Research on the student satisfaction towards services of CGV Cinemas Haiphong – Thuy Duong Plaza Anh, Nguyen Ngoc* International School of Education, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray Street, Haiphong, Vietnam
Abstract In market economy, the competition between industries, sectors and enterprises is extremely fierce. The entertainment industry is not an exception to that common rule. In this situation, to exist and develop, increasing the customer satisfaction, an important factor affecting the business activities, is considered as an efficient method. Through the survey at CGV Cinemas Haiphong – Thuy Duong Plaza, this following paper aims to explore the satisfaction level of students aged from 15 to 27 who are often go to CGV Cinemas Haiphong as well as suggest some feasible solutions to solve problems related to the services of CGV Cinemas Haiphong from the perspectives of these customers.
1. Introduction Recently, along with the rapid development of economy, the living standard of citizen in Haiphong has been improving increasingly, and going to the cinema is not an uncommon activity amongst the youth. This situation leads to a high demand for cinemas operation in the city. Although there are several cinemas around the city centre, such as Le Van Tam Cinema, Cong Nhan Cinema, 1/5 Cinema, students aged from 15 to 27 would like to go to high – quality and modern CGV Cinemas in Thuy Duong Plaza which is located about 3km away from the city centre to enjoy movies. Thus, this is an advantage for CGV Cinemas in terms of dominating the market. However, with the development of technology, other cinemas in the city have upgraded their systems to attract more customers and increase the market share. Therefore, in order to occupy the market and develop in the future, the CGV Cinemas
*
Tel: +84 1229275163; Student ID number: 50004 Email address: nguyenanh110@gmail.com
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Haiphong needs to meet the demand of these audiences and increase their satisfaction level as well. This paper investigates the level of satisfaction of students aged from 15 to 27 going to CGV Cinemas Haiphong by applying survey “The satisfaction level of students aged from 15 – 27 when using services of CGV Cinemas Haiphong”, along with the reasons for the normal (or low) satisfaction level. Finally, the paper briefly suggests some strategies for maintaining customer satisfaction. 2. Literature review Researching the consumer satisfaction is not a new topic for researchers. There are a number of researches studying the satisfaction level of customer, for example “Researching and evaluating the customer satisfaction in NANO Company” in Ho Chi Minh National University (2007), “Evaluating the satisfaction level of customer about the service quality at Hoa Binh hotel in Can Tho” in Can Tho University (2008), “Research about the consumer satisfaction toward the service of receiving salary via bank account in Kon Tum city” in Da Nang University (2011), “Studying the satisfaction level of customer toward the telecommunication service of Viettel in Binh Dinh” in Da Nang University (2012), and so on. However, they only mention about the general customers and no one has done research for Media Company before. Thus, the research “Student satisfaction toward services of CGV Cinemas Haiphong – Thuy Duong Plaza” only focuses on students aged from 15 – 27 in Haiphong in the field of entertainment. 3. Methodology This research applies survey, participant observation, quantitative and qualitative approaches. The survey was carried out online in 4 days (from 17th– 20th March, 2014) with 117 students aged from 15 – 27. There are 110 valid responses which meet the requirements of going regularly to CGV Cinemas and 7 invalid ones. The participant observation to understand the customer situation was taken place in CGV Cinemas Haiphong in one week (from 16th – 22nd March, 2014). After collecting survey, I applied quantitative approaches and Excel tools to calculate and analyze the result. Finally, by using qualitative approaches, I evaluate the level of satisfaction of respondents. 4. Problems description and analysis of survey The first problem that CGV has is about the facilities inside the movie rooms. Although CGV Cinemas Haiphong is the most modern and high – 2
qualified cinema in Haiphong, it sometimes faces the problems in terms of audio systems, images, subtitles, air condition and seat. According to the survey, 63 of 110 respondents said that they have never found any difficulty while watching movies at CGV Cinemas Haiphong. However, the rest of respondents (47 students) indicated that they used to have problems with audio systems, images, subtitles. Seat
6.36
Air condition
11.82
Subtitles
17.27
Images
22.73
Audio systems
33.64 0
20
40
60
80
100
Percent
Figure 1: The number of people having problems in movie rooms at CGV Cinemas Haiphong Source: Collected by author
As can be seen from figure 1, respondents mainly complain about the audio system (37 complaints). Images issue ranks second with 25 complaints (22.73%), closely followed by subtitle issue with 19 complaints (17.27%) and air condition issue with 13 complaints (11.82%). Seating issue is the least common problem with only 7 complaints. Thus, it is obvious that the equipment and facilities in movie rooms at CGV Cinemas Haiphong are not working so well and showing problems, which makes audiences feel unpleasant and time – consuming when watching movies. If the situation is continued, views will abandon CGV Cinemas and go to other places. The second problem is about the satisfaction level of respondents toward three common discount programs, including “Happy Wednesday”, “Student Discount” and “Matinee Price”; and the attitude of the workers of CGV Cinemas Haiphong. In terms of “Happy Wednesday” program, nearly 95% of respondents are satisfied with this program, because on every Wednesday audiences in Haiphong can enjoy the CGV big – screen experience with special price, 55,000 VND for 2D movies and 80,000 VND for 3D movie. That is also the
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reason why students like to go to CGV Cinemas on Wednesday. However, there are some respondents feel that this program is bad. As the ticket fee on Wednesday is the cheapest compared to other days, many people come to CGV Cinemas, making this place more and more crowded and the number of ticket sold increased dramatically. As a result, audiences compete with each other to buy tickets, and sometimes they have to go home or watch other movies instead. Additionally, at peak time, only 3 out of 7 ticket counters open, which makes audiences wait in a long line for a long time. Thus, this situation makes 5 respondents feel uncomfortable. 100 Percent
80 60 40 20 0
Happy Wednesday 8.18
Student Discount 1.82
Matinee Price
Good Normal
51.82 35.45
57.27 40.91
23.64 70.00
Bad Very bad
4.55
Very good
6.36
Figure 2: The level of satisfaction of student aged 15 – 27 toward three common discount programs in CGV Cinemas Haiphong. Source: Collected by author
In terms of “Student Discount” program, it is not surprised that about 60% of respondents found this program interesting and worthy. Simply presenting the student ID card at the CGV Cinemas Haiphong ticket counter for any 2D movie (exclude 3D movies and major public holidays), student will get special prizes: 50,000 VND/ticket/ID card on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays; 65,000 VND/ticket/ID card before 17:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Thus, students can get a cheap ticket fee, even cheaper than Wednesday, but they must show their student ID cards. Otherwise, students do not have the discount. That is an inconvenient point of this program which leads to 45 out of 110 respondents consider “Student Discount” as normal program. In terms of “Matinee Price” program, 23.64% of respondents consider it as good program. “Matinee Price” program has been introduced as a special Matinee pricing offer by CGV. Particularly, in CGV Cinemas Haiphong, on
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Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, audiences can catch any movies (excludes 3D movies, first 2 weekends of blockbuster movies and major public holidays) starting before 12:00 for just 55,000 VND. Thus, for students who often watch movies in CGV Cinemas Haiphong before 12:00, this program is valuable at a minimum price. However, 70% of respondents indicated that this program is normal and 6.36% are unsatisfied with this program. Because “Matinee Price” only applies for 2D movies before 12:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, it is not appropriate for students who study in the morning and only can go at the weekends as well as who want to watch 3D movies. That’s why 7 respondents do not like this program. Hence, it can be said that in spite of some specific requirements for these programs the level of satisfaction of respondents toward three common discount programs in CGV Cinemas Haiphong is quite good, except for “Matinee Price” programs. However, there still have some students who are not satisfied with “Happy Wednesday”. Therefore, CGV Cinemas Haiphong should take this issue into consideration. Another important factor that affects the customer satisfaction is customer service, which is considered as the attitude of staff when treating customers. As can be witnessed from the figure 3, respondents are quite satisfied with the attitude of staff in CGV Cinemas Haiphong. However, the number of people considering customer service in CGV Cinemas Haiphong as being normal is higher than being good. That means the way staff treating students is not special and interesting, it is just ordinary. Thus, CGV Cinemas Haiphong should improve the link connecting staff (especially who work directly with students such as ticket sellers and food and drink sellers) and customers, in this case are students, to increase the level of satisfaction. The next problem relates to the price of ticket, food and drink in CGV Cinemas Haiphong as shown in figure 4. According to the figure 4, more than 77% of respondents complain that the ticket fee in CGV Cinemas Haiphong is expensive and extremely expensive to purchase. A similar situation is also repeated in the price of food and drink with about 87% of students. For the reason that most of the respondents are students in high schools (62 students), the prices of ticket, food and drink are too high for them to afford.
5
100 80 Percent
60 40 20 0 Ticket seller
Food & Drink seller
Cleaner
Other staff
Good
43.64
37.27
48.18
32.73
Normal
56.36
62.73
51.82
67.27
Very good
Bad Very bad
Figure 3: The level of satisfaction of student aged 15 – 27 toward the attitude of staff in CGV Cinemas Haiphong. Source: Collected by author 100 80 Percent
60 40 20 0
Ticket
Food and Drink
Too expensive
24.55
31.82
Expensive
53.64
55.45
Normal
21.82
12.73
Cheap Too cheap
Figure 4: The level of satisfaction of student aged 15 – 27 toward the price of ticket, and food and drink in CGV Cinemas Haiphong. Source: Collected by author
Additionally, for university and college students, despite their earnings from part – time jobs, it is high – priced to go to CGV Cinemas frequently. Although CGV Cinemas Haiphong provides “Happy Wednesday”, “Students Discount” and “Matinee Price” with cheaper price, students are not satisfied with these fees.
