a quantitative method based on survey methods is applied. A sample of 150
respondents was selected using a purposive sampling technique whereby the respondents have to be
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graduating Travel and Tour Operation students at Our Lady of Fatima University in the survey. Simply
expressed, in the case of the purposive sampling approach, the researcher decides what needs to be
discovered and sets out to find those who can help and can and will provide the information as a result of
experience or knowledge (Bernard 2002, Lewis & Sheppard 2006). When used correctly, purposive
sampling can be just as effective an even more efficient as other methods (Tongco, M. C. 2007). The
population in this study includes students taking Travel and Tour Operations as their course who wish to
develop a human career in tourism and the tourism industry as a whole (Ladkin, 2005). In this study, a
quantitative method based on survey methods is applied. A sample of 150 respondents was selected using
a purposive sampling approach whereby the respondents have to be graduating TTO students at Our Lady
of Fatima University in the survey. Simply expressed, in the case of the purposive sampling technique,
the researcher decides what needs to be discovered and sets out to find those who can help and will
provide the information as a result of experience or knowledge (Bernard 2002, Lewis & Sheppard 2006).
When used correctly, purposive sampling can be just as effective as an even more efficient than other
methods (Tongco, M. C. 2007). There are characteristics of respondents that had been set up, namely; (i)
Students taking TTO as their course; (ii) Graduating TTO majors; (iii) Enrolled at Our Lady of Fatima
University.
This is to inform you that the letter of consent will be given to the selected respondents. All
information will be kept private for the confidentiality of the respondents. Five principles of research
ethics are included in this letter, and they are fully informed about the mechanics of the study before
giving the survey questions. The purpose, the methods being used, and the possible outcome of the
research will be discussed with every participant. The researchers will promise not to harm any
respondents who answer the questionnaire given by them. In the event that the respondents felt
uncomfortable during the proposal of consent, they are given the freedom to ask or refuse to avoid
misunderstandings. Furthermore, the researchers will understand the point of view of the respondents, and
asking reasons why they refused is not required.Research requires not just expertise and devotion, but
also honesty and integrity. This is done to recognize and protect human subjects' rights. The rights to self-
determination, voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, possibility for harm,
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and communicating outcomes were all respected in order to make the study ethical. A well-designed
questionnaire is required for every survey, questionnaire, or interview to be successful. A good
questionnaire contributes directly to the attainment of the study objectives, provides extensive and
accurate information, is straightforward to complete for both researchers and respondents, is arranged in
such a manner that sound analysis and interpretation are possible, and is brief. When developing
questionnaires to collect data for the study, the researchers must properly prepare to visualize the ideal
answers to the problem at hand as well as identify several obstacles and constructs linked with the
problem.
Data security: Republic Act 10173 - Data Privacy Act of 2012: An Act to establish a national
privacy commission and other measures to protect individual personal information in government and
private sector information and communication networks. Anonymity was preserved by eliminating the
participant's name from the questionnaire and research findings, as well as the letter of consent.
Confidentiality was maintained when reporting or publishing the study by keeping the gathered data
secret and not revealing the subjects' identities. The surveys contained no identifying information. The
identity of the participants was withheld from the final report in favour of fictitious names. The ethical
notion of self-determination was upheld as well. The researchers discussed their origins and some of their
experiences with the participants while describing the purpose of the study in order to build trust and
encourage the participants to voice their opinions. In the event of any questions or concerns, the
researchers' information was made public. By correctly capturing the comments of those subjects, the
researcher avoids any form of dishonesty.
The research instrument will be the survey questionnaire and online survey through Google form
that the researchers will use for the data collection for this study. A questionnaire is one of the most
popular research instruments between the respondents and the researchers because it offers a fast,
efficient, and inexpensive means of gathering large amounts of information from sizeable sample
volumes, and it can be conducted face-to-face. A survey questionnaire will be conducted to answer the
research questions. The respondents will be given enough time to answer the questionnaire and double-
check their answers.
