Faculty of Management and Development Studies

Permanent URI for this community

https://repository.upou.edu.ph/handle/20.500.13073/6

Browse

Browsing Faculty of Management and Development Studies by Title

  • Item
    A Comparative Study of Laws and Policies on Plastic Waste Management Between Indonesia and the Philippines
    ( 2025) Pasillas II, Arnold L.
    This study presents a comparative analysis of plastic waste management laws, policies, and practices in Indonesia and the Philippines, two of Southeast Asia’s most plastic-intensive economies. Grounded in five central pillars—policy and regulation, community capacity and management, technological innovation, partnerships and collaboration, and behavioral and cultural transformation—the research examines both institutional frameworks and community-level interventions to evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of current approaches. Through thematic qualitative analysis, the study identifies recurring implementation gaps linked to enforcement challenges, infrastructure limitations, and inconsistent public participation, despite the presence of comprehensive legal instruments such as Indonesia’s National Plan of Action on Marine Debris and the Philippines’ Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The findings culminate in a 10-point strategic framework designed to guide local and national decision-makers toward scalable, inclusive, and systems-oriented solutions. Key themes include the rise of hybrid waste management models blending technology with grassroots engagement, the evolving role of informal sectors, and the critical need for cross-sector alignment in achieving circular economy goals. The study underscores the importance of maintaining momentum in regulatory development while strengthening mechanisms for community integration, inter-agency coordination, and private sector engagement. Beyond the national lens, this research contributes to the broader ASEAN agenda on environmental cooperation by offering context-specific insights and replicable practices that can support regional harmonization of plastic waste strategies. Ultimately, it offers a timely reminder that meaningful progress in addressing plastic pollution requires not only policy commitment but sustained, multi-level alignment across institutional, societal, and market-driven actors.
  • Item
    A Culturally-Congruent Sexuality Education Content for Adolescents in Legazpi City
    ( 2012) Mirandilla, Ma. Elma L.
    This study generated age-appropriate, culturally congruent sexuality education content for adolescents 10-18 years old. It identified topics for each key concept designed for age categories: 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18 years old. The proposed sexuality education content was based on the consensus among teachers through three rounds of Delphi Technique using UNESCO’s International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education. The consensus on key ideas and topics was supported by significant perceptions of local experts gathered through one-on-one interviews. The research was conducted in Legazpi City. All six key concepts and topics of the Technical Guidance were found acceptable across all age categories except for several key ideas. The key concepts include: Relationships; Values, Attitudes and Skills; Culture, Society and Human Rights; Human Development; Sexual Behavior; and Sexual and Reproductive Health. Probable reasons for excluding some key ideas under various key concepts may be ascribed to the attitudes of adults specifically, prohibitive silence and adultism. Teachers and key informants in this study believed that children were too young to understand and that providing them information will provoke curiosity and entice them to engage in sexual activity. Pursuing a culturally-sound and age-appropriate sexuality education content is indispensable at this time of globalization when adolescents are drawn close to reproductive health risks primarily due to their lack of information on their sexuality. Thus, an appropriate and comprehensive sexuality education program is a significant preventive strategy.
  • Item
    Advancing the SDGs through Visayan Museum Practices: a Focused Ethnography Toward ASEAN Socio-Cultural Collaboration
    ( 2025) Martinez, Aspen Dolene
    Museums within the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) are recognized as vital sectors to drive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  However, the link between museums and the SDGs remains unclear, particularly in  terms of how local museums can make tangible contributions. Hence, this  ethnographic study explored the practices, challenges, and opportunities in Visayan museums for advancing the SDGs, contributing to creating an avenue for ASEAN  socio-cultural collaboration. Eight museum employees and 12 stakeholders were selected using purposive sampling, and data collection and analysis followed Spradley’s (1980) Developmental Research Sequence (DRS). Participant observation, ethnographic interviews, field notes, multimedia tolls, and artifacts were used as primary data collection tools. The findings revealed five main themes or practices in Visayan museums: prioritizing education, fostering empowerment and inclusivity, promoting cultural awareness, promoting environmental awareness, and engaging stakeholders in heritage conservation. The study also identified three main challenges on economic sustainability, physical space, and community awareness. Moreover, four major opportunities were identified, such as community engagement, partnerships and collaborations, cultural and economic development, and institutionalization of policies, which further underscored implications for ASEAN socio-cultural collaboration. Recommendations include enhancing existing initiatives aligned with the SDGs, formalizing SDG-related policies, and facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms.
