TRACER STUDY

FOR THE CPU COLLEGE OF COMPUTER STUDIES GRADUATES

FROM 2001 TO 2005

A Research Proposal
Submitted to
The University Research Center
Central Philippine University

By:
RODNEY GICANA
SHEILA SAPUL
MARY O PENETRANTE

College of Computer Studies

November 2006

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Background and Rationale
The College of Computer Studies (CCS) at Central Philippine University (CPU)
started in 1995 when the course Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) was
offered as a degree program under the College of Commerce. The program aims to fill the
growing need for computer literate professionals in the field of business.
On June 2001, in line with the recommendation of the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) to pool all related courses into one college, the CPU administration
decided to transfer the department under the College of Engineering (COE). The department
was merged with the Department of Software Engineering.
On June 2002, the College of Commerce offered a new program, Bachelor of
Information Science and Management (BISM). The offering of this course was made to
integrate Information Technology to all business and management courses.
In 2003, the University President, Dr. Juanito M. Acanto recommended to the Board
of Trustees for the creation of the College of Computer Studies which will be composed of
three departments:

Computer Science, Information Sciences and Management and

Information Technology. This continuing growth in the life of the College is brought about
by the increasing need of competent information technology professionals.
In a nutshell, the performance of an educational institutions performance is partly
measured by the employability of its graduates. At present, the college needs to
determine the factors that affect graduates employability and analyze the benefits of it in

the preparation of soon to be graduates and enable them to meet the challenges of
professional life.
Objectives
The general objective of this tracer study is to gather relevant information as to the
employability of the graduates in the CPU College of Computer Studies graduate from
School Year 2001 to 2005.
Specifically, this tracer study aims to:
1. describe the graduates in terms of age, civil status sex, age and residence, major
field, year graduated and academic performance;
2. determine the graduates professional skills, professional examinations passed,
and reasons for taking the course;
3. determine the trainings and advance studies attended by the graduates after
finishing college;
4. determine the industry classification of the companies where they are employed,
job position, monthly salary range, job requirements and the waiting time
before they landed on a job.
5. determine the perceived factors that help them landed a job.

Scope and Limitation

This study aims will cover all College of Computer Studies graduates whether
working abroad or in locally-based companies who graduated from SY 2001 to 2005 only to
allow the graduates enough time to find employment.
It aims to cover all graduates in local residence and those who are residing abroad.

Significance of the Study

An institution like CPU professes Exemplary Christian Education for Life as its
Mission Statement which aims to offer quality education programs to its constituents. It is
therefore relevant for the college to determine whether it has helped the graduates become
productive members of the society. In any instance, the College has investigated the factors
that significantly affect graduates employability given todays conditions.
This investigation is crucial to the growth of an institution because if there is no
conduct of an evaluation of outcomes of the educational process there will be no benchmark
unto which the basis of future developments can be based upon. Schools alumni are the best
proof of its capability to effectively educate.
This need for a tracer study for the College of Computer Studies is seen to be a long
overdue endeavor that needs to be ventured upon. Since its conception it had produced 240
graduates to date.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Recognizing the importance of evaluating the status of an educational institutions

alumni is crucial to its growth if not to its existence. This need is recognized by government
agencies that govern the quality of instruction in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) like
Central Philippine University. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is conducting
a comprehensive study that requires all HEIs to do individual graduate tracer studies on their
respective alumni. The result of the research will become a tool in pursuant to the envisioned
upgrading of the educational system in the country.
A move to outcome-based evaluation from an evaluation system based more on
inputs represents a shift from the quantitative to the qualitative.

The process is more

searching, because the account must be reflective, and provide a justification of why things
are done in a way that it has been chosen. Effectiveness of process has to be demonstrated,
in relation to intended outcomes. Factual data is still required, but to support a case that a
department is performing effectively, rather than as an end in itself. The approach is less
prescriptive, for example a department must decide whether a particular set of data is
relevant to a demonstration of effectiveness, rather than providing it simply because it has
been required (CHED IQUAME Primer, 2006)
Another government agency that pursued graduate tracer studies is the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). TESDA has embarked to undertake
various studies and researches on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
programs and related TVET developments with the end view of coming up with evidence-

based policy recommendations to be used by the management.