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5. Solution CGV Cinemas Haiphong can apply some solutions below to improve the student satisfaction level: - Encourage students’ feedbacks and surveys after students use the service to improve service quality. - Study and understand the tastes of students in Haiphong to meet their demand for types of movies. - Update frequently the information about the movies (now showing, coming soon) and the incentives on the official website of CGV Cinemas. - Train staff to improve their attitude while serving students. - Maintain ticket sellers at the ticket counters to ensure that all ticket counters are always available during peak time and avoid a long waiting line of students as well. - Maintain staff in movie rooms to ensure the movie rooms system works perfectly. - Check the movie rooms system weekly and repair the damaged facilities and equipment (if any) as soon as possible. - Provide Food and Drinks Combo with a special price to satisfy the needs of students. - Diversify kinds of food and drinks at CGV Cinemas Haiphong. - Discount 30% ticket fee for students when they have CGV VIP member card. (Students must present both their student ID card and CGV VIP member card) - Organize charitable events in the summer and holiday to facilitate students who have difficult circumstances in Haiphong to go to CGV Cinemas. - For “Matinee Price”, extend the discount time to 17:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and discount 10% ticket fee for all 2D movies before 12:00 on Fridays and weekends. - For blockbuster movies, discount 10% for the first 100 students. (Students must show their student ID card). 6. Conclusion The research has demonstrated that students aged from 15 – 27 are quite pleased toward the services of CGV Cinemas Haiphong, except for low level of satisfaction in terms of the facilities inside the movie rooms, the “Matinee Price” program and the price of ticket, food and drink. Thus, CGV Cinemas Haiphong can apply some above – mentioned recommendation in order to boost the students’ satisfaction level and develop sustainably.
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Acknowledgements This research was partially supported by 117 students aged from 15 to 27 in Haiphong city. I also wish to thank Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thuy for teaching us the subject “Methods and Designs”.
References [1] Hậu, N. N., 2012. Phát triển thương hiệu công ty TNHH truyền thông Megastar Chi nhánh Đà Nẵng, Đà Nẵng: s.n. [2] Neville, C., 2007. Introduction to Research and Research Method. s.l.:s.n. [3] Tuong, V. &Nguyen , M., 2014. [Online] Available at: http://kinhdoanh.vnexpress.net/tin-tuc/doanh-nghiep/chu-tich-cgv-kinhdoanh-dien-anh-o-viet-nam-rat-tiem-nang-2957404.html [Accessed 24 March 2014]. [4] www.cgv.vn
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An analysis of student’s behavior on Internet under the social media marketing approach Nguyen Minh Hoang* International School of Education, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray Street, Haiphong, Vietnam
Abstract This paper is mainly adopted from marketing perspective, thus focusing on social media and quantitative method of analysis. The paper provides a survey of student’s behavior on Internet which found out that a large number of students are using Internet, accounted for an important proportion of their daily life, particularly on social networking and also interacting deeply with brands as need. Some general discussions will be presented which recommend companies or start-up entrepreneurs who would sell goods/services to student to expand their activities on social network as an efficiently sales channel. Key words: student’s behavior; social network; social media marketing.
1. Introduction In our contemporary life, Internet plays the most important role ever. Thanks to the development of technology and IT in both terms of physical and virtue, people find it easier and cheaper to access Internet connection, particular in the entire student population, the most dynamic group and clever enough to receive new development. Along with the popularize of Internet in Vietnam, social media marketing become one of the most concerned issues of online marketing in particular on the view point of any Chief Marketing Officer. This research focus on the student’s behaviors and try to figure out how to apply successfully social media marketing on students, as potential customers of many companies. If your company has already launch such a plan called social
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Tel: 0902284318 Email: senlake@gmail.com
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media marketing in order to advertise to more students, this research may provide a deeper understanding on your target customer. This research is organized in three main parts. The first part sets the literature review and the problem description on survey. The second part is the results gained after a numerical analysis process. In the last part I analyze my findings and present some conclusion. 2. Literature review The research’s subject is a small market niche which is students in Vietnam. Many others research in term of social media marketing was being study. There are also few scientific papers related with this topic such as: “T. Andrew Yang, Dan J. Kim, Vishal Dhalwani (2012) Social Networking as a New Trend in e-Marketing”, “Simona Vinerean, Iuliana Cetina, Luigi Dumitrescu & Mihai Tichindelean (2013) The Effects of Social Media Marketing on Online Consumer Behavior” 3. Method This research applies survey, participant observation, quantitative and qualitative approaches. The survey was carried out online in 4 days (from 18th – 23rd March, 2014) with 187 students aged from 18-22. There are 174 valid responses which meet the requirements of fully completing the survey and 13 invalid ones. After collecting survey, I applied quantitative approaches and Excel tools to calculate and analyze the result. Finally, by using qualitative approaches, I evaluated the behavior of students on Internet in order to figure out the recommendation for company who interested in market of students, start-up entrepreneurs and others related. 4. Results 4.1.
Student’s time per day, means and location of going online
The first result is about the time student usually spent on Internet, the means and the location they access to Internet. The figure 1of the survey indicated that Internet connection play a significant role in students life which normally account for a big share of their daily routine.
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As can be seen from figure 1, nearly half of total respondents spent over 3 hours per day to online in Internet (86 responds). The group stayed online from 1.5 hours to 3 hours per day with 61 students (34.48%), closely follow by 30 minutes to 1.5 hours with 20 complaints (11.49%). Surfing online under 30 minutes is the least common group with only 8 users. Thus, it is evident that many students spent hours and hours online each day.
Figure 1: The number of online hours per person per day Source: Collected by author
Figure 2: The proportion of modes of Internet connection Source: Collected by author
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The figure 2 is about the proportion of connected Internet devices nowadays, among 3 major types of hardware, including PC and Laptop, Cell phone and Tablet. In terms of PC and Laptop, nearly 90% of respondents consider it as their favorite devices in which they have used it to connect to the virtual life. Followed by cell phone, these means of connection also plays a significant role with 70.11% students answered yes. Besides, 4.60% of samples connected Internet by tablet.
Figure 3: Location of accessing Internet Source: Collected by author
4.2. networking
Popular social network and student’s purpose of social
The second result relates to popular level of some well-known social networks among students, their purpose of joining social networks and their fanpage’s interactive willing level. The figure 4 and figure 5 reveal the popular level of a number of big social networks and several Vietnamese-based ones, as well as the aim of connecting to social network of students. It is obvious that Facebook, Google+, Zing me, Twitter are the four most popular social networks among students users with while other Vietnamese and foreign social network such as, Linkedin.com, Wordpress.com, Blogger.com are not being familiar with; their roles are insignificant with students behavior.
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Figure 4: Student’s participant in social network
Figure 5: Student’s purpose of joining social networks Source: Collected by author
Besides, most of students thought that they connected to social network in order for stay “in touch”, “updated and share” with 96.55% and 85.06%. Entertaining, making friends and serve their business are next factors of joining social networks with around half of the respondents chosen it. Besides, a minorities of social networks users admitted that they online for following celebrities and introducing themselves with 28.74% (51 respondents) and 13.79% (84 respondents).
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Level of interaction toward fan page on social network followed, updated followed, updated and interact with no
Figure 6: Level of interaction of students with fan page on social network Source: Collected by author
The chart in figure 6 reveals the behavior of students toward fan page of a brand or a company on social network and the possibility of purchasing goods/services when they encounter an advertisement of a favorite brand. It is evident that the level of interaction between students and fan page. Majority of sample (62.07%) followed and updated information from at least one fan page on social network. Even more, the group of highest interactive students on social network occupied (20.69%). Students who did not pay attention at all are accounted for 17.24%. 4.3.
Difference between ages and sex
The third result of the survey is the student’s attitudes toward a suitable advertisement divided by age and likelihood of purchasing goods/services through advertisements on the social network divided by gender. The chart from figure 7 is about student’s attitudes toward advertisement content created by fan page, compared by their age, we can see that there are similar trends here. Around 70% of students in all 4 age groups were willing to click and see a interested advertisement. Besides, the percentages of students totally avoided advertisement are approximately 20% in all 4 age groups. However, it is indicated that there are huge different in others factors in the chart. The percentages of students who involved in and even purchase goods/services fluctuate widely which sophomore and senior students are more willing spent money (approximately 35%). Besides, freshman and sophomore students are two most active groups in terms of like fan page and share the advertising content.
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Figure 7: Students attitudes toward an interesting advertisement divided by age Source: Collected by author
Figure 8: Proportion of kinds of goods/services students willing to purchases on the social network according to gender Source: Collected by author
The graphs of figure 8 indicated monumental differences in interests between genders. For female students, Fashion and clothes dominated purchasing behavior on social network that 80% of them are willing to buy.
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This kind of good also gained a lot of concern of male students that 60% will buy. The lowest possibility of buying are belong to short courses in girls group and jewelry and cosmetics and boys one. The gap between two sexes also indicated in electronics things and high-tech gadgets which 52% of male sample are willing to buy, this percentage of female is only 15%. 5. Discussion Social Media Marketing is the way to understand the common forms of marketing through social networking sites like Facebook, Google+, Twiter, forum, blog. Those are now not merely a place to connect, share information between individuals but also as an effective sales channel. However, not everyone knows the way to optimize this method of marketing for a particular group of customer, students. Here are my recommendations for who take responsibility of doing marketing by social media or the start-up adventurers. 5.1. The content of social media marketing should be adapted with the trend of surfing online by portable devices The high percentage of cell phone usage whenever students go online suggested that company should design their advertisement on social network which harmony with the new platform of smart phone and event tablet (Figure 2). In future the dominant of portable devices can be predicted. Forbes even claimed that 87% of connected devices sales by 2017 will be tablets and smart phones. Besides, the data from survey also illustrates that a large amount of student spent over 3 hours per day online (Figure 1) and they can online all the time regardless their location. Students can even go online (and login to their social networking to check notification also) on bus, at cafeteria, at their college and even in their part-time job place. Just having 2G, 3G, Wi-Fi connection, students can online anytime, anywhere (Figure 3) with their phone, tablet. We can easily catch a student staring at their phones or tablets. The usages of portable devices now are not just the alternative online method of using PC, it is becoming mainstream. 5.2. Diversified social media marketing through many channels and manage fan pages in each of them to gain the as much as possible attention. Facebook is still a biggest social besides but the results of survey suggest that Google+, Zingme, tweeter are also next important environment for social networking (figure 4). Whatever the social network is, the main function of it still are providing the environment for students staying in touch, updating, sharing information and playing game and entertaining themselves (figure 5).
