A RESEARCH STUDY TO DETERMINESTUDENT DEMAND FOR A SAILING

CLUB AT FRANKLIN PIERCE COLLEGE

Prepared for: Doug Carty

Jeff LapointeKallie MoylanNaz SenaldiNick Cowden

Background of Franklin Pierce College

Founder Frank S. DiPietroGeorge J. Hagerty (3rd president)

State Legislature in 19624year, educational collegeRindge, Concord, Keene, Lebanon, Manchester, PortsmouthLiberal Arts, pre-professional study, teacher preparation, Individual & Community

Existing Campus Activities

The Outing HutCampus Activities BoardLaw ClubStudent SenatePierce Arrow (newspaper)Raven (yearbook)Northern NE Review (literary magazine)Crimson-Grey Cultural Committee

BaseballBasketballCrewCross-countryHockeyLacrosseGolfRugbySoccerTennis

Men Sports Women Sports

BasketballCrewCross-

countryField HockeyLacrosseGolfSoccerSoftballTennisVolleyball

Nature of the ProblemClubs and activities are a popular part of campus recreation for students on the Rindge campus, however FPC doesn’t offer a sailing club as an option.

“A sailing club could be a positive thing that would certainly help draw more interest to the aspect of Campus Recreation programming.”

Doug Carty

Problem Statement

Research is necessary to determine if there is a demand for a sailing club at Franklin pierce College.

Research Objectives

To identify what funds would be necessary to start and maintain a sailing club at FPCTo determine who would be interested in a sailing clubTo examine the advantages and disadvantages with launching a sailing club

Problem IdentificationThe researchers contacted the director of campus activities, Doug CartyConcluded that Franklin Pierce College has the resources to start a sailing clubAn additional club would benefit current students, as well as possibly increase the amount of prospective students

Educational Value in Sailing

Offers a variety of unique challenges that could potentially develop the problem solving skills of the participants.Having a sailing club could lead to developing other programs, such as a semester at sea.Sailing clubs teach how to sail and maintain a ship, along with nautical skills.

Survey DevelopmentRough Draft was submitted November 1, 2006November 3, 2006 it was revised by the marketing research class and Professor LittleNovemeber 8, 2006 final copy was submittedFinal revisions were made on November 10, 2006 and completed on November 12, 2006

Survey Process Cont.The distribution was done using a non-probability convenience sampling method In addition, the research team used a quota sampling method based on gender and class standing. The surveys were distributed between the dates of November 13th thru November 30th The research team handed out a total of 160 surveys (20 per gender for each class)

Survey Process Cont.The research team went to the dorms, campus center, and the computer lab to retrieve our research40 Surveys were given out to each class, Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.20 Male & 20 Females in each class

Definition of the Population

The population targeted for the study was limited to the student body of Franklin Pierce College, Rindge campus. The student body consists of 1705 students, 817 males and 888 females.

Determined Sample SizeThis sample size was determined because it would give a sound reflection of the total campus population.

Researchers AssumptionsThe research team assumed the respondents answered honestly and thoroughly. It was assumed that this sample accurately reflected the views of the population as a whole.

LimitationsTimeSample SizeNot able to speak directly with prospective students, had to make assumptions

QuestionnaireAre you interested in sailing?Are you interested in learning how to sail?Have you ever been involved in any clubs at Franklin Pierce College?How many hours a week do you spend doing extracurricular activities?Do you feel that extracurricular activities have a positive impact on your college experience?Do you think the Franklin Pierce population would support a sailing club?

Questionnaire con’tWould you be willing to pay a small fee to participate in the sailing club? If you answered yes to question 7, how much?Have you ever used any resources in the boat house?If yes, have you ever taken any of the sailboats out?Do you think a sailing club would attract prospective students?What is your class standing?What is your gender?

ResultsAre You Interested in Sailing?

51%

49%yes

no

Results Con’t

Are You Interested in Learning How to Sail?

52%

48%yes

no

Results Con’tHave You Ever Been Involved in Any Clubs

at Franklin Pierce College?

72%

28%

yes

no

Results Con’tHow Many Hours a Week Do You Spend

Doing Extracurricular Activities?

14%

25%

26%

35% None

1-3 Hours

4-6 Hours

7+ Hours

Results Con’tDo You Feel That Extracurricular Activities

Have a Positive Impact on Your College Experience?

85%

15%

yes

no

Results Con’t

Do You Think the Franklin Pierce Population Would Support a Sailing Club?

75%

25%

yes

no

Results Con’tWould You Be Willing to Pay a Small Fee to

Participate in the Sailing Club?

43%

57%

yes

no

If You Answered Yes to Question 7, How Much?

35%

43%

22%

$0-9

$10-19

$20+

Results Con’tHave You Ever Used Any Resources in the

Boathouse?

42%

58%

yes

no

If Yes, Have You Ever Taken Any of the Sailboats Out?

10%

90%

yes

no

Results Con’tDo You Think a Sailing Club Would Attract

Prospective Students?

72%

28%

yes

no

Club Involvement by Class

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Club Involvement

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

Class Rank

Cross Tabulation 1

Yes

No

Club Involvement by Gender

020406080

100120

Club Involvement

Male Female

Gender

Cross Tabulation 2

Yes

No

FPC Support 1

Students not involved in clubs at FPC's response to whether FPC could support a

sailing club

69%

31%

No Yes

FPC Support 2

Students involved in clubs at FPC's response to whether FPC could support

a sailing club

77%

23%

YesNo

Conclusions and Recommendations

Based on the results of the questionnaire it is the recommendation of the research team for the school to organize informational meetings that would allow students to gather more information on what a sailing club at Franklin Pierce would consist of.Bring more attention to the student body about the resources in the Boathouse.

Any Questions?