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3.7. Conceptual model

Figure 1. Conceptual path model of professional knowledge, skills and attitude as
predictors of perceived employer–demand alignment (Z)
Source: Author
4. Pilot case study: Vietnamese business students
4.1. Data and variables
A pilot survey was conducted among undergraduate business and finance students
at a university in Ho Chi Minh City during the 2025–2026 academic year. The sample
comprised 99 students, predominantly in their third and fourth years. Respondents
completed a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. Four constructs were
measured:
Professional Knowledge (X₁): five items assessing theoretical mastery, domain
concept explanation, GPA expectations, applied problem-solving, and error identification.
Professional Skills (X₂): nine items covering communication/persuasion (3 items),
creative and analytical thinking (4 items), and work effectiveness (2 items).
Professional Attitude (X₃): four items measured pressure tolerance, composure
during interviews (reverse-coded), organisational loyalty, and adaptability. A fifth item
(quit intention) was removed due to negative item–total correlation (r = −0.816).
Employer Demand Alignment (Z): seven items capture perceived CV–JD fit, job offer
satisfaction, willingness to accept trade-offs, job visualisation, perceived organisational
value, CV confidence, and skills applicability.
The sample consisted of 62 men (62.6%), 33 women (33.3%), and 4 individuals
identified as other (4.0%).
4.2. Reliability assessment
Table 1. Reliability statistics for key constructs
Construct Items Cronbach's α Assessment
Professional Knowledge (X₁) 5 0.933 Excellent
Professional Skills (X₂) 9 0.963 Excellent
Professional Attitude (X₃) 4 0.869 Good
Employer Demand Alignment (Z) 7 0.946 Excellent
Source: Author
All constructs demonstrated good-to-excellent reliability (α > 0.80), supporting the
internal consistency of the measures.

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