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The data will be collected through a survey questionnaire. In gathering the data needed for this
study the researchers will print the questionnaires and the respondents will choose their answers. All
statements that will be given by the respondents will not be shared with others for their privacy. After 10
days, the recorded information from the respondents will be deleted.The data will be collected in order to
conduct a study on the preparation of the professional career of selected graduating Travel and Tour
Operationmajors. One (1) data collection technique will be used in this study. This is through a survey
questionnaire. In gathering the data needed in this study the researchers will print the questionnaires and
will go to the respective classroom of graduating Travel and Tour Operationstudents in Our Lady of
Fatima University Quezon City Branch a request letter will be given to the target participants in personto
obtain their other information and also to collect their consent. The volunteer’s respondents will choose
their answers. Participants can accept or refuse the request for data collection and are not required to
participate. All statements that will be given by the respondents will not be shared with others for their
privacy. After 10 days, the recorded information from the respondents will be deleted.
Since our study deals in data, logic, and an objective viewpoint. The data being collected will be
compiled and analyzed in the form of “Quantitative Data Analysis”. This type of data analysis is
applicable for quantitative research because it collects information from existing and potential
respondents using sampling methods and sending out online surveys and questionnairesgiven by
respondents so we can conclude a conclusion. With their thoughts, we can make a deeper understanding
of the preparation of graduating Travel and Tour Operation students for their professional careers in every
person. Through the help of the survey questionnaire, we can have a better perspective and another view
with regards to the topic. This data is very effective and powerful since it is gathered or given by the
respondents through their own experience. The researchers will form a conclusion after analyzing and
interpreting the data.
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The statistical method that we will use is the percentage technique, this technique is used to get
the percentage of the answer of the chosen respondents. The data will be interpreted by the use of the
formula:
P= F/N×100
Where:
P= Percentage (%)
F= Frequency
Weighted Mean
The weighted mean is calculated by multiplying each data point in the collection by a value that
is based on some aspect of the factor that contributed to the data item (Clark- Carter, 2010).
Formula: X = £x / n where,
Mean: X
Number of Respondent: n
Content analysis will be used to analyze the data which was gathered from the survey
questionnaire and online survey through Google form. The participants will be graduating Travel and
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Tour Operation students at Our Lady of Fatima University. The questionnaires will be given directly to
students. Upon confirmation and acceptance of the request letter and once participants have completed the
survey and the data has been collected and saved, the online form will be closed. The collected data will
then be encoded and transformed into a quantitative format and analyzed using sorting, comparing, and
data reduction methods to summarize the gathered information effectively.
CHAPTER 4
4.0 Results
This chapter presents the results of the study based on the identified problems. The significant
findings are presented in tables, followed by analysis and interpretation of the data collected through
survey questionnaires and online surveys in order to assess if the graduating students are prepared for
their professional careers and according to the purpose of the study reflected on the specific questions on
the statements of the problem.
n=150
GENDER PERCENTAGE
FREQUENCY
FEMALE 98 98
MALE 52 52
The table 1 above shows the frequency distribution for Gender. Majority of the respondents are
female with 98 respondents or 98%. The male respondents got 52 or 52%. Equality in Tourism
International reported in 2018. Women make up 53% of the hospitality workforce and 61% of the tourism
industry, respectively (United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020, UNWTO, 2019).Furthermore, it
was discovered that female CEOs are better equipped to lead female employees due to their ability to
communicate with one another (Flabbi et al., 2018).
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n=150
The table 2 above shows the frequency distribution for Academic Status. All of the 150
respondents are currently enrolled at Our Lady of Fatima University taking up Bachelor of Science in
International Tourism Management Major in Travel and Tour Operations.
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SAMPLE FRQUENCY
total
Ʃfw/total
N=150 f
KNOWLEDGE
DEVELOPMENT
I have extensive
knowledge of the
Tourism Industry 4.43
TOTAL 4.45
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Legend: 4.44-5.00 = Strongly Agree; 3.58-4.43 = Agree; 2.72-3.57 = Moderate; 1.86-2.71 = Disagree;
1.0-1.85 = Strongly Disagree
The table 3 above shows the frequency distribution for knowledge development. The respondents
are all prepared to enter their professional career after they graduate based on the knowledge
development, in which it got an overall mean of 4.45 and was interpreted as "strongly agree." Of these
knowledge development items, the item "I have the capability to contribute productively at work" got the
highest mean of 4.56 and was interpreted as "Strongly Agree." Next is the item "I have the initiative to
apply what I have learned from school," with a mean score of 4.54 and interpreted as "Strongly Agree."
Next is the item "I have extensive knowledge of the tourism industry," with a mean score of 4.43 and
interpreted as "Agree." This is followed by the item, "I have the knowledge to help me get a position that
I want," with a mean score of 4.41 and interpreted as "Agree". The least of this knowledge development is
the item, "I keep myself updated with the latest trends and developments in the tourism industry," with a
mean score of 4.31 and interpreted as "Agree."
