International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5

ISSN: 2222-6990

A Correlation Study of Personal Entrepreneurial

Competency and the Academic Performance in
Operations Management of Business Administration
Students
Jake M. Laguador
Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas City, Philippines
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the Academic Performance of the Business Administration 3 rd
Year students in Operations Management course in terms of the result of their Prelim Exam,
Midterm Exam, and Semi-Final Exam. It also analyzed the Personal Entrepreneurial Competency
rating. Results showed that the Business Administration students major in Human Resource
Development and Management obtained low score in Prelim and Midterm examination where
they find it difficult to answer Math problems. Goal setting, Information seeking and
Persistence are the Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies where the students obtained high
scores. The demand for quality and information seeking revealed significant relationship in two
major examinations in Operations Management.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial, Competency, Business Administration, Operations Management.
Introduction
Entrepreneurship is the ability of individuals to perceive the kind of products or services that
others need and to deliver them at the right time, to the right place, to the right people, at the
right price. It is a science of converting ideas into business, a commercial or mercantile activity
engaged in as a means of livelihood. The entrepreneur is one who organizes, manages, and
assumes the risks of a business enterprise. Business opportunities exist at all times since no
man can produce all the goods and services he needs in order to survive (Ditablan & Abad,
2009). Thus, entrepreneurship is undeniably an important source of income, an important
strategy for creating new jobs and hastening the economic recovery and growth of the nation.
Entrepreneurship is one of the skills included in the Institutional Intended Learning Outcomes
of the Lyceum of the Philippines University wherein the students would be able to engage in
projects and activities using basic knowledge and skills in business management,
entrepreneurship and finance management.
Operations management is an area of management concerned with overseeing, designing, and
controlling the process of production and redesigning business operations in the production
of goods or services. It involves the responsibility of ensuring that business operations
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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5
ISSN: 2222-6990

are efficient in terms of using as few resources as needed, and effective in terms of meeting
customer requirements. It is concerned with managing the process that converts inputs in the
forms of materials, labor, and energy into outputs in the form of goods and/or services.
The findings of the study will be used to strengthen the competency of the students to operate
a business and to develop certain skills in entrepreneurship. As future Human Resource
Development Managers, students will be given enough orientation to handle both
fundamentals and advanced processes and procedures in human resource department though
attending seminars and conferences with invited guest speakers.
This study aimed to determine the Academic Performance of the Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration Human Resource Development and Management (BSBA HRDM) 3rd
Year students in Operations Management (OM) in terms of the result of their Prelim Exam,
Midterm Exam, and Semi-Final Exam; To analyze the Personal Entrepreneurial Competency
rating in terms of opportunity seeking, persistence, commitment to work contract, demand for
quality and efficiency, risk taking, goal setting, information seeking, systematic planning and
monitoring, persuasion and networking, and self confidence.
Objectives of the Study
This study aimed to determine the Personal Entrepreneurial Competency and the Academic
Performance in Operations Management of BSBA HRDM 3rd Year during the SY 2012-2013.
Specifically, this study is guided by the following objectives:
1. To determine the Academic Performance of the BSBA HRDM 3rd Year students in
Operations Management in terms of the result of.
1.1 Prelim Exam;
1.2 Midterm Exam; and
1.3 Semi-Final Exam.
2. To determine the Personal Entrepreneurial Competency rating of the BSBA HRDM in
terms of:
2.1 Opportunity Seeking;
2.2 Persistence;
2.3 Commitment to Work Contract;
2.4 Demand for Quality and efficiency;
2.5 Risk Taking;
2.6 Goal Setting;
2.7 Information Seeking;
2.8 Systematic Planning and Monitoring;
2.9 Persuasion and Networking; and
2.10 Self Confidence.

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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5
ISSN: 2222-6990

