The College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) participates in the university’s broader research agenda, which is centrally coordinated through the UNC Research Center. Research activity at the CBA is guided by the college’s mission to “engage in productive research to improve the programs and services of the university, and to help address the development needs of the Bicol Region.” This focus aligns with the institution’s goal of contributing to knowledge creation, community engagement, and the professional development of its students.
Research Administration
The UNC Research Center, described as the “knowledge-creation arm of the University,” manages institutional research policy, quality assurance, and extension programs. It is headed by Nico A. Ogarte, MBA, who serves as Research Director.
Within the College of Business and Accountancy, research initiatives are guided by the college dean, Florabel O. Nieva. The designated Research Coordinator for the CBA is Polly Mae Relunia, who acts as the primary link between the college’s faculty and the central research administration. Additional support is provided by Research Specialists Martin Cris O. Buenafe and Andrea Mae T. Guerrero, who assist with project development and funding acquisition.
Research Themes
UNC’s institutional research agenda is influenced by its corporate ownership under iPeople, Inc., a joint venture of Ayala Corporation and the Yuchengco Group of Companies, which emphasizes innovation and sustainable development. The agenda includes interdisciplinary themes that intersect with business and accountancy, such as:
- Application of data analytics for disaster risk management and sustainability
- Development of environmentally sustainable technologies and ICT prototypes
- Educational technology innovation for inclusive learning
- Studies on cultural identity, civic participation, and global citizenship
- Applied research addressing institutional and regional ecosystem development
The College of Business and Accountancy contributes to these themes by focusing on research in entrepreneurship, business management, finance, and organizational development, directly supporting its mission to foster socio-economic growth in the Bicol Region.
Faculty and Student Participation
Faculty from the College of Business and Accountancy actively contribute to university-wide research projects and supervise undergraduate thesis work, which collectively make up part of UNC’s annual output of over 300 research papers and theses.
Students are also directly engaged in research. For example, Angelica Mae Adolfo, a BSBA major in Financial Management, serves as a Student Researcher supporting institutional surveys and annual studies coordinated by the Research Center. This integration provides practical training in applied business research and strengthens student participation in evidence-based inquiry.
Institutional Support and Publications
The Research Center provides administrative and technical support for CBA research activities, enabling collaboration across disciplines and facilitating access to funding and external partnerships.
UNC’s research efforts gained international recognition when the university was included in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, where it was noted for contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Research dissemination occurs through several official publications:
- The Nueva Caceres Review, managed by the School of Graduate Studies
- The CONCUR Multidisciplinary Research Journal, published through a consortium of universities
- The Tycoon, a student publication of the College of Business and Accountancy, which serves as a platform for student analysis and discourse
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The College of Business and Accountancy is actively involved in UNC’s strategy of promoting interdisciplinary research, aimed at breaking down traditional academic silos. Business-related projects frequently intersect with research in education, technology, and community development, producing applied solutions to local and regional challenges. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the university’s broader mission of linking academic research with sustainable development and industry-relevant outcomes.
See also
College of Business and Accountancy (UNC)
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (UNC)
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (UNC)
References
- UNC Research Center – overview of research function, themes, and personnel
https://unc.edu.ph/research-center/ - UNC School of Business and Accountancy page
https://unc.marketingmaster.io/academics/school-of-business-and-accountancy/ - University of Nueva Caceres – Institutional profile
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Nueva_Caceres
Leave a Reply