FMDS Student Papers

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https://repository.upou.edu.ph/handle/20.500.13073/52
Research outputs by graduate students of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies.

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 28
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    Local Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Values of Earthworms for Biodiversity Conservation in Mt. Guimba, Loboc, Bohol, Philippines
    ( 2026) Palarao, Ivan C.
    Earthworms are keystone species that indicate soil fertility; however, their kinds are threatened by unsustainable practices. This study assessed the species composition, local knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on values of earthworms potential for conservation, particularly from relatively disturbed sites in Barangays Oy and Jimiian within Mt. Guimba, Loboc, Bohol. Using an explanatory sequential research design, the study integrated ecology of earthworms and qualitative inquiry to develop a broader understanding of earthworm biodiversity and community perspectives. Published and unpublished studies were collected for content analysis to determine species’ ecology. Key Informant Interviews comprising of eight sectors were purposively selected using modified questionnaire tailored to the communities and ecosystem to assess KAP until data saturation was achieved. Findings revealed a diverse composition (63 species, 8 genera, 3 families) of earthworms in the Philippines and common in Mt. Guimba were Pheretima, Polypheretima, and Pontoscolex corethrurus. Species of Pheretima were abundant and distributed across islands especially in karst and deep forest habitats, however few manifestations in forest-edge. Polypheretima is considered both as a native and exotic while Pontoscolex corethrurus is invasive. Local knowledge on earthworms was limited to soil fertility and agricultural productivity (100%), with minimal awareness of their broader ecological functions (18.75%-21.88%). However, key informants have negative attitudes such as fear and disgust (50%) that remain evident in the community. Existing practices such as vermicomposting, tree planting, and environmental initiatives demonstrate the potential for community-based biodiversity conservation and sustainable management strategies in Mt. Guimba.
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    Evaluation of an RDO's Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) for Compliance with the Interoperable Automated Fare Collection System (IAFCS) Philippine National Standard (PNS)
    ( 2026) Cristobal, Almira C.
    This study explored how an RDO, through its subsidiary, can strategically expand and promote technology acceptance and utilization of the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), in the Philippine public transportation sector. Specifically, this study aims to assess the RDO’s capabilities against the requirements needed to fulfill the business and operational rules in operating a local AFCS infrastructure. In line with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap (DPTR) is the government’s initiative to implement an Interoperable Automated Fare Collection System (IAFCS). The IAFCS applies to all public transportation modes for the improvement of the public transport environment, passenger convenience, and the implementation of the transfer system among all public transportation modes. In 2024, the RDO and its subsidiary along with other partner organizations, had successfully launched a proof of concept in implementing an interoperable automated fare collection system among identified buses within Metro Manila. Following this success, the RDO’s subsidiary agreed to conduct research that focuses on evaluating the conformance of an RDO’s AFCS solution that is aligned with the objectives of the Philippine National Standard.
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    Brand Audit of Marine Plastic Pollution In Four Coastal Barangays in Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines
    ( 2025) Fulleros, Sarah Mae F.
    Plastic pollution has serious negative effects on marine ecosystems. It affects sectors like biodiversity, public health, and local economies. This study focuses on the Municipality of Bulusan in Sorsogon Province, which is a community heavily relying on fishing and agriculture. It aims to assess the sources and extent of marine plastic pollution in the area. With a comprehensive brand audit across four coastal barangays, this research identifies the top corporations that contribute to plastic waste, evaluates the existing waste management practices, and explores the social and economic impact of plastic pollution on local communities. Findings in the study reveal how prevalent specific plastic types and brands are in Bulusan's coastal areas. Their origins were then traced back to major corporations. The study also highlights gaps in the municipality's waste management system, specifically in terms of plastic waste segregation and disposal, which are major contributors to the problems caused by the pollution. The results also emphasize the importance of public awareness in mitigating plastic pollution. It then proposes a sustainable waste management approach that is integrated within community engagement. This research provides actionable insights for Local Government Units (LGUs), including advocating for corporations to increase their accountability and for communities to be involved in addressing the crisis caused by plastic pollution. The study also aims to promote sustainable practices that are found to significantly reduce both the financial and environmental cost of marine plastic pollution in Bulusan, which is through fostering partnerships between stakeholders.
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    Systematic Managerial Analysis of Digital Data Management Adoption in a Regulated Research Facility
    ( 2026) Salazar, Eric Manguit
    This Special Problem examined the adoption of a digital data management approach in a GLP-compliant research facility undergoing organizational transition. The work addressed a recurring performance gap between the intended benefits of electronic workflows—timely review, approval, traceable record control, and reduced reliance on paper—and the observed instability of a previously implemented global Document Management System (DMS) workflow. To guide a defensible managerial response within a regulated environment, Systematic Managerial Analysis (SMA) was applied as the primary framework, integrating situation analysis, problem identification and specification, problem analysis, decision analysis, and potential problem analysis. Evidence was drawn from a review of relevant policies and SOPs, stakeholder discussions with Quality Assurance, IT support, and laboratory users, and analysis of organizational artifacts, including internal communications, IT service records, and a representative case illustrating workflow failure behavior. Thematic analysis of DMS- related tickets and supporting documentation indicated persistent issues affecting accessibility, scheduler stability, data capture/transfer, and workflow routing— conditions that contributed to operational delays and reduced user confidence in the electronic process. A structured decision evaluation compared feasible record-approval alternatives under compliance and resource constraints. The analysis supported a locally governed solution: validation and implementation of the chromatography data system’s built-in electronic signature capability through a controlled change process. While validation demonstrated technical suitability for identity, integrity, and traceability expectations, findings emphasized that sustainable adoption depends on organizational readiness, stakeholder alignment, and trust in system reliability. The study concludes that effective digital transformation in regulated laboratories requires not only compliant technology, but also robust governance and deliberate change management to ensure long-term integration.
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    Strengthening Innovation Management: Enablers, Barriers, and Recommendations for 'Lexspire Labs Corporation'
    ( 2026) Antonio, Don Dexter A.
    Evidence suggested that as subsidiaries of large multinational corporations in the Philippines mature over many years of research and development activities, the organization evolved to focus most of its time on product development, consequently diminishing the emphasis on engaging in innovation activities. This study evaluated the key factors that influence the ability of research and development organizations in the Philippines, like Lexspire Labs Corporation to sustain their innovation initiatives. Utilizing a deductive approach, in-depth interviews and online surveys with participants from the target research and development organization were conducted. Analytical assessment was then performed from the gathered data to reveal a multi-faceted set of factors that influence innovation positively, including clear strategic mandate, empowered culture, and systemic alignment, alongside negative influences such as operational prioritization and resource constraints, strategic & operational misalignment, risk aversion, and disconnected metrics. The findings not only provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by organizations but also offered a set of recommendations for organizations to leverage their strengths and enable them to pivot. Finally, this study can serve as a foundation for future research on developing an innovation management system that fits with the strengths and dynamics of research and development organizations in the Philippines.