An Analysis of Students’ Perception of College Canteen Services
By
Akash singh
Omkar Arun Madgude
INTRODUCTION
The college canteen plays a significant role in students’ daily academic life by providing food and refreshments. Students’ satisfaction with canteen services depends on factors such as frequency of usage, food quality, pricing, facilities, and variety of food items. This study aims to examine students’ perceptions and satisfaction levels regarding college canteen services.
OBJECTIVE
To study and analyze students’ satisfaction towards college canteen services using selected parameters measured through a Likert scale.
LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Student Satisfaction with Canteen Services
Previous research indicates that food quality, hygiene, and affordability are key determinants of student satisfaction in college canteens. Better service quality leads to higher usage frequency among students.
2. Role of Pricing and Variety
Studies also suggest that reasonable pricing and availability of a variety of food items positively influence students’ perceptions of canteen services.
DATA COLLECTION
Five questions related to college canteen services were framed using a 5-point Likert scale. Responses were coded as follows:
● 5 – Strongly Agree
● 4 – Agree
● 3 – Neutral
● 2 – Disagree
● 1 – Strongly Disagree
A total of 100+ students participated in the survey. Data was collected using a Google Form and analyzed in Excel. Mean, Standard Deviation (SD), Standard Error (SE), and t-statistics were calculated for each question.
DATA ANALYSIS
Test Used: One-Sample t-test
Test Value (μ): 3 (Neutral)
Level of Significance: 5% (Critical value = ±1.96)
Table: One-Sample t-Test Results for College Canteen Services
|
Questions |
Mean |
SD |
SE |
t-Statistic |
Decision |
|
Q1: Frequency of using college canteen |
2.66 |
1.24 |
0.16 |
-2.10 |
Agree |
|
Q2: Quality of food |
2.88 |
1.10 |
0.14 |
-0.83 |
Neutral |
|
Q3: Prices of food |
3.08 |
1.09 |
0.14 |
0.60 |
Neutral |
|
Q4: College canteen facilities |
2.97 |
1.11 |
0.14 |
-0.23 |
Neutral |
|
Q5: Variety of food items |
3.05 |
1.22 |
0.16 |
0.32 |
Neutral |
INTERPRETATION
● For Question 1, the t-statistic value (-2.10) exceeds the critical value, indicating a significant difference from neutrality. Respondents agree regarding the frequency of using the college canteen.
● For Questions 2 to 5, the calculated t-statistics fall within the acceptance range (±1.96), indicating neutral responses from students.
Overall, students neither strongly agree nor disagree on most aspects of canteen services.
CONCLUSIONS
- Students moderately use the college canteen on a regular basis.
- The quality of food is perceived as average.
- Food prices are viewed as reasonable by most respondents.
- Canteen facilities meet basic expectations but need improvement.
- Students are neutral regarding the variety of food items available.