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Diversified channels mean that company can reach more potential customers. For example, if your company’s official fan page appears on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram and having a certain number of followers in each social network, the coverage of the company’s reputation are larger and of courses more people see and know about your company. The data shows that only a small percentage of social network student users have not interacted ever with fan page (figure 6). Therefore, making fan pages in other social network like Facebook, Google+, Zing me, Tweeter may help company gaining larger benefit from students. 5.3. Advertising content should follow closely to the demand of students according to context of ages, genders The differences of interest of different group of sample in the survey suggested that company should understand deeply their potential thinking by ages and sex. Freshmen are less likely to purchases goods and services than older student (figure 1). However they still play important role in term of viral vector when a huge percentage of them claim that they was willing to share the content of advertising, like the fan page and click to see the advertising. In the environment of social network, this means freshmen still boosting the viral possibility of the information, many others friend in their network can see the advertisement as a function of social network. If the content of advertisement highly entertain or richly contain precise information, it will have absolute more traffic. Historically, many advertisements had millions views just several days for example: advertising phenomenon of Giaytot.com (imitated Gangnam Style video), viral video of FPT university (with the acting of “Cu Trong Xoay”). Acknowledgement This dissertation is only possible with the generous support of my professors my relatives and friends, as well as all participants in the survey implemented in this dissertation. My grateful words would go to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thuy for her patience and dedication in her guidance on my paper. Her direction is essential and invaluable for me to conduct this research in considerable depth.
References [1] Andrew Yang, T., Kim, D. J. & Dhalwani, V., 2012. [Online] Available at: https://www.google.com.vn/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja
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&uact=8&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fpubli cation%2F29824251_Social_Networking_as_a_New_Trend_in_EMarketing%2Ffile%2F72e7e518c2a4855f31.pdf&ei=wd-sU6eJL9bc8 [Accessed 20 March 2014]. [2] Columbus, L., 2013. [Online] Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2013/09/12/idc-87-ofconnected-devices-by-2017-will-be-tablets-and-smartphones/ [Accessed 25 March 2014]. [3] Vinerean, S., Cetina, I., Dumitrescu, L. & Tichindelean, M., 2013. [Online] Available at: https://www.google.com.vn/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja &uact=8&ved=0CC8QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ccsenet.org%2Fjournal%2 Findex.php%2Fijbm%2Farticle%2Fdownload%2F25378%2F16991&ei=_OCsUiSEoOE8gWDtoGAAw&usg=AFQjCNHjWjSzfwwLs1v25w8uTY1sH9 [Accessed 21 March 2014].
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Finding out Demand Associated with Master Courses of International School of Education Students Le Thi Lien* International School of Education, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray Street, Haiphong, Vietnam
Abstract This Research Paper finds out and then analyzes the demand of taking Master Courses of Students at International School of Education at Vietnam Maritime University, in terms of Majors, Training type, Qualification and Acceptable Tuition Fee, then giving out recommendation whether ISE should hold Master Courses and if it does, what Courses should be considered.
1. Introduction In the industrialization and modernization era, taking Master Courses and upgrading education status are becoming indispensable trends. Especially, according to the 911 Scheme of Ministry of Education and Training, there will be 20,000 Doctor and Ph.D. by 2020, and in 2014, the number of Doctor and Master would increase 7% and 5% in compare with those in 2013, raising the demand of taking Master Courses in Vietnam. As the influence of globalization, there is an increasing number of Vietnamese graduated students planning to take higher education abroad, to get better quality education programs. 70% of those students, however, expect to stay to work abroad rather than coming back to Vietnam, leading to a serious Brain Drain in Vietnam†. Hence, offering Master Courses and other post graduate program with high quality could be one of effective ways to attract talented students to stay in Vietnam to study and then to work, reducing the rate of Brain Drain in Vietnam at the present in future. *
Student, class of GMA01, ID: 50021 Viet Nam dang chay mau chat xam (Brain drain in Vietnam ), Bay Vut, 2009 Retrieved from: http://www.bayvut.com.au/tri-th%E1%BB%A9c/vi%E1%BB%87t-nam%C4%91ang-ch%E1%BA%A3y-m%C3%A1u-ch%E1%BA%A5t-x%C3%A1m â€
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Furthermore, Studying abroad requires high cost covering that a large number of Vietnamese students could not afford. This is a fundamental factor preventing students from approaching high quality and international education programs. ISE students, after more than 4 years of studying with an International undergraduate program, admittedly desire and also have adequate abilities to take higher education in English in an International environment. Due to aforementioned reasons, this paper will focus on ISE students and their aspiration associated with Master Courses after graduating. 2. Methodologies Table 1: Number of responses took part in the surveys in each class GMA 01 GMA 02 GMA 03 GMA 04
Online 28 6 8 17
Paper 3 39 40 20
Sum
59
102
Sum 31 45 48 37
161
Source: Collected by author
This research was based mostly on qualitative method in which survey was the main channel to collect data. The survey was conducted on 161 students at International School of Education (ISE), Vietnam Maritime University (VIMARU) including 31 students from class of GMA01, 45 from GMA02, 48 from GMA03, and 37 from GMA04. By two ways the surveys was conducted: online and paper. Online survey was supported by Monkeysurvey, a website facilitating users to design questionnaire forms and collect responses through the Internet (in this case is social network Facebook) and it allowed each candidate to respond once only. The online responses, however, were mostly from two classes of GMA01 and GMA04, then the paper surveys was delivered to some groups of other two classes, in order to balance data collected from all the four classes. The ones who did survey online were asked not to do again. Collecting data by paper surveys enabled conductors to understand valuable feedbacks and explanations from responders lying behind their ticks,
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to take adjustments timely as well as explain and ask them to do survey more responsibly. (Survey sample is presented in Annex 1). The first question of survey form is about what class responders came from. The remaining questions were multiple choice questions, focusing on gathering information about students’ choices and their demand of Master course after graduating. The data collected were calculated into proportions of each choice in each question and then those proportions were compared with each other within a class and in the schools as a whole. The proportion calculation could be specified as following formulas: ? ? ??
=
In which:
? ? ??
? ? ??
?
??
???
× 100% ;
? ? ? ?? ?
=
? ? ? ?? ?
?
? ?? ?
× 100%
? ? ? ?? ?
: are accordingly The Proportion of responses that chose answer n for question m, in class i and in ISE as a whole. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? ?
: are accordingly The Number of responses that chose answer nfor question m, in class i and in ISE as a whole. ?
? ? ???
?
? ?? ? : are accordingly the number of responses for
question m in class i and in ISE as a whole. With: ?? ? ?? ? =
∑4?=1 ?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? ? = ∑4?=1 ? ? ?
In addition, the information of Post-graduate programs offered by International School – Vietnam National University, Hanoi was gathered from its brochure and by some phone calls as well. 3. Results In General, the number of ISE student planning to take Master Courses is very high. According to the survey as shown in Figure 1, there are 64.2% of ISE students want to take Master courses after graduating or after some years of working. In each class, these proportions are very high, in which GMA 03 and GMA 04 respectively take the two highest positions with 81.25% and 73%. GMA01 takes the third highest but still rather high at 64.5%, quite near to the
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proportion of ISE as a whole. GMA02 is the only class that the percentage of students planning to take Master Courses (MCs) is lower than 50%, at 42.3%, taking the lowest position. ISE GMA 04 Yes
GMA 03
No
GMA 02 GMA 01 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Figure 1: Proportion of students who want to take MCs in ISE and each class ISE GMA04 Vietnam
GMA03
Abroad
GMA02 GMA01 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Figure 2: Proportion of students who want to take MCs in Vietnam vs. Abroad Source: Collected by author
In those 64.2% ISE students planning to take MCs, there are 68.2% students want to study abroad and only one third of them want to take MCs in Vietnam. In this case, GMA 02 is the class taking highest position, with 84.2% of students who want to study abroad for their Master Degree. While these proportion in GMA01 and GMA03 are nearly the same, at 75% and 74.6% accordingly andGMA04 holds the lowest position with 44.8%. For those who asked what countries they want to study in, the three most favorite countries are Australia, US and UK, holding 46.15%, followed by Singapore, Japan, China, The Dutch, Canada, New Zealand, Taiwan and others. For the question related to Majors that responders want to take, there were six choices given: Logistic and Supply Chain Management; Master of Business
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Administration; Marketing; Insurance; Not decided yet; others. In which, the most favorite choice is Logistic and SCM with 37.3%, followed by ‘Not decided yet’ with 27.1%. Taking the third and the fourth position are MBA and Marketing with 15.3% and 13.6% accordingly. There was not any single student choosing Insurance and the rest (6.7%) chose Others but only 2 students pointed out Law and Business Management in particular. 70 60 50
GMA01
40
GMA02
30
GMA03
20
GMA04
10
ISE
%
0 Logistic & SCM
MBA
Marketing
Insurance Not decided yet Others
Figure 3: Proportion of choosing majors for MCs in each class and ISE Source: Collected by author
Logistic & SCM also accounts for highest proportion in each class, ranging from 22.7% in GMA03 to 63.3% in GMA04. MBA and Marketing see a little opposite, when GMA01 and GMA04 prefer marketing; the other two classes prefer MBA. However, the proportion of these two major is quite similar in ISE with 15.3% and 13.6% accordingly. There is a rather high number of student, however, have not decided what major to study yet who need consultancy from Professors and teachers. The number of students choosing other majors is pretty low, is under 10% in all classes. 100 80
%
60
Full-time
40
Part-time (evening, weekend) Distance Training
20 0 GMA01
GMA02
GMA03
GMA04
ISE
Figure 4: Proportion of students choosing type of MCs in each class and ISE Source: Collected by author
23
More than a half of students questioned (at a percentage of 54%) said that The requirement of Working Experience have some impact on their decision to choose a Master Course but not very much. The number of students answered Yes, however, is also high, at 29.2% in ISE as a whole. Regard to the type of course, Full-time training was the most popular choice as chosen by 58.2% ISE students. This proportion is higher in GMA01 and GMA02 with 66.67% and 78.9% accordingly. The other two classes also see a high proportion in choosing Full-time courses with nearly a half of students in each class. Part-time course also accounts for significant proportion in each class, even taking highest proportion in GMA04, at 50%, in ISE students’ choice as a whole, this type accounts for 37.3%. Distance training is chosen by only students in GMA03 and GMA04 with percentages of 10% and 3.3% accordingly, leading the proportion in ISE as a whole is 4.5%. ISE GMA04 Yes
GMA03
No
GMA02 GMA01 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Figure 5: The proportion of students who want to take MC in ISE with Foreign Certificates offered Source: Collected by author
When being asked if they will take Master Course offered by ISE offered in which Study Programs would be provided and Certificated would be authenticated by Foreign Education Institutions, a number of ISE students said they would with the proportion at 62.6%. In each class, however, see a little difference while in three classes of GMA02, GMA03, GMA04, more than a half of students said Yes (68.4%, 61.5% and 75% accordingly), in GMA01, only 42.9% did. However, in general, those proportions rather high.
