Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024): Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies (Maiden Volume)

Editorial Preface

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies (JEES), the premier open-access, peer-reviewed journal of the University of Mindanao's Institute of Economy and Enterprise Studies. This issue marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering scholarly discourse and disseminating pivotal research findings within the fields of economy and enterprise. JEES is dedicated to advancing knowledge, particularly focusing on the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

This inaugural issue of JEES features a diverse collection of articles that reflect the depth and breadth of research in economic and enterprise studies. Each article contributes to our understanding of critical issues in these fields and offers strategic insights and practical implications.

In the first article, "Technical Efficiency of Cacao (Theobroma cacao) Farms in Davao City, Philippines," Bonna May Ponpon and John Vianne Murcia of the UM Professional Schools employ data envelopment analysis to assess the technical efficiency and productivity of managed cacao farms in Davao City. Their findings reveal that the efficiency levels of these farms are relatively low, with socioeconomic factors such as the age of farm managers, distance to market, and access to credit significantly influencing inefficiencies. This study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by cacao farmers and suggests areas for improvement to enhance productivity.

Christian Paul Moyon of the doctoral program of the University of the Immaculate Conception and Marvin Cruz of the Graduate Programs of Ateneo de Davao University - School of Business and Governance explore the decision-making processes of variable unit life (VUL) policyholders in their article, "Selection of Insurance Company Among Variable Unit Life Policy Holders: An Exploratory Factor Analysis." By employing exploratory factor analysis, the authors identify key factors influencing the choice of insurance companies, including customer service relations, employee expertise, and service culture. This study highlights the importance of understanding policyholder preferences to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction in the insurance industry.

The third article, "Agricultural Cooperatives’ Impact on its Members’ Socio-Economic Status: The Case of the Binhian ng Timog Kutabato Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative," by Mario Campo Jr. of South Asiatech College, Inc. and Vicente Salvador Montaño of UM College of Business Administration Education, evaluates the socio-economic impact of cooperative membership on its members. Using a descriptive-evaluative research design, the authors find that cooperative membership significantly enhances members' income, knowledge, social status, and access to markets. This study underscores the role of agricultural cooperatives in rural development and their potential to improve the livelihoods of their members.

In "Certified Public Accountants with Multiple Opportunities in Business Landscape: A Multiple Case Study," Maria Althea Caralos of Davao del Sur State College and Reynaldo Castro of UM Professional Schools investigate the experiences of certified public accountants (CPAs) who transitioned to non-CPA professions. Through a multiple case study approach, the authors identify key themes such as the transition to entrepreneurship, the impact on relationships and financial considerations, and the utilization of digital platforms for business growth. This study offers valuable insights for CPAs considering career transitions and highlights the diverse opportunities available beyond traditional accounting roles.

Finally, Krissa Mae Alagano-Tanio of the National Food Authority XI - Davao del Sur Field Office and John Vianne Murcia of UM Professional Schools examine the preferences of bank depositors in Digos City in their article, "Bank Preferences Among Depositors in Digos City, Philippines: A Conjoint Analysis." Using conjoint analysis and survey techniques, the authors identify key banking qualities that influence depositor decision-making, such as bank location, savings instruments, and value-added services. Their findings provide strategic implications for banks in Digos City, emphasizing the need to balance conventional banking methods with contemporary innovations to meet the evolving demands of depositors.

We are proud to present these articles in the maiden issue of JEES. Each contribution has undergone a meticulous double-blind peer-review process to ensure the highest academic standards. We hope that these studies will inspire further research and discussion within the fields of economy and enterprise. Thank you for joining us on this journey of academic exploration and knowledge dissemination.

Felix Jr. C. Chavez, PhDEL, PhDMgt
Editor-in-Chief, JEES