3. To determine the significant relationship between the Academic Performance in

Operations Management of the BSBA HRDM and their Personal Entrepreneurial
Competency ratings.
4. To propose an action plan to enhance the entrepreneurial competency of the BSBA
HRDM students.
Hypothesis
This study was guided by the hypothesis:
1. There is no significant relationship between the Academic Performance in Operations
Management of the BSBA HRDM and their Personal Entrepreneurial Competency
ratings.
Related Literature
An evaluation of the impact of entrepreneurial characteristics on the performance of small
scale manufacturing industries in Nigeria by Adegbite, Ilori, Irefin, & Abereijo, & Aderemi,
(2006) identified the entrepreneurial characteristics and the factors that influenced optimum
business performance of 100 randomly selected small-scale manufacturing industries engaged
in food and beverage; textile and wearing apparel; wood and wood products; chemical and
pharmaceuticals; and fabricated metal products. The results showed that human resource
factors and the sales revenue were found to be inadequate and severely inhibited the potential
of the entrepreneurs for performance and growth. However, length of years in business and
working experience were found to have positive contribution on their performance. While
majority (7) of the 10 Personal Entrepreneurial Characteristics (PEC) of the respondents made
negative contribution on the sales revenue, only demand for efficiency and product quality,
information seeking; and systematic planning and monitoring had positive impact. The study
concluded that the negative attributes exhibited by the respondents in most of the PECs were
critical factors in the dismal performance of the small-scale manufacturing industries, which
need to be developed in the entrepreneurs through training.
Di Zhang, & Bruning, (2011) looked into the personal characteristics and strategic orientation of
entrepreneurs in Canadian manufacturing companies as substantial impacts on their firm's
performance. The findings imply that entrepreneurs do not simply react mechanically to
external environmental changes. How they seek and interpret information and formulate
organizational strategies is partially influenced by their personal characteristics. Entrepreneurs
develop their own ways of utilizing the human capital that they bring to their firms.
Olakitan and Ayobami (2011) investigated on the influence of personality on entrepreneurial
success. They examined the impact of gender, locus of control and risk-taking behavior on the
success of an entrepreneur. The results showed that: (1.) risk-taking behavior and locus of
control had no significant interaction effect on entrepreneurial success. (2.) there was also no
significant difference between risk-taking behavior and entrepreneurial success. (3.) a
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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5
ISSN: 2222-6990

significant difference existed between internal locus of control and entrepreneurial success. (4).
there was no significant difference in the entrepreneurial success based on gender differences.
(5.) locus of control and risk-taking behavior did not collectively predict or determine
entrepreneurial success. On the basis of the findings, entrepreneurs are advised to take
cognizance of their personality since it can go a long way to determine the success or failure of
an enterprise.
The study of Bautista, Barlis, & Nazario,.(2007) dealt on the levels of entrepreneurial
competencies of practicing entrepreneurs in Baguio, Dagupan, and San Fernando, and of
entrepreneurship students of selected business schools in Cordillera Administrative Region,
(CAR), Philippines. Competencies measured were on Opportunity Seeking, Persistence,
Commitment to Work Contract, Demand for Quality and Efficiency, Risk-Taking, Goal Setting,
Information-Seeking, Systematic Planning and Monitoring, Persuasion, and Self-Confidence. The
inquiry revealed that students were weakest in Opportunity Seeking, Risk Taking, and SelfConfidence. Practicing entrepreneurs were weakest in Risk Taking. Generally, competencies of
students do not significantly vary by school, age, gender, nor year. The study suggested that the
competency levels of students especially along the areas of opportunity seeking, risk taking,
and self-confidence can be done by universities by reviewing the design of their curriculum to
promote entrepreneurship through apprenticeship program, ocular visits, forums or symposia,
linkages with SLU-EISSIF, DTI, TESDA newsletters or magazines, competitions trade fairs and
exhibits competitions. Other recommendations were addressed to practicing entrepreneurs
and universities.
Entrepreneurship education and enterprise experience can affect characteristics commonly
associated with entrepreneurs among intermediate level students. Students with training in
entrepreneurship have greater overall entrepreneurial characteristics, higher achievement
motivation, more personal control, and greater self-esteem than a comparable cohort.
Students who participate in enterprise activities have greater overall entrepreneurial
characteristics, more personal control, greater self-esteem and more innovation than a
comparable cohort (Rasheed, 2001; Sabarre, 2013).
Moreover, opportunity-seeking is the quality that enables the entrepreneur to see and act upon
new business opportunities even in situations where other people see nothing but problems
and hopelessness. (ILATE, Learning and Teacher Education, School of Education, Makerere
University). The entrepreneur lives with one foot raised. For example, when he goes to a
growing village he can easily identify what services or needs the people might be wanting.
Perhaps, retail stores and service shops. He is able to seize unusual opportunities to obtain
financing, equipment, land, work space or business assistance.
In terms of commitment to work, once the entrepreneur accepts a job, he takes full
responsibility to have the job done in an all consuming passion to satisfy the customer. To him
meeting deadlines is very important. Once the desired date is not met, that is a big loss to the
company. He knows that big achievement does not come easily and quickly.
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May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5
ISSN: 2222-6990

