Stakeholders’ Awareness, Understanding, and Acceptability of the Goals and Objectives of a Sports Science and Exercise Program: Basis for Formative Curriculum Evaluation

Purpose: This study �imed to �ssess the �w�reness, underst�nding, �nd �ccept-�bility of the go�ls �nd objectives of � sports science progr�m in the C�g�y�n St�te University, Philippines �mong st��eholders, including students, f�culty, �nd industry pro-fession�ls. Material and Methods: A survey w�s conducted using � self-�dministered ques-tionn�ire to collect d�t� from 342 st��eholders. The questionn�ire consisted of items related to stakeholders’ demographic profile, awareness and understanding of the pro - gr�m’s go�ls �nd objectives, �nd their �ccept�bility of the progr�m. Results: Results showed th�t st��eholders h�d � moder�te level of �w�reness, �c-cept�bility, �nd underst�nding of the progr�m’s go�ls �nd objectives, with intern�l st��e-holders h�ving higher underst�nding in gener�l th�n extern�l st��eholders. Conclusion: The study concludes th�t there is � need to improve communic�tion �nd coll�bor�tion between the progr�m �nd extern�l st��eholders to incre�se their understanding and acceptance of the program’s goals and objectives. The findings of this study c�n serve �s � b�sis for form�tive curriculum ev�lu�tion �nd curriculum improvement, en�bling the progr�m to better meet the needs of students �nd the industry.


Introduction
Sports science programs have gained significant attention in recent years as an es-Vollum 27 No. 1, 2023 sential field of study that focuses on the scientific principles and techniques th�t enh�nce �thletic perform�nce �nd prevent injuries �Denysov� et.�l, 2022; H�ugen et.�l, 2019�.As such, the demand for qualified professionals in this field has increased, le�ding to the development of �c�demic progr�ms �imed �t producing experts in sports science �nd exercise �On�mbélé-Pe�rson et.�l, 2021; Full�g�r et.�l, 2019�.However, the effectiveness of these progr�ms in meeting the needs �nd ex-pect�tions of st��eholders, including students, educ�tors, �nd employers, rem�ins uncle�r �Alm�si, 2019�.To �ddress this issue, this study �ims to ev�lu�te st��eholders' �w�reness, un-derst�nding, �nd �ccept�bility of the go�ls �nd objectives of � sports science �nd exercise progr�m, which will serve �s the b�sis for form�tive curriculum ev�lu�tion.
Despite the growing importance of sports science, the field is rel�tively new in the Philippines �nd h�s yet to g�in wide-spre�d recognition �nd �ccept�nce �mong st��eholders, including students, educ�tors, �nd sports pr�ctitioners.This l�c� of �w�reness �nd underst�nding m�y hinder the progr�m's implement�tion �nd ev�lu�tion �nd impede its �bility to �chieve its intended outcomes.Rese�rch h�s shown th�t the success of �ny �c�demic progr�m depends on m�ny f�ctors �nd one of those is the st��eholders' �w�reness, underst�nding, �nd �c-cept�nce of its go�ls �nd objectives �B�t�n et.�l, 2023; Gomez & B�sco, 2022;Seres, 2019�.Sever�l studies h�ve investig�ted st��eholders' �w�reness �nd underst�nding of sports science progr�ms.For in-st�nce, � study by T�sleem �2018� surveyed sports science students, �c�demics, �nd profession�ls in P��ist�n �nd found th�t while students �nd �c�demics h�d � good underst�nding of the field, professionals lacked awareness of the specific s�ills �nd �nowledge th�t sports science gr�du�tes could offer.Simil�r results were found in the study of Mortejo et.�l �2022� tow�rds � sports clinic progr�m in � province in the Philippines.Simil�rly, � study by Stevens et.�l �2018� �nd Be�umont et.�l �2026� explored the perceptions of sports science gr�du�tes �nd found th�t while they felt �dequ�tely prep�red for employment, employers often did not recognize the v�lue of their degree.These findings suggest a need for greater communication �nd coll�bor�tion between sports science progr�ms �nd industry st��eholders to ensure th�t gr�du�tes �re equipped with the s�ills �nd �nowledge th�t meet the needs of the industry.
After conducting � se�rch of relev�nt liter�ture published in 2017 up to present, it �ppe�rs though th�t there �re rel�tively few studies that have specifically focused on stakeholders' �w�reness, underst�nding, �nd �ccept�bility of sports science �nd exercise progr�ms in universities.Some studies h�ve ex-�mined rel�ted topics, such �s the imp�ct of sports science �nd exercise progr�ms on student le�rning �nd the competencies required of gr�du�tes to succeed in the industry.However, there is still � l�c� of rese�rch on st��eholders' perceptions of these progr�ms, which could help improve their qu�lity �nd rel-ev�nce.
One study th�t highlights this g�p is by Sh�rm� �nd D'Souz� �2018�, who conducted � survey of students enrolled in � sports science progr�m in Indi�.While the study ex�mined students' perceptions of the progr�m, it did not explore the views of other st��eholders such �s educ�tors �nd employers.Another study by Soos�y et.�l �2019� investig�ted the competencies required of sports science gr�du�tes to succeed in the industry.While the study identified the skills and knowledge needed, it did not ex�mine st��eholders' perceptions of the progr�m itself.
Over�ll, it is cle�r th�t there is � need for more rese�rch on st��eholders' �w�reness, underst�nding, �nd �ccept�bility of sports science �nd exercise progr�ms in universities �Noz�-led�, 2019�.By �ddressing these g�ps, this study c�n provide v�lu�ble insights into the st��eholders' perspectives on the sports science progr�m's go�ls �nd objectives in the Philippines �nd inform the development of str�tegies to enh�nce its effectiveness �nd relev�nce to the needs of st��eholders.
The �im of this study is to investig�te the �w�reness, underst�nding, �nd �ccept�nce of the vision �nd mission of C�g�y�n St�te University �CSU� �nd the go�ls �nd objectives of the B�chelor of Science in Exercise �nd Sports Sciences (CSU-BSESS).Ultimately, the findings of this study can contribute to the improvement of the sports science progr�m's qu�lity �nd relev�nce to the needs of st��eholders.It c�n inform the development of str�tegies to enh�nce st��eholder eng�gement �nd coll�bor�tion in the progr�m's implement�tion �nd ev�lu-�tion.Ultim�tely, this study c�n provide v�lu�ble insights into the st��eholders' perspectives on the go�ls �nd objectives of � sports science progr�m, which c�n inform future curriculum development �nd ev�lu�tion.

