IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v13y2021i16p9337-d617963.html

Career Success in University Graduates: Evidence from an Ecuadorian Study in Los Ríos Province

Author

Listed:
  • Roberto Pico-Saltos

    (Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28933 Madrid, Spain
    Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Quevedo State Technical University, Quevedo 120304, Ecuador)

  • Lady Bravo-Montero

    (Centro de Investigaciones y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil 9015863, Ecuador)

  • Néstor Montalván-Burbano

    (Centro de Investigaciones y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil 9015863, Ecuador
    Department of Economy and Business, University of Almería, Ctra, Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
    Innovation, Management, Marketing and Knowledge Economy Research I2Maker, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil 9015863, Ecuador)

  • Javier Garzás

    (Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28933 Madrid, Spain)

  • Andrés Redchuk

    (Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28933 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Career success and its evaluation in university graduates generate growing interest in the academy when evaluating the university according to its mission and social mandate. Therefore, monitoring university graduates is essential in measuring career success in the State Technical University of Quevedo (UTEQ, acronym in Spanish). In this sense, this article aims to identify the predictive career success factors through survey application, development of two mathematical functions, and Weka’s classification learning algorithms application for objective career success levels determination in UTEQ university graduates. Researchers established a methodology that considers: (i) sample and data analysis, (ii) career success variables, (iii) variables selection, (iv) mathematical functions construction, and (v) classification models. The methodology shows the integration of the objective and subjective factors by approximating linear functions, which experts validated. Therefore, career success can classify university graduates into three levels: (1) not successful, (2) moderately successful, and (3) successful. Results showed that from 548 university graduates sample, 307 are men and 241 women. In addition, Pearson correlation coefficient between Objective Career Success ( OCS ) and Subjective Career Success ( SCS ) was 0.297, reason why construction models were separately using Weka’s classification learning algorithms, which allow OCS and SCS levels classification. Between these algorithms are the following: Logistic Model Tree (LMT), J48 pruned tree, Random Forest Tree (RF), and Random Tree (RT). LMT algorithm is the best suited to the predictive objective career success factors, because it presented 76.09% of instances correctly classified, which means 417 of the 548 UTEQ university graduates correctly classified according to OCS levels. In SCS model, RF algorithm shows the best results, with 94.59% of instances correctly classified (518 university graduates). Finally, 67.1% of UTEQ university graduates are considered successful, showing compliance with the university’s mission.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Pico-Saltos & Lady Bravo-Montero & Néstor Montalván-Burbano & Javier Garzás & Andrés Redchuk, 2021. "Career Success in University Graduates: Evidence from an Ecuadorian Study in Los Ríos Province," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:9337-:d:617963
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/16/9337/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/16/9337/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Roberto Pico-Saltos & Paúl Carrión-Mero & Néstor Montalván-Burbano & Javier Garzás & Andrés Redchuk, 2021. "Research Trends in Career Success: A Bibliometric Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-24, April.
    2. George Psacharopoulos & Harry Anthony Patrinos, 2004. "Returns to investment in education: a further update," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(2), pages 111-134.
    3. Sangeeta Sahney & D.K. Banwet & S. Karunes, 2004. "Customer requirement constructs: the premise for TQM in education," International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 53(6), pages 499-520, September.
    4. Mihelis, G. & Grigoroudis, E. & Siskos, Y. & Politis, Y. & Malandrakis, Y., 2001. "Customer satisfaction measurement in the private bank sector," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 130(2), pages 347-360, April.
    5. Leon Hupkens & Jos Akkermans & Omar Solinger & Svetlana Khapova, 2021. "The Dynamics of Subjective Career Success: A Qualitative Inquiry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-22, July.
    6. Baruch, Yehuda & Grimland, Shmuel & Vigoda-Gadot, Eran, 2014. "Professional vitality and career success: Mediation, age and outcomes," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 518-527.
    7. Khalid M. Dubas & Waqar I. Ghani & Stanley Davis & James T. Strong, 1998. "Evaluating Market Orientation of an Executive MBA Program," Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(4), pages 49-59, August.
    8. Heirsmac Princess & Edwin M. Agwu & Ohaegbu V. Awele & Agumadu Mercy, 2015. "Strategic Implications of Glass Ceiling on the Professional Leadership of Career Women Development in the West African Sub-Region," International Journal of Management Sciences, Research Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 6(5), pages 260-271.
    9. Cardone Riportella, Clara & Lado, Nora & Rivera Torres, Pilar, 2001. "Measurement and effects of teaching quality : an empirical model applied to masters programs," DEE - Working Papers. Business Economics. WB wb013110, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Departamento de Economía de la Empresa.
    10. Peña, Daniel, 1997. "La mejora de la calidad en la educación: reflexiones y experiencias," DES - Documentos de Trabajo. Estadística y Econometría. DS 3645, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Departamento de Estadística.
