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University or polytechnic? A fuzzy-set approach of prospective students' choice and its implications for higher education institutions' managers

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  • Henriques, Paulo Lopes
  • Matos, Pedro Verga
  • Jerónimo, Helena Mateus
  • Mosquera, Pilar
  • da Silva, Filipa Pires
  • Bacalhau, João

Abstract

This study aims to provide a deeper knowledge of the factors behind undergraduates' choice of an higher education institution (HEI) in Portugal. Based on Chapman's model (1981), this study presents the results of a survey on the personal characteristics and institutional drivers that influence this choice. The survey results in a sample of 368 Portuguese secondary or vocational education students in their final year who intend to apply to a public HEI. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to apply the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to this field of study. The findings indicate that the choice criteria of prospective students are the same irrespective of whether they are applying to a university or a polytechnic school. Among the criteria, job opportunities and the institution's reputation are the most important. Thus, managers should account for these criteria when seeking to increase their institution's competitive advantage.

Suggested Citation

  • Henriques, Paulo Lopes & Matos, Pedro Verga & Jerónimo, Helena Mateus & Mosquera, Pilar & da Silva, Filipa Pires & Bacalhau, João, 2018. "University or polytechnic? A fuzzy-set approach of prospective students' choice and its implications for higher education institutions' managers," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 435-441.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:89:y:2018:i:c:p:435-441
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2017.12.024
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dina Maria Amaro & Alzira Maria Ascensão Marques & Helena Alves, 2019. "The impact of choice factors on international students’ loyalty mediated by satisfaction," International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, Springer;International Association of Public and Non-Profit Marketing, vol. 16(2), pages 211-233, December.
    2. Gonçalo Rodrigues Brás, 2021. "Awarding PhD Powers to Polytechnics: An Academic Trap?," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(2), pages 21582440211, May.
    3. Nita Handastya & Gianni Betti, 2023. "The ‘Double Fuzzy Set’ Approach to Multidimensional Poverty Measurement: With a Focus on the Health Dimension," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 166(1), pages 201-217, February.

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