Volume 6, Issue 11, November – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

A Feasibility Study on Offering Bachelor of

Science in Data Science and Analytics
Rachel T. Alegado, College of Information and Prince Mert O. Nicolas, College of Information and
Communications Technology, Nueva Ecija University of Communications Technology, Nueva Ecija University of
Science and Technology, Philippines Science and Technology, Philippines

Emilsa T. Bantug, College of Information and Rodibelle F. Leona, College of Information and
Communications Technology, Nueva Ecija University of Communications Technology, Nueva Ecija University of
Science and Technology, Philippines Science and Technology, Philippines

Michael E. Bensi, College of Information and Arnold P. Dela Cruz, College of Information and
Communications Technology, Nueva Ecija University of Communications Technology, Nueva Ecija University of
Science and Technology, Philippines Science and Technology, Philippines

Abstract:- In this present era, data has become a powerful employability, low financial cost for enrollment, and the
and vital component of emerging technologies, especially university's strong reputation are some of the iterated
in the digital economy. Innovations and advancements in factors observed among the respondents. The SWOT
this digital economy and other sectors can be attributed analysis enumerates the strengths, weaknesses,
and associated with data studies. Thus, the field of Data opportunities, and threats findings in the program.
Science and Data Analytics has dramatically evolved over
the last decade and continuously gaining popularity, The offering of a Bachelor of Science in Data Science
particularly in Information Technology. In Philippine and Data Analytics is deemed necessary to produce a
education, the Commission on Higher Education has future-ready generation of data scientists that will fill the
formulated draft guidelines for B.S. Data Science and industry's need.
Analytics Program recognize the need to produce a future-
ready generation that can answer the needs of the Keywords:- Data Science and Data Analytics, SWOT Analysis.
industry's economic trends and domains. In line with this,
the College of Information and Communications I. INTRODUCTION
Technology of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and
Technology proposes opening a new program: Bachelor of Data has become a powerful and vital component in this
Science in Data Science and Data Analytics. A feasibility new era of continuous emerging technologies. Breakthroughs
study is an essential tool to assess the viability of the in societal sectors can be attributed to careful studies of data
proposed program. gathered. Hence, the field of Data Science is slowly gaining
popularity in the Information Technology world.
The objectives of this feasibility study are to identify
if there is a significant demand of the program based on Data Science is a discipline that offers the discovery and
stakeholders' responses. Provide analysis of the feasibility utilization of methodologies, principles, and policies on data
in opening the proposed program under the College of analysis, tools, knowledge, and insights (Yan and Davis,
Information and Communications Technology. And 2019). In this era, small and large companies have been
provide a comprehensive reference, including faculty line dealing with large volumes of data to find insights to aid in
up, curriculum design, curriculum map, and course better decision-making. The focus of data science is not solely
description. limited to the economic arena but also caters to education,
healthcare, government, among others.
The descriptive method was used for this study. A
questionnaire and interviews were used as the primary In the study by Tan and Tan (2016), the need for B.S.
instruments. The involvement of the stakeholders Data Science degree programs in the Philippines have been
(students in public and private schools, parents, industry proposed. The study has mentioned that such a degree aims to
professionals and academicians) make this study possible. produce data scientists who can provide insights and new
Using important files and papers from the College, a knowledge for the different societal sectors. The authors have
SWOT Analysis was conducted to investigate and also identified that such a degree can pave the way for local
determine the program's competitiveness and/or and foreign workforce opportunities.
attractiveness.
In line with this, the Commission on Higher Education
The result reveals that many student respondents are (2021) has formulated a draft of guidelines for BSDSA. The
interested in enrolling in the B.S. in Data Science and Data Science and Analytics Program acknowledges the need
Analytics program. The demand for the course, to produce a future-ready generation that can answer the needs

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Volume 6, Issue 11, November – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
of the industry's economic trends and domains. The draft No. of
includes a curriculum outline comprised of mathematics, Name of School Respondents Percentage
statistics, Information Technology, and data science and Aliaga National High School 43 4.0
analytics. Bartolome Sangalang National 21 2.0
High School 127 11.8
To keep with the trend, the College of Information and Calaba National High School 113 10.5
Communications Technology of the Nueva Ecija University of Camp Tinio National High 34 3.2
Science and Technology proposes opening a new course: School 126 11.8
Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics. The Cuyapo National High School 36 3.4
University aims to equip the students with the fundamentals of Jaen National High School 55 5.1
data science by applying mathematics, statistics, data mining, Jorge M. Padilla National High 38 3.5
machine learning, and artificial intelligence concepts. By School 59 5.5
gaining exposure to these concepts, the students will be primed Liceo De Christ the King, Inc. 54 5.0
to provide relevant data-driven research and solutions. Malacanang High School 14 1.3
Mallorca National High School 152 14.2
As such, the offering the B.S. The Data Science and Manuel V Gallego Foundation 28 2.6
Analytics program is proof that the College and the University Colleges Inc. 47 4.4
are committed to their mandate in continuously providing NEUST Laboratory High School 27 2.5
quality education and opportunities for its stakeholders. Thus, Nueva Ecija High School 27 2.5
producing productive citizens equipped to respond to the call Pantabangan National High 29 2.7
of Science and Technology in both local and international School 19 1.8
communities. Peñaranda National High School 23 2.1
Rizal National High School
II. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY Saint Nicolas De Tolentino High
School
In general, the objective of this study was to determine Salagusog National High School
the feasibility of offering a four-year course. The proposed Sibul National High School
program is Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics. Talugtug National High School
Total 1072 100.0
Specifically, this study aimed to describe the course's Table 1 Distribution of the Respondents
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to justify its
proposed offering The second set is 20 external stakeholders was surveyed
using convenient sampling to corroborate the senior high
III. METHODOLOGY school respondents' survey results and for validation purposes.