  • Item
    An Assessment of Nurse-Patient Communication in a Tertiary Hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain
    ( 2018) Rodriguez, Smitha Shalet
    Title: An Assessment of the Nurse-Patient Communication in a Tertiary Hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain Introduction: An integral part of nursing care is effective communication. It improves the relationship between the nurse and the patient, and it results in better treatment and improved quality of care (Tay, Ang, & Hegney, 2012). Every aspect of communication is influenced by the differences in culture. Cultural competence gives an opportunity for the healthcare professionals to know the different cultural beliefs related to health and to incorporate awareness into diagnosis and treatment planning. Data Collection: The descriptive correlational study was conducted in medical and surgical in-patient units of King Hamad University Hospital, Kingdom of Bahrain in 2018. The questionnaire consists of two parts: a demographic profile and the Self-Administered Communication Survey. The factors affecting nurse patient communication were categorized into Common barriers, Nurse-related barriers, Patient-related barriers and Environmental barriers. A total of 78 nurses and 75 patients took part in the study. Results: The main barriers to the nurse-patient communication from the nurses’ point of view were cultural differences between nurse and patient, differences between the language of the nurse and the patient, nurses’ lack of time and opportunity to communicate well with the patients, patients’ negative attitude towards the nurse, presence of patient’s companion, and presence of a very sick patient in the department. The main barriers to nurse-patient communication from the patient’s perspective were age difference between nurse and patient, interference of the patient’s companions, busy environment of the unit, and inappropriate environmental conditions (lack of proper ventilation, fluctuating temperature, inadequate lighting, unpleasant odor, etc.). Conclusion: Analysis of the factors influencing the communication is the basic step in resolving communications issues between nurses and patients. A good solution to be communication problems cannot be established without taking into consideration both the patients’ and nurses’ views of communication. Understanding and accepting the Islamic values and beliefs are essential in communicating and delivering care for Muslim patients. Development of broader knowledge of Arabic culture is important for all health care professionals who deliver care in the Middle Eastern on Arabic region. Recommendations: The study recommends development of effective nurse-patient communication protocols and policies in the hospital and establishment of Arabic language and communication skills training for nurses.
  • Item
    An Assessment of the Implementation of the ASEAN Cosmetic Product Notification Scheme: Focus on the Philippines
    ( 2018) Olivar, Vanessa O
    Cosmetics as a consumer good is gaining an importance in the lifestyles of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) consumers. The experience of competition in ASEAN cosmetics has given impetus to contribute to the promotion of regional economic integration. The aim of the study is to assess the benefits, outcome and impact of the regulatory scheme agreed by the ASEAN Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality-Cosmetic Product Working Group (ACCSQ-CPWG). The ASEAN Economic Ministers signed the Agreement on the ASEAN Harmonized Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme (AHCRS) at the 35th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Cambodia in September 2003. The objective of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) is to provide the framework for the harmonization and mutual recognition of the Standard, Technical Regulation and Conformity Assessment Procedures (STRACAP), to eliminate unnecessary Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Through a questionnaire survey of key cosmetics industry players in the Philippines, the study generated primary data to analyze the impact of the ACD. The study also collected secondary data and information to support the analysis. The study obtained copies of relevant Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuances, reports, slide presentations, and visited related websites on cosmetics. Library research was done to collect copies of ASEAN Secretariat Reports and minutes of the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) meetings, standard source of industry information such as Euromonitor international. The study was supplemented by emails, non-structured interviews and communications with past and current delegates to ACCSQ-CPWG and/or ACCSQ-ACC. The respondents in the survey confirmed significant milestones and accomplishments, benefits and impact after 10 years of