BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

A TRACER STUDY OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

IN
TRIMEX COLLEGES

An Undergraduate Thesis Proposal Presented

to the Faculty of TRIMEX Colleges

In Partial Fulfilment of the

Requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Office Administration

Presented by:
Alinsod, Meridith Angelou
Lumagda, Ainalyn
Roluna, Ernajane

November 2019
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

The change in the economy has brought about great diversities in the job. The
increase of the competition in the market, companies look for the best resources and
utilize them effectively to be able to survive. Since the success of the company lies
on its human resources or personnel, the company seeks and hires applicants who
can meet the qualifications and requirements, and employees who have potentials for
advancement and promotion

A bachelor’s degree program in office administration covers the practical skills

that one needs to work in an office environment, including the relevant computer
software. Students will learn about proper communication within business, basic
budgeting, financing skills and general office procedures, among other things.

Graduates of BS in Office Administration may pursue a career path in various

legal or medical companies. They may apply for roles such as a medical secretary,
legal secretary, court stenographer, administrative staff, customer service
representative, encoder, or bookkeeper. During the fourth year of the program,
students are required to attend an On the Job Training (OJT) in various legal or
medical companies. Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and
skills in an actual work setting. Usually, universities require them to submit a written
report on their tasks, learning experiences, and hours rendered. Their work
performance will also be evaluated by their immediate managers and will be
submitted to their respective OJT coordinator. The number of hours required may
differ in each university.
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

The BS in Office Administration does not have a board examination. However,

graduates may opt to take the Civil Service Examination (CSE) conducted by the
Philippine Civil Service Commission (PCSC) to qualify in working in government
offices. Some graduates opt to take a Master’s degree followed by a Doctorate
degree to gain expertise in the industry.

In February 1994, Trimex Computer School (Biñan) started as franchise of

Datamex Computer School to serve as a reputable technical vocational training
center in the CALABARZON area. It is Laguna’s contribution to the rapid
industrialization movement.

With the passion to reach out and make a difference through education, Ms
Fleurdeliz A. Constantino, the founder, spearheaded the operations of TRIMEX with
Ms. Rachel C. Cruz in June 1994. TRIMEX is an educational institution built on the
principles of integrity, truth, and excellence. Conceived to be a member of a larger
community, It endeavours to provide to provide world class graduates through
responsible transfer of technology with the end view of upholding the dignity of men.
It strives for the highest level of educational competence in the field of information’s
technology, business and health science.

The Bachelor of Science in office Administration gives students practical skills

in office management. They learn to work with common software and become
familiar with office procedures. They also study business communications, both
spoken and written, and learn basic accounting. The majority of courses in a
bachelor's degree program in office administration are designed to teach students
specific skills. Some examples of courses that you may take while enrolled in this
program include: Foundations of shorthand, personality development, Basic Office
Administration, Business report writing, Introduction to internet, Word processing with
documents production, Advanced shorthand, Principles of Public and customer
relations, Basic accounting, Basic finance, Principles of management, Principles of
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Marketing, Human behaviour organization, Business Communication. In addition to

taking the subjects mentioned above, you may also undergo of 600 hours of On-The-
Job Training that divides into Basic Office, Medical and Legal at a company or
establishment that can give you opportunities to put what you have learned in school
into practice.

According to Schomburg, H. (2016) a tracer study or graduate survey is a

survey (in written or oral form) of graduates from education institutions, which takes
place sometime after the graduation or the end of the training. The subjects of a
tracer include questions on study progress, the transition to work, work entrance, job
careers, use of learned competencies, current occupation and bonds to the education
institution (school, centre, university)

Schomburg (2003), graduate and employer surveys constitute one form of

empirical study which can provide valuable information for evaluating the results of
the education and training of a specific institution of higher education. This
information may be used for further development of the institution in the context of
quality assurance. In addition Schomburg (2003) cited that a tracer study sometimes
also called as “alumni survey” or “follow-up survey” should enable the institution of
higher education to get information to indicate possible deficits in a given educational
programme and to serve as a basis for future planning activities. Information on the
professional success (career, status, income) of the graduates are needed as well as
information on the relevance of knowledge and skills (relationship between
knowledge and skills and work requirements, area of employment, professional
position). More so, consequences of university expansion can be determined with
respect to the relationship between higher education and work through tracer studies
(Teichler, 1981). (Joncim 2017)
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

