Archives
-
Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies (Maiden Volume)
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024)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 -
Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies (Maiden Volume)
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024)Editorial Preface
The contemporary economic environment presents organizations and institutions with unprecedented challenges marked by volatility, technological disruption, and evolving stakeholder expectations. In this context, Volume 1, Issue 2 of the Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies offers a timely collection of empirical studies that illuminate pathways toward more resilient and effective organizational practices through data-driven insights.
The issue opens with Casagan and Tan's examination of corporate ethical climate, which provides compelling evidence that ethical organizational culture serves as more than just a compliance requirement - it actively enhances the effectiveness of internal audit functions. Their finding that personal and organizational interests are key predictors of audit effectiveness suggests that ethical considerations should be strategically integrated into performance management systems. This research has particular relevance for emerging markets where corporate governance structures are still maturing.
Shifting focus to consumer finance, Lombrino and Murcia's conjoint analysis of car loan preferences reveals important market insights that challenge conventional banking wisdom. Their discovery that payment flexibility outweighs traditional factors like collateral in consumer decision-making points to significant opportunities for financial product innovation. This study demonstrates how sophisticated market research techniques can uncover latent consumer needs and inform more responsive service design in competitive financial markets.
The theme of operational efficiency is explored through two complementary studies. Ranalan's analysis of Philippine universal banks employs advanced efficiency measurement techniques to reveal the complex relationship between loan quality and technical efficiency. His findings suggest that banks may need to reevaluate traditional metrics of success in an era where risk management has become increasingly sophisticated. Similarly, Bautista and Gono Jr.'s evaluation of academic productivity in higher education institutions provides a model for evidence-based resource allocation in the education sector. Their identification of efficiency disparities among academic units offers concrete guidance for institutional improvement plans.
The issue concludes with Tagoon-Angeles and Quiambao Jr.'s investigation of non-cognitive skills in the IT-BPO sector, which makes a compelling case for expanding talent development programs beyond technical competencies. Their finding that emotional intelligence and grit are significant predictors of work behavior in high-stress environments has important implications for human resource practices in service industries that are critical to many developing economies.
Collectively, these studies demonstrate the power of empirical research to inform decision-making across multiple organizational contexts. They provide actionable insights for leaders navigating complex challenges in governance, financial services, education, and human capital management. As the pace of change accelerates, the rigorous methodologies and practical findings presented in this issue offer valuable tools for building more adaptive and resilient organizations.
We extend our appreciation to the authors for their significant contributions and to our reviewers for ensuring the scholarly rigor of these works. It is our hope that these research findings will stimulate further inquiry and inform evidence-based practices in both academic and professional circles.
The Editor
Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies
