The Study on The Factors Affecting Academic Performance Among Diploma in Business Studies Students in Politeknik Mukah

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic which lasted almost 3 years since 2019, impacting most organizations, highlighted a noticeable decline in academic performance at Institutions of Higher Education (HEIs). It is necessary to examine and understand current trends so that the quality of HEI's graduates can be maintained and consistently relevant in the future. Specifically, this study was conducted to investigate the factors that are related to the academic performance of students who are studying Diploma in Business Studies (DPM) in Politeknik Mukah (PMU) Sarawak. The study aims to examine the relationship between the factors of attitudes, interests, and parental encouragements towards academic performance. The respondents for this study were a total of 175 individuals consisting of a Diploma in Business Studies from semester two (2) to semester six (6). The instrument used in the study was a survey questionnaire. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 was used for data analysis. The reliability analysis, the descriptive analysis, and the correlation analysis have been operated. The study's results indicate a positive relationship and a significant correlation between the examined factors toward student's academic performance. Thus, some recommendations to the responsible parties are outlined to enhance the academic achievement of Politeknik Mukah students which can lead to producing quality graduates throughout the upcoming period.