This study took a descriptive method, with a No. of

questionnaire serving as the primary tool for the student Concerned Stakeholders Percentage
Respondents
respondents. It also conducted unstructured interviews with DSA Industry Professionals 10 50
parties involved in Nueva Ecija. Because the purpose of this
study is to characterize a current scenario in terms of current Parents 6 30
market trends to estimate future results, this technique was Academicians 4 20
chosen. Total 20 100.00
Table 2 Concerned Stakeholders
A. Respondents
This survey included 20 senior high schools from B. Data Gathering Tools
Cabanatuan City and Nueva Ecija as respondents. This With the help of other academic members from the
includes schools located near NEUST extension and satellite College of Information and Communications Technology, the
campuses. A total of 1072 graduating students were asked to researchers gathered the essential data for this feasibility study
participate in the survey. The distribution of respondents per using questionnaires. The researchers also conducted
school surveyed is shown in Table 1. interviews with interested parties. Using important files and
papers from the College, a SWOT Analysis was conducted to
investigate the research's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
and threats.

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Volume 6, Issue 11, November – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
C. Preparation of the Questionnaire. What is the reason for wanting to
The researchers designed the questionnaire for this study f %
take BSDSA?
after conducting substantial research and analyzing the items Demand for the course 343 49.8
that should be included. It was created using an existing Employability 189 27.4
instrument at the College. It was changed to accommodate the Influenced by family 46 6.7
needs of this research. Non-board course 46 6.7
Influenced by friends 35 5.1
D. Validation of the Questionnaire. Others 30 4.4
MV Gallego Foundation Colleges Grade 12 students
Total 689 100
assessed the first copy of the questionnaire to check if the
Table 4 Reasons for Choosing BS in Data Science and
respondents could answer it and if it needed to be updated or
Analytics
modified.
From the 689 questionnaires tallied, 343 or 49.8% of
E. Administration of the Questionnaire.
them answered that they want to enroll in BSDSA because of
To collect data, the researchers used a Google form. The
the demand for the course. This received the highest
researchers obtained permission from Nueva Ecija's Schools
percentage score among the options for wanting to take
Division to perform the study.
BSDSA. This was followed by employability which received
189 or 27.4% of the respondents. The reason for wanting
F. Interview.
BSDSA as influenced by friends and that the program is a non-
The researchers also conducted unstructured interviews
board course received 46 or 6.7 % of the respondents.
with stakeholders in the Data Science and Analytics business,
Influenced by friends received 35 or 5.1% while 30 or 4.4%
academicians, and parents. A Zoom consultation was also
respondents answered they were influenced by a factor other
organized to showcase the planned curriculum. The
than those listed above.
recommendations and criticisms were considered to improve
the planned program.
Are you willing to study at
f %
G. Statistical Treatment of the Data NEUST?
The frequency of responses and the accompanying mean Yes 940 87.7
were used in the statistical analysis of data collected from No 132 12.3
various public and private senior high schools in Nueva Ecija. Total 1072 100.00
Table 5 Willingness to Study at NEUST
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Out of 1072 senior high school student-respondents, 940
 Survey Results or 87.7% answered that they are willing to study at the Nueva
The statistical analysis of data collected from chosen Ecija University of Science and Technology, while 132 or
Grade 12 students from various public and private senior high 12.3% opted to other schools.
schools in Nueva Ecija was shown in the tables below.
What is the reason for wanting to
f %
Are you willing to take study at NEUST?
f % Free Tuition Fee 466 49.6
BSDSA?
Yes 689 64.0 Good Reputation 221 23.5
No 383 36.0 Distance from home 139 14.8
Total 1072 100.00 Known to the Industry 74 7.9
Table 3 Willingness to Take BS in Data Science and Others 40 4.3
Analytics Total 940 100
Table 6 Reasons for Studying at NEUST
According to a survey of senior high school students'
desire to take the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and As for why the student-respondents are inclined to enroll
Analytics program shows that 689 out of 1072 students, or at NEUST, the number 1 answer is because of the free tuition
64.0 percent of the total number of respondents, are inclined fee, which is 49.8% or 343 respondents. Second, on the list is
to take the BSDSA program. the excellent reputation of the university which garnered
23.5% or 221 student-respondents. Distance from home was
In addition, the survey questionnaires filled out by the also considered with 139 respondents or 14.8%. 74
student respondents who answered positively were tallied for respondents which convert to 7.9% answered that NEUST is
the next question. known to the industry while 40 or 4.3% respondents answered
they were influenced by factor other than those listed above.