24
70 60 50
GMA01
40 % 30
GMA02 GMA03
20
GMA04
10
ISE
0 $7,200 - $10,000 $10,000 - $12,000 $12,000 - $14,500
>14,500
Figure 6: ISE students’ responses to MCs costs Source: Collected by author
Responding to the Cost of a Master Course taken in Vietnam with Foreign Programs and Certificates delivered, Students hold quite similar opinions. As shown in Figure6, most of students agree with the lowest cost provided in Questionnaires, with proportion of 55.5% of ISE students as a whole and highest in GMA01 with 65%. This range of cost ($7,200 - $10,000) is the same as the cost of Master Courses of Marketing & Prospective or MBA provided by International School – Vietnam National University, Hanoi in which Programs and Certificates delivered by University De Nantes, France and Lunghwa university of Science and Technology, Taiwan*. The second favorable cost range is $10,000 - $12,000, chosen by 22.2% of ISE students, and almost the same in each class (from 20% to 30%). There is 13.9% of ISE students, however, said that even the cost higher than $14,500 is Ok for them, as long as the MCs would be provided with High quality programs and High Reputation Certificates. 4. Discussion By Survey method, the demand of ISE students of Taking Master Courses after Graduating was calculated relatively. Generally, the Demand of taking Master Course in ISE is rather high. Though Study abroad brings about various advantages and experience, a number of students chose study in Vietnam to save cost. The decision of students is not only driven by the International Environment in foreign countries they want to go to, but also by the Quality of the courses provided and The Budget of students themselves. The two latter *
International School – Vietnam National University, Hanoi’s Brochure. Tel: +84 4 3754 8065
25
demands could be met even in Vietnam. Hence, Master Courses taken in Vietnam with International Programs and Certificates provided would be a good choice for students who have lower Budget but also want to take Master Courses provided by Foreign Education Institutions. This is a source of demand that should not be underestimated. As the Education Program in ISE is Global Studies & Maritime Affairs, students mostly plan to take Master Courses of Logistics & Supply Chain Management, MBA and Marketing. The quality of Bachelor Program (GMA) also plays a vital role in decision making of students whether they should continue to take a post-graduate program in ISE. However, a number of students have not decided what major to choose, especially graduating students in GMA01, showing the demand of Consultancy timely. 5. Conclusion Base on all the data collected and analyzed at the time of this Research was being done; it is recommended that it is important for International School of Education to consider about holding Master Courses with International Programs & Certificates provided. In which Master courses of Logistics & Supply Chain Management, MBA and Marketing should be concerned. Fulltime training would be much more preferred but Part-time training is also highly acceptable, with the Tuition fee is about $7,200 - $10,000 or higher depends on the countries Education programs and Certificates come from. Acknowledgment This Research paper mostly bases on data collected by the survey that was conducted in four classes at ISE, with the kind supporting of leaders in Class of GMA02, GMA03 and GMA04 in delivering and collecting responses papers.
References [1] Anon., 2014. http://vied.vn/. [Online] Available at: http://vied.vn/vn/content/thongbao/trungtuyen/thong-bao-ket-qua-xettuyen-ung-vien-di-dao-tao-tien-si-o-nuoc-ngoai-theo-de-an-911-dot-bo-sung-nam2014_51223.aspx [Accessed 20 March 2014]. [2] Lam, H., 2014. http://dantri.com.vn/. [Online] Available at: http://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc-khuyen-hoc/muc-tieu-20000-tien-si-phucvu-doi-moi-giao-duc-823416.htm [Accessed 27 March 2014]. [3]www.is.vnu.edu.vn.
26
The reality of using internet and its impact to Vietnam Maritime University students’ studying performance Lu Thanh Son* International School of Education, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray Street, Haiphong, Vietnam
Abstract Currently, Internet has developed quickly in Vietnam and brought to internet users plenty of benefits. The research’s purposes are finding out the VIMARU students’ perception on the role of Internet and the Internet using of students around Vietnam Maritime University area, and evaluating the effects of Internet on VIMARU’s students, especially students’ studying result. The result of the research found that almost students recognized the important of Internet. In fact, they spend lot of time to access Internet in order to support their courses, to update news or other necessary information, entertainment, etc… The paper also shows the differences of Internet accessing in terms of Internet using time between students groups by gender, majors, etc… As the research’s result, VIMARU students gained positive more than negative impact of Internet. However, there are also some unexpected problems that Internet abuse affects negatively on VIMARU students’ studying performance. This is a problem in need to be concerned to control by students and VIMARU leaders in order to reduce the negative impacts.
1. Introduction According to a lot of statistics, the growth of Internet in the world is very quick, offered to people life undeniable benefits, narrow the distances between people, an extremely plenty of information and knowledge… Therefore, in recent years, the number of Internet users is growing and growing in around the world, include Vietnam. As the Net Index 2013 Vietnam, the day of November 19th, 1997 was the first day that Vietnam accessed to Word Internet System. After 16 years, the current number of Internet users reached at 35.3 million, accounted for 37.6% *
Tel: 01687.1102.91; ID student: 50032 Email: lts.11029x@gmail.com
27
of Vietnam population, rank 18th in the largest Internet users nation in the world, 8th in Asia and 3rd in ASEAN. Until now, Internet has become the popular tool of accessing to information in Vietnam. According to the results of research on the Vietnam Internet market in 2011, Internet has surpassed the tools of newspapers, magazines and radio to become the second most popular tool of accessing information, behind only TV. According to this report, the main users are young people aged 15-24, in which a majority of students. It can easily to see the role of Internet for students, helping student to update necessary information for academic and social life, easy to talk to teachers, friends, and entertainment in many different forms. However, so far, the status of student Internet use and its impact for students has not been focused to find out and resolve. A couple of questions on the issue posed are: How do students perception of the role of Internet? How about Internet using status of students? What are the positive and negative impacts of Internet for students? Can it affect the students’ studying result? Answer these questions is the main object of the paper. However, this research was performed only for a small number of VIMARU students in a typical Internet access point. 2. Initial Solution The paper mainly uses the information collection method of survey and management database system (MDS) at Internet accessing points around VIMARU’s area. The research was completed base on the result of 220 VIMARU students’ survey at NET GAME CLUBS, 340 LachTray Street, Haiphong, Vietnam and its database. 3. Analysis of survey 3.1
Student evaluation of the role of the Internet.
For the question of how do VIMARU students perception of the role of Internet? The result of survey shows that there were 98.6% of student evaluate that Internet is very necessary or necessary, in which of 65.4% suggest Internet is very necessary for them while the proportion of students suggested “unnecessary” almost is insignificant, only 1.4%. This is the evidence which proved the important of Internet for VIMARU students’ daily life.
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Table 1: The VIMARU student evaluate the role of the Internet
VIMARU Block Majors Frequency (N) & Maritime Proportion Maritime Navigation Engineering Economic (%)
Necessary level
Total
Very necessary
N
46
59
39
144
%
31.9
40.9
27.2
65.4
Necessary
N
33
21
19
73
%
45.2
28.8
26
33.2
N
1
0
2
3
%
33.3
0
66.7
1.4
N
80
80
60
220
%
100
100
100
100
Unnecessary Total
Source: Collected by author
In details, through the table 1, we can see the differences in perceptions of students in differences block majors. Accordingly, the proportion of students in block major of Maritime Economic suggested very necessary is larger than the other two. It can be explained that the information updating demand of students of this block major is higher than other two. However, beside information updating, students also need Internet for many other demands such as: entertainment, finding part-time job/ job, learning foreign languages, etc‌ Table 2: The frequency of Internet accessing of VIMARU students
Necessary level
Frequency (N)
Proportion (%)
Every day
151
68.6
3-5 days/week
43
19.5
1-2 days/week
23
10.5
1-2 days/month
3
1.4
Total
220
100
Source: Collected by author
29
3.2
The Internet using reality of VIMARU students.
3.2.1
The frequency and Internet accessing time of VIMARU students.
As the result of survey (table 2), a large number of students (68.6%) access Internet on daily basis - a proof of the significant of Internet for daily lives’ students. The figure 1 showed two trends of Internet using frequency of students by genders and school year; in which, the male students tend to more frequently in using Internet than female students; and the higher school year, the higher frequency of Internet using. The trend of the approximately 2 times higher Internet accessing frequency of male students compared with female students can be explained by male’s nature, they tend to like IT (33.2 hours/week) more than female students (17.9 hours/week). However, the numbers of male students is higher than female students in VIMARU may be one of reasons. According to the trend of higher Internet using time due to higher school year, more detail, the Internet accessing time of 4th year students is highest with 23.6 hours/week compared with 23.1 hours/week of 3 rd year students and much higher than 19.9 hours/week of 2nd year students. It’s easy to explain that the relaxing and studying demand of last years’ students are higher than beginning students. They need Internet to find out knowledge and information for specialize courses or finding job… Another reason is that last years’ students tend to buy laptop more than beginning students. 35
Hours/week
30 25
24 Male, 33.2
23 22
20 15 10
23.1
Female, 17.9
5
21 20 19.9
19
0 Internet time using
23.6
18 2nd year
3rd year
4th year
Figure 1: The average of Internet time accessing of VIMARU students by gender and school year. Source: Collected by author
30
3.2.2
Internet accessing tools and locations.
Currently, due to the growth of IT and Internet, there are a lot of Internet accessing methods for VIMARU students. The result of survey showed that the two most popular of Internet accessing tools for VIMARU students are mobile (62.7%) and laptop (59.7%). In which, almost of students not only use only 1 tool to access Internet (34%); they tend to use two tools (43%) or more to use Internet. 4 tools 3 tools 8%
Others, 0.3
Ipad, 13 PC, 26.2
15%
Only 1 34%
Mobile , 62.7
Laptop, 59.7
2 tools 43%
Figure 2: Proportion of Internet accessing tools of VIMARU students
Figure 5: Proportion of number of Internet accessing tools used.