Research Design
This study employed the descriptive method to c�rry out successfully the objectives of this study.A survey w�s conducted by the rese�rcher to g�ther pertinent d�t� �nd will be tre�ted using descriptive �nd inferenti�l st�tistics.According to Scheuren �2004�, � survey is � gener�l view, ex�min�tion, or description of people's �ttitudes, impressions, opinions, expectations, beliefs, and behaviors on specific facts.

Instrument and Data Gathering Procedure
The rese�rch instrument w�s � survey questionn�ire fr�med by the rese�rcher herself.The instrument w�s subjected for validation by experts in the field of measurement and ev�lu�tion.In g�thering d�t�, the survey w�s �dministered using �n online pl�tform.Google Survey lin�s were forw�rded to the identified stakeholders with the help of the college officials, f�culty members, �nd students through their F�ceboo� group ch�ts.
It is import�nt to note th�t prior to �dministering the survey, p�rticip�nts were informed �bout the purpose of the study, the n�ture of the survey questions, �nd the potenti�l ris�s �nd benefits of participating.Informed consent was obtained from all p�rticip�nts before they were �llowed to proceed with �nswering the survey.P�rticip�nts were informed th�t their p�rticip�tion in the study w�s volunt�ry, �nd th�t they could withdr�w from the study �t �ny time without pen�lty.The rese�rcher ensured the anonymity and confidentiality of the participants' responses by not collecting any personally identifiable information.This process �dheres to ethic�l st�nd�rds of rese�rch involving hu-m�n subjects.