According to Dutta (2017), one of the factors that increase the competitiveness of the tourism
industry is the level of knowledge in the airline industry, which is included in any tour packages. Since
the tourism industry is gaining attention and the competition has reached customer satisfaction issues,
those planning to enter the industry must have complete knowledge and have undergone training relevant
to the type of services that the airline industry requires.
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SAMPLE FRQUENCY
total
Ʃfw/total
N=150 f
SKILLS
DEVELOPMENT
I have excellent
adaptability 4.37
I am good with
analytical solutions 4.13
I have problem-solving
skills 4.34
I have excellent
4.45
communication skills
TOTAL 4.33
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Legend: 4.44-5.00 = Strongly Agree; 3.58-4.43 = Agree; 2.72-3.57 = Moderate; 1.86-2.71 = Disagree;
1.0-1.85 = Strongly Disagree
The table 4 above shows the frequency distribution for skills development. The respondents are
all prepared to enter their professional career after they graduate based on the Skills Development item,
which got an overall mean of 4.33 and was interpreted as "agree." Of these Skills Development items, the
item "I have excellent communication skills" got the highest mean of 4.45 and was interpreted as
"Strongly Agree." Next is the item "I have excellent adaptability," with a mean score of 4.37 and
interpreted as "Agree." Next is the item "I have problem-solving skills," with a mean score of 4.34 and
interpreted as "Agree." This is followed by the item, "I have the technical skills needed to do well at my
job," with a mean score of 4.33 and interpreted as "Agree". The item with the lowest skill development is
"I am good with analytical solutions," with a mean score of 4.13 and interpreted as "Agree."
Numerous studies have explored how tourism education can improve the skills of students, and
most researchers strongly agree that it can be effective in this regard. Lee and Hsu (2017) found that
tourism education can enhance communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Similarly,
Lin and Huang (2019) observed that tourism education can develop leadership, creativity, and innovation
among students. Additionally, Park and Lee (2020) noted that tourism education can help students
become more adaptable and flexible, which are essential skills in the dynamic tourism industry. These
studies suggest that tourism education is a vital component in the development of students' skills,
equipping them for successful careers in tourism.
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SAMPLE FRQUENCY
total
Ʃfw/total
N=150 f
ATTITUDE
DEVELOPMENT
I am patient enough to
handle a difficult
situation 4.33
I have self-confidence
and enthusiasm 4.39
I have an open-minded
to accepting different
opinions and ideas 4.61
TOTAL 4.49
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Legend: 4.44-5.00 = Strongly Agree; 3.58-4.43 = Agree; 2.72-3.57 = Moderate; 1.86-2.71 = Disagree;
1.0-1.85 = Strongly Disagree
The table above shows the frequency distribution for attitude development. The respondents are
all prepared to enter their professional career after they graduate based on the Attitude Development, in
which it got an overall mean of 4.49 and was interpreted as "Strongly Agree." Of these Attitude
Development items, the item "I have the dedication to pursue my goals" got the highest mean of 4.67 and
was interpreted as "Strongly Agree." Next is the item "I am open-minded to accepting different opinions
and ideas," with a mean score of 4.61 and interpreted as "Strongly Agree." Next is the item "I have an
energetic and optimistic attitude toward life," with a mean score of 4.47 and interpreted as "Strongly
Agree." This is followed by the item, "I have self-confidence and enthusiasm," with a mean score of 4.39
and interpreted as "Agree". The item with the lowest mean score in this attitude development, "I am
patient enough to handle a difficult situation," has a mean score of 4.33 and is interpreted as "Agree."
The findings suggest that graduating tourism students strongly agree that attitude towards the
industry is an important factor that influences their career choices. Those who have a positive attitude
towards the industry are more likely to pursue careers in tourism and contribute to the sustainable
development of the sector" (De Ungria& Tiongco, 2015).
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CHAPTER 5
5.0 Discussion
The results of the study highlight the identified problems and shed light on the profiles of the
participants, as presented in Table 1. It is worth noting that most of the respondents are female. The
findings of the study are categorized into three key areas: knowledge development, skills development,
and attitude development, providing valuable insights into the preparedness of the respondents for their
future professional careers. In terms of knowledge development, the respondents expressed a strong
agreement that they feel prepared to enter their professional career after graduation, with the highest mean
score observed for the item "I have the capability to contribute productively at work." This indicates that
the participants are confident in their ability to make a positive impact in the workplace and are well-
equipped with the necessary knowledge to excel in their chosen field. Furthermore, the respondents also
agreed that they have the initiative to apply what they have learned from school and possess extensive
knowledge of the tourism industry, indicating a sound foundation in their field of study.