Source: Collected by author
About Internet accessing location, the research of the Internet using frequency in three main location of VIMARU students show that they mainly access to Internet at home and Internet clubs with approximately 80% in the proportion of very frequently and frequently while it’s only approximately 20% in University. Very frequently
University Internet clubs Home
5
Frequently
14.7
Sometime
Rarely
45.9 38.2
Never
27.3 47.4
50.6
7.2 10
37.2
9.9 1.1 1.2
Figure 4: The frequency of Internet accessing locations of VIMARU students Source: Collected by author
31
31.4
In general, today, it is very easy for students to have access to the Internet. It’s a big advantage for students to improve their skills and knowledge; however it’s also the serious problems of healthy or academic result if they overuse of Internet using. 3.3.3 The Internet using objects of VIMARU students. The result of survey shows that the Internet using purpose of VIMARU students is very plentiful, such as: Facebook, updating news, studying, mailchatting, watching movie, playing game, shopping online and updating their blog… So, what is the most popular purpose? There are some answers for this question base on the frequency of using. If we find out in “very frequently”, the purpose of using Facebook is the most popular using for VIMARU students with 32.7%, higher than the 2nd and 3rd are updating news (27.5%) and studying (24.4%). But, if we see it in both “very frequency” and “frequency”, the using purposes of updating news and studying with more than 80%, headed for popularity, next are Facebook (78.1%), mail (54.4%) and movie/music (49.2%). The remaining such as: playing game, shopping online and blog have lower popularity for students; although playing game just accounts for 21.1% in term of “very frequently” and “frequently”; but it’s still a significant number of highly influential, leading to phenomenon of game addition which could lead to other serious problems such as: violence, health deterioration, declining in study performance…
Very frequently Facebook
Game
12.1 6.9
Shopping Online 1.65.4 Blog 1.65.6
56 39.3
29.1
37.1 15.2 18.3 13.8
Never 17
54.3
24.4 15.2
Rarely
45.4
27.5
Studying
Movie
Sometime
32.7
Updating news
Frequently
16
1.8 0.4
17.8
1.5 0.3
10.6 5.9 8.10.8
41.9 25.1
30.9 28.2
1.3 3.6
21.9 46.5
25.9
53
Figure 5: The frequency of Internet accessing objectives of VIMARU students.
32
Additionally, there is a good thing that the proportion of students use Internet for studying and updating news/information in term of “rarely” and “never” are very low, accounted for only approximately 2% of total, means that almost students taking advantage of Internet to improve and serve to their studying. 3.3 Internet.
The students’ perception of positive and negative impacts of
To perform the research, there were 10 positive impacts and 10 negative impacts which had been given to impact survey on 220 VIMARU students. The results are showed in figure 6 & 7 below: Update necessary information
95.7%
Improve academic performance
87.2%
Better spiritual life
88.7%
Save money buying books/documents
82.1%
Add to friends
79.0%
Develop relationships
67.6%
Knowledge of health and social
63.0%
Shopping Online
33.8%
Earn money
34.1%
Family contact
31.6%
Figure 6: Students’ experiences of positive impacts of Internet
Wasting time of nescessary works
62.6%
Declining health/ Sick
45.5%
Academic performance decrease
28.9%
Conflict with loved ones
28.4%
Losing money by scammers
27.5%
Dropouts due to staying up late Being defrauded in sentiment Violence acts Sexual promiscuity
21.7% 18.5% 15.9% 18.1%
Figure 7: Students’ experiences of negative impacts of Internet. Source: Collected by author
33
Through 2 figures above, in general, we can see that VIMARU students evaluated that Internet’s positive impacts are more than its negative impacts; there are 7 positive impacts was achieved the consensus of more 60% of students while only 1 negative impact of “wasting time of necessary works” has confirmed of 62.6% of students. However, although other negative impacts has low consensus proportion of students, they also are serious problems for VIMARU students, especially “declining health/sick” accounted for 45.5% and “decreasing academic performance” with 28.9%. 3.4
Internet impacts to studying performance of VIMARU students.
Through the figure 8 & 9, the research showed two relationships between Internet accessing time and students’ academic classification. However, they both proved a trend that the higher Internet using time, the lower studying performance of students. Firstly, according to figure 8, there were a clearly difference between excellence students and poor students in Internet using time, but, it’s not clearly with satisfactory and mediocre students. More detail, the Internet accessing time of excellence students is 17.6 hours/week while it’s 31.9 hours/week with poor students. But, there is almost no disparity between satisfactory and mediocre students with approximately 22 hours/week. Secondly, the proportion of the frequency of Internet using time by academic classification also gives similar results of trend. The proportion of Internet using time of more than 4 hours/day of Excellence students is only 9% while its poor reached 50%. 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
31.9 17.6
22.2
Poor
21.7
28.6
Medicore
21.4
52.3
Satisfactory
46.1
Excellence
45.5 0
20
50 24.7 31
23 22.9
45.5 40
60
9 80
100
Less than 2 hours/day 2-4 h/day Internet using time (hours/week)
More 4 hours/day
Figure 8: The average of Internet using time by academic classification.
Figure 8: The proportion of Internet using frequency of VIMARU students.
Source: Collected by author
34
The research showed clearly that Internet accessing time has a great influence to the studying performance of VIMARU students. The longer Internet using time, the lower student’s studying performance. 4. Conclusion and Recommendation Firstly, Internet is a very necessary part for students with the role of studying support and relaxing by many ways. In real, they were showed clearly in the Internet using reality base on Internet accessing time and frequency of VIMARU students. With the developing of Internet market and IT, VIMARU students have very favorable condition for accessing Internet every time and everywhere like university, dormitory, Internet clubs… Secondly, for the impacts of Internet, the research showed that Internet proves more positive impacts than negative impacts in general of students’ perception. However, if we consider its impacts in studying performance, it’s clearly that access Internet too much leads to poor studying performance of VIMARU students. Thus, it became a serious problem. Therefore, we need some measures to regulate and rationalize the time of Internet using of VIMARU students, thereby limiting the negative impacts and maximize advantages of Internet. In VIMARU leaders, within the scope of university and dormitory, some methods like: limiting Wi-Fi, managing the suitable website… For government, there can be Internet management policies such as: Limiting time of using Internet through Personal ID card of students at each Internet clubs… For students, we need to plan to use the Internet most effectively, while ensuring results of our studying performance. References [1] Anon., 2013. http://thankiu.com/. [Online] Available at: http://thankiu.com/wpcontent/uploads/downloads/2012/04/Net-IndexVietnam-2013.pdf [Accessed 20 March 2014]. [2] ISS, 2004. http://iss.leeds.ac.uk/. [Online] Available at: iss.leeds.ac.uk/downloads/configureoutlookandexplorer.PDF [Accessed 25 March 2014]. [3] Young, K. S., 2004. [Online] Available at: www.navigatorcounseling.com/uploads/Addiction_to_Internet.pdf [Accessed 19 March 2014].
35
Research on fuel cost of a dredging fleet Nguyen BichThuy* International School of Education, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray Street, Haiphong, Vietnam
Abstract Dredging production is an activity of removing sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies. It is a routine necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation – the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream – gradually fills channels and harbors. This work is extremely important in supporting a nation’s economic activities generally and maritime sector particularly, especially in Vietnam - a tropical country in South East Asia having a dense river system with about 2,360 rivers and channels and huge amount of silt at lower section of these rivers. However, dredging is a highly specialized and costly process, expenditure for a fleet of dredgers is divided into categories of labor cost (wages and salary), travel expense, running water cost and fuel cost. This research paper will focus on expenditure of fuel (diesel oil) of a dredging fleet which represents thirty percent of dredging cost with how and why it fluctuated over time as well as suggesting some possible solutions to deal with unnecessarily increasing fuel cost issue.
1. Introduction “Thai Binh Duong” is name of a dredging fleet of “Waterway dredging and constructing company” (WADRECO) established in 2000 and directly under the management of Vietnamese Waterway Constructing Corporation – Vietnamese Ministry of Transportation. Most of profit of the company is from the operation of Thai Binh Duong fleet. Therefore, it is critical for the company to care about the cost issue of this fleet to ensure its source of revenue. Within this paper, I would analyze the fuel cost issue of the fleet during the period from 2007 to 2011.
*
Student ID: 50037 E-mail address: thuynguyen1166@gmail.com
36
2. Methodology The research paper will focus on a particular case study of Thai Binh Duong’s fuel cost (diesel oil) during the period from 2007 to 2011. The cost is divided into four sections including fuel cost for dredging, moving, repair work and non-production activities. Fuel cost figures will be created based on background data in Table1 and Table2 which provide information about diesel volume consumption and diesel oil price over 5 years. The diesel price of each year used in the research is arithmetical mean of diesel prices in a year. The relationship between data of these two tables is formed through the formula: Total fuel cost = total volume of diesel * diesel average price per liter Then we can calculate the fuel cost in terms of money with the chosen measuring unit of 1,000 VND. The variation of the figures will be analyzed with the support and description from line chart (Figure1) and column chart (Figure2). This can be considered as a quantitative and empirical research in which most of the paper concentrates on analyzing data and comes up with solutions and conclusion based on observation from those data. 3. Analysis of survey This section presents the analysis and evaluation of fuel cost of Thai Binh Duong dredging fleet through provided data. The table 1 shows framework data of fuel volume used by Thai Binh Duong dredging vessel in a period of 5 years from 2007 to 2011. Additionally, according to History of diesel retailing prices list (*) (source: xangdau.net), we have the table 2. Based on the table 1 and table 2 above along with the formula: Total fuel cost (VND) = total volume of diesel (litters) * diesel average price per liter (VND/l)
From the data above, we have a table of fuel cost in terms of money spent for Thai Binh Duong dredging fleet operation as shown in table 3.
