AAHRMEI JUNIOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS (AJAM) AS A NATIONAL STUDENT-BASED ORGANIZATION: IT’S IMPACT TO THE HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM

Abstract

A descriptive quantitative research design was used to distribute survey questionnaires for data collection. One hundred third-year and fourth-year students had been involved in different activities organized by AJAM while pursuing their studies at this institution. These respondents were selected using a cluster sampling technique. The identified respondents were student leaders from the AARJMEI Junior Associate Members (AJAM) at the third-year and fourth-year levels. The researchers selected a total of 100 respondents from AJAM. Additionally, researchers set a requirement that respondents should be between 15 and 50 years old. A descriptive quantitative research design was used to distribute survey questionnaires for data collection. One hundred third-year and fourth-year students who had been involved in different activities organized by AJAM while studying at this institution participated in the study. These respondents were selected using a cluster sampling technique. The identified respondents were student leaders from the AARJMEI Junior Associate Members (AJAM) at the third-year and fourth-year levels. In the selection process, we, the researchers, obtained a total of 100 respondents from AJAM. Researchers also set a requirement that respondents should be between 15 and 50 years old. The results for the first statement of the problem, which examines the influencing factors in joining national-based student organizations of hospitality and tourism, show the following: The first variable, interest, ranked the highest with a composite mean of 3.60, verbally interpreted as strongly agree. The second variable, time to participate in various activities, ranked second with a composite mean of 3.58, also interpreted as strongly agree. Lastly, the third variable, ability and competencies, ranked the lowest with a composite mean of 3.55, still interpreted as strongly agree. Overall, the influencing factors in joining national-based student organizations of hospitality and tourism students had an average weighted mean of 3.58, interpreted as strongly agree. In conclusion, the study has shown how AAHRMEI Junior Associate Members (AJAM) can shape one’s educational and professional life in hospitality management. It suggests ways in which management could generate more interest among learners in hotel industry courses offered by this institution. Additionally, it recommends practical time-planning skills for those who wish to participate actively.