Participants of the Study
The respondents of this study were individu�ls or groups of people who �ffect or �re �ffected by �n org�niz�tion or institution li�e the C�g�y�n St�te University who referred to �s the "stakeholders".In this study the stakeholders were classified as extern�l �nd intern�l.The number of respondents in this study is shown in T�ble 1.
T�ble 1 shows the frequency distribution of the respondents.It c�n be seen th�t m�jority of the respondents �re intern�l st��eholder with 256 or 74.85% of the popul�tion.Among the specific categories of stakeholders, majority are students followed by the p�rents/gu�rdi�ns.Me�nwhile, T�ble 2 shows the frequency distribution of the �ges �nd gender of the respondents.

Data Analysis
The d�t� collected w�s t�bul�ted �nd �n�lyzed using St�tistic�l P�c��ge for the Soci�l Sciences �IBM SPSS St�tistics v.20, 2011.�.Me�n w�s used to determine the �w�reness �nd �ccept�nce on the VMGO �nd in the �n�lysis of the st��eholders' underst�nding of the Vision �nd Mission.To determine the differences �mong the level of �w�reness, �ccept�nce �nd underst�nding on the VMGO between the extern�l �nd intern�l st��eholders, Independent S�mples T-test was used at 0.10 level of significance.

Level of Awareness of the Stakeholders
T�ble 3 suggests th�t the over�ll �w�reness of the pre-�mbul�r provisions of the CSU-BSESS progr�m �mong the st��eholders is moder�te.However, the level of �w�reness is slightly higher �mong the intern�l st��eholders �s comp�red to the extern�l st��eholders.It �lso indic�tes th�t st��eholders �re more �w�re of the university's vision �nd mission th�n the specific objectives of the BSESS program.

Level of Acceptability of the Stakeholders
The findings from Table 4 suggest that the vision and mission st�tements of the CSU-BSESS progr�m �re less �ccept�ble to st��eholders comp�red to the progr�m's objectives.The t�ble �lso indic�tes th�t intern�l st��eholders, such �s f�culty �nd st�ff, found the vision, mission, go�ls, �nd objectives to be more �ccept�ble th�n extern�l st��eholders, such �s students �nd industry p�rtners.

Level of Stakeholders' Understanding
B�sed on the T�ble 5, it �ppe�rs th�t there is � moder�te level of underst�nding �mong st��eholders reg�rding the vision, mission, go�ls, �nd objectives of the sports science progr�m in CSU.However, the extern�l st��eholders seem to h�ve � higher level of underst�nding th�n the intern�l st��eholders.It is �lso noteworthy th�t st��eholders h�ve � higher level of underst�nding of the vision �nd mission comp�red to the objectives.

Comparative Analysis of the Awareness, Understanding, and Acceptability of Stakeholders
The findings in Table 6 suggest that there is a significant difference in the underst�nding of the vision, mission, go�ls, �nd objectives �VMGO� of the sports science progr�m between intern�l �nd extern�l st��eholders of C�g�y�n St�te University.Specifically, external stakeholders have a higher level of underst�nding comp�red to intern�l st��eholders.This could imply th�t extern�l st��eholders, such �s community members, �lumni, �nd industry profession�ls, h�ve � better gr�sp of the progr�m's over�ll go�ls �nd objectives th�n those who �re directly involved in the progr�m, such �s f�culty �nd st�ff.

