CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM

Background of the Study

In Ghana, Graduate tracer studies have come to represent one of the key

approaches for enhancing study programme effectiveness in contemporary higher

education. This has led to a surge in graduate tracer studies by Ghanaian higher

education institutions. However, reflective practices on challenges and lessons from

these studies are lacking. Through focus-group discussions and individual interviews

with members of a research team that undertook a nation-wide data collection in

connection with a graduate tracer study, this article distils challenges the research team

struggled to surmount and lessons learnt for the conduct of future graduate tracer

studies within the context of Ghana. Against the backdrop of the insights generated and

discussed, it is concluded that reflective research exercises, such as the one reported in

this article, are a scholarly imperative for continuous improvement in the conduct of

graduate tracer studies, which is rarely undertaken in the Ghanaian higher education

context (H. P. NudzorAnd F. Ansah, 2020).

College graduates come from a wide variety of backgrounds, possessing

attributes and characteristics reflecting their diversity. The process that colleges go

through to train students is a transformational one that takes a student who starts out
 2

new to a particular field and, through the teaching process, acquires the knowledge,

skills, and abilities presumably to do the job (Atherton &Meulemans, 2021).

Tracer is an invaluable tool for tracking and reconnecting with former students who

have completed their education at various schools. It serves as an effective means to

collect data and gather information about the employment status of graduates.

In addition to Schomburg (2011), stressed that institutions involved in

developing human resources through long and short-term programs have the duty to

track the performance of their graduates to ascertain accountability and whether or not

their programs have affected on the individual, the institution, or the country. Tracers

study constitutes one form of empirical study which provides valuable information for

evaluating the results of the education and training of a particular institution of higher

education

Lee (2011), conducted a tracer study for his Ph.D. requirement, on Cape

Peninsula University of Technology of South Africa. He found out that, graduates are

employed in the sectors for which the studied or associated areas. Moreover, he

recommended that co- effective education should be further explored to yield better

results and perhaps secure employment for the student after graduation. He also

suggested that the academic staff should revisit the curriculum and better consolidate

limited skills such as critical thinking skills and also establish a formal tracking system

that can be used to help the university.

Osei and Dontwi (2014), Indira Gandhi National Open University(IGNOU)

conducted a Tracer Study of Vocational Educational Program. The study concluded that
 3

those respondents who said they had skills before joining the program perceived that

certificate acquired will help them in getting jobs in government sector.

In the Philippines, graduate tracer studies are one form of study that can opportunely

provide valuable information for evaluating the results of the education and training of

a concrete institution of higher education. It can amass essential information

concerning the employment profile of graduates, their undergraduate experience, the

first and current jobs of graduates, and the pertinence of their academic background

and skills required in their job. Graduate tracer study can additionally amass data on

the relevance of the curriculum and graduates' caliber of gratification with their

academic preparation. (Aquino et al, 2015).

Tracer studies are means of maintaining curriculum relevance and providing

targeted benefits to graduates to enhance marketability of educational programs.

Adequate knowledge on employment outcomes of training graduates could assist in

formulating policy towards combating some of social problems such as unemployment.

Students, particularly graduates of any course, are required to earn a sense of

competence in their chosen field and develop confidence to explore new possibilities

and new employment specially that there is increasing competition among rivals at work

(Mathed, 2008). As graduates of higher educational institutions, they must show the

world that job- hunting is not a problem. At present, competition in the business or

corporate world is so stiff because of the increasing demand of the market. Only few

are employed which proves that these lucky applicants are the best among others.

Relatively, one, particularly a graduate of Information Technology, must possess

 4

competency among the three domains like, knowledge, skills and attitudes required by

the specific job (Balingbing, 2014)

A graduate tracer study is a very powerful tool that can provide valuable

information for evaluating the whereabouts and performance of the graduates in the

workplace. This study aimed to keep track of the graduates in one of the state

universities in the Philippines. A total of 1,983 graduates responded to this study. A

structured survey questionnaire served as an instrument to gather data interpreted

through frequencies and percentages. Results revealed that most of the graduates were

in their early 20s and have just recently graduated from the university. Furthermore,

they were able to find a job through someone they knew. Most of the graduates have

jobs related to their respective degree programs. The relevance of the degree program

to professional requirements was a major strength of the undergraduate curriculum.