One of which is the

Expanded Tracer Study of SY 2000-2001 Post-Secondary Graduates conducted at the latter

part of 2002.
This study was undertaken to ascertain the effectiveness of TVET programs of all
TVET institutions as manifested by the employability of its graduates. The result of this
studies served as benchmark in determining performance in the provision of middle-level
skills development services of the different TVET players of the regions. It is envisioned to
provide signals on the kind of jobs TVET graduates go into; their income levels; the length of
job search before landing their first job; and the certification, among others. Sub-module of
the study was the evaluation of the PESFA graduates during the same period.
This undertaking was done as part of the regular Monitoring and Evaluation of
Training Performance (METP) System spearheaded by the Planning Office of TESDA. The
previous conduct of the graduate tracer study was undertaken in 2000 (TESDA), 2000).
A study by S.N Zembere and M.P.M. Chinyama of the University of Malawi,
discusses the results of the tracer study of the graduates of the University of Malawi who
graduated between 1987 and 1995. The main objective of the tracer study was to examine the
changes in the career pattern of the graduates in order to provide a basis of evaluation of the
current programs of the University of Malawi. The significance of the study is to provide a
continuation of the process of evaluation of the performance of the college as well as the
graduates of the college.
Another study, Tracer Study of Science and Technology graduates of 2000 and 2001
conducted by Management Information System Unit of Science and Technology Policy
Research Division of the National Science Foundation Of Sri Lanka, the results of the study

shows the trend of the employment status of the graduate by gender, employed and
unemployed rates, sector employment, achievements, waiting time for the graduates for their
first paid employment, waiting time for the graduates employment according to gender, view
of the graduates for the effectiveness of the degree course, view of the graduates on the
relevance of degree course to current employment, reasons for being engaged in fields not
related to degree course, self employed graduates, obstacles faced by graduates when finding
employment. The results of the study will also provide evaluation on how more will the
college will provide updates on the degree course, so as to provide the basic requirements of
the industry for employment.
With the increase in the number of College graduates in the population, increasing
also the rate of unemployment in the country, employment opportunities for graduates have
become very competitive, Routine Alumni Tracer Study conducted by Maldives College of
Higher education hopes to assess the employment status of their graduates, assess the impact
of graduates training on job appointment and assess how graduates perceive their college in
relation to their academic and professional developments. Same objectives also this aims to
achieve for their graduates.
Career Outcomes of Graduates 2004, a study by Manwel Debono, Albert Debono and
Noel Caruana focuses on the employability of the graduates. The study presented in this
document provides a useful and essential tool when it comes to policy design and
development in both the spheres of education and employment; two sectors that are welded
and complementary. A close analysis of the findings leads one to conclude that the role of
career guidance is a crucial and vital aspect of any persons career path. Career guidance
creates the possibility for a person to identify capacities, competences and interests that will

lead to making appropriate educational, training and occupational decisions. Same concern of
this study is to determine the trainings and advance studies attended by the graduates after
finishing college. The college might as well provide career guidance that can provide
significant support to individuals during their transition between levels of sector of education
and trainings.
On higher education institutions, a website posted by Far Eastern University becomes
a tool in tracing the whereabouts of their alumni. On the same note, the college of Computer
Studies, gears itself through the help of the University Research Center (URC) in the conduct
of this study.

CHAPTER 111

METHODOLOGY

Research Design
The study will utilize a descriptive-relational research design with the aid of a one
shot survey.
The tracing process of the most recent graduates
The target group for the tracer study includes graduates of the year 2001 to 2005 of
Central Philippine University. The respondents will comprise all the 240 graduates of the
College which is included in the above mentioned range of years.
The identification of the graduate was primarily based on a list of graduates provided
by the Registrars Office on all graduates of that period. Through this list names, addresses,
emails and telephone numbers of most of the graduates were available from the date of
enrolment.. However, it appeared necessary to follow up on contact addresses of all students
in order to update their address details due to the possibility of movements since many
students now have graduated and changed their contact addresses.
First, all students will be contacted by telephone. This personal contact is expected to
get many positive responses as well as encourage the graduates to participate in the study
and, moreover, to identify the remaining group of students. Second, personal network (word
of mouth) and use of key resource persons from each group were used to enquire current
addresses on those students who could not be traced through the previous method.
Thirdly, a surveys will be mailed via the post office to graduates once their addresses
are correctly identifies. Fourthly, an online registration system will be developed such that

graduates who have internet connectivity can log-on and fill up the survey forms on-line in
addition to the available exit questionnaire which is downloadable from the CPU website..