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Volume 6, Issue 11, November – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Swot Analysis E. Instruction and Faculty
A SWOT analysis assesses an organization's internal In terms of instruction, the College of Information and
strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities Communications Technology has faculty members with
and threats (Bonnici and Galea, 2015). Internal analysis is used relevant and related Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate degrees
to discover the organization's resources, skills, core in Computer Science and Information Technology. According
competencies, and competitive advantages. By looking at to the proposed rules, standards, and guidelines for the BSDSA
rivals' resources, the industry environment, and the overall program, Computer Science and Information Technology are
environment, the external analysis finds market opportunities two related fields/disciplines of the proposed program,
and dangers. The goal of a SWOT analysis is for an allowing the institution to deliver the requisite skills,
organization to use the knowledge it has about its internal and knowledge, and competencies for a DSA graduate.
external surroundings to determine its strategy.
Table 7 shows the distribution of faculty members'
 Strengths educational attainment to be handling DSA courses.

A. Institutional Mandate & Philosophy and Goals of Discipline/Field Bachelor's Master's Doctorate
Proposed Program Degree Degree Degree
Republic Act No. 8612 converted the Central Luzon Data Science and 100% 100% 30%
Polytechnic College into the Nueva Ecija University of Analytics Allied
Science and Technology. As provided in the charter, the Field (i.e.,
mission of the university is stated as follows: Information
 To primarily provide advanced instruction, professional Technology)
training in arts, science and technology, education, and Table 7 Percentage Distribution of Faculty Members’ Degree
other related fields, undertake research and extension
services, and provide progressive leadership in these areas; The DSA faculty members are BS in Information
and, Technology graduates with specializations in Web
 To offer graduate, undergraduate and short-term technical Application Technology, Network Administration, and
courses within areas of specialization and according to its Database Application Programming. Furthermore, they all
capabilities, considering the needs of the province, the hold a Master's degree in Information Technology with a
region and the country. specialization in Computer Education. Finally, 30% of the
instructors have relevant Ph.D. degrees, essential for the DSA
B. Goals of the Proposed Program program.
The proposed program aims to equip graduates with the
knowledge and skills to process, manage, and analyze data in  Weaknesses
various forms. They are competent, innovative, creative, and The College only offers one program, Bachelor of
responsible problem-solvers committed to nation-building Science in Information Technology, which focuses mainly on
(CHED, 2021). creating applications and systems. There is a need to provide
a course that will focus primarily on data science and analytics.
C. Management Viability Studies show that many of the different industries within the
The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology vicinity of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
is a leading State University in the region and one of the few need data analysts and graduates who are adept in knowledge
SUCs in the country that the Commission has recognized on and skills for processing, management, and analysis of data in
Higher Education for its internationalization efforts. The various forms.
institution can educate students with the requisite information,
abilities, and competencies for the Data Science and Analytics  Threats
field in terms of managerial viability. The course's reliance on government funding may make
it difficult to get additional equipment needed.
The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and
Universities in the Philippines has granted the College of V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Information and Communications Technology it's Level 3
Phase 2 status for the Information Technology program, The study revealed that offering an additional course like
ensuring that the proposed BSDSA program will become the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics is
relevant for the stakeholders for the community. feasible. According to the SWOT Analysis, the external and
internal aspects are favorable to the College. The necessary
D. Market Viability tools, equipment, and human resources to participate in the
According to the findings, many students are considering proposed program are available based on the supplied data.
taking the BSDSA and enrolling at NEUST. The results Moreover, the College's outcomes-based education is also a
highlight the necessity for a BSDSA program to give students strength, as evidenced by AACCUP's Level III, Phase 2
new options and opportunities to enhance their lives and accreditation and the CHED's certification of the College's
contribute to developing a better community in today’s conformity with its criteria.
modern-day.

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Volume 6, Issue 11, November – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Weaknesses were discovered to be dependent on
government financing, while potential was defined by industry
demand and the certification that it is one of CHED's priority
courses. The initiative will be jeopardized if the government's
budget is not available.

REFERENCES

[1]. Bonnici, T. S., & Galea, D. (2015). SWOT

analysis. Research Gate, 272353031.
[2]. CMO 10 S. 2021. Priority Programs for CHED
Scholarship Programs (CSPs) Effective Academic Year
2021-2022
[3]. PSG DSA Draft (2021). Policies, Standards, and
Guideline for the Bachelor of Science in Data Science
and Analytics (BSDSA) Program.
[4]. Tan, Rudy H., and Tan, Lourdes A. 2016. The Need for
B.S. Data Science Degree in the Philippines. 13th
National Convention on Statistics. October 3-4, 2016.
Metro Manila, Philippines.
[5]. Yan, D., & Davis, G.E. (2019). A First Course in Data
Science. Journal of Statistics Education, 27, 99 - 109.

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