However, the study identified extra-curricular activities and a number of optional

subjects as areas that need improvement. To enrich the existing degree programs, the

institution has to focus on student mobility, credit transfers, quality assurance and

research clusters as the four main priorities to harmonize with the ASEAN higher

education system.(Cuadra et al, 2019).

In the Philippines, the ILO Thesaurus 2005 defines a tracer study as an impact

assessment tool where the "impact on target groups is traced back to specific elements

of a project or program so that effective and ineffective project components may be

identified." In educational research the tracer study is sometimes referred to as a

graduate or alumni survey since its target group is former students. Schomburg (2003,
 5

p.36) notes that graduate surveys are popular for "analysis of the relationship between

higher education and work." They provide quantitative- structural data on employment

and career, the character of work and related competencies, and information on the

professional orientation and experiences of their graduates. Although the usual end of

the course evaluation can ask for the student to assess whether they have gained the

knowledge and skills necessary for fulfilling their personal objectives, there is really little

proof of this until the student has completed the entire course of study and has entered

the workforce. By surveying a cohort of graduates from: a specific institution;

profession; discipline; graduation date; level of education; or a combination of these for

comparative analysis, Schomburg presents examples of issues which can be addressed

in tracer studies. Biographical data on "Where are our graduates now" may supply

information on income, job title, nature of employment, and years of employment. He

also believes that surveys should also include information.

Tracer study is an invaluable tool in maintaining and enhancing the marketability

of educational programs (Woya, 2019). With the growing demands of the labor

industry, the relevance of the educational curriculum becomes a crucial challenge for

higher academic institutions. Higher education citadels must ensure that the programs

provide knowledge and equip the graduates with the necessary skills and competencies

to meet the increasing demand and qualifications for employment after their transition.

The graduates' feedback using tracer study is a crucial tool for institutions to determine

the employment characteristics of the graduates and their professional development. It

also helps the academic institutions to have a retrospective evaluation of the relevance
 6

of the curriculum and the impact it created after transitioning their education into the

labor market industry (Arbis et al, 2023).

Urdaneta City University continuously conducts tracer studies to determine the

employment status of its graduates from various programs offered by its different

school/colleges.

The proposed tracer system offers several advantages, primarily providing

comprehensive and up-to-date information on the employment history of graduates.

This valuable data allows institutions to evaluate the quality of education they provide

by assessing the placements and positions of their graduates in society. By using this

information as a benchmark, institutions can strive to produce more qualified and

competitive graduates. The tracer study enables institutions to gauge the effectiveness

of their educational programs and make necessary improvements to enhance the

employability and success of future graduates.

Theoretical Framework

Theory (Coles & Smith, 1998) as one theoretical framework to understand

graduates’ unemployment, underutilization of graduates’ skills, and mismatches

between graduates’ skills and employers’ needs.In matching theory (Coles & Smith,

1998), labor market failure on the part of individual graduates – unemployment or

underutilization of graduate-level skills in employment -- reflects mismatches between

graduates and employers, which may come about for a number of reasons. For

example, Coles and Smith (1998) emphasize that in a random matching model,

mismatches between job-seekers and employers may arise because of imperfect

 7

information, resulting in time and search costs for prospective partners to obtain

information about better matches. They also propose an alternative ‘stock-flow

matching’ model in which, after an initial round of match-making, agents may simply

wait for appropriate partners to enter the market at a later time period. Other strands

of matching theory emphasize the role of institutional and labor market rigidities in

contributing to mismatches between job-seekers and employers, for example, the

higher incidence of underutilization of skills among female graduates who combine part-

time employment with care of young children (McIntosh et al., 2002).

