Factors that influence the selection of aviation maintenance and manufacturing as a postsecondary program of study
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine what factors influence potential students to select aviation maintenance and manufacturing (AMM) as a postsecondary program of study. All students majoring in AMM at a large, Midwestern public university were surveyed. Demographic data were collected to describe the respondents. Each respondent was asked to evaluate how much influence, positive or negative, a series of influence factors had on their decision to major in AMM. Both description and MANOVA data reporting were performed. Numerous factors did prove influential for specific demographic subgroups and can be used to support recruiting methodology. The findings indicate that the most significant factor is a predisposition towards aviation by respondents. Influence factors such as Professional in the Field, Interest in Aviation, and Comparison of Aviation Maintenance and Manufacturing support this conclusion. A comparison of demographics against the influence factors provides direction for an improvement in recruiting strategies for enrollment managers. This study is an important addition to the literature since it provides an initial method for studying factors that influence major selection. The issues and problems identified in this study will assist future researchers who investigate this and similar research topics.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
McInerney, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Academic guidance counseling|Inservice training|Vocational education
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