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Predictors of Choosing Business Analytics Concentration and Consequent Academic Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Sinjini Mitra

    (Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, California 92831)

  • Zvi Goldstein

    (Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, California 92831)

  • Bhushan L. Kapoor

    (Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, California 92831)

Abstract

Choosing a major field of study is important, and so is the selection of a specialized concentration that is aligned with an individual’s career aspirations. In this paper, we explore a relatively newer concentration in the area of business, namely business analytics. The field of analytics has seen a rapid growth in recent years and enrollment in college degree programs in this area has also skyrocketed. The goal of this study is to understand the primary reasons that influence a student’s decision to self-select a concentration of business analytics at a large public university. Moreover, we determine which factors are likely to have a significant effect on the performance of students enrolled in this concentration. The primary factors considered are individuals’ bright and dark personality traits, self-perceived satisfaction in related courses, along with several background control factors. The major insights obtained from analyzing our data revealed a significant effect of certain personality characteristics on both students’ concentration choice (extraversion, narcissism) and on performance (conscientiousness, emotional stability, narcissism). On the other hand, students’ performance in foundational courses in the concentration and self-perceived satisfaction in the chosen concentration had no statistically significant effect on their performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Sinjini Mitra & Zvi Goldstein & Bhushan L. Kapoor, 2021. "Predictors of Choosing Business Analytics Concentration and Consequent Academic Performance," INFORMS Transactions on Education, INFORMS, vol. 21(3), pages 130-144, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orited:v:21:y:2021:i:3:p:130-144
    DOI: 10.1287/ited.2019.0238
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Surabhi Verma, 2017. "Big Data and Advance Analytics: Architecture, Techniques, Applications, and Challenges," International Journal of Business Analytics (IJBAN), IGI Global Scientific Publishing, vol. 4(4), pages 21-47, October.
    2. Matthew Wiswall & Basit Zafar, 2015. "Determinants of College Major Choice: Identification using an Information Experiment," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 82(2), pages 791-824.
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