Women’s Decision for Choosing Mechanical Engineering Degree in Far Eastern University, Philippines: A Case Study

AIP Conference Proceedings
(2022), Vol. 2433, pp. 030016
Diana Rose T. Rivera
a
,
Ivan Henderson V. Gue
a
,
Jaychris Georgette Y. Onia
a
,
Leif Oliver B. Coronado
b
a Mechanical Engineering Department, Far Eastern University Institute of Technology, Manila, Philippines
b Mechanical Engineering, University of the Philippines Quezon City, Philippines
Abstract: Decision-making in choosing a degree in engineering, especially for women, involves trade-offs between numerous conflicting objectives. To increase the number of female students enrolling in the Mechanical Engineering Department of Far Eastern University, a survey was conducted among the 30 female engineering students of the Mechanical Engineering Department of Far Eastern University, Institute of Technology. In this study, the objective is to determine the factor that affects female students in choosing engineering field. A multi-criteria decision analytical process was done using a pairwise comparison matrix wherein the goal is to rank the n alternatives. The results of the study revealed that 39.48% of their decision is based on their own choice. It is followed by the influence of the economy with 19%, while the influence of family, available opportunity and the impact of the latest trend have close relative weights, with value within 10% to 12%. Lastly, peer pressure had the least influence with relative weights of 7%. Since personal choice is based on individual's skills, it is recommended that universities should invest in various activities and workshops during their promotional campaign. This will help incoming college students to familiarized and be confident to include engineering in their degree of choice.