On the other hand, Holtkamp and Teichler, (1983) study conducted concerning
the status of graduate surveys for the re-structuring of study programs. These were
to identify possible means in order to refer from the professional activities of the
graduates to the requirements and potentials of teaching and study programmes.
Another importance of tracer study is that it aids to examine the changes in the
career pattern of the graduates in order to provide a basis of evaluation of the current
programmes and it provides a continuation of the process of evaluation of the
performance of the University.

A study of Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin and Menteri Pengajian
Tinggi (2006) cited that Graduate Tracer Study has proven to be an effective method
in getting accurate and quick inputs for the purpose of ensuring the human capital
produced by higher education institutions are at all times relevant and be able to
meet the ever changing demand of job market. (Joncim 2017)

Office Administration is a set of day to day activities that are related to

financial planning, record keeping, & billing, personnel, physical distribution and
logistics, within an organization. An employee that undertakes these activities is
commonly called an office administrator or office manager, and plays a key role in
any organizations, infrastructure, regardless of the scale.

Office administrator has the responsibility of ensuring that the administrative

activities within an organization run efficiently, by providing structure to other
employees throughout the organization.

This study ventures into the career path of Bachelor of Science in Office
Administration graduates in Trimex Colleges in Biñan, Laguna. This also echoes the
points and constructs of the study to highlight the role of each BSOA graduates in
their career. Also, the study tries to find out what they have gone through to their life
taking this program.
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Objective of the study

The study is to determine the employment of Bachelor of Science in Office

Administration Graduates from 2016-2019

1. Determine the present profile of BSOA graduates 2016 to 2019.

2. Describe the graduates perception in terms of their college academic performance.
3. To determine the relationship of the graduates employment to their completed
program
4. Analyze the graduates recommendation to help students improve their employment
potential in the future.
.
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

The main purpose of this study is to determine the Bachelor of Science in

Office Administration to employability.

According to Dawis and Lent (2016) a class theory of career development,

candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree, possess at least three years of related
experience.

According to Dawis (2002, 2005) career development is anchored on the

individual difference tradition of vocational behavior called person environment

correspondence theory, viewing career choice and development as continual

processes of adjustment and accommodation in which the person looks for work in

organizations and environments that would match his/her skills and capabilities, and

the employer in turn looks for individuals who have the capabilities to meeting the

“requirements” of the organization. The most central requirements are abilities, which

are operationalized as dimensions of skills that are considered necessary. Candidate

must hold a Bachelor’s degree and three years of substantial involvement in

administrating programs, in either a sponsoring, recipient or self-funded organization.

 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Conceptual Framework

The Employment
Bachelor of Science in
Status of BSOA Students
Office administration
of TRIMEX colleges Batch
Graduates
2016-2019

Figure 1.

The first column will be the list of the graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Office
Administration in Trimex Colleges. The second will be the employment status of BSOA
students of TRIMEX colleges Batch 2016 to 2019.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Generally the objective of the study is to determine the Career outlook of
BSOA graduates in year of 2015 to 2019. This study is undertaken to determine the
relation of their jobs from their program taken.

Specifically, this sought to answer the following question;

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of the following;

1.1. Age;

1.2. Gender;

1.3. Civil status;

1.4. Year Graduated;

2. What is the employability status of the respondents in terms of the following:

2.1. Average length of service

2.2. Position/s held

2.3. Salary

2.4. Nature of Company

2.5. Place/area of work

3. What recommendation can be drawn for the BSOA graduate in Trimex Colleges

concerning about the changes needed to improve the competitive edge?