Under skills development, the respondents agreed that they possess excellent communication
skills, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. This suggests that the participants have developed
valuable skills during their education that are essential for succeeding in the dynamic and ever-changing
field of tourism. Additionally, the respondents believe that they have the technical skills required to excel
in their job, which further indicates their preparedness for the professional world. In terms of attitude
development, the respondents expressed a strong agreement that they have the dedication to pursue their
goals and are open-minded in accepting different opinions and ideas. This reflects a positive attitude
towards learning and growth, which is crucial in a constantly evolving industry like tourism. Moreover,
the respondents believe that they have a positive attitude towards their work and are willing to take on
challenges, indicating a proactive and optimistic approach towards their future careers.
The overall mean scores for knowledge development, skills development, and attitude
development indicate that the respondents feel well-prepared for their professional careers after
graduation, with the findings interpreted as "strongly agree" or "agree." These findings align with existing
research that suggests that tourism education plays a crucial role in enhancing students' knowledge, skills,
and attitudes, equipping them with the necessary competencies for successful careers in the tourism
industry. In conclusion, the results of this study highlight the positive perception of the respondents
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regarding their preparedness for their professional careers after graduation in terms of knowledge
development, skills development, and attitude development. These findings provide valuable insights into
the effectiveness of tourism education in equipping students with the necessary tools for success in their
future careers. Further research and studies can continue to explore the impact of tourism education on
students' preparedness for the industry and potential areas for improvement to ensure the continued
success of tourism graduates in the ever-evolving field of tourism.
5.1 Conclusion
The data accumulated from 150 graduating tourism students from Our Lady of Fatima University
substantiated that the majority of the students are prepared to have a career in the field of Tourism. Thus,
with the use of Quantitative data analysis and research instruments, the results demonstrated that Tourism
graduate students' level of preparedness in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitude for a professional
career while still in school can be highly beneficial. Moreover, possessing extensive knowledge in their
desired field gives students the advantage in providing good performance and implementing what has
been illuminate. Additionally, having the right set of skills can help students adapt easily to change and
prioritize accepting increased responsibility, including skill development to prepare the students for
successful jobs in the Tourism industry. Finally, students believe that a positive attitude is the most
favorable because they lead to desirable outputs for their professional careers in the Tourism industry and
are related often to positive attributes like Job Satisfaction and willingness to take on challenges,
demonstrating an assertive and enthusiastic approach in their desired field. The findings suggested that
the students are confident that they have Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude development. Hence, the
second alternative hypothesis is accepted. Therefore, the study concluded that students with KSA
(Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude) development are well-prepared to enter professional employment.
5.2 Recommendations
With the results of this study, the following recommendations were made:
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For the school, Our Lady of Fatima University, gain insights on how their teachings can help
their graduating TTO student’s mindset and skill set going into their final year. It can also be used for
school research about the effect of their way of teaching the students and as a good reference for research
on how those TTO major graduates adapted to the tourism industry and how the teachings of Our Lady of
Fatima University helped in their careers. As claimed by Roma, M. N. (2021) in "Redefining Assessment
in Tourism and Hospitality Education" the tourism industry, which heavily relies on services, needs to
give high importance to enhancing the education and professional skills of its staff through the existing
educational courses and programs to attain superior performance. Collaboration between the industry and
academia is crucial to guarantee that graduates are well-equipped to confront the tourism industry's
demands since they will be entering the field and facing practical situations in their work. (Manhas and
Dogra, 2011).
For professors, this will help them understand the students' different perspectives and provide
them with a set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes for the student’s preparation of a professional career in
the Tourism Industry. This study can become advancement in knowledge. Professors in research have the
opportunity to advance their knowledge in their field through the production of new and innovative
research findings. This also gives them the data that can be used as an example for them when they’re
giving lessons to their students about how the knowledge, skills, and attitude that are needed to prepare
for their professional career in the tourism industry. According to Queens University of Charlotte (2023)
stated in the article "The Importance of Professional Development for Educators" The process of
education is ongoing and perpetual. It does not cease even after one has earned a degree and started
working. By engaging in continuing education, individuals who are focused on their careers can
continuously refine their skills and enhance their proficiency at work. In the realm of K-12 education
administration, it is especially crucial for school administrators to motivate teachers to pursue
professional development. This is vital not only for ensuring optimal learning outcomes for students but
also for enabling teachers to be more competent and content in different aspects of their work.