    11. Colbert, Amy & Levary, Reuven R. & Shaner, Michael C., 2000. "Determining the relative efficiency of MBA programs using DEA," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 125(3), pages 656-669, September.
    12. Card, David, 2001. "Estimating the Return to Schooling: Progress on Some Persistent Econometric Problems," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 69(5), pages 1127-1160, September.
    13. Hogan, Robert & Chamorro-Premuzic, Tomas & Kaiser, Robert B., 2013. "Employability and Career Success: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Reality," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(1), pages 3-16, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Roberto Pico-Saltos & David Sabando-Vera & Marcela Yonfa-Medranda & Javier Garzás & Andrés Redchuk, 2022. "Hierarchical Component Model (HCM) of Career Success and the Moderating Effect of Gender, from the Perspective of University Alumni: Multigroup Analysis and Empirical Evidence from Quevedo, Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-25, December.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Roberto Pico-Saltos & David Sabando-Vera & Marcela Yonfa-Medranda & Javier Garzás & Andrés Redchuk, 2022. "Hierarchical Component Model (HCM) of Career Success and the Moderating Effect of Gender, from the Perspective of University Alumni: Multigroup Analysis and Empirical Evidence from Quevedo, Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-25, December.
    2. Nicholas Sim, 2015. "Astronomics In Action: The Graduate Earnings Premium And The Dragon Effect In Singapore," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 53(2), pages 922-939, April.
    3. Emanuela di Gropello, 2006. "Meeting the Challenges of Secondary Education in Latin America and East Asia : Improving Efficiency and Resource Mobilization," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 7173, April.
    4. Achim Truger, 2015. "Implementing the golden rule for public investment in Europe," Working Paper Reihe der AK Wien - Materialien zu Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft 138, Kammer für Arbeiter und Angestellte für Wien, Abteilung Wirtschaftswissenschaft und Statistik.
    5. Gregorio Caetano & Miguel Palacios & Harry A. Patrinos, 2019. "Measuring Aversion to Debt: An Experiment Among Student Loan Candidates," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 40(1), pages 117-131, March.
    6. John B. Burbidge & Kirk A. Collins & James B. Davies & Lonnie Magee, 2012. "Effective tax and subsidy rates on human capital in Canada," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 45(1), pages 189-219, February.
    7. Flabbi, Luca & Paternostro, Stefano & Tiongson, Erwin R., 2008. "Returns to education in the economic transition: A systematic assessment using comparable data," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(6), pages 724-740, December.
    8. Tanthaka Vivatsurakit & Jessica Vechbanyongratana, 2020. "Returns to education among the informally employed in Thailand," Asian-Pacific Economic Literature, The Crawford School, The Australian National University, vol. 34(1), pages 26-43, May.
    9. Purnamita Dasgupta, 2008. "Measuring Sustainability with Macroeconomic Data for India," Working Papers id:1574, eSocialSciences.
    10. Muhammad Nauman Malik & Masood Sarwar Awan, 2016. "Analysing Econometric Bias and Non-linearity in Returns to Education of Pakistan," The Pakistan Development Review, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, vol. 55(4), pages 837-851.
    11. Maria Manuel Campos & Hugo Reis, 2018. "Returns to schooling in the Portuguese economy: a reassessment," Public Sector Economics, Institute of Public Finance, vol. 42(2), pages 215-242.
    12. Oancea, Bogdan & Pospisil, Richard & Dragoescu, Raluca, 2017. "The return to higher education: evidence from Romania," MPRA Paper 81720, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    13. Chen, Jie & Kanjilal-Bhaduri, Sanghamitra & Pastore, Francesco, 2022. "Updates on Returns to Education in India: Analysis Using PLFS 2018-19 Data," IZA Discussion Papers 15002, IZA Network @ LISER.
    14. Issofou NJIFEN & Aicha PEMBOURA, 2020. "Hétérogénéité dans les rendements de l’éducation au Cameroun : une estimation en présence des biais de sélection et d’endogénéité," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 52, pages 105-126.
    15. repec:spo:wpmain:info:hdl:2441/1ds77lna5j86jagcp29tfni72o is not listed on IDEAS
    16. Wang, Le, 2012. "Economic transition and college premium in urban China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(2), pages 238-252.
    17. Kentaro Shimada & Zeba Khan & Suguru Mizunoya & Ayako Wakano, 2016. "An Update of the Returns to Education in Kenya: Accounting both endogeneity and sample selection biases," Discussion Papers in Economics and Business 16-18, Osaka University, Graduate School of Economics.
    18. Djavad Salehi-Isfahani & Russell D. Murphy, 2006. "Labor market flexibility and investment in human capital," Working Papers e06-5, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Economics.
    19. Chengfang Liu & Ye Li & Shaoping Li & Renfu Luo & Linxiu Zhang & Scott Rozelle & Spencer Hagist & Jack Hou, 2020. "The returns to education in rural China: Some new estimates," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 64(1), pages 189-208, January.
    20. Hugo Reis & Maria Manuel Campos, 2017. "Revisiting the returns to schooling in the Portuguese economy," Economic Bulletin and Financial Stability Report Articles and Banco de Portugal Economic Studies, Banco de Portugal, Economics and Research Department.
    21. Ukaj MIC & Mustafa Topxhiu RAHMIJE, 2019. "The returns to investment in education: Some theoretical and empirical insights," Economics and Applied Informatics, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 1, pages 193-203.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:9337-:d:617963. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager The email address of this maintainer does not seem to be valid anymore. Please ask MDPI Indexing Manager to update the entry or send us the correct address (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.