implementing the cosmetic online Product Notification (PN, the e-Notification, by the Philippine FDA and the rest of the ASEAN Member State (AMS) National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). The study has the following conclusions: a) The ACCSQ-CPWG successfully designed the ACD PN scheme to eliminate TBT. b) ASEAN member countries through their respective NRAs have established online PN systems, which increased efficiency in processing time. The Philippine FDA instituted the most efficient e-Notification system in ASEAN. c) The cosmetic industry sector was instrumental in ensuring ASEAN regulatory harmonization. d) The cosmetic industry significantly benefited in terms of ease of doing business in the region and accessing the international market, advancing globalization. e) Up to this time, cosmetics is one of the most developed and earliest among the successfully regulated industry in ASEAN, showcasing the benefits and advantages of harmonization of standards, procedures and regulatory mechanisms in ASEAN. f) Consumers are the ultimate recipient of the benefits and advantages of the ACD PN System. g) ASEAN harmonization of STRACAP is possible when the public and private sectors cooperate and collaborate to ensure that free trade is sustainable in the region. h) Trade data and trends point towards sustained growth and development of the cosmetic industry sector and the ASEAN market. By ensuring participation of the NRAs, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)-ACCSQ accomplished not only an increase in ASEAN trade in cosmetics, but also established a greater degree of assurance of consumer safety and welfare. The study is recommending key points towards a proposed strategic action plan to further promote and achieve a Single Regulatory Regime for ASEAN on cosmetics. The proposed action plan will further sustain the initial gains during the 10 years of implementing the ACD PN.
  • Item
    An Ode to Unheralded Heroism: The Volunteer Nurses’ Experiences in the Aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan
    ( 2016) Ballecer, Jasper Joseph C.
    Disaster events are extraordinary healthcare practice settings. Healthcare provision in these scenarios require extensive competencies and adaptability from healthcare workers. Involvement in these efforts have increased, as supranational initiatives in disaster response has caused the influx of volunteer disaster healthcare workers. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of volunteer disaster nurses in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan using Colaizzi's (1978) Model to gain an understanding on the experience. Nine volunteer nurses who served immediately after the typhoon hit the central Philippines in late 2013. with each representing specific fields of specialty within nursing practice, were selected purposively as participants. The study's findings yielded five themes: Motivation, Realities of the Volunteer Disaster Nurse Experience, Coping while Caring, Leaving a Mark, and A Journey towards Self-discovery. Motivation was the source of the decision to help. It was also the driving force for volunteers to go through the obstacles and cope effectively. Once this has been successfully achieved, the nurses gained learnings and reflections both as human beings and as health professionals which in turn, renewed their altruism. These findings can be used by healthcare workers. educators, and health policy-makers on the practical side to promote the well-being of disaster healthcare workers by being more cognizant to their problems, challenges, and motivations. The study's findings can also be a jumping point for more in-depth inquiries and/or investigations in other disaster settings.
  • Item
    Analysis of Gender Portrayal in UP Open University Social Media Sites
    ( 2018) Serrano, Joane ; Petrasanta, Lovelyn ; Cañas-Llamas, Anna
    The UP Open University (UPOU) social media sites with about 40,000 followers accross its social media pages is assumed to have a significant role in disseminating information and knowledge for most of its learners both local and offshore. According to The Statistics Portal (statista.com), the number of social media users around the globe is estimated to increase from 2.46 billion in 2017 to 2.77 billion in 2019. Three (3) of four (4) internet users use social media, with women (76%) using social networking sites more than men (72%). This study aims to examine the portrayal and representation of women and men in the graphics and videos posted across UPOU social media sites: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This study will make use of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as its theoretical and analytic framework. The study will make use of the Gender-Sensitive Indicators for Media (GSIM) by UNESCO (2012) as the analytical tool in analyzing gender portrayal and representation in UPOU social media posts.
