CBEA Grad School Faculty and MBA Alumni Showcase Research Excellence at A-GRASS 2025 in Vietnam

Graduate School faculty members and alumni of the College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy (CBEA) of Rizal Technological University (RTU) showcased their research at the 2025 A-GRASS Asian Graduate Studies Summit held from May 21 to 24 at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, Vietnam. Organized by the Asia Pacific Consortium of Researchers and Educators (APCORE), the summit featured a dynamic mix of onsite and virtual presentations from scholars across Asia, with a strong emphasis on sustainable innovation and graduate-level research collaboration.

The RTU CBEA delegation presented a range of studies addressing current and emerging issues in business education, organizational development, digital behavior, and entrepreneurship—reflecting the University’s commitment to research that drives both academic advancement and community relevance.

Dr. Rodolfo L. Ducut, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Program Chair of the MBA Program, delivered his study titled “From Classroom to Boardroom: Employers’ Assessment on the Competencies of Students and Graduates of Rizal Technological University’s MBA Program.” His research explored how industry stakeholders assess the preparedness of RTU MBA graduates for leadership and operational roles in professional settings.

Dr. Kristine Y. Opulencia, Vice President for Academics and Student Affairs and Program Chair of the Doctor of Business Administration Program, presented “An Assessment of Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety towards Responsible Digital Consumerism.” Her work examined digital behavior among Filipino consumers and emphasized the importance of integrating media literacy and responsible online engagement into business education.

John Eric O. Estrellado presented “Multigenerational Perspectives on Gender, Family, and Religion in Marketing Communications,” which analyzed how individuals from different generations interpret traditional cultural values within marketing content, offering recommendations for inclusive and socially attuned messaging strategies.

Shaira Marie P. Rona shared findings from her study, “Functional Literacy and Work Culture on Organizational Productivity Costs in Selected Business Organizations.” Her research highlighted how basic workplace skills and company culture influence efficiency and productivity outcomes.

Hanna Victorio-Reambonanza discussed “Strengthening the Business Sustainability of Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Through Innovation Management.” Her paper focused on enhancing micro-entrepreneurs’ capacity through innovation frameworks aimed at long-term resilience and economic impact at the grassroots level.

Joel Mark P. Rodriguez presented his study, “The Correlation between Job Attitude and Employee Job Performance for Strategic Retention: A Moderating Effect of Motivating Factors.” His research contributed to understanding how motivational variables influence employee engagement, performance, and retention strategies.

Cyrille Anne A. Rafael presented “The Influence of Social Enterprise Products as Factors to Consumer Purchasing Behaviour of Selected Cities in the National Capital Region,” which revealed a growing consumer inclination toward ethical consumption and the purchasing influence of mission-driven branding.

Presented both onsite and virtually, these studies were part of the summit’s concurrent sessions and research boot camps, which convened educators, researchers, and policy advocates across the Asia-Pacific. The RTU presenters contributed to ongoing conversations around sustainable development, socially responsible business practices, and pedagogical innovation.

The participation of CBEA faculty and MBA alumni in A-GRASS 2025 reflects RTU’s institutional direction toward advancing graduate education through applied research, regional collaboration, and a commitment to academic excellence that transcends borders.