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

 The tracerOF
BACHELOR study was focused
SCIENCE on determining
IN OFFICE the General profile and
ADMINISTRATION
Employment profile of the Trimex Colleges Bachelor of Science in Office
Administration graduates of 2016 to 2019, with the total number of 61. It deals with
the Present Employment Status of the Respondents. The researchers will try to know
if the respondents’ careers right now are still in line with their courses. This study was
going to be conduct through social networking sites such as Facebook and
personally. The respondents of our research are the graduates’ students of Bachelor
of Science in Office Administration batch 2016 to 2019, the students who are willing to
answer the questionnaires will be the respondents. The study will be only focus on the
field or job what they have now and what have now and what they did after
graduation.

HYPOTHESIS

This study hypothesis that many of the Bachelor of Science in Office

administration have found job but they are not capable of getting high positions and
better compensation.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
This study will benefit the following group of persons.

Administrator – This study is to ensure the efficient performance of all departments

in an organization. They act as a connecting link between the senior management
and the employees.

BSOA Students – This study will guide and reference for students of BSOA as their
chosen topic is similar to the proposed of this study. The result would provide useful
and reflective insights on the different factors that could influence them in pursuing a
career path.

BSOA Graduates – This study will benefit those graduates of Office Administration
to help them have an idea on what their career is all about.

Employees – This study is greatly beneficial to the employees to easily adjust

themselves on the duties and responsibilities they have to accomplish specifically
during working hours.

Future Researcher – This study will be help of to other researcher undergoing tracer
study. They may be guided on what other variables to consider examining the
changes in the career pattern of the graduates in order to provide a basis of
evaluation of the current program.

Researcher – This study will serve as an eye opener to the researcher taking the
course to triple their effort in preparation for future employment and to be qualified to
practice their profession.
Definition of terms
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
The following terms are being defined operationally and conceptually.

Employability – a set of achievements, skills, understanding and personal attributes

that make graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful in their
chosen occupations, which benefits themselves, the workforce, the community and
the economy. A broader set of skills and attributes that will enable a graduate to be
successful throughout their working life.

Employment status – refers to the status of an economically active person with

respect to his or her employment, that is to say, the type of explicit and implicit
contract of employment with other persons or organizations that the person has in
his or her job.

Knowledge – is a familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something,

such as facts, information, descriptions or skills which is required through experience
or education by perceiving, discovering or learning.

Skills – are the expertise or talent needed in order to do a job or task. Job skills allow
you to do a particular job and life skills help you through everyday task. There are
many different types of skills that can help you succeed at all aspects of you life
whether it’s school, work or even a sport or hobby. This is what makes you confident
and independent in life and are essential for success. It might take determination and
practice, but almost any skill can be learned or improved. Set yourself realistic
expectations and goals, get organized and get learning.

Tracer – a tracer study or graduate survey is a survey of graduates from education

institutions, which takes place sometime after graduation or the end of training.
 CHAPTER 2
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents all the literature, and studies gathered from thesis which
is relevant to the present study.

Local Literature

According to Abas (2016) our country (Philippines), just like the rest of the
countries in the world, is beset by increasingly uncertain changes brought by
globalization. The influence of technology will go beyond new equipment and faster
communications, as work and skills will be redefined and reorganized. The current
age has created opportunities along with challenges and complexities that affect two
of our country’s sectors: education and employment. In line with this period of
globalization, the higher education has been concerned with the development of the
whole person as well as knowledge, attributes, and skills which any educated person
should expect to have by the time of graduation. It further aims to inspire and enable
individuals to develop their capabilities to the highest potential levels throughout life
so that they grow intellectually, contribute effectively to society, achieve personal
fulfilment and are well- equipped for work.