  • Item
    Analysis of Reasons for filing Leave of Absence (LOA) and Application for Dropping of Course/s (DRP) of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) Students
    ( 2018) Garcia, Primo ; Pasion-Guevarra, Jeniffer ; Muyco, Paula Grace
    Literature about online learning as well as strategies developed for keeping students enrolled concentrated on both men and women in general without disaggregating findings (Mueller, 2008). However, it is essential to examine gender in relation to distance education since this is extensively promoted to women and it is also an institution where gender and power differences are constructed (Kramarae, 2003). Bean and Metzner (1985) considered gender as an important variable in studying attrition rates given the gender-specific roles the students carry outside their classes which would influence their decisions in their studies. In the Philippines, UP Open University offers online baccalaureate, post baccalaureate, continuing education programs, and massive open and distance e-learning courses. With the changing issues and challenges faced by women in society, gender differences on student attrition must be examined to better capture the realities and perspectives of women in the Philippines. Examining the various issues and challenges faced by online learners surfaced through their reasons for filing a leave of absence (LOA) or authorized dropping (DRP) of course will help institutions develop policies and programs for more effective student support. The study identified the challenges faced by the students leading to their decision to file for LOA or DRP and surfaced the gender implications at play in the said decisions
  • Item
    Anxiety, Depression and Coping Strategies Among Adult Post Myocardial Infarction Patients
    ( 2014) Tamon, Ma. Siony B.
    This study was conducted to determine the level of anxiety and depression in patients with cardiovascular problems. This study was conducted (1) to determine the level of anxiety and depression in patients with myocardial infarction (2) to determine relationship of anxiety on age, sex, gender, civil status, educational attainment and perceived social support (3) to determine relationship of depression on age, gender, civil status, educational attainment and perceived social support and (4) to determine the coping strategies information seeking or problem seeking among cardiac patients. This study utilized a descriptive correlational design. This was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Philippine General Hospital over a 12 week or 3 month period. There was a total of 121 respondents (M= 51.02, SD= 8.52) for this study. Majority is from age groups of middle to late adult (35.5, 34.7). Both males and females have the same proportion (49.6, 50.4) and married predominated (80, 60.1) in this study. Less than a half (57, 47.1) were high school graduates. The perceived social support has a mean of 66.55 (SD= 3.43). The findings of this study showed that there is no significant relationship between anxiety on the following variables: age (r= - -0.10, p>.05 and perceived social support (MSS) (r= o.16, p>.05), civil status (x2=2.44,p>.05), educational attainment ((x2=1.65,p>.05) and perceived social support (r= 0.16, p>.05). Patients commonly incorporate venting of feelings and denial as their coping strategies. Adult post myocardial infarction patients had high level of anxiety which corresponded to previous literatures but the depression level was low among patients.
  • Item
    Assessing the Spiritual Well-Being of Filipino Cancer Patients: A Nursing Perspective
    ( 2018) Tupas, Alyssa Jenny E.
    Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. It is a serious disease that can result in not just physical and psychosocial difficulties but also spiritual distress. Knowing Filipinos have a high reverence to God, this can affect their health-related behavior and responses to illness like cancer. This study aimed to assess the spiritual well-being of Filipino adult cancer patients ages nineteen (19) to sixty (60) years old in a tertiary hospital. The objectives were: to determine the spiritual well-being of the patients (as measured by the Ideal and Personal states of Spiritual well-being and presence of Spiritual Dissonance); to determine the relationship between the spiritual well-being of the patients and the patient factors, and to describe the spiritual well-being experiences of the patients. A descriptive correlational research was used. The results showed that the patients had the highest spiritual well-being in the Transcendental Domain which describes one’s relationship with God. Seven (7) out of the ninety (90) participants had spiritual dissonance which made them at possible risk for spiritual distress. Age, the type of cancer, and the treatment received had significant relationship with the patient’s spiritual well-being. Triangulation of qualitative data based on the patients’ response of the HOPE Questions was also done. Themes identified were “love of God, family, and friends”, “community affinity”, “fidelity to prayer”, “test of Faith”, and “empathy”. In conclusion, Filipino adult cancer patients have high spiritual well-being despite the cancer burden. Havin this illness was a test of faith in which time had been an important component. At first, the patients experienced doubts their spiritual beliefs but eventually, with the acceptance of the illness comes a stronger faith in God. God, family, and friends had been their main source of strength, motivation, and hope. The religious community of the patients also helped develop the patient’s spiritual well-being through prayer and other spiritual acts, and by providing support to the patients. In the presence of cancer where the body and mind go weak, the cancer patients rely on the spirit to pull him or her through. This is where nursing plays an important role. The therapeutic interpersonal process between a nurse and a patient can help the patient develop aspects of life that he or she deems important in his or her spiritual health. Nurses can provide spiritual care to the cancer patients by identifying their spiritual needs, praying with them, allowing them to practice their spiritual beliefs, and by empathizing with them.