37
Table 1: Diesel volume used by Thai Binh Duong dredging vessel (2007-2011) (Unit: litters) Unit of account Total
2007
Litter(s)
1. Dredging
2008
2009
2010
2011
703,604
1,929,721 580,404 986,235 946,341
676,382
1,904,147 487,790 882,064 681,734
2. Moving
2,697
4,216
73,405
46,252
62,262
3.Repair work
1,792
-
9,610
18,674
79,962
22,733
21,358
9,600
39,244 122,383
4.Non-production
Table 2: Diesel price on average (2007-2011) (Unit: VND)
Diesel average price per liter (VND)
2007 9,313
2008 13,405
2009 11,793
2010 14,629
2011 18,588
Table 3: Fuel cost of Thai Binh Duong Dredging fleet (2007-2011) (Unit: 1,000VND) Unit
2007
2008
2009
1,000 VND
6,552,901
25,867,032
6,844,623
14,427,204 17,282,001
6,299,370
25,524,220
5,752,434
12,903,341 12,671,736
2. Moving
25,118
56,513
865,649
676,606
1,157,290
3.Repair work
16,690
-
113,329
273,168
1,178,174
211,723
286,299
113,211
574,089
2,274,801
Total 1. Dredging
4.Nonproduction
38
2010
2011
Total fuel cost of TBD fleet 30,000,000 25,000,000 20,000,000 15,000,000
total cost (1,000VND)
10,000,000 5,000,000 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Figure 1: Total fuel cost of Thai Binh Duong fleet (2007-2011) (Unit: 1,000VND)
Fuel cost of TBD dredging fleet 30,000,000
1,000VND
25,000,000 20,000,000
dredging
15,000,000
moving
10,000,000
reparing
5,000,000
nonproduction
2007
2008
2009 Year
2010
2011
Figure 2: Fuel cost of Thai Binh Duong fleet divided in 4 sections (Unit: 1,000VND) Source: Collected by author
In general, the total fuel cost spent for Thai Binh Duong dredging fleet varied dramatically in surveyed years without any rule. It started with over 6.5 billion VND in 2007, increasing 4 folds and reaching the record high of nearly 26 billion VND in 2008, but then suddenly dropping to the similar level of 2007 in 2009 (6.8 billion VND).From then onward, the total fuel cost of this fleet tends to increase steadily in coming years. The company spent more than on diesel oil for Thai Binh Duong fleet’s operation in 2010 doubled the figure in 2009, corresponding to14.4 billion VND. The fuel cost continue to rise in 2011 with slower pace, reaching the number of nearly 17.3 billion VND. In more details, the cost that company had to pay to the operation of Thai Binh Duong dredging fleet fluctuated over years and it was divided into 4
39
sections according to the using purposes of the vessels: dredging, moving, repairing and non-production. As we can see from the column chart, the figures show that cost for dredging – the work creating revenue and profit for the company – always occupies the highest percentage. In 2007, approximately 6.3 billion VND were spent for dredging activities, corresponding to 96.1% of total fuel cost. Cost for dredging suddenly rocketed up to 25.5 billion VND in 2008, nearly covering all the fuel cost of that year (98.6%). However, the figure fluctuated in following year but no longer reach the top as 2008. Another striking feature is that when the fuel cost for dredging varied unpredictably, fuel cost for other activities (moving/ transporting, repairing) or even during non-production period tends to increase significantly. Typical example is diesel cost for moving, which grew remarkably from 25 million VND in 2007 to 56 million VND in2008, 865 million VND in 2009, 676 million VND in 2010 and ended survey with over 1.1 billion VND. For period of 5 year, the fuel cost for moving has increased 46 times. There are several key factors influencing the fluctuation the fuel cost of the fleet: - World oil price: World oil price is one of the major factors leading to the fluctuation in fuel cost of Thai Binh Duong dredging fleet due to the reason that diesel is main fuel in running vessels and oil price changes every year. As we can see from the Table1, total diesel volume used in 2007 (703,604 litters)was much higher than that in 2009(580,404 litters) but the amount of money spent in 2009 (6.8 billion VND) was at similar level and even higher than the amount of money spent in 2007 (6.5 billion VND). It is because the fact that diesel price increased significantly from 9,313 VND in 2007 to 11,793 VND in 2009, and multiplication makes the effect of this increase much greater. In general, diesel oil as well as other fuels’ price now follows an increasing pattern over years. - Scale of project (soils data): The scale of the dredging project that the company gets affects directly to the fuel operation cost of the fleet. There is a fact that different rivers and water channels will have different geographic locations with different characteristics in terms of lengths, widths, depth and density of silt or mood containing inside, etc. The volumes of diesel oil that dredging vessels burn depend heavily on these factors; and the farer distance, greater amount of mood, wider and deeper the channel is, the higher fuel cost (for dredging and moving). For example, 2008 is the most costly year (among 5 year surveyed) despite the fact that diesel
40
price in that year (13,405 VND/litter) is not highest but the price in 2011(18,588 VND/litter). It is because in 2008 the company got a very big contract of dredging Cai Lan port (Ha Long, Quang Ninh) – which is considered as the most deep-sea port in the North of Vietnam and far away from Haiphong– in comparison with small project of dredging Bach Dang narrow passage in exactly Haiphong (2011). - Mechanical state of the dredgers As we can see from the Table 3 and Figure 2, the fuel cost spent on fixing technical problems and non-production activities follow an upward trend over years generally. It is exactly not a good news when fuel cost for dredging – main mission – does not increase (a lot) (mean that the company does not get a lot of work to do to create revenue and profit) but they have to pay increasing amount of money for non-profit activities. This can be evidence showing the signs of deterioration in working condition of the vessels’ engine over time, especially when the fleet has operated for more than 10 years. 4. Solution It is obvious to say that oil market is extremely highly volatile in short and long term. An event happened in one or some countries (For example: Persian Gulf War I in 1990 or Syria events in 2013) can affect the oil price world-wide, and controlling oil price is impossible mission to WADRECO or other companies. It is inevitable for every business to face with increasing oil price issue. Even the company cannot control oil price and the size of dredging project they get; working state of dredges is in the company’s hand. As analyzed above, outdated machinery is one of the major reasons leading to the unnecessary increase in fuel cost of the Thai Binh Duong fleet. It is highly recommended that the company should invest in new dredging vessels and equipment as well as updating new technology supporting dredging work (for example: IHC dredging system). It also should have a good co-ordination among departments - engineering, survey, civil construction, dredging and technical – in identifying exactly where, how deep and how many cubic yards of soil to dredge in order to bring the project team to new heights of efficiency and cost-effectiveness instead of moving around and wasting fuel. If the cost for investing in new equipment is too high, finding an innovative dredging partner for major maritime infrastructure projects can help provide solutions. Additionally, it should be chosen a suitable cruising speed that at which the vessels can run most economically and easily maintain over a long passage to save energy as much as possible.
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5. Conclusion Fuel is a significant portion of a dredging project. Evaluating the fuel cost issue is critical task for WADRECO as well as other businesses. Rational calculations to minimize the cost and maximize the profit do not only enhance the company’s competitiveness but also prove the leaders’ vision, especially in era of rising oil price and many private dredging companies are being established. Moreover, growth in oil consumption of dredges is considered to pollute the air (by producing CO2 and other contaminated gases) and destroy the marine environment. Therefore, it is important to invest seriously in modern dredging system not only to ensure the “dredging efficiency” in short term but also to maintain the business operation in the long term. Acknowledgement The writer is grateful for the valuable instruction from Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Thuy who introduced and taught us research methods. Also wish thanks to Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Chi – chief accountant of Thai Binh Duong fleet – for kindly sharing data on fuel cost of the fleet with some very useful recommendations.
References [1] Anon., 2012. http://www.petrovietnamgas.vn. [Online] Available at: http://www.petrovietnamgas.vn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23 8:h-thng-song-ngoi-vit-nam&catid=94:chia-s&Itemid=282 [Accessed 18 March 2014]. [2] Anon., 2014. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/. [Online] Available at: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/dredging.html [Accessed 20 March 2014]. [3] Ha, C. X., 2009. Assessing The Effect Of Dredging Activities. Maritime Science and Technology Journal. [4] McNally, J., 2012. westerndredging.org. [Online] Available at: https://www.google.com.vn/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0 CDYQFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwesterndredging.org%2Findex.php%2F2012pacific-weda-presentations%3Fdownload%3D535%3Adrivers-of-cost-a-price-fordredging&ei=QfCsU7GeOo3y8QWCmIGAAw&usg=AFQj [Accessed 20 March 2014]. [5] Murphy, J. T., 2012. westerndredging.org. [Online] Available at: https://www.google.com.vn/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja &uact=8&ved=0CBoQFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westerndredging.org%2Fi ndex.php%2Finformation%2Fproceedings-presentations%2Fcategory%2F102-2012-
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conference-in-san-antonio-tx%3Fdownload%3 [Accessed 20 March 2014]. [6] Tran, D. N., 2013. http://laodong.com.vn/. [Online] Available at: http://laodong.com.vn/xa-hoi/cang-nuoc-sau-cai-lan-dang-bi-boi-lap105830.bld [Accessed 20 March 2014].
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Dependence of International School of Education students and Gender disparity of cell phone usage Do Hien Trang* International School of Education, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong, Vietnam.
Abstract Cell phones have been very necessary for people in modern life, especially among university student. This study examines the dependence of International School of Education (ISE) students and the gender disparities of cell phone usage between them. Utilizing both qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (survey) approaches, the paper shows a various purposes for using mobile phones of ISE students and how they use the time effective or not to utilize the advantages of cell phones. This study serves as a foundation for future studies will be built on large scale such as young generation in Vietnam or cross-nation in different culture.