Universities and other educational and training institutions should equip the
students and graduates with the capabilities and readiness to venture into the job
market to facilitate their employment. She said that students must not only be trained
on skills needed in their chosen fields but also on the basic requirements for
employability. Sto. Tomas indicated that despite the numerous graduates of any
courses, the vacancies have not been easily filled up due to the applicants' lack of
basic requirements for employability. Sto. Tomas (2013)
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Sarcauga (2015) job vacancies are available in various local industries
but the problem usually lies on the employability of the graduates. He is hoping that
our graduates today will find the right job based on the competencies and skills they
have after graduating and their employability would match the demand of the
industry. With the rise in the number of people attaining higher education, getting a
job may relatively be tougher now the job market is becoming more competitive.

Foreign Literature

Employability skills were employers is highly advantageous social capital for

HEIs. However, work experiences is not only will aid employability, although
academicians, students, but parents and universities career guidance team do also
make the false assumption that is simply engaging into the workplace is all that is
required. Employability is defined in different context. For Hillage and Poland (1998),
the term refers to a person’s capability of gaining initial employment, maintaining
employment, and obtaining new employment if required. (Hawkridge, 2005), (Joncim
2017)

A study of Gualberto and Ylagan (2008), proves that the graduates were
employed in private and government services. It took them more than one year to
wait to get employed. They got their jobs from referrals while some of them got the
information from job fairs, advertisements and even from the internet. Regarding their
present employment, the greater percentage of the respondents is working
unprofessional, technical and even supervisory level. Some are assigned to clerical
jobs while the rest put up their own business. In terms of unemployment lack of work
experience is one of the reasons. Others mention that no other job opportunities and
further studies were their reasons for unemployment. With regards to the
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
employment status and nature of employment , most of the respondents are working
on a regular or permanent status and were gainfully employed.

As stated by Clarke (2008) employability is generally portrayed as the ability to

gain meaningful employment. Whilst this is a rather one-dimensional view, it is also
core to the concept. When one considers the general outline of an advertisement for
a job vacancy, it consist of those job-specific requirements such as education and
experience needed, but goes one step further in giving an outline of the
competencies or attributes inherent to the position.

Yorke and Knight (2006) indicate in their research that having the relevant
degree is merely a means by which to compete for a job, but that employers choose
between graduates based on "something more complex." As organisations have
changed as a result of downsizing, restructuring, and outsourcing, the emphasis on
flexibility and similar employability skills has increased. It is argued that the source of
organisational competitiveness now lies in those advanced skills that are
encompassed by employability. Clarke argues that by improving employability skills
across a nation, a possible solution is presented to the growing skills gap, or what is
often referred to as the war for talent. Clarke also mentions the decline in birth rates
in countries such as Australia, which means that supply and demand for labour plays
a great role in strategic planning. Securing the required skills to achieve business
objectives and a competitive edge has become critical. The study will thus aid in
identifying the current graduate employability and PCRs profiles in South Africa.

Students increasingly seek for work experience opportunities as part of their

degree experience. Employer participation in creating work experiences are vital and
it needs to be looked at how the employer relationship can be established, managed
and maintained in the interests of an employer, HEIs and Students. It is because a
healthy relationship with employers is highly advantageous social capital for HEIs.
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
However, work experiences is not only will aid employability, although academicians,
students, but parents and universities career guidance team do also make the false
assumption that is simply engaging into the workplace is all that is required.
Employability is defined in different context. For Hillage and Poland (1998), the term
refers to a person’s capability of gaining initial employment, maintaining employment,
and obtaining new employment if required. Rae (2007)

Felicen and Mejia (2013) opined that employability is the capability of

individuals to move self-sufficiently within the labor market to realize potential through
sustainable employment. Different authors moreover agree that employability
depends on the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and values (KSAV’s) the
individuals possess, the way they utilize their KSAV’s in workplace, and the way they
present themselves to employers. The need for improved employability skills is linked
to the success of the individual and to the success of the company.

The Pedagogy for Employability Group (2004), it is widely agreed that

graduates with work experience are more likely to secure employment than
graduates without. It is also consider the wider life experiences that many students,
particularly mature students, bring them into higher education. There is a need,
therefore, for students to be given this information and provided with guidance as
how to their life experience and work related experience, either arranged as part of
the course, carried out on a voluntary basis or gained through part-time work, can be
used to enhance their levels of employability.

Employers want graduates with relevant subject specific skills, knowledge

and understanding, but in addition to this are looking for well-developed generic skills
in many areas. (Harvey et al., 1997).
 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 3

Methodology

This chapter discusses the methods and procedures used in the study. This
chapter includes the research design used, population frame, instrumentation,
validation of the instrument used, data gathering procedure, description of the
respondents.
This tracer study used the descriptive research design wherein according to
shuttleworth (2008). It is a scientific method which involves observing and describing
the behaviour of a subject without influencing it in any way.

Research Design
The study used descriptive-survey type of research. The research aimed to
determine the employment status of the BSOA graduates in Trimex colleges.

An online survey and some are written survey will be used to collect the data
from the graduates. The initial target population will be all the students who
completed their studies in Trimex Colleges in the years 2016 to 2019.

Sampling Techniques

In this study, the researchers will use the Quota Sampling techniques because it
will be appropriate for this study.
A Quota sampling is a type of simple random sampling technique wherein the
assembled sample has the same proportions of individuals as the entire population
with respect to known characteristics, traits, or focused phenomenon and it allows the
researchers to observe relationships between subgroups. The researchers will get the
70% of 61 total number populations of selected Graduates of Bachelor of Science in
Office Administration Batch 2016 to 2019 of Trimex Colleges will be result of sample
BACHELOR
size, which is 43. OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Total number of population of the respondents, target percent, and the total
number of target respondents.

Table 1

Total no. of Graduates in Target Percent

Bachelor of Science in No. of target
Office Administration (%) Respondents
batch 2016-2019

61 70 43

The total number of Graduates in Bachelor of Science in Office Administration

from batch 2016 to 2019 is 61 which is the total number of no. of population of the
respondents where multiplied by 70% would be equal to 43 which is our target
respondents or the sample size.

Research Locale

This study will be conducted in the Trimex Colleges. The respondents will be
interviewed via chat and in person. The researcher chose the place of
implementation to apply because it will give the researcher the needed information
for students who graduate in Trimex Colleges in the year 2016 to 2019. The study will
be conducted in the first semester of the academic year 2016 to 2019.
 Research participants
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
The participants of the study are only of 61 female office administration
graduates who have worked in the field of administration.

Research population

Year Graduated Frequency Percentage (%)

2016 2 3
2017 25 41
2018 15 25
2019 19 31
Total 61 100

According to the list of Bachelor of Science in Office Administration of Trimex

Colleges. The year of 2016 had the least number of Graduates with only 2. In 2017 it
has the highest number of Graduates ranging 25 students. In the year of 2018 it only
had 15, and 2019 is the second to the highest number of graduates who got 19. A total
of 61 Bachelor of Science in Office Administration graduates from Trimex Colleges.

Research Instrument
The survey questionnaire was the main tool used to gather data and
information of the study. Indicators in each variable were conceptualized based on
some studies. The questionnaire is composed of three essential parts namely
general information, employment status, contribution of the program.

According to Manuel and Medel (2014) “descriptive research describes what is

it involves the description, analysis and interpretation of the present nature,
composition or processes of phenomena” Furthermore the process of descriptive
research goes beyond more gathering and tabulation of data. It involves elements of
BACHELOR
interpretation of the OF SCIENCE
meaning IN OFFICE
or significance of ADMINISTRATION
what is described. Hence, a
description often combined with comparison and contrast involving measurements
classifications and interpretations. The descriptive method is the best means of
obtaining the employment status of Office Administration graduates of Trimex
colleges in the City of Biñan, Laguna.

Data Gathering Procedure

The survey covered all the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration

graduates of Trimex colleges in the City of Biñan, Laguna. The researcher will
personally distribute and collect the survey questionnaire. The researcher tabulated
the data with the help of researcher's statistician. The researcher conducted the
procedure stated below to determine the employment status of the BSOA graduates
of Trimex Colleges in the City of Biñan, Laguna. The survey was conducted during
the School Year 2019-2020.