Discussion
Firstly, the findings on the level of awareness of the respondents suggest th�t there is room for improvement in terms of �w�reness of the pre�mbul�r provisions of the CSU-BSESS progr�m �mong st��eholders, especi�lly �mong extern�l st��eholders.It is import�nt to develop effective communic�tion str�tegies to incre�se �w�reness �nd underst�nding of the progr�m's pre�mbul�r provisions �Vill� et.�l, 2017�.The results �lso imply th�t more efforts should be m�de to r�ise �w�reness of the specific objectives of the BSESS program.This can be �chieved by providing more inform�tion �bout the progr�m �nd its objectives to the st��eholders.
It is interesting to note th�t the observ�tion th�t the intern�l st��eholders �re more �w�re th�n the extern�l st��eholders c�n be expl�ined by the f�ct th�t the intern�l st��eholders �re inside the school premises.Consequently, the d�t� suggests th�t the progr�m h�s been successful in communic�ting its VMGO to its intern�l st��eholders �nd th�t these st��eholders h�ve � good underst�nding of wh�t the university �nd its dep�rtments �im to �chieve.This could help foster � sense of belonging �nd commitment �mong these st��eholders �Vill�nc� et.�l, 2020�.Secondly, the lower level of �w�reness �mong extern�l st��eholders could suggest � need for the university to incre�se its efforts in dissemin�ting inform�tion �bout its VMGO to these st��eholders.This could include developing better communic�tion str�tegies to re�ch these st��eholders �nd involve them more in university �ctivities �T�n & Borres, 2020 ;H�rl�nd et.�l, 2017;Preiser et.�l, 2014�.As reg�rds the �ccept�bility, the moder�tely �ccept�ble r�ting of the pre�mbul�r provisions of the progr�m could h�ve implic�tions for the over�ll effectiveness �nd success of the progr�m.If st��eholders do not fully support the progr�m's vision �nd mission, it m�y be more ch�llenging to �chieve the progr�m's go�ls �nd objectives �M�rsh�ll & M�rsh�ll, 2018�.In �ddition, if extern�l st��eholders h�ve lower �ccept�bility r�t- ings th�n intern�l st��eholders, it could indic�te � disconnect between the progr�m �nd its extern�l p�rtners, which could limit the progr�m's imp�ct on the industry �nd society �B�l-b�chevs�y, 2015�.
The finding that the objectives are the most acceptable provision of the progr�m is consistent with the liter�ture on pro-gr�m ev�lu�tion, which suggests th�t cle�r �nd me�sur�ble objectives �re critic�l for the success of � progr�m �Fischer et.�l, 2020; Scriven, 1991�.The lower r�tings for the vision �nd mission st�tements �re �lso not uncommon, �s previous studies have found that stakeholders often have difficulty understanding or connecting with these high-level st�tements �Torelli et.�l, 2020; Grünig & Kühn, 2015�.
However, it is important to note that the specific reasons for the st��eholders' r�tings �re not provided in the t�ble, �nd further rese�rch would be needed to underst�nd why cert�in provisions of the progr�m �re more or less �ccept�ble.Ad-dition�lly, it would be useful to explore w�ys to incre�se the �ccept�bility of the vision �nd mission st�tements, p�rticul�rly �mong extern�l st��eholders.
Overall, the findings suggest that the CSU-BSESS pro-gr�m m�y need to focus on improving the �ccept�bility of its vision �nd mission st�tements, p�rticul�rly �mong extern�l st��eholders, to incre�se the progr�m's imp�ct �nd effectiveness.
In terms of the level of underst�nding of the st��eholders, the findings suggest that there is a need for the sports science progr�m in CSU to improve its communic�tion �nd eng�gement with its intern�l st��eholders, p�rticul�rly in cl�rifying the objectives of the progr�m.The f�ct th�t extern�l st��eholders h�ve � higher level of underst�nding m�y indic�te th�t the progr�m is doing well in communic�ting its purpose to those outside the org�niz�tion.However, it is �lso possible th�t extern�l st��eholders h�ve � different perspective �nd underst�nding of the progr�m comp�red to intern�l st��eholders.
These findings are consistent with previous studies on st��eholder underst�nding �nd eng�gement in org�niz�tion�l contexts.For inst�nce, � study by L�ngr�fe et.�l �2020� �nd by Mitchell et �l.�1997� found th�t st��eholders m�y h�ve different levels of underst�nding �nd interest in the objectives of �n org�niz�tion, �nd th�t it is import�nt for org�niz�tions to com-munic�te their go�ls �nd objectives effectively to st��eholders.Simil�rly, � study by Sels�y �nd P�r�er �2005� highlights the import�nce of eng�ging st��eholders in the development �nd implement�tion of org�niz�tion�l str�tegies, to ensure th�t their perspectives �re considered �nd th�t the org�niz�tion is �ble to meet its go�ls.
In terms of refuting or confirming these findings, further rese�rch would be needed to determine whether the results �re consistent �cross different contexts �nd org�niz�tions.It would �lso be v�lu�ble to explore the re�sons behind the differences in underst�nding between intern�l �nd extern�l st��eholders, �nd to identify str�tegies th�t org�niz�tions c�n use to improve st��eholder eng�gement �nd underst�nding.
Furthermore, it is import�nt to note from the test of difference, th�t while extern�l st��eholders h�ve � higher level of underst�nding, the level of �w�reness �nd �ccept�bility of the VMGO is st�tistic�lly equ�l �mong both groups of st��eholders.This could suggest th�t both intern�l �nd extern�l st��eholders recognize �nd support the progr�m's go�ls �nd objectives despite differences in their level of underst�nding.
Sever�l studies h�ve investig�ted the role of st��eholders in progr�m development �nd implement�tion.One study by Toth et.�l �2014� ex�mined st��eholder perspectives on the de-velopment of � he�lth promotion progr�m �nd found th�t involving both intern�l �nd extern�l st��eholders in progr�m pl�nning �nd implement�tion c�n le�d to � more successful progr�m.Another study by Boyd et.�l �2017� explored the role of st��eholders in � sust�in�ble tourism progr�m �nd found th�t st��eholder involvement c�n le�d to better progr�m outcomes �nd incre�sed support for the progr�m.
In conclusion, the finding that external stakeholders have � higher level of underst�nding of the VMGO of the sports science progr�m in C�g�y�n St�te University highlights the impor-t�nce of involving � diverse group of st��eholders in progr�m development �nd implement�tion.The f�ct th�t both intern�l �nd extern�l st��eholders show equ�l levels of �w�reness �nd �ccept�bility of the VMGO suggests th�t despite differences in underst�nding, both groups recognize �nd support the pro-gr�m's go�ls �nd objectives.