Risk-taking entails that the entrepreneur sees himself as a businessman, not a gambler. He
takes moderate risks or situations he knows he has good chances of success. He looks at
alternative solutions to problems and alternative means based on risks versus rewards (Calvin,
2003).
Demand for efficiency and quality means that the entrepreneur strives to do things better,
faster, or cheaper. He sets high standards of excellence and finds it hard to compromise on
standards set with himself and with his workers. The entrepreneur knows that big
achievements do not come quickly and easily. He digs in for the long haul and stays with a
project until it is successfully done and to him meeting deadlines is very important (Davis,
2010).
The person with goal-setting capability is intensely realistic, anticipates and plans carefully
where he wants to go. His visions seem to stimulate an inner drive for making his dreams come
true. He finds special joy in winning. For him achievement is an end in itself.
Information-Seeking means that the entrepreneur personally seeks useful information from
clients, suppliers, and competitors through contacts or information networks, and consults
experts for business and technical advice. He seeks immediate feedback on his performance,
and wants prompt and accurate data on the results he gets. The entrepreneur deals with
anticipated changes and notes any management weaknesses and seeks immediate feedback on
their performance. They want prompt and accurate data on the results they are getting (Calvin,
2003).
Material and Method
This study utilized the descriptive type of research method wherein the quantitative analysis
was employed using Personal Entrepreneurial Competency (PEC) Self-Rating Questionnaire
which was adapted from Management Systems International (MSI) and McBer Team as cited by
Azarcon, et. al. (2008) and a documentary analysis of the major examinations from prelim to
semi-final of the 33 BSBA HRMD students in Operations Management course currently
enrolled during 2nd Semester SY 2012-2013 who took the PEC self-rating survey. The
questionnaire was personally administered during one the researchers classes in Operations
Management before Final Examination. Frequency count, percentage, rank, weighted mean
and Pearson-Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were the statistical tools used to analyze
and interpret the data gathered.
Results and Discussion
Table 1 presents the Academic Performance of the BSBA HRMD 3rd Year students in three
Major Examinations of Operations Management.

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May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5
ISSN: 2222-6990

Table 1: Academic Performance of the BSBA HRMD 3rd Year Students in Operations
Management

Range
96 100
91 95
86 90
81 85
75 80
below 75
Total

Prelim
F
0
0
2
6
10
14
32

%
0
0
6.25
18.75
31.25
43.75
100

Midterm
F
1
4
7
2
5
13
32

%
3.125
12.5
21.875
6.25
15.625
40.625
100

Semi
F
3
3
6
3
11
6
32

%
9.375
9.375
18.75
9.375
34.375
18.75
100

Most of the students or 43.75 percent obtained below 75% or failing remarks during Prelim
examination and 10 or 31.25 percent of them obtained 75% 80% and few of them have 81%
85% and 86% - 90% with 6 and 2 BSBA students respectively. During Midterm Examination, still
majority of them or 40.63 percent obtained a failing grade while 21.88 percent of them have
86% - 90%, followed by 75% - 80% with 12.63 percent of the students only one (1) student
obtained a grade between 96% - 100% in Midterm Examination. The students find difficulty in
the mathematical computation which comprised majority of the items both in Prelim and
Midterm Examination. BSBA students strengthen their Mathematical Skills.
Majority of the students in Semi-final examination obtained a passing grade from 75% - 80%
with 11 students or 34.38 percent followed by below 75% and 86%-90% with both 6 students or
18.75 percent each while the rest obtained 95% - 100%, 91% - 95% and 81% - 85% with three
(3) students each range.
Table 2: Average Rating in Three Major Examinations of the BSBA HRMD 3rd Year Students
in Operations Management
Major Examinations
Prelim Exam
Midterm Exam
Semi-Final Exam

Average Rating
76.41
78.97
82.47

Interpretation
Passing
Fair
Fairly Satisfactory

Table 2 shows the Average Rating in Three Major Examinations of the BSBA HRMD 3rd Year
Students in Operations Management. The average rating in prelim examination obtained lowest
mark of 76.41 with Passing verbal interpretation followed by Midterm exam with 78.97 percent
falls within in Fair performance rating while Semi-Final Exam obtained the highest rating among
the three examinations with 82.47 percent with Fairly Satisfactory performance rating. The
students need a lot of motivation to engage their interest in using Statistical treatments in
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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5
ISSN: 2222-6990

analyzing the data in Operations Management. Most of them have the strong ability to
memorize facts and details but less skill in Mathematics.
Table 3: Personal Entrepreneurial Competency of the Respondents
Personal Entrepreneurial Competency
Opportunity Seeking
Persistence
Commitment to Work Contract
Demand for Quality
Risk Taking
Goal setting
Information Seeking
Systematic Planning
Persuasion and Networking
Self-Confidence

