The Influence of Product and Physical Evidence On University Choice Decisions and Their Implications For Institutional Image, Moderated By Digital Marketing (A Survey of Students at Accredited Private Universities in The Bandung Metropolitan Area)

  • Raden Khemal Youwangka Universitas Pasundan
  • Jaja Suteja Pasundan University
  • Juanim Pasundan University

Abstrak

Objective. The background of this study is based on the phenomenon of declining enrollment of new students at private universities (PTS) in Indonesia, including the Bandung metropolitan area, even though some institutions have received excellent accreditation. This situation indicates that institutional quality alone is not sufficient to maintain the appeal to prospective students. In the context of service marketing, product and physical evidence are important factors that influence students’ decisions while also contributing to building the institution’s image. However, the influence of these two variables increasingly depends on the effectiveness of digital marketing, which plays a role in strengthening or weakening prospective students’ perceptions. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of product and physical evidence on the decision to choose a private university, as well as its implications for institutional image, moderated by digital marketing.

Research Methodology. This study employs a quantitative approach. The population consists of undergraduate students at accredited private universities in the Bandung Metropolitan Area from the 2020–2023 cohorts. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling, with a sample size of 400 respondents.

Results. The results of the study indicate that there is an influence of product and physical evidence on decision-making amounting to 71.44%, as well as an influence of decision-making on institutional image amounting to 74.34%, and an influence of decision-making on institutional image moderated by digital marketing amounting to 80.38%.

Conclusion.  Universities should prioritise enhancing academic product quality, upgrading campus physical facilities, and optimising digital marketing techniques in order to influence student enrolment decisions and improve institutional image. Finally, combining great educational offerings, supportive physical evidence, and efficient digital communication is critical for establishing a strong and competitive institution reputation.

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2026-08-07