Data Collection
Data will be collected utilizing quantitative approach. Structured questionnaire will
be employed.
Survey. A structured questionnaire will be formulated based on the study objectives
and identified variables and indicators. This variables and indicators will be based on
previous studies of similar nature. As part of the proposal, the draft instrument will be
submitted for comments and suggestions, the instrument will be revised and submitted for
approval. The approved instrument will be pre-tested prior to the actual survey to identify
areas for modification and refinement.
Data will be collected by administering the instruments with the respondents who are
readily available. For those who are not readily available, the instrument will be send to them
by mail with a stamped return envelop or will be send electronically by email.

The Questionnaire Design

The questionnaire comprises three main subjects:
Personal Details such as gender, age and place of residence;
Academic Details. This is primarily included in order to collect data about the students
academic qualifications besides CPU credentials.
Current Major Activity. This subject is to include to obtain the employment status and
areas of employment of the CPU graduates.

In order to ensure the maximum number of participants all traced students were followed
up with personal telephone calls. All the traced students were notified about three times.

Data Processing and Analysis

The quantitative data will be computer-processed using SPSS PC+ Version 11. A
coding manual will be prepared on the completed instrument and trained personnel will
encode data in the computer.
Quantitative data generated will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tools.
Interpretation will be based on the result of the analysis.

Proposed Schedule of Activities

Upon approval of the proposal, the following activities will be undertaken:
MONTH
ACTIVITIES
1
Finalization of Survey
Instrument
Conduct of Survey
Data Processing and
Analysis
Submission of Draft
Report
Revision of Report
Submission of Final
Report

10

11

12

------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------- ---- ---- -------------

PROPOSED BUDGET
BUDGET ITEMS
A. Data Gathering
B. Data Processing
C. Supplies
D. Editing
E. Report reproduction
GRAND TOTAL

AMOUNT
P 25, 000.00
10,000.00
7,000.00
3,000.00
5,000.00
P50,000.00

BIBLIOGRAPHY

An Evaluation Report on the Expanded Tracer Study Of SY 2000-2001 Post-Secondary

Graduates, Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority
http://www.ilsdole.gov.ph/PAPs/ResCon/rcon_03ens1.htm (7:30PM 11/23/06)
Michael Cosser, Graduate Tracer Study
http://www.mche.edu.mv/assets/images/fmc/articles_online/tracer_fazna.pdf (7:43PM 11/23/06)
Fazna Mohamed, June 2003, Interim Report on Alumni Tracer Study Programme, Maldives
College of Higher Education, Faculty of Management and Computing, Sosun Magu,
Henveyru, Male (20-05), Republic of Maldives.

CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

Iloilo City, Philippines
COLLEGE OF COMPUTER STUDIES
GRADUATE TRACER QUESTIONAIRE
INSTRUCTION: Supply the needed answer/check the line that corresponds to the answer.
1. Name of Student (family name, first name, middle initial):
2. Sex:

[ ] Male [ ] Female
[ ] Single [ ] Married

3. Civil Status:
4. Degree Earned:
5. Department & College:
6. Date of Graduation (month & year):
7. City Address:
8. Provincial Address:
9. Contact Numbers:
9.1. Mobile Phone Number:
9.2. Landline Phone Number:
9.3. Fax Number:
9.4. Email Address:
10. Family Member/Contact Person that could help us locate you:
10.1. Name:
10.2. Address:
10.3. Contact Number:
11. Additional Family Member/Contact Person that could help up
locate you:
11.1. Name:
11.2. Address:
11.3. Contact Number:
12. Most memorable experience while studying in CPU:
13. Suggestions to improve CPUs academic and other services:
14. Are presently employed?:
15. Type of Job:

[ ] IT Related [ ] Others Specify:

16. How much time of waiting did you spend from date of graduation
until you are employed?
17. List Other graduates from the College of Computer Studies that
you know.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
Chapter 1

Introduction 1
Objectives 2
Scope and Limitation . 2
Significance of the Study 3
Chapter II
Review of Related Literature.. 4
Chapter III
Methodology 8
Research Design .. 8
The Tracing Process of the Most Recent Graduates 8
Data Collection. 9
The Questionnaire Design 9
Data Processing and Analysis... 10
Proposed Schedule of Activities 10
Proposed Budget 11
Bibliography. 12
APPENDIX

APPENDIX