  • Item
    Assessment of the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project in Sitio Bongkol-Bongkol, Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan
    ( 2025) Belaro, Reya Magdalena A.
    The 409.42-hectare Adopt-A-Mangrove (AMA) Rehabilitation Project of Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) and DENR-MIMAROPA is part of the bigger carbon sink initiative of DENR and environmental compliance of CBNC. The study was conducted on the part of AMA adjacent to Sitio Bongkol Bongkol with an area of 15 hectares. The aim of the study was to determine the current state of mangroves in Sitio Bongkol Bongkol and identify threats that could jeopardize the success of the AMA project. The mangrove and plant diversity identification used in the study was taken from the results of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) fieldwork of Gaia South, Inc., with the researcher as part of the fieldwork team, while data on socio-economic factors were gathered through survey questionnaires and interviews. The results of the study showed three (3) mangrove species in Sitio Bongkol-Bongkol namely; Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Rhizophora apiculata being the dominant species. The data analyzed showed that education, occupation, income, and distance of residents from mangroves influenced the communities’ knowledge on mangroves. In addition, the result of the interviews showed the lack of knowledge of the Indigenous people of Sitio Bongkol-Bongkol in planting and taking care of mangroves; and that the inadequate support of other stakeholders and the absence of community involvement could delay the project implementation. The study concluded that creating awareness and active participation of nearby inhabitants were also critical. Therefore, Information, education, and communication about the benefits of nurturing mangroves must be intensified. Moreover, the support and intervention by appropriate government agencies and entities are equally important. The outcome of the study could help evaluate the state of the mangrove and effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts, the involvement of appropriate agencies for value-added livelihood support with the end view of reducing the extraction of raw mangrove materials, and the participation of capable locals in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project.
  • Item
    Automating Repository Management and Knowledge Sharing: Practices in BPO Support Services for Research and Development
    ( 2025) Estonio, Maria Katrena P.
    This qualitative case study analyzes the use of automation in knowledge-sharing and repository management within the IT Support Services (ITSS) department of a business process outsourcing (BPO) company for research and development. It focuses on the effects of three automation tools: Chatbot Automation, Technology Resource and Support Automation, and Remote Work Access Automation, examining how they affect job performance and information-sharing practices. The study rests on ethnomethodology, which focuses on how social practices are organized, and applies thematic analysis to derive patterns across the automation processes. The findings indicate that automation transcends a purely technical solution, functioning instead as a process shaped by users' social interactions and contextual modifications. Chatbot Automation enhances self-service and provides responsive support, allowing users to choose assistance options based on their specific needs and familiarity with the system. Technology Resource and Support Automation promotes peer-led, collaborative knowledge building, where employees contribute insights, workarounds, and feedback that shape the evolving repository. Remote Work Access Automation enables users to engage with repositories across devices and locations, supporting knowledge sharing in flexible and distributed work environments. Together, these automation practices reflect the organization’s underlying values of autonomy, responsiveness, and co-development. They promote continuity, adaptability, and user-centered knowledge sharing. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on practice-based automation by highlighting the essential role of support services in sustaining R&D-related knowledge infrastructures in S&T-driven settings.
