Impact of Demographic Profile on Sustainability Learning: A Management Education Students’ Survey

Abstract

Purpose

The specific objective of the research is to analyze the impact of academic level, year of study, age group and gender on cognitive learning, socio-emotional learning, behavioural learning and overall sustainability learning.

Methodology

A sample of 389 management students were considered for the current study. The study incorporates multiple regression technique using SPSS software and structure equation modeling employing AMOS 26 software. For analyzing reliability Cronbach's alpha is used and further the construct validity is established via confirmatory factor analysis and for assessing discriminant validity Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT) is employed.

Findings

The overall sustainability learning which has been calculated from the cognitive, socio-emotional and behavioural learning scores is found to be positively impacted by the demographic variables age group and is negatively impacted by the academic level.

Practical implications

This study suggests that the educational programmes or initiatives must be specifically designed to induce sustainability learning based on gender and age-groups. Industry specific sustainability initiatives can be included in the curricula of professional educational programmes.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of studies in measuring the impact of age group, gender, level and year of study on attainment of sustainability learning objectives in terms of cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioural learning on professional education students especially in India.