1. Introduction In contemporary life, mobile phones play a crucial role for a variety of communication and media activities such as social network, accessing news, listening to music and taking photos. The booming of cell phones in Vietnam in particular are used by young people has been one of the major concerns of international and national media attention in many years. Youngsters are using mobile phones for the personal communication and entertainment activities. Cell phones are mainly used for interpersonal communication with family and friends for sociability and displaying affection (Louis & Ran, 2000). In addition to their increasing role in public communication activities, cell phones are becoming important for news that will help youngsters to broaden their horizon. It is necessary to examine the use of mobile phones by young people, to be more specifically by International School of Education (ISE) students between the ages of 18-22 who are first, second, third and fourth year students in *
No corresponding authors ID: 50038 Tel: +84962588892 Email address: trang.vimaru.hp228@gmail.com
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Vietnam Maritime University. Through the data on communication, entertainment and accessing information through cell phones were conducted by survey, the dependence of ISE students (who are still continuing education and have not achieved financial independence will use cell phones for some of their social needs) as well as the disparity between male and female students’ cell phone usage will be revealed. 2. Literature review This section provides a review of literature of academic studies related to cell phones usage among ISE students. The growing preference of cell phones across the world and in particular among young people has been a topic of interest among academic researchers. Although having countless academic journals that provide access to this subject with several anthologies and book length studies in recent years, it is the very first time the study of mobile phones’ dependence on ISE students is introduced. 3. Method Research of the use of mobiles phone among ISE students collects data from surveys based on questionnaire form. It is conducted on the ISE students in Vietnam Maritime University between 12 September 2013 and 10 October 2013. The study group includes 144 students that consist of 76 male (52.78%) and 68 (47.22%) female students from 18 to 22 years old. This dissertation also used a mixed-methods approach using qualitative and quantitative methods. The questionnaire is divided into six main sections, the first section titles background information regarding the general information of respondents; the second section titles acquisition of cell phones is to get information about how ISE students acquire cell phones; the third section titles the information in terms of the symbolic perceptions and usage of cell phones; the forth section titles the information about their own cell phones; the fifth section titles the media habits of participants and their use of cell phones for social functions including media and internet services. 4. Data analysis 4.1. Time spent on using mobile phones The table 1 reveals the amount of time ISE students spending on cell phones per day. It is clear that no respondent spend less than 2 hours on mobile phones. Most of them use cell phones from 6 hours to 8 hours that accounting for nearly half of total given (47.92%). 25.7 % students use mobile phones over
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8 hours every day and 21.53% spend between 4 hours to 6 hours. There are few students using cell phones from 2 hours to 4 hours. Table 1: Amount of time ISE students spent using mobile phones.
Time 8 hours or above 6 - 8 hours 4 - 6 hours 2 - 4 hours Below 2 hours
Overall N=144 37 (25.7%) 69 (47.92%) 31 (21.53%) 7 (4.86%) 0 (0%)
Males n=76 26 (34.21%) 30 (39.47%) 18 (23.69%) 2 (2.63%) 0 (0%)
Females n=68 11 (16.19%) 39 (57.35%) 13 (19.11%) 5 (7.35%) 0 (0%)
Source: Collected by author
The data from table 1 show that the differences between males and females occur obviously. There is no disparity between males and females students in the time below 2 hours, all of them spend at least above 2 hours. Although having a small number of students uses mobile phones from 2hours to 4 hours, the percentage of females trebles the proportion of males. From 4 hours to 6 hours, there is a slight difference between two genders with more male than females. The majority of two genders spend 6 hours to 8 hours on using mobile phone with the ratio of female nearly doubling the males (57.35% against 39.47%) whereas more male students (34.29%) spend over 8 hours per day on cell phones, nearly three times as females (16.19%). 4.2.
Communication through cell phones
The value of cell phone lies in the communication function and that is what people thus depend on(Gary Stanley Becker, Kevin M. Murphy, 1988). The data in Table 2 reveals how ISE students use mobile phones for communication activities. It is clear that the majority of students like Social network with 81.94 %, followed by Text messaging and talking on the phone with nearly 6% and 20% less respectively. At the bottom end are Chatting and Emails with the proportion of the former being 47.92%, doubling the latter. The results from the survey have pointed out the heavy practice of Social networking which includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. The reasons for that are communicating through Social networking is free and more convenient than Phone call or text messaging, the increasing number of students logging on Facebook or Twitter almost every time and everywhere provided that 3G or Wi-Fi service are accessible.
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In addition, the data in Table 2 also indicating that in comparison with text messaging, phone call is less enjoyable with approximately 14% less. One of the justifications for this is that the call charge is more expensive than message charge, about four times. So, to save more money, students are in favor of Text messaging than phone call. Another reason is that phone call is relatively noisy, the voice of caller can impact negatively to people surrounding, so Text messaging is more reasonable. Table 2: ISE students’ communication through cell phones Communication through cell phones Social network Often Sometimes Seldom Never Text messaging Often Sometimes Seldom Never Talking on the phone Often Sometimes Seldom Never Chatting Often Sometimes Seldom Never Emails Often Sometimes Seldom Never
Overall N=144
Males n=76
Females n=68
118 (81.94%) 18 (12.5%) 8 (5.56%) 0 (0%)
62 (81.58%) 9 (11.84%) 5 (6.58%) 0 (0%)
56 (82.35%) 9 (13.24%) 3 (4.41%) 0 (0%)
109 (75.69%) 26 (18.05%) 8 (5.56%) 1 (0.69%)
59 (77.63%) 10 (13.17%) 6 (7.89%) 1 (1.31%)
50 (73.53%) 16 (23.53%) 2 (2.94%) 0 (0%)
88 (61.11%) 47 (32.64%) 7 (4.86%) 2 (1.39%)
42 (55.26%) 29 (38.16%) 4 (5.26%) 1 (1.31%)
46 (67.65%) 18 (26.47%) 3 (4.41%) 1 (1.47%)
69 (47.92%) 41 (28.47%) 22 (15.28%) 12 (8.33%)
24 (31.58%) 29 (38.21%) 16 (21%) 7 (9.21%)
45 (66.17%) 12 (17.65%) 6 (8.83%) 5 (7.35%)
31 (21.53%) 43 (29.86%) 46 (31.9%) 24 (16.67%)
16 (23.88%) 25 (32.89%) 21 (27.63%) 14 (18.42%)
15 (22%) 18 (26.47%) 25 (36.83%) 10 (14.7%)
Source: Collected by author
The data in Table 2 shows that in ISE, there are no gender differences in terms of using mobile phones for Social networking with the percentages is in
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the vicinity of 80%. Nevertheless, more males than females use cell phones for sending messages and emails but in the slight inequality of 4% and 2% correspondingly. In stark contrast, fewer males than females use smart phones for talking (55.26% against 67.55%) and chatting with ratio of females doubling the male students. Thus, the data suggests that the use of cell phones for public communication activities was relatively high among females with active contacts as phone call and chatting and among males with passive contacts as text messaging and email. 4.3.
Entertainment on cell phones
The data presented in Table 3 of the survey provides information regarding the use of cell phones for entertainment. It indicates that Music is the most enjoyable feature in mobile phones with the frequency accounting for 72.22%. Second in terms of important feature are taking photos and games with 53.47% and 50.69% respectively. A relatively lower percentage of students in ISE considered using video with 40.97%. Overall the data shows that students in ISE considers media features as pivotal in cell phones and also use them for media function. The majority of them have personal access to electronic media, although they have access to personal computers or laptops, they use cell phones to listen to music more frequently as it is useful both indoor and outdoor activities. Table 3: ISE students’ entertainment on cell phones Entertainment on cell Overall phones N=144 Music Often 104 (72.22%) Sometimes 27 (18.75%) Seldom 10 (6.94%) Never 3 (2.08) Taking photos Often 77 (53.47%) Sometimes 42 (29.16%) Seldom 17 (11.81%) Never 8 (5.56%) Games
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Males n=76
Females n=68
56 (73.68%) 14 (18.42%) 4 (5.26%) 2 (2.63%)
48 (70.59%) 13 (19.12%) 6 (8.82%) 1 (1.47%)
26 (34.21%) 34 (44.74%) 10 (13.16%) 6 (7.89%)
51 (75%) 8 (11.76%) 7 (10.29%) 2 (2.94%)
Often Sometimes Seldom Never Video Often Sometimes Seldom Never
73 (50.69%) 46 (31.94%) 15 (10.4%) 10 (6.94%)
56 (73.68%) 13 (17.11%) 5 (6.58%) 2 (2.63%)
17 (25%) 33 (48.54%) 10 (14.7%) 8 (11.76%)
59 (40.97%) 47 (32.64%) 31 (21.53%) 7 (4.86%)
14 (18.42%) 31 (40.79%) 26 (34.21%) 5 (6.58%)
45 (66.18%) 16 (23.53%) 5 (7.35%) 2 (2.94%)
Source: Collected by author
The data in table 3 shows that the entire males and females student in ISE think that music as very important features in their cell phones, there is almost no gender differences in this category. In addition, more females than males used mobile phones very frequently for personal entertainment activities such as taking pictures and video with the proportions nearly doubling and trebling correspondingly. On the other hand, more males than females used cell phones to play game with the ratio being three times as high as the counterpart. Overall, the result reveals that across group, except music has relatively the same proportion, around 72%, there are evident disparities in other features for both genders, males tend to prefer games to the others whereas females love taking photos and video as the tools to selfie in order to show their image or activities. 4.4. Accessing information on cell phones The table 4 reveals how ISE student stay abreast of information through cell phones. It indicates that the most popular form of accessing news on mobile phones among ISE students is searching such as Google or Bring with 61.81%, followed by reading news online with 45.14% and the last one is reading books online with 33.33%. With the booming of technology and sciences, cell phones have been used very effectively for spreading information which can easily substitute the conventional approaches. Gender disparities in mobile use for news. The table 4 shows that regarding the frequency of accessing news on cell phones in ISE, there are some apparent differences in both genders. It is clear that more males than females keep updated information through searching
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Internet by Google or other websites (67.1% against 55.88%). In stark contrast, more females than males frequently use mobile phones for reading news and books with nearly doubling or trebling the counterpart’s proportions. Male students, not access frequently but sometime to read news or books with the percentage being around 30%. Table 4: ISE students’ accessing information on cell phones Accessing information on cell phones Searching (Google, Bring‌) Often Sometimes Seldom Never Reading news Often Sometimes Seldom Never Reading books Often Sometimes Seldom Never
Overall N=144
Males n=76
Females n=68
89 (61.81%) 39 (17.08%) 13 (9.03%) 3 (2.08%)
51 (67.1%) 18 (23.69%) 7 (9.21%) 0 (0%)
38 (55.88%) 21 (30.89%) 6 (8.82%) 3 (4.41%)
65 (45.14%) 52 (36.11%) 20 (13.89%) 7 (4.86%)
28 (36.84%) 30 (39.47%) 14 (18.43%) 4 (5.26%)
37 (54.41%) 22 (32.35%) 6 (8.83%) 3 (4.41%)
48 (33.33%) 54 (37.5%) 31 (21.53%) 11 (7.64%)
13 (17.1%) 31 (40.8%) 25 (32.89%) 7 (9.21%)
35 (51.47%) 23 (33.82%) 6 (8.83%) 4 (5.88%)
Source: Collected by author
5. Problem Mobile phone usage is a compulsive and addictive disorder which looks set to become one of the biggest non-drug addictions in the 21st century(Madrid, 2003). The finding indicates that mobile phone usage among ISE student is very high, the majority of ISE students spending from 6 hours and 8 hours per day on using mobile phones and more males than females spending more than 8 hours. In addition to this, female students are not only the one who love talking on the phones, there are more and more male students also like this. Regarding to Social networking, Facebook or Twitter, there is relatively no difference between two genders with the percentage coming around 80%. It is clear that Social networking is growing in popularity among ISE students in particular and in young people in general that really appeal youngsters irrespective of gender disparity.