  • Item
    Biodiversity in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: An Assessment of the Adequacy of Current Data
    ( 2005) Tabangay-Baldera, Jeanne
    This study is aimed at assessing the adequacy of available biodiversity data to support conversation efforts in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River national Park, Palawan Island, Philippines. Eleven studies which were undertaken fom 1993 to 2002 were reviewed. Systematic species inventories and baseline data generation had been the primary focus of previous works. A preliminary list of plants, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and some invertebrates can be obtained from these studies. However, there are large gaps of knowledge on the basic biology and ecology of many key species. Knowledge of the park's biodiversity is limited and is presently outdated. There is a critical need for a research agenda that is up-to-date, of high quality and not redundant.
  • Item
    Biological Pump Potential: A Plankton Spatio-Temporal Modeling in the Philippine Sea with Emphasis on the Effects of Typhoons
    ( 2025) Saddi, Khim Cathleen M.
    Current carbon sequestration technologies are not meeting targets to deliver the 2050 global net zero goal. Hence, there is an increase in campaigns for nature-based solutions (NBS) rather than depending on engineered sequestration technologies, which is by far harder to scale up. Though amplifying the NBS that are already inherent in the environment is a matter of increased activities, the current changing climatic conditions complicates this, such as site-targeted mangrove rehabilitation, regenerative forestry, and restorative agriculture. These land-based solutions comprise approximately half of the global total carbon sequestered, while the other 50% are the materials that naturally sink in the depths of the ocean. Harnessing the potential of ocean productivity is a huge leap in the world’s carbon sequestration thrust. Not only does this process happen in the natural world, but quantification, monitoring, and forecasting activities can aid future policymaking to amplify productivity in our ocean–which is also expected to serve as a driver to the placement of programs geared toward water quality preservation, conservation, and treatment in inland waters. This study focuses on the quantification and forecasting of the Biological Pump potential in the Philippine Sea, specifically inside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Variabilities and disturbances such as increased sea surface temperature, and considering the geographic location of the Philippines, receiving high frequency of annual typhoons, were investigated to affect ocean productivity. Spatio-temporal maps were generated to provide visualization for the trends and phenomena before, during, and after typhoon occurrence for the years 2019 until 2021. The normal scenario for typhoons was reflected in 2019 while both 2020 and 2021 recorded rare high-intensity super typhoons Rolly (Goni) and Odette (Rai), respectively. NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) Ocean Color data were used to produce spatiotemporal maps for both chlorophyll (CHL) and Sea surface temperature (SST). Correlating these maps with typhoon occurrence, and SST, the Biological Pump potential annual estimate was generated.
  • Item
    Breaking the Glass Ceiling: A Case Study of Challenges and Successes of Women Leadership Positions in the Philippine Technology Startup Ecosystem (PTSE)
    ( 2023) Simporios, Lloyd Lyndel ; Jarabe, Maria Lourdes ; Taylan, Finaflor ; Serrano, Joane
    Despite an increasing number of women entrepreneurs in the Philippines, the technology startup ecosystem is still dominated by men. There is a lack of research focusing on the experiences of women in leadership positions within the Philippine technology startup ecosystem (PTSE), and this study seeks to fill that void. This research can offer insights that can guide the development of policies and programs to support the advancement of women in leadership roles within the PTSE by obtaining an understanding of the difficulties faced by women in leadership positions within the PTSE and the methods they have used to overcome those difficulties. By understanding the challenges experienced by women in leadership roles within the PTSE, initiatives, strategies, and approaches that can enhance the environment for women in leadership positions in Philippine technology startups can be developed. This study can also advance our understanding of how gender dynamics may differ in various social, cultural, and economic contexts when it comes to entrepreneurship and leadership. This can also serve as a valuable case study for future studies in this field by providing a thorough understanding of the experiences of women leaders in technology startups in the Philippines. The study's findings will be used to devise a framework for promoting the development of an environment that would allow women to fully participate in the ecosystem of technology startups. The study will adopt a case study approach in order to understand the challenges encountered by women in leadership roles within the PTSE and the strategies they have employed to overcome them. A purposeful selection of women executives from Philippine-based digital startups will make up the sample.