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For the students that are majoring in Travel and Tour Operations, they can use this research to
gain insight and knowledge on how effective the education at Our Lady of Fatima University is for the
major they're trying to study and its effects on the career they've chosen. Students may continue to
enhance their KSA (knowledge, skills, and attitude) if it is suitable for their future. The execution of
concepts, principles, and practices in a specific industry or professional field, in addition to the
information and experience necessary for effective learning and application of the material, is beneficial
to their career preparedness. As the tourism industry is constantly evolving, it is important for students to
actively engage in continuous learning even after graduating from the program. Stay updated with the
latest trends and developments in the tourism industry by regularly reading industry publications,
attending workshops, seminars, and conferences, and pursuing professional certifications or postgraduate
programs. This will help students stay competitive in the job market, enhance their knowledge and skills,
and stay relevant in the dynamic field of tourism and hospitality. Continuously seeking opportunities for
learning and self-improvement will contribute to their professional growth and success in their future
careers. According to D Surya Prakash (2016) based on his article entitled "A,S,K - Attitude, Skill, and
Knowledge" Attitude, skill, and knowledge, all three elements are put together to form a success formula.
It is a well-known fact that any person with a remarkable blend of all the above-mentioned 3
characteristics will come out as a human being with lots of intelligence, leadership qualities, and
mentoring abilities. He said ‘’If you don’t have skills, they can be acquired. If you don’t have the
knowledge, it can be gained. But, if you don’t have attitude, you are in trouble.’’
For future researchers to utilize this study as a reference for their research endeavors conducted to
a wider scope of this study in terms of a larger number of respondents or participants and in other areas
where this topic is related. Collaborate with other researchers and make use of various research
techniques. Collaboration is essential in any field, and this is especially true in tourism studies. By
collaborating with other researchers, you can gain new insights, develop new ideas, and produce research
that is more comprehensive and valuable. Make use of various research techniques. Due to the diversity
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of the tourism business, several research methods are suitable for a range of research problems. To gather
and analyze data, think about employing surveys, interviews, observation, and data analysis. According to
Benckendorff and Zehrer, (2016) Collaborating on research has emerged as a crucial aspect of modern
academia, particularly for young scholars looking to advance their careers. This study defines research
collaboration as a formal expression of intellectual cooperation in scientific inquiry, which entails
multiple authors working together to produce a single publication.
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Acknowledgment
We would like to praise our Creator for helping and giving us the knowledge and strength while we are in
the middle of conducting the study.
To the researchers’ family, friends, and classmate who supportively provide a guidance and motivation
stuff for the researchers’ journey. With the help of their patience and their prayers to wrap up and finish
the research.
We would also like to express our gratitude to our research instructor Dra. Mylene C. Dela Cruz, RND,
LPT for her time in terms of giving us an unending patience and for guiding us to better understand the
whole study. Because of her understanding for us, the research study that started from a draft is now a
valid study. We also like to thank our research adviser Ma’am Aileen Kazel Dumagco, MBA for giving
us knowledge in making this research and also for correcting and guiding us.
Special thanks must be given to the Program head of College of Hospitality and Institutional Tourism
Management that allowed us to conduct a study in theschool, Ma’am Armina Javier. Allowing us to
conduct a study in the school was a big impart for the fulfillment of our study.
Finally, to all the respondents were patiently answered and willingly participated in our study. Thank you
for listening and following the instructions we made and answering accurately. Our study will not going
to be completed without the information or data that we gathered to make the study more sufficient.