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Thus, the dependent level on mobile phones of ISE students is very high; not only the male but also female students are at risk of developing addictive pattern of behavior involving cell phones; they often turn their mobile phones on. The proportion of Text messaging is higher than phone call, it helps student communicating with each other without feeling shy or embarrass (Plant, 2000) but it makes people less active when chatting with others because of lacking emotion; especially in male students, more males than females choose text message than phone call. Furthermore, with high percentage of two gender listening music very frequently (over 70%), the study at school is harmfully impacted, the mobile phones has the power to undermine the schools’ authority and weaken their control over students (Geser, 2004); besides that family relationship are absolutely distracted; while females love taking photos or selfie, males enjoy playing games more than others. Instead of finding information from traditional ways such as books or magazines, most of them move to go online by cell phones as a fastest way to updates news. Although having some differences between males and females, all data give the result of the increasing dependence on cell phones in both genders. 6. Solution It is undeniable that young people as well as ISE students using cell phones for coordinating their social life and others purposes that plays a pivotal part in their daily life, so there are no drastic solutions to eliminate this problem but can limit mobile phones’ far-reaching subsequences. The first responsibility belongs to parents, they should educate their children how to use cell phones in the most effective way that not distract their studies and relationship by permitting youngsters to use mobile phones at limited time. In addition to this, the school policies that do not allow students using cell phones in lessons are indispensable. Due to the gender difference, it is necessary to have distinctive solutions for males and females, understanding their needs and psychology will help reduce their dependence on mobile phones successfully and avoid addiction. 7. Conclusion Mobile phones are becoming popular in young people; its functions and application are very attractive to ISE students in particular. They spend 6 hours to 8 hours every day on using cell phones for the purpose of communicating via social networking, entertainment activities and accessing new information with
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high frequency. ISE students are increasingly depending on mobile phones. While mobile phones are extremely attractive as a tool for communication and interpersonal interaction, there has been an increased risk in its problematic use (Bianchi A, Phillips JG., 2005).Cell phone usage is addictive, despite of the positive benefits like to call family or friends, relax, etc. it brings so many negative impacts on youth life because they are too dependent on these and find difficult if they do not have cell phones by their sides. There are no great disparities between the addictive level on social networking and music in both genders. However, more male students than females prefer text messaging, game and searching Internet to other functions whereas females in favor of phone calls, taking pictures and reading books or news online the most. Although the purposes of using cell phones have several differences, the high frequency shows that both males and females are addictive to cell phones. Acknowledgment This study would not have been possible without the valuable guidance and support from my advisor whom I sincerely wish to thank her from the bottom of my heart, Assoc. Prof, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thuy who is extremely kind and supportive throughout the process of making the survey and writing this study. In addition, I am also very grateful to each and every member of my team who were making questionnaire on this issue, collect the data and always encourage and support me to complete this study. Last but not least, I am very appreciate and would like to thank all the ISE students who jointed this study that is carried out there.
References [1] Bianchi A, Phillips JG., 2005. Psychological predictors of problem mobile phone use.. s.l.:s.n. [2] Gary Stanley Becker, Kevin M. Murphy, 1988. A theory of rational addiction. The Journal of Political Economy, Volume 96, p. 675. [3] Geser, H., 2004. Towards a Sociological Theory of the Mobile Phone. s.l.:s.n. [4] Louis Leung, Ran Wei, 2000. More Than Just Talk on the Move: Uses and Gratifications of the Cellular Phone. s.l.:Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. [5] Madrid, 2003. Mobile phones becoming a major addiction [Electronic Version]. [Online] Available at: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/12/10/1070732250532.html?from=storyrhs [6] Plant, S., 2000. On the mobile. The effects of mobile telephones on social and individual life.. s.l.:s.n.
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The Satisfaction Level of Students In The Dormitory Of Vietnam Maritime University Le Thi Thu Trang* International School of Education, Vietnam Maritime University, 484 Lach Tray Street, Haiphong, Vietnam
Abstract This study was conducted to undergraduate students living in the C4 building of the dormitory at VIMARU. This paper also explored the difference in the students’ levels satisfaction living in campus and their expectation. A sample population of 200 students (100 male; and 100 females) was involved in this study with 100% living in inside the dormitory. The result of the study suggests that satisfaction with fees ‌. .
1. Introduction Living far away from family for a long period of time might enhance many difficulties for fresh man. This new environment provides an opportunity to learn how to live independently, compromise with roommates, share space and facilities. The quality of accommodation of students impacts deeply on their life and their studying result. In relation to this, such studies indicate that good condition and facilities in university campuses have a positive influence on the students. Therefore, an accommodation of student has always been a considerable problem in any universities and it is an exception at VIMARU. The C4 building of VIMARU recently just meets the less demand of students. According to the recent survey of a group of GMA students about the satisfaction level of students in the dormitory at VIMARU, I would like to connect and discuss this hot topic by using part I of the questionnaire survey bellow. This is followed by a discussion on the methodology utilized in this study, data analysis and a discussion on the findings. 2. Methodology Supporting information for this paper, data analysis, quantitative research and methodologies were used as main methods for collecting data. A sample population of 200 students (100 females; and 100 males) was used for the study. The demographic form sought information on gender, age, department, *
ID:50040
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Students’ satisfaction survey in the C4 building of VIMARU We need your help. We are trying to improve the quality of care. PART I: SURVEY THE SATISFACTION LEVEL Please rate how much you satisfy with each of the following. Please mark (x) in the empty box for the answer that is closest to your opinion. 1: Poor 2: Less than satisfaction 3: Satisfaction 4: Good
5: Very good
1
2
3
4
5
I- Infrastructure 1
The area and space of rooms in dormitory
2
Interior quality (bed, table, window, door…)
3
Electricity system
4
Water system (water supply and waste water treatment)
5
Bathroom and hygiene area
6
Lobby and staircase
7
Wall and ceiling of room (wet, leaked)
8
Surrounding area II- Services
9
The transparency of electricity & water bill
10 Manager’s pre-announcement about electricity, cut, water disruption 11 General area condition (WC, lobby…) 12 On time security intervention (gambling…) 13 On time infrastructure/ furniture fix 14 Manager’s willingness to listen and help III- Price 15 Monthly rent (in compared with outside) 16 Water, electric price (reasonable?)
In general, are you satisfied with life in the dormitory?
1
2
3
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4
5
PART II: ASPIRATION In case the price is still the same, do you want to change anything in your building? Please stick () in the appropriate empty box. 1: extremely necessary
2: necessary FACILITIES
1
Increasing room’s square
2
Replacing double bed to single bed
3
Ceiling fan
4
Separate electricity and water meter for each room
5
Internet and wireless system
6
Air condition
7
Separate WC for each room
8
Water heater
9
Student’s kitchen
10
Public washing machine
3: unnecessary 1
2
3
PART III: OTHER COMMENTS If you have any other comments relating to dorm’s facilities and your living condition, please write it down in the following line ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... PART IV: PERSONAL INFORMATION -
Gender: male Faculty: Class standing:
female
----------------End of survey--------------
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duration of stay, and year of study. The questionnaire consisted of two 2 A4 pages and divided into 4 parts: -
Part I: Survey the satisfaction level Part II: Aspiration Part III: Other comments Part IV: Personal information
It’s attached as the previous two pages. pages In this sample, the reliability coefficient is = 90 % 3. Results In this essay I’m going to discuss on part I: Survey the satisfaction level of the survey. And following is my result in part 1:
Price
Service
Infrastructure
Figure 1:: Level of satisfaction of students in different categories. Source: Collected by author
The figure 1 illustrates the satisfaction level in average of students in different categories. It is clear that there is a dramatically number of students
dissatisfied with these dormitory’s conditions. Surrounding area dominated at the highest satisfaction level with 3.43 over 5 score. The second rank is in the satisfaction level are lobby, electricity system and monthly rent with just around 2.8 score. The lowest level of satisfaction is the transparency of electricity & water bill (only 2.2 score) and bathroom area (over 2.3 score). 3 2.5 2 M
1.5
F
1 0.5 0 K50
K51
K52
K53
K54
Figure 2: The level of satisfaction between male and female student in difference courses Source: Collected by author
The figure 2 shows the difference of satisfaction level between boy and girl students in different areas. There was a slightly vary among them. The proportion of satisfaction by women is higher than by men. In conclusion, the satisfaction level of student about their living area is not too high. They are always looking forward to improving the living standard. 4. Discussion The primary purpose of this research was to identify the satisfaction with infrastructures, fees and services. In case of infrastructure, the space refers to a kitchen, study room which should be separated and improved to create a homelike environment. This lobby area should have an informal and intimate atmosphere so that students feel comfortable entertaining relatives or guests. The lobby may also be used as a relaxing and reading area. Fortunately, students were mostly satisfied with the lobby. Similarly, there are some problem in payment and services in which student often complain such as water cost and security. In fact, many student living in dormitory were stolen things such laptop, mobile phone and money. As in any study, this study has some limitations. In addition, this study focuses on the level of satisfaction and omits factors that influence satisfaction.
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5. Conclusion To conclude, the main finding of this study is that there is a questionable problem why students are significantly dissatisfied. The study’s findings suggest that the students’ dormitory at VIMARU is facing several problems related to their health and study result. Therefore, Dormitory should be improved to meet the needs of all students and provide a good condition as well. Acknowledgement The researchers wish to convey their sincere thanks for financial support from the authorities of Vietnam Maritime University and No-Stop group which enabled and support them to undertake this study.
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