Human Capital Theory by Gary Becker, this theory suggests that individuals'

education and training contribute to their human capital, which in turn affects their

employment and earnings potential. Tracer studies can help assess the impact of

education on graduates' career outcomes, thus providing insights into human capital

development.

Human capital theory is an economic concept that views education, training, and

other forms of human capital as investments that contribute to an individual's

productivity and earning potential. Developed by economist Gary Becker, this theory

suggests that individuals can enhance their economic outcomes by acquiring

knowledge, skills, and abilities through education and training.

 8

Conceptual Framework

For the basis of the previous discussion, this study conceptualizes the Conducting

Graduate Tracer Studies for Quality Assurance in East African Universities: A Focus on

Graduate Students Voices on Quality Culture.

University Graduate Tracer Studies (GTS) have gained global recognition as a

valuable practice. These studies involve tracking and surveying graduates from higher

education institutions (HEIs) worldwide. The purpose is to understand how graduates

perceive their educational experiences and their transition into the job market. By

collecting and analyzing graduates' feedback, universities can identify areas for

improvement in their teaching and training methods.

The adoption of tracer studies by European universities gained momentum in the

late 20th century. These studies served various purposes such as accrediting study

programs, establishing the connection between academic programs and the job market,

showcasing the unique qualities and positioning of individual universities, and providing

evidence-based insights for decision-making regarding improvements and quality

education in higher education

In summary, graduate tracer studies have become a widely recognized practice

worldwide. They allow universities to learn from graduates' experiences and make

informed decisions to enhance the quality of education and services in higher education

institutions.
 9

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Demographic profile The researchers will Extent of relevance

look for a Graduate of the program
of the graduates Tracer Survey as a
curriculum on the
basis.
1.Age employment of the
2. Sex Suggestion will be graduate. The
3. Civil Status rated by the competencies and
4. Year of researchers pertaining values were acquired
graduation to the questionnaire
by the graduates in
5. Reason for and revision had been
made in order to meet the University that
program selection
the standards set by proved to be useful
Characteristics of
the Validators. for their
the graduates employment.
Quantitative research
through survey
employment questionnaire.
1. Present
employment
classification
2. Place of work
3. First job level
position
4. Present job level
position
5. Duration of
acquiring first job
6. Gross monthly
income

Figure 1.The conceptual paradigm of the study showing the Input, Process and Output

variables used in the study

 10

Statement of the Problem

The researchers would like to locate the criminology graduates of Urdaneta City
University since batch 2017 to 2023.
Specifically, this study sought to answer the following:
a. What is the demographic profile of the graduates in terms of:
1. Age

2. Sex

3. Civil Status

4. Year of graduation

5. Reason for program selection

b. What are the characteristics of the graduates’ employment in terms of:

1. Present employment classification

2. Place of work

3. First job level position

4. Present job level position

5. Duration of acquiring first job

6. Gross monthly income

c. What is the extent of relevance of the program curriculum on the employment of the
graduates in terms of:

1. General Education

2. Professional Education Subject

3. Industry immersion

d. What competencies and values were acquired by the graduates in the University that
proved to be useful for their employment?

Null Hypothesis

There is no significant relationship between the criminology education received by

graduates and their employment outcomes.
 11

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will yield valuable information and suggestions for the
following groups of people:
LGU: Tracer studies help LGUs in understanding the employment outcomes of
criminology graduates within their jurisdiction. This information aids in workforce
planning by identifying the number of qualified criminologists available for employment
in various law enforcement agencies and related sectors.
UCU Admin:The tracer study allows the UCU administration to evaluate the
effectiveness of their criminology program. By tracking the employment outcomes and
career paths of criminology graduates, the administration can assess whether the
program adequately prepares students for the job market and meets the expectations
of employers in the field.
UCU Alumni Office:The tracer study of criminology graduates is significant for
the UCU Alumni Office as it supports alumni engagement, networking, success story
sharing, alumni support services, fundraising efforts, and program evaluation. By
leveraging the insights gained from the study, the office can enhance alumni relations,
provide valuable resources to alumni, and contribute to the continued success of the
criminology program.