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References:
Local
Research
Reference
- https://chedro1.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CMO-62-s.-2017-BS-Hospitality-Tourism-
Management.pdf
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
- https://chedro1.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CMO-62-s.-2017-BS-Hospitality-Tourism-
Management.pdf
- https://knepublishing.com/index.php/KnE-Social/article/view/2383
- https://philair.ph/index.php/jpair/article/view/557/1568
- https://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/JTHR-2020-001.pdf
- https://scholar.google.com.au/scholar?
hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=employability+of+tourism+graduates+in+the+Philippines+&btnG=#d
=gs_qabs&t=1676452574335&u=%23p%3D22AANhlW874J
- https://scholar.google.com/scholar?
hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=employability+of+hospitality+graduates+ph&btnG=#d=gs_qabs&t=1
676273934314&u=%23p%3D8F4G470mr8kJ
- https://www.ejournals.ph/article.php?id=2565
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jennifer
Salatan/publication/292507650_The_Influence_of_Internship_Experience_on_Students'_Career_
Selection_in_the_Tourism_and_Hospitality_Industry/links/56aeffa208ae28588c61ee09/The-
Influence-of-Internship-Experience-on-Students-Career-Selection-in-the-Tourism-and-
Hospitality-Industry.pdf
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
355029943_CAREER_PREPAREDNESS_AND_EMPLOYABILITY_SKILLS_OF_HOSPITAL
ITY_STUDENTS_Master's_in_Management_2_Accounting_Professor
Foreign
Article
- Chhinzer and Russo (2018) as stated in their article entitled "An exploration of employer
perceptions of graduate student employability" Retrieved from
- Theron and Ukpere et al. (2018) as stated on their article entitled "Perception of tourism
graduates and the tourism industry on the important knowledge and skills required in the tourism
industry" Retrieved from
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Journal
- Moyo and Ozgit (2022) as stated in their journal “The study assessed employees' perceptions of
their employability skills in tourism and hospitality management (THM) graduating in the
Zimbabwean sector” Retrieved from
Research
-As stated by Bouchon and Daya (2016) in "A Stepping Stone to Develop Future Hospitality
Leaders." Retrieved from
-Bourner and Millican (2011) conducted a research on "Student-community engagement and
graduate employability" Retrieved from
- Garrett (2020) conducted on a research “Predictive Relationship between Undergraduate
Program Configurations, Employment Readiness, and Receiving an Employment Offer”
Retrieved from
-Interaction with tourists and pre-apprenticeship education were also mentioned by Le. (2018)
Retrieved from
-Md. RoknuzzamanSiddiky and ShahanazAkter (2021) conducted research on "The students'
career choice and job preparedness strategies: A social environmental perspective" Retrieved
from
-Theron and Wakelin (2019) conducted research on "Determining tourism graduate
employability, knowledge, skills, and competencies in a VUCA world: Constructing a tourism
employability model" Retrieved from
-WenpingSu and Miao Zhang (2015) conducted on a research “An integrative model for
measuring graduates’ employability skills—A study in China" Retrieved from
Reference
- https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/161544199.pdf?fbclid=I
- https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1299280.pdf
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
- https://jurnalmanajemen.petra.ac.id/index.php/man/article/view/23360
- https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=related:gF-PWgeepcAJ:scholar.google.com
- https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ET-06-2016-0111/full/html
- https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/openu/jwpll/2011/00000013/00000002/art00005
- https://www.proquest.com/openview/06a937732ae618e88294101beb682d82/1?pq-
origsite=gscholar&cbl=51922&diss=y
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Frederic-Bouchon-2/publication/
310238231_Hospitality_Higher_Education_Talent_Management_Programme_STEP_A_Steppin
g-_Stone_to_Develop_Future_Hospitality_Leaders/links/582a8f9108aef19cb80565a4/
Hospitality-Higher-Education-Talent-Management-Programme-STEP-A-Stepping-Stone-to-
Develop-Future-Hospitality-Leaders.pdf
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
335790019_Determining_tourism_graduate_employability_knowledge_skills_and_competencies
_in_a_VUCA_world_Constructing_a_tourism_employability_model
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311975.2015.1060
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Appendix A
We, the Group 5 BSITM-TTO 3-YB-2, 3 rd year tourism students of Our Lady of
Fatima University, humblywritingthis letter to request for your permission to allow
us to conduct an online and face to face survey as for the fulfillment of our
requirements in our Research in Tourism (REAT311) subject. This thesis is entitled
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Respectfully yours,
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Appendix B
Letter for Validation
OUR LADY OF FATIMA
UNIVERSITY QUEZON
CITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT
DearMa'am/Sir,
A peaceful day unto you with the grace of the Almighty God!
We, the Group 5 BSITM-TTO 3-Y -2, 3rd year Tourism Student of Our Lady of Fatima
University, currently work on data gathering with the selected number of respondents.
