An Exploration of the Reading Preferences and Habits of Millennial Undergraduate Business Students.

Abstract

This paper explores the preferences and habits of millennial undergraduate business students when reading instructions and manuals. It investigates the delivery medium and layout in relation to comprehension and retention of the content read. Moreover the current provision of instructions and manuals, in relation to their perception as being appropriate for their purposes, pertaining to preparing them for their course of study or employment progression is discussed. An in-depth review of the literature is presented in the areas of millennials, as well as digital versus paper in multiple settings. Primary research, collected using a mixed methods approach, is outlined in detail in chapter three. A clear preference for material in a print medium for the purpose of reading, comprehension and retention is noted, with supporting argument. A point of interest, a digital platform is preferred to find the material because of better availability, both of content and access to same. The preferred format or layout is in bullet point or other concise form. The majority believe that the current provision of instructions and manuals by their institute of study is appropriate for their purpose. However an overwhelming majority said they printed online course content to read. Recommendations, based on the research undertaken, that is believed would ultimately benefit students have been put forward. An area of further research was identified and outlined in chapter five.