College: The tracer study allows colleges to evaluate the effectiveness of their
academic programs by tracking the career outcomes of their graduates. It helps identify
areas of strength and areas that may require improvement, enabling colleges to
enhance the quality and relevance of their programs.

Graduates:Tracer studies of graduates have significant implications for

educational institutions, policymakers, employers, and graduates themselves. They offer
insights into employment outcomes, guide program evaluation and curriculum
development, facilitate alumni engagement, enhance institutional reputation, inform
policy development, and drive continuous improvement efforts to better serve the
needs of graduates and the broader society.

Researcher: The study of tracer studies provides researchers with a rich source
of data and research opportunities. It enables them to contribute to the understanding
of the long-term impact of educational programs, examine factors influencing
graduates' career outcomes, and inform policy and program development in the
education sector.
 12

Future Researchers:The study of tracer studies offers future researchers a

platform for knowledge building, methodological understanding, identification of
research gaps, policy evaluation, career and workforce research, and inspiration for
future research design. By leveraging existing tracer studies, future researchers can
contribute to the field, address research gaps, and inform policy and practice in
education and career development.

Scope and Delimitations

The study mainly focused on the graduates of Bachelor of Science in Criminology in

Urdaneta City University. This study will be conducted during the second semester of
the school year 2023-2024.

Definition of Key Terms

To have an insight on the study, the researchers defined the following terms
according to how they were used in this study:

Tracer.a person or thing that traces something or by which something may be

traced.

Study.the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an

academic subject, especially by means of books.

Criminology Graduates.individual who has completed a degree program in

criminology and possesses the knowledge and skills to contribute to the study and
understanding of crime, as well as the prevention and response to criminal behavior.

Tracer Study.retrospective analyses of graduates through a standardized.

survey, whichtakes place some. time after graduation.
 13

Chapter 2

Research Methodology

This chapter shows the details on relation to the methodology of the study. It

contains the research design, subjects of the study, data gathering instrument,

collection of data, ethical standard, and quality management.

Research Design

The researchers will be using the quantitative research design through a survey

questionnaire to determine Tracer Study of Criminal Justice Education graduates of

Urdaneta City University & its influence in their employment status. The questionnaire

will be tallied, and an appropriate statistical treatment will be used to come up with an

accurate interpretation of the data that will be gathered in the study.

Data Gathering Tool

In this study, the researchers will collect data through the use of survey

questionnaire. The researchers will be utilizing this kind of data gathering tool in order

to obtain the answers of its respondents. The first part dealt with the demographic

profile of the respondent in terms of age, sex, civil status, and year of graduation.

Second, is about the characteristics of graduates employment in terms of Present

employment classification Place of work ,First job level position ,Present job level

position , Duration of acquiring first job ,Gross monthly income. Lastly, it deals with the

he extent of relevance of the program curriculum on the employment of the graduates

in terms of general education, professional education subject, and Industry immersion.

 14

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers of this study will request consent to the Head of Urdaneta City

University and to the Dean of UCU CCJE for the approval in floating of questionnaires in

conducting the study entitled " Tracer Study of Criminal Justice Education graduates of

Urdaneta City University & its influence in their employment status. The researcher will

float survey using questionnaire. During conducting the said study, the researchers will

make sure that the respondents to the study will answer it with truth. Another, the

researcher will ensure that the survey questionnaire will be get after the responder

answered the questions.