Thereby, we are humbly writing this letter to request for your validation of our
questionnaire. This thesis is entitled “Assessment of the Preparation for a
Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour Operations Majors”
Your participation is great importance to our academic endeavor and would be highly
appreciated. Thank you very much. God bless!
Respectfully yours,
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Certificate of Validation
This is to certify that the questionnaire of the study entitled “Assessment of the
Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors” has been validated by experts undersigned as to its validity,
appropriateness, and reliability. The evaluators can attest that the questionnaire had
passed through careful examination and were proven substantially useful for the study
being conducted. Attached here, is the summary of comments and suggestions of
evaluators for the improvement of questionnaire being made.
Validated by:
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Certificate of Validation
This is to certify that the questionnaire of the study entitled “Assessment of the
Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors” has been validated by experts undersigned as to its validity,
appropriateness, and reliability. The evaluators can attest that the questionnaire had
passed through careful examination and were proven substantially useful for the study
being conducted. Attached here, is the summary of comments and suggestions of
evaluators for the improvement of questionnaire being made.
Validated by:
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Certificate ofValidation
Validated by:
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour Operations Majors
Appendix C
Consent Form
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
QUEZON CITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT
Introduction :We,theGroup5BSITM-TTO3-YB-2,3rdyearTourismStudentofOur
Lady of Fatima University, currently conducting anface to face and
onlinesurvey for our study “Assessment of a Preparation for a
Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour Operations
Majors” In line with this, I am inviting you to be part of this study. I will
take time to explain everything you want to know. Rest assured that the
data to be gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality and will be
used for academic purposesonly.
Purpose : This study wants to assess the graduating travel and tour operations
majors preparedness in entering the tourism industry.
Type of Research : To acknowledge your participation in the study, you will be givena ₱20.00
Intervention through g-cash as a token of appreciation.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour Operations Majors
Participant Selection : You are qualified to take part in this research because you have
met the following criteria: It must be a 4 th year graduating travel and
tour operations majors who enrolled in Our Lady Fatima University
S.Y. 2022-2023 male or female regardless of their age Exclusion criteria
are those which are not part of the inclusion criteria, and are not a
graduating student of Travel and Tour Operations and currently not
enrolled in S.Y. 2022-2023.
Duration : The research takes place of a couple of days/ or 10 days in Total. The
online survey will held be once and will take about 5 to 10 minutes to
answer. The researcher will interact with the participants.
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Sharing the Results : Rest assured that nothing will be shared with anybody outside
the research team and nothing will be attributed to your name. The
knowledge that we get from this study will be sharedwith you.
Right to Refuse :In the event that you have changed your mind in participating or
Withdraw in the study, you may discontinue answering the survey at any time
by closing the webbrowser.
WhotoContact : If you have any questions, you may ask the researcher nowor
Later, even after you have started answering the questionnaire. If you
wish to ask questions later, you may contact the principal investigator at
09562656754 or email at agsegundino@student.fatima.edu.ph you can
also contact OLFU-IERCin the person of Ms. Angelita A. Rodriguez,
PhD; Chair, Our Lady of Fatima University-Institutional Ethics Review
Committee; 281-7664 or 283-9754 local 1204;ierc@fatima.edu.ph.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
QUEZON CITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT
Certificate of Consent
I have read all the information in the consent form, and I agree to participate in this
research study. All the procedures, any risks and benefits have been explained to me. I
was also given the opportunity to ask any questions and to receive any additional
details I wanted about the study. If I have questions later about the study, I can ask the
researcher.
I have explained this study to the respondent and sought his/her understanding of the consent.
(Researcher's Copy)
I have read all the information in the consent form, and I agree to participate in this
research project. All the procedures, any risks and benefits have been explained to me. I
was also given the opportunity to ask any questions and to receive any additional
details I wanted about the study. If I have questions later about the study, I can ask
theresearcher.
I have explained this study to the respondent and sought his/her understanding of the consent.
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Operations Majors
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
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Appendix D
Research Instrument
(Assessment tool)
Dear Respondent,
Your participation will be highly appreciated. Thank you and God bless.
Sincerely,
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Survey Questionnaire
“Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operation Majors”
Greetings!
Good day! We are 3rdyear students of Our Lady of Fatima University, taking up a Bachelor of
Science in International Tourism Management Major in Travel and Tour Operations. We are conducting
research entitled, Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel
and Tour Operations Majors. The purpose of this study is to assess the graduating of BSITM-TTO Majors
in being prepared for their chosen professional career. The findings of this study will serve as a basis for
the preparedness of the graduating travel and tour operations major for employment in the Tourism
Industry.
