Published
2025-05-28
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Copyright (c) 2025 Christine Marie B. Fernandez, Jason V. Chavez, Rogelio F. Calibay Jr., Magna Anissa A. Hayudini, Ruzbyhann A. Basaluddin, Fatima Nerissa Muktadir- Jauhari, Narrin U. Ibrahim, Zhiraida Asadil-Daud

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How to Cite
Assessing the utilitarian value of economics and business on personal beliefs and practices among working students
Christine Marie B. Fernandez
School of Business Administration, Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, Zamboanga City, 7000, Philippines
Jason V. Chavez
School of Business Administration, Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, Zamboanga City, 7000, Philippines
Rogelio F. Calibay Jr.
College of Business Administration and Accountancy, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, 7400, Philippines
Magna Anissa A. Hayudini
College of Health Sciences, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, 7400, Philippines
Ruzbyhann A. Basaluddin
College of Business Administration and Accountancy, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, 7400, Philippines
Fatima Nerissa Muktadir- Jauhari
College of Business Administration and Accountancy, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, 7400, Philippines
Narrin U. Ibrahim
College of Business Administration and Accountancy, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Jolo, Sulu, 7400, Philippines
Zhiraida Asadil-Daud
College of Business, Administration, Sulu State College, Jolo, Sulu 7400, Philippinees
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i5.3228
Keywords: utilitarian value; economics education; business principles; working students; strategic planning
Abstract
This research examines the practical significance of economics and business on the personal values and habits of employed students in the Philippines. Using a qualitative method, data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 40 working students from the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, and Sulu. The results indicate that economics and business concepts are not only relevant in academia but also play a crucial role in influencing daily decision-making practices. Three main themes surfaced: financial education via budgeting and managing resources; achieving work-life balance and optimizing time; and strategic planning for career and income. Participants indicated that ideas like opportunity cost, utility maximization, and economic rationality assisted them in managing scarce resources, making well-informed choices, and embracing entrepreneurial mindsets. By placing personal challenges in the context of economic and business frameworks, these students showed agency, resilience, and a long-term perspective. The research finds that incorporating economic education into the real-life experiences of employed students fosters practical skills as well as critical thinking and flexible strategies to address socioeconomic challenges.
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