 15

BIBLIOGRAPHY

H. P. NudzorAnd F. Ansah, (2020). Curriculum Relevance And Graduate Career:

A Tracer Study Of Cemba, Cempa And Industrial Mathematics
Graduates. Retrieved from:
www.ajol.info/index.php/just/article/view/124084

Atherton &Meulemans.(2021). Characteristics and Attributes Affecting Post-

Graduation Employment of Technical College Students in Workforce
Programs. Retrieved from:
www.proquest.com/openview/b2cdc257a6188aea997cbc67cd8f2777/1?pq-

Obando, Shisnaya (2013). Institutionalizing Tracer Studies in Higher Education

Institutions.Retrived from: March 22, 2017 from
https.www.mjn.com.my/issues/7d189ad-9c71-495f-b361-595ebd5fd539.pdf

Lee (2011).Tracer Study in Cape Peninsula University of Technology of South

Africa.Retrievd from: March 18, 2017 from
https://aijcrnet.com/journals/Vol_4_No_March_2014/10.pdf

Dontwi and Osei (2014). Indira Gandhi National Open University conducted a
Tracer Study of Vocational Education Program. Retrieved from:
March 22, 2017 from
https://dspace.knust.edu.gh/bitsream/123456789/1/TRACER%20study%Final%
0report2014%0-%20Copy.pdf

Matthed, J. (2008). Tracer Studies Professional graduates. Retrived from:

www.yahoo.com.sg/statusofgraduates/2008/report1.23.2008

Schomburg (2011).Tracer Study of PNU Graduates. Retrieved from: March 25,

2017 from www.aijjernet.com/journals/Vol_4_No_3_March_2014/10.pdf

Arbis et al (2023). Graduate Tracer Study Of Bachelor Of Secondary Education

(Bsed) Of St. Paul University Surigao College Of Teacher Education
2013-2017. Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367024831_Graduate_Tracer_Study o
f_Bachelor_of_Secondary_Education_BSEd_of_St_Paul_University_Surigao_Colle
ge_of_Teacher_Education_2013-2017

Aquino et al (2015). Tracer Studies. Retrieved from March 23, 2017 from
https://www.apjmr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/APJMR-2015-3.5.2.06.pdf
 16

Balingbing (2014).Tracer Study of BS in Information Technology (BSIT)

Graduates of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Nabua, Camarines
Sur from 2004 to 2010. Retrieved from: APJMR-2014-2-098.pdf

Cuadra et al, (2019).The Use of Tracer Study in Improving Undergraduate

Programs in the University. Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335429907_The_Use_of_Tracer_Study
_in_Improving_Undergraduate_Programs_in_the_University

Tutor, Orbeta, Miraflor (2021).The 4th Philippine Graduate Tracer Study:

Examining Higher Education As Pathway To Employment, Citizenship,
and Life Satisfaction from the Learner's Perspective. Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348554253_The_4th_Philippine_Gradu
ate_Tracer_Study_Examining_Higher_Education_As_Pathway_To_Employment_C
itizenship_and_Life_Satisfaction_from_the_Learner%27s_Perspective#:~:text=G
TS%20is%20critical%20for%20educational%20institutions%20since%20it,the%
20everchanging%20job%20market%20%28Reusia%20et%20al.%2C%202020
%29.

Prof. Gines, Ph.D. (2014). Tracer Study of PNU Graduates. Retrieved from:
https://www.aijcrnet.com/journals/Vol_4_No_3_March_2014/10.pdf
 17

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name : James Alfred T. Ballocanag

Address : Anonas West, Urdaneta Cty,
Pangasinan
Age : 21 years old
Date of Birth : November 27, 2001
Place of Birth: Baguio City
Gender : Male
Civil Status : Single
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Roman Catholic
Father : Geoffrey M. Ballocanag
Occupation : Deceased
Mother : Imelda T. Ballocanag
Occupation : House Wife

Educational Background
(COLLEGE) June 2023
Urdaneta City University
San Vicente West, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
UNDER GRADUATE

(SENIOR HIGH) WITH HONOR August 20219

Lyceum Northern Luzon
McArthur, San Vicente West, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Humanities and social sciences
2018-2020

(JUNIOR HIGH) April 2018

Anonas National High School
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
2014-2018

(PRIMARY) WITH HONOR March 2014

Anonas Elementary School
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
2008-2014
 18