In this connection, I am asking for your precious time, and effort to answer all the questions in
the questionnaire that are important and helpful for the completion of the study. Rest assured that all data
gathered from you will be kept at the highest level of confidentiality. Your positive response to this
request will be a valuable contribution to the success of the study and will be highly appreciated. Thank
you very much for your cooperation.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Instruction: Kindly supply the needed information by indicating a checkmark (✓) on the blank
provided.
Name (Optional):
Gender:
Female
Male
Academic Status:
Enrolled
Not Enrolled
In accordance with R.A 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, all personal and sensitive
information solicited and disclosed from the questionnaires shall only be used for the study alone. Rest
assured that your responses to this instrument will be kept confidential.
A.
Directions: Read each item carefully and reflect on your perceived level of knowledge. Indicate your
response to each item by checking the boxes provided that correspond to the given Likert Scale.
4 Agree (A)
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
3 Moderate (M)
2 Disagree (DA)
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Operations Majors
Approved by:
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
________________________________ ____________________________
Dr. Mylene C. Dela Cruz, RND, LPT Ms. Aileen Kazel Dumagco, MBA
Validated by:
___________________________ ______________
________________________________
Appendix E
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Recruitment form
information.
messenger account.
of Fatima University.
10 minutes.
Male/Female
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Regardless of age
If you have any questions, you may ask and contact a member of our study team.
Messenger: Angel Faith Segundino
Appendix F
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Operations Majors
Research Tally
Appendix G
Research Plates
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Operations Majors
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Appendix H
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Operations Majors
Appendix I
Study Protocol Self Assessment Checklist
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Operations Majors
Page 16
A.4. Does the literature review section of the research
protocol provide foundation knowledge of the topic?
Page 5-12
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Operations Majors
B. Research Handling
B.1. Do provisions exist in the specimen storage, access, N/A
disposal, and terms of use? (If applicable)
B.2. Are the copies of the CV of the research investigator Page 52
included?
B.3. Is the duration/length of the respondent’s involvement Page 34
in the study clearly discussed?
C. Ethical Issues
C.1. Is a vulnerable population being studied? Page 20
C.2. Is the justification for studying this vulnerable population Page 20
adequate?
C.3. Do adequate provisions exist to ensure that the Page 20
vulnerable population is not being exploited?
C.4 Are the risks and benefits for the research participants Page 34
been discussed in the research protocol?
C.5 Does the protocol describe how the communities from Page 4
which the participants are to be drawn likely benefit
from
the research?
C.6 Is the design free of undue inducements to participate in Page 34
the research?
C.7. Does the recruitment procedure include adequate Page 34
protection for the privacy and psychosocial needs of the
individuals?
C.8.Do provisions exist in the protocol for counseling N/A
research participants during and after the research?
C.9. Are the research participants free not to participate Page 21
or to leave the research at any time, without penalty?
C.10. Do provisions exist in the proposal to recruit N/A
participants incapable of giving personal consent, (e.g.
because of
cultural factors, children or adolescents less than the legal
D. Informed Consent Form
D.1 Is the attached informed consent form written in English Page 34
or in a language that the respondents can understand?
D.2 Is the information sheet free of technical terms, written Page 34
in lay-persons’ language, easily understandable, complete
& adequate?
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
D.3 Is the Informed Consent Form patterned after the WHO Page 34
template?
D.4 Are all the sections in the ICF completely and
clearly explained?
Page 34
Appendix J
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Operations Majors
Appendix K
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Janie May C. Dominguez is currently 3rd year college student taking up Bachelor
of Science in International Tourism in Travel and Tour Operations at Our Lady
of Fatima University. A consistent dean's list. She finished her secondary at Sto.
Rosario National High school and transferred at Our Lady of Fatima University
in Cabanatuan branch for senior high school. She took her primary education at
Subic Bay Colleges Inc. in Olongapo City.
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Assessment of the Preparation for a Professional Career of Selected Graduating Travel and Tour
Operations Majors
Amiel John P. Barotilla is currently a 3rd year college student taking up Bachelor
of Science in International Tourism Management major in Travel and Tour
Operations at Our Lady of Fatima University. He finished his secondary at
Mystical Rose School Inc. He took his primary education at St. Francis de Sales
Academy Inc.
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