Conclusions
In conclusion, the �ssessment of st��eholders' �w�reness, underst�nding, �nd �ccept�bility of the go�ls �nd objectives of � sports science progr�m in the Philippines provides v�lu�ble insights into the strengths �nd we��nesses of the progr�m.The results of this �ssessment c�n be used �s � b�sis for form�tive curriculum ev�lu�tion, helping to identify �re�s for improvement �nd ensure th�t the progr�m meets the needs of students �nd the industry.By incorpor�ting feedb�c� from st��eholders, the progr�m c�n be revised to better �lign with the expect�tions of students �nd the dem�nds of the industry.Ultim�tely, this c�n le�d to � more effective �nd relev�nt sports science progr�m th�t produces gr�du�tes with the s�ills �nd �nowledge required for success in the field.
From the results, it is �pp�rent th�t form�tive curriculum ev�lu�tion is �n essenti�l process for improving educ�tion�l outcomes by �ssessing the effectiveness of curriculum imple-ment�tion �nd identifying �re�s for improvement.B�sed on the results of this study, the following �re the policy implic�tions for form�tive curriculum ev�lu�tion which the rese�rcher believed to have a significant impact on the quality of education provided to students.
Develop more industry-specific courses: B�sed on st��eholders' feedb�c�, the curriculum could be revised to include more courses th�t �lign with the needs of the industry.This could help prepare graduates with the specific skills and knowledge required by employers.
Increase practical training opportunities: St��eholders' feedb�c� m�y suggest th�t gr�du�tes need more pr�ctic�l tr�ining �nd h�nds-on experience to be job-re�dy.The curriculum could be revised to include more pr�ctic�l tr�ining opportunities, such �s internships, wor� pl�cements, �nd h�nds-on l�bor�tory sessions.
Incorporate technology: St��eholders' feedb�c� m�y suggest th�t the progr�m needs to incorpor�te more technology �nd digit�l tools to �eep up with the l�test industry trends �nd innov�tions.The curriculum could be revised to include courses on emerging technologies such �s d�t� �n�lytics, we�r�ble technology, �nd virtu�l re�lity.

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Review program goals and objectives: B�sed on st��eholders' feedb�c�, the progr�m's go�ls �nd objectives m�y need to be reviewed to ensure they �re �ligned with the needs of the industry �nd the expect�tions of students.This could involve conducting � progr�m ev�lu�tion to identify �re�s for improvement �nd revising the progr�m's mission st�tement to better reflect its goals and objectives.

Table 1 .
Frequency Distribution of the Respondents

Table 2 .
Sex �nd Age of the Respondents

Table 4 .
Level of Accept�bility of the St��eholders of the VMGO of CSU-CHK