  • Item
    Breaking the Glass Ceiling? A Case Study of Challenges and Successes of Women Leadership Positions in the Philippine Technology Startup Ecosystem (PTSE)
    ( 2023) Simporios, Lloyd Lyndel ; Jarabe, Maria Lourdes ; Taylan, Finaflor ; Serrano, Joane
    Despite an increasing number of women entrepreneurs in the Philippines, the technology startup ecosystem is still dominated by men. There is a lack of research focusing on the experiences of women in leadership positions within the Philippine technology startup ecosystem (PTSE), and this study seeks to fill that void. This research can offer insights that can guide the development of policies and programs to support the advancement of women in leadership roles within the PTSE by obtaining an understanding of the difficulties faced by women in leadership positions within the PTSE and the methods they have used to overcome those difficulties. By understanding the challenges experienced by women in leadership roles within the PTSE, initiatives, strategies, and approaches that can enhance the environment for women in leadership positions in Philippine technology startups can be developed. This study can also advance our understanding of how gender dynamics may differ in various social, cultural, and economic contexts when it comes to entrepreneurship and leadership. This can also serve as a valuable case study for future studies in this field by providing a thorough understanding of the experiences of women leaders in technology startups in the Philippines. The study's findings will be used to devise a framework for promoting the development of an environment that would allow women to fully participate in the ecosystem of technology startups. The study will adopt a case study approach in order to understand the challenges encountered by women in leadership roles within the PTSE and the strategies they have employed to overcome them. A purposeful selection of women executives from Philippine-based digital startups will make up the sample.
  • Item
    Capacitating Research and Development Managers in the Food Manufacturing Industry for Enhanced Management
    ( 2025) Purugganan, Filipina
    This study investigated the gaps that exist in the organizational structure and professional skill sets of research and development teams in the food manufacturing sector in the Philippines. The study focused on R&D managers whose roles and responsibilities have shifted to meet the growing demands of industrialization and globalization. R&D managers not only have to manage a more diverse team of equals but also lead from within a hierarchy that defies both the vertical and horizontal structures of conventional organizations. In this research, three broad foci within which R&D managers operated were identified. Moreover, their needs in professional skills and competencies were examined, namely, 1) core skills for innovation management, such as leadership and knowledge management; 2) obstacles to skill development, including scant resources and faulty organizational culture; and 3) professional development opportunities. Finally, the research analyzed opportunities for enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen R&D managers' innovation leadership competency. These results highlighted the necessity for strategic interventions, such as leadership development and the transformation of organizational culture, to close these gaps and enhance the overall management of innovation in food manufacturing.
  • Item
    Chatbot Gender and User Behavior and Satisfaction
    ( 2021) Serrano, Joane ; Almodiel, Myra ; Belegal, Janele Ann ; Cañas-Llamas, Anna ; Petrasanta, Lovelyn
    As a pioneer in open and distance e-Learning in the Philippines, UPOU continues to explore various information and communication technologies in enhancing not just its course development and delivery, but its provision of support and information services as well. One of the tools that is gaining popularity in businesses and even in universities in recent years is artificial intelligence (AI). The integration of AI-based tools such as chatbots in an organization’s systems and processes promise some degree of streamlining given the increasing demand of customers. This proposal will document and share the to compare the number of chatbot inquiries and conversations by gender before and during the global public health crisis. Data will be collected using document analysis through an existing chatbot monitoring tool. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations will be utilized to analyze the study data. This study puts forward its assumption that male and female users of the UPOU chatbot will have different frequencies of chatbot inquiries and conservations, and different user behaviors based on the UPOU chatbot’s gender.
  • Item
    Conservation of Pinulot-Caulaman River Watershed using GIS and RUSLE-based Soil Erosion Risk Assessment in Central Luzon, Philippines
    ( 2025-03-07) Salac, Carlo P.