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name : Lorenz, Benitez

Address : Nancamaliran West, Urdaneta City,
Pangasinan
Age : 21 years old
Date of Birth : November 28, 2001
Place of Birth: Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Gender : Male
Civil Status : Single
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Born Again Christian
Father : Luciano A. Laguna
Occupation : Vegetable Vendor
Mother : May T. Benitez
Occupation : House Wife

Educational Background
(COLLEGE) June 2023
Urdaneta City University
San Vicente West, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
UNDER GRADUATE

(SENIOR HIGH) WITH HONOR August 2019

Lyceum Northern Luzon
McArthur, San Vicente West, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Humanities and social sciences
2018-2020

(JUNIOR HIGH) WITH HONOR April 2016

Lananpin National High School
2014-2018

(PRIMARY) WITH HONOR March 2014

Lananpin Elementary School
2008-2014
 19

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name : Ronald E. Dilan

Address : Labit Proper Urdaneta City,
Pangasinan
Age : 21 years old
Date of Birth : April 12, 2002
Place of Birth: Urdaneta City, Pangsinan
Gender : Male
Civil Status : Single
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Roman Catholic
Father : Rolly F. Dilan
Occupation : Tricycle Driver
Mother : Felisa E. Dilan
Occupation : House Wife

Educational Background
(COLLEGE) June 2023
Urdaneta City University
San Vicente West, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
UNDER GRADUATE

(SENIOR HIGH) March 2019

Urdaneta City National High School
Technical Vocational Learning
2018-2020

(JUNIOR HIGH) April 2018

Labit National High School
2014-2018

(PRIMARY) WITH HONOR March 2014

Labit East Elementary School
2008-2014
 20

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name : Marvin C. Frijas

Address : Sanchez, Asingan, Pangasinan
Age : 21 years old
Date of Birth : May27, 2002
Place of Birth: Sanchez, Asingan, Pangasinan
Gender : Male
Civil Status : Single
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Roman Catholic
Father : Tomas Frijas
Occupation : Deceased
Mother : Elizabeth Frijas
Occupation : House Wife

Educational Background
(COLLEGE) June 2023
Urdaneta City University
San Vicente West, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
UNDER GRADUATE

(SENIOR HIGH) August 2019

Luciano Millan National High School
General Academic Strand
2018-2020

(JUNIOR HIGH) April 2018

Luciano Millan National High School
2014-2018

(PRIMARY) WITH HONOR March 2014

TeofiloGante Elementary School
2008-2014
 21

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name : Sherwin A. Palaming

Address : Nandacan, Bautista, Pangasinan
Age : 25 years old
Date of Birth : August 3, 1997
Place of Birth: Bautista, Pangasinan
Gender : Male
Civil Status : Single
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Born Again Christian
Father : Jose Willie B. Boqueo
Occupation : Unemployed
Mother : Sally P. Boqueo
Occupation : House Wife

Educational Background
(COLLEGE) June 2023
Urdaneta City University
San Vicente West, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
UNDER GRADUATE

(JUNIOR HIGH) March 2014

Bautista, National High School
2010-2014

(PRIMARY) March 2010

Bautista, Elementary School
2004-2010
 75

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name : Jaron F. Puzon

Address : Ariston West, Asingan, Pangasinan
Age : 21 years old
Date of Birth : May14, 2002
Place of Birth: Asingan Pangasinan
Gender : Male
Civil Status : Single
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Born Again Christian
Father : Jonny Puzon
Occupation : Farmer
Mother : MadelPuzon
Occupation : House Wife

Educational Background
(COLLEGE) June 2023
Urdaneta City University
San Vicente West, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
UNDER GRADUATE

(SENIOR HIGH) August 2019

Ariston Bantog National High School
General Academic Strand
2018-2020

(JUNIOR HIGH) April 2016

Ariston National High School
2014-2018

(PRIMARY) March 2014

Ariston BantogElementary School
2008-2014