Embedding the Triple Bottom Line in School Governance as Pathways Toward Sustainable and Inclusive Higher Education: Insights from Don Jose Ecleo Memorial College, Philippines
Abstract
This study examined the extent to which Triple Bottom Line (TBL) principles are embedded in the school governance of Don Jose Ecleo Memorial College (DJEMC), Philippines, and how these practices relate to institutional sustainability and institutional inclusivity. The study focused on the People, Planet, and Profit dimensions of TBL implementation and assessed their association with social, environmental, financial-operational, participatory, equity-oriented, and climate-related institutional outcomes. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed, with a descriptive-correlational quantitative phase supported by documentary analysis. Student respondents were selected using Slovin’s formula from a population of 1,709 students, yielding 325 student participants, while faculty and administrative staff were covered through complete enumeration and 30 community partners were purposively selected. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, weighted mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA, Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple regression. Findings showed that TBL implementation was practiced to a high extent overall (M = 3.72), with People (M = 3.73), Profit (M = 3.72), and Planet (M = 3.71) all within the high-extent range. Institutional sustainability (M = 3.71) and institutional inclusivity (M = 3.70) were likewise rated high. Overall TBL implementation had a very strong significant relationship with institutional sustainability (r = .893, p < .001) and a strong significant relationship with institutional inclusivity (r = .840, p < .001). Regression results further showed that TBL dimensions strongly predicted sustainability (R² = .854) and inclusivity (R² = .774), with Planet and Profit emerging as significant predictors in both models. The study concludes that embedding TBL principles in school governance offers a viable pathway for strengthening sustainable and inclusive higher education in rural institutional contexts.
The Role of Behavioral Economics in Understanding Consumer Decision-Making in Digital Marketplaces
Abstract
This study examined the role of behavioral economics in understanding consumer decision-making in digital marketplaces among young professionals in Dapa, Surigao del Norte. Anchored on behavioral economics, prospect theory, nudge theory, heuristics and biases, and choice overload theory, the study assessed how loss aversion, default bias, anchoring, choice overload, social proof, and nudging influence purchase intention, buying behavior, brand loyalty, satisfaction or regret, and consumer awareness of behavioral triggers. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, involving 163 young professionals in the quantitative phase and 10 key informants in the qualitative phase. Survey data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, t-test, and ANOVA, while qualitative responses were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Results showed that social proof was strongly manifested and emerged as the most influential behavioral principle, followed by loss aversion, choice overload, and anchoring. Default bias and nudging were moderately manifested. Consumer outcomes showed strong brand loyalty and satisfaction or regret, high purchase intention, and moderate buying behavior. Awareness of personalized recommendations, flash sales, and subscription defaults was highly manifested. Correlation analysis confirmed significant positive relationships among most behavioral principles, awareness variables, and consumer decision-making outcomes, while demographic comparisons showed no significant differences by gender, age, or income. Online shopping frequency, however, produced significant differences in consumer decision-making patterns. The qualitative findings supported the quantitative results by showing that consumers benefit from convenience and simplified choices but remain vulnerable to impulse buying, overspending, manipulation, and reduced autonomy. The study concludes that behavioral design in digital marketplaces is consequential and should be governed by ethical platform practices, transparent communication, consumer literacy, and policy safeguards.
Keywords: Behavioral Economics; Consumer Decision-Making; Digital Marketplaces; Social Proof; Loss Aversion; Nudging; Consumer Protection
Job Security and Career Growth of Public and Private Employees in the Banking Sector in Dinagat Islands
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between job security and career growth among public and private bank employees in Dinagat Islands. Using a quantitative approach, the findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the two variables. The study recommends strengthening workplace policies and employee development programs to support career growth.