Score
17.3
18.6
17.8
18.5
16.5
20.4
18.8
17.7
18.4
17.1

Rank
8
3
6
4
10
1
2
7
5
9

Table 3 presents the result of the Personal Entrepreneurial Competency of the BSBA HRDM
3rd Year students. Goal setting obtained the highest score in Personal Entrepreneurial
Competency of the BSBA students with 20.4, this implies that they have the entrepreneurs
ability to set realistic and attainable objectives followed by Information seeking and Persistence
with computed weighted scores of 18.8 and 18.6, respectively. This signifies that they have the
ability to constantly update themselves with relevant facts from varied sources. They have the
awareness of past, current and future issues affecting their future business enterprise. They are
also persevering despite many obstacles and failed attempts to be successful, they still try to
challenge themselves to pursue their business ventures.
However, they obtained least scores in opportunity seeking, self-confidence and risk taking as
manifested by the weighted scores of 17.3, 17.1 and 16.5, respectively. These are considered
their weaknesses. This signifies that they have low skill of being able to quickly spot and identify
possible profitable business endeavors. They have to develop their sense of security with
themselves, allowing them to face other people, their customers and situation without much
fear or intimidation. They must also learn more how to assess the hazards and perils of the
situation, and carefully calculates his chances of cusses and profits.
Table 4 reveals the relationship between the academic performance in Operations
Management of the BSBA HRDM and their Personal Entrepreneurial Competency Ratings.
There is a significant relationship between the Demand for Quality and Prelim examination
result in Operations Management course of BSBA HRDM as manifested by the computed p
value of 0.048 which is less than the 0.05 level of significance. This implies that those students
who obtain higher scores in Demand for Quality, they also obtain high score in Prelim Exam
while those students who have high remarks in Semi-Final exam, they also have high score in
information seeking.
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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5
ISSN: 2222-6990

Table 4: Relationship between the Academic Performance in Operations Management of the

BSBA HRDM and their Personal Entrepreneurial Competency Ratings
PEC Rating

Prelim
r-value
.076
-.161

p-value
.340
.189

Midterm
r-value
p-value
.168
.179
.054
.384

Opportunity Seeking
Persistence
Commitment to Work
.236
.097
-.094
Contract
Demand for Quality
-.273
.048(*)
-.191
Risk Taking
.026
.445
.113
Goal setting
.188
.152
-.053
Information Seeking
.247
.087
.008
Systematic Planning
.219
.115
-.077
Persuasion
and
-.039
.416
.038
Networking
Self-Confidence
-.006
.486
.160
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (1-tailed).
* Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (1-tailed).

Semi-Final
r-value
p-value
-.011
.475
.005
.490

.304

-.073

.345

.148
.269
.387
.482
.337

-.172
.021
.178
.274
.266

.173
.455
.165
.045 (*)
.071

.418

.206

.129

.191

.233

.099

The rest of the eight (8) factors cannot be considered a good factor in determining the
academic performance of the students in Operations Management Course. Though the
Demand for Quality and information seeking reveals significant relationship but it only shows
for one major examination.
Conclusion
The BSBA HRDM students obtained low score in Prelim and Midterm examination where they
find it difficult to answer Math problems. Goal setting, Information seeking and Persistence are
the Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies where the students obtained high scores. The
demand for quality and information seeking revealed significant relationship in two major
examinations in Operations Management.
Recommendation
The BSBA HRDM students must strengthen their Problem Solving Skills through giving them
enough exercises to enhance their interest in the application of Statistics in Forecasting.
Conduct Classroom activities that would enhance the confidence of the students to answer the
question during recitation. The BSBA HRDM students must develop their self-confidence and
risk-taking capability as well as their opportunity seeking skills to become successful
entrepreneurs and human resource managers someday through attending seminars and
conferences with motivational speakers. The College of Business Administration must
strengthen the ability of the students to work with quality through allowing them to attend in
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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5
ISSN: 2222-6990

extensive trainings in Total Quality Management. Future researchers may use another set of
variables to correlate with the academic performance of the Business Administration Students.
Acknowledgement
The researcher would like to thank Dr. Galicano V. Del Mundo, Dean of College of Business
Administration and Dr. Conrado I. Dotong, Dean of the College of Engineering for allowing him
to teach Operations Management and to carry out this study to BS Business Administration
(BSBA) students. Sincerest gratitude also goes to the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)
Batangas City for providing the financial assistance to make this research possible and for
honing the potentials and research skills of the author to contribute something beneficial to the
university and community of educators at large. Deepest thanks also given to the staff of
Research and Statistics Center of LPU for their unwavering assistance and support to the
author. To the ever dearest Dr. Norma L. Meez, who always ready to provide her knowledge
and expertise in the field of research is also given here due recognition. Heartfelt appreciation
is also given to all the students of BSBA Human Resource Development Management for
supporting this worthy endeavor. Most of all, warmest gratitude goes to the Divine Providence
for giving the right direction, strength and capacity to fulfill and realize the authors aspiration
and passion in research writing.
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May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5
ISSN: 2222-6990

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