    Soil erosion is a serious environmental issue which can drastically impact watersheds like the case of Pinulot-Caulaman River Watershed (PCRW) in Central Luzon, Philippines. PCRW is a critical watershed for agricultural and domestic purposes covering Zambales Range and Mt. Natib to the west and lowland areas to the east. This study investigated the biophysical and socioeconomic conditions of PCRW to estimate the overall soil erosion risk and recommend conservation strategies appropriate for the watershed. The methodology involved data mining online and processing of secondary information through Geographic Information System (GIS). This was followed by applying Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to compute soil erosion and delineate risk zonation by analyzing the temporal and spatial changes in the watershed on three selected periods, i.e., 2014, 2017, and 2024. The PCRW is characteristically fragmented showing declining forest cover across complex topography with young and clay-rich soil types that received abundant rainfall, however, there were minimal conservation practices employed. Based on RUSLE, soil erosion with more than 300 tons ha-1 annually was considered very severe, particularly in steep and sparsely vegetated western areas of the watershed. In 2014, these severely eroded areas covered 20% of PCRW which increased to 28% with 11,696 hectares erosion coverage a decade after. Considering the status of the watershed, these critically erodible areas should be prioritized for restoration through the enhanced National Greening Program (NGP). Furthermore, moderate to very high erosion risk categories require conservation measures while intact forested slopes should be delineated as protected zones that will altogether form part of the watershed management plan. This study highlighted the applicability of GIS techniques and RUSLE model in providing data-driven and evidence-based decision-making tools for soil conservation. Furthermore, erosion results can be verified through ground validation to enhance the accuracy of the model in assessing the PCRW, together with future watershed assessment of erosion in other parts of the country.
  • Item
    Contestation on the Strategic Relevance of Amphibious Warfare in ASEAN: Discourse Analysis of Defense Strategies and Evolving Security Doctrines in the ASEAN Regional Security Architecture
    ( 2025) Liwanag, Nelson P.
    This study investigates the strategic articulation, constructed relevance, and historical foundations of amphibious warfare within ASEAN’s evolving security discourse, particularly in the context of maritime disputes in the South China Sea. The researcher examined defense documents, official communications, strategic narratives, defense journal and academic articles among ASEAN member states including Timor-Leste and identified varying degrees of doctrinal emphasis and operational integration of amphibious capabilities. The first part of the study explores how amphibious warfare is formally articulated in national policies and military modernization programs, revealing a spectrum from explicit doctrine to implicit functional adoption and the articulated value to their respective defense strategies. The second section analyzes how the relevance of amphibious operations is constructed within ASEAN’s broader security dynamics, highlighting how such capabilities are framed not as instruments of aggression but as flexible tools for sovereignty assertion, deterrence, disaster response, and regional cooperation, particularly amidst Chinese maritime assertiveness. The final section examines privileged themes emerging from historical and contemporary practices, including strategic geography, dual-use functionality, and symbolic contestation, underscoring how amphibious warfare informs and reflects the competing strategic priorities across the region. Amphibious capabilities are increasingly regarded as essential for states managing the intersection of national defense, ASEAN principles, and the evolving Indo-Pacific security landscape. This study draws on primary documents, defense white papers, and doctrinal texts to examine how regional states justify, define, and implement these capabilities. Rather than being framed solely as tools for deterrence or military power projection, amphibious forces are often presented as adaptable assets suited for humanitarian missions, maritime security, and regional cooperation. Although ASEAN members operate within a shared normative structure under the Political-Security Community, their approaches to amphibious warfare vary significantly. These differences reflect not only distinct national security priorities but also broader geopolitical pressures, particularly those related to the South China Sea. Strategic narratives and doctrinal developments reveal how national interests can both align with and diverge from ASEAN’s broader goals of regional stability. The study also explores how external partnerships, especially with the United States and China, influence the perception and development of amphibious capabilities. While these forces remain vital to the military strategies of several ASEAN countries, their future strategic relevance will hinge on whether they support collective regional efforts or contribute to emerging rivalries.