The Influence of Data Analytics MOOCs in Making Career Decisions: The Case of Project SPARTA Completers

Authors

• Nikko Visperas, Far Eastern UniversityFollow
• Donna Pamella Gonzales, Commission on Higher Education
• Alan Cajes, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines
• Mary Therese Fernandez, Development Academy of the Philippines
• Ragella Phoebe Terrado, Development Academy of the Philippines
• Jerby Lopez, Development Academy of the Philippines

Keywords

Career Decision, Career Development, Data Analytics, Education, MOOCs

Abstract

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are widely valued across sectors for their ability to build knowledge and skills. With the growing demand for data analytics professionals, MOOCs have become a key tool for teaching data analytics to meet this need. This demand also influences professionals’ career decisions. Using the Social Cognitive Career Theory, this study explores the influence of completing data analytics courses under the national project, Smarter Philippines through Data Analytics Research and Development, Training, and Adoption (SPARTA). Project SPARTA offered six learning pathways and 12 micro specializations, comprising a total of 30 MOOCs to Filipino students and professionals from 2019-2024. Through qualitative research, specifically semi-structured interviews with Filipino professionals in the private sector who completed at least one main pathway, with at least 90% of their courses taken through MOOCs, this study revealed that MOOCs help professionals improve their self-efficacy through Modular Instructions. Participants also developed key data analytics skills such as Root Cause Identification, Dashboard Creation, and Data- driven Presentations. These skills stimulated interest in Data Analytics Specializations, enabling professionals to set career goals either a Cross- functional Transition or Work Promotion. As a result, they also engaged in Continuous Skill Expansion. The study identifies themes anchored on the Social Cognitive Career Theory and MOOCs, hence, theorizing and proposing a model on how data analytics learning influences Filipino professionals in their career goals. It also highlights the importance of skill-specific outcomes from MOOCs and suggests further research on the career impacts for professionals who transitioned roles or achieved promotions.

Recommended Citation

Visperas, Nikko; Gonzales, Donna Pamella; Cajes, Alan; Fernandez, Mary Therese; Terrado, Ragella Phoebe; and Lopez, Jerby (2025) "The Influence of Data Analytics MOOCs in Making Career Decisions: The Case of Project SPARTA Completers," PUP Education Review: Vol. 14: Iss. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholar.pup.edu.ph/pup_edrev/vol14/iss1/5