FICS Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.upou.edu.ph/handle/20.500.13073/2
Theses and dissertations by graduate students from the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies.

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 5 of 294
  • Item
    The Development of a Web-based Membership Tracking Information System for a Karate Martial Arts School in the Philippines
    ( 2025-08-19) Berris, Oliver Lester
    A karate martial arts school that has many branches in the Philippines faced challenges in managing its growing membership base and keeping track of important information, which resulted in inefficiencies, errors, and decreased member satisfaction. To address these issues, a karate martial arts school in the Philippines needed an effective membership tracking information system to automate membership management, improve communication, streamline data management, and enhance member engagement. The methodology used to prove the successful implementation of the proposed information system was to utilize the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Socio- Technical Systems Theory (STS), and the Information Processing Theory (IPT). The Web-Based Membership Tracking Information System (WBMTIS) was developed to provide better accessibility, present up-to-date information on karate practitioners, and create a customized platform tailored to a karate martial arts school aimed at utilizing open-source technologies. Throughout the development process of WBMTIS, frameworks such as Scrum and ADDIE, were used with modifications to these frameworks in order to aid in the successful implementation and acceptance of the system based on information system theories included in the research. The research helped in identifying the unique needs of the karate martial arts school and tailor-fitted the system according to the stakeholders wants and needs. The overall result of implementing the WBMTIS affirmed the system’s functional effectiveness and high level of user acceptance due to a yielded mean score of 91.25 based on the usability testing conducted using the System Usability Scale (SUS), therefore classifying the WBMTIS under the usability category of “Excellent”. The information system theories used in the study were grounded in TAM, STS, and IPT, which assisted in the system’s design, human-computer interaction, and adoption strategy. These frameworks supported the evaluation of the system’s ease of use, social and organizational integration, and cognitive efficiency in information processing. The study concludes that the system successfully met its objectives and offers a practical model for digital transformation within martial arts organizations. Recommendations for future enhancement include the integration of an online payment gateway, push notifications, calendar synchronization, an internal messaging module such as chat, an advanced analytics dashboard, and an e-learning component to extend instructional reach and system functionality.
  • Item
    Exploring the Digital Community Building Among Filipino Gay Men with HIV in Alter Spaces
    ( 2025-07-15) Villaester, Maurice Jitty M.
    The HIV epidemic in the Philippines continues to rise, with Filipino men who have sex with men living with HIV (MSMLHIVs) facing persistent stigma and discrimination that impact their health management, emotional well-being, and social support systems. In response, many MSMLHIVs have turned to alter accounts on X (formerly Twitter) as a means of building and sustaining digital communities, where they can freely express themselves while maintaining anonymity. This study employs descriptive phenomenology to explore the lived experiences of MSMLHIVs in these digital spaces, particularly focusing on how alter account interactions influence their personal health management, emotional resilience, and sense of belonging. Findings reveal that alter communities on X serve as safe spaces where MSMLHIVs can seek peer support, exchange health-related information, and navigate identity formation without fear of judgment. These communities provide psychosocial benefits, offering a sense of security, solidarity, and empowerment. However, challenges such as misinformation, emotional detachment, and digital trust concerns also emerged, highlighting the complexities of navigating online anonymity. While digital interactions supplement gaps in offline support systems, they do not fully replace the need for institutional interventions, inclusive policies, and structured mental health programs. This study contributes to the discourse on digital community-building, queer safe spaces, and health communication by providing critical insights for health professionals, policymakers, and social media platforms to improve inclusive and stigma-free support systems for MSMLHIVs. Future research is recommended to explore longitudinal effects of digital community engagement and the role of AI-driven interventions in HIV advocacy and mental health support. Keywords: MSM, PLHIV, HIV stigma, digital communities, alter accounts, social support, health communication, phenomenology
  • Item
    From Arms to Farms: Communication Triggers Towards Transformation of Former Moro Islamic Liberation Front Combatants
    ( 2024-08-19) Antonio, Lou Ellen
    After years of getting involved in armed conflict, former combatants often face challenges in changing their roles and identities as they transition to civilian life. Various programs had been implemented to support their transformation. In Lanao del Norte, Philippines, the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) transitioned to becoming organic farmers through the “From Arms to Farms” program implemented by the local government of Kauswagan. However, the program’s economic opportunities were not just the motivations that pushed them to join the program. Different communication strategies and triggers influenced their decision to transform their lives. Despite existing studies on the transition of former combatants to civilian life, little is known about how communication shapes their decisions toward starting anew. This study filled this gap by exploring how communication facilitated the transformation of former MILF combatants into organic farmers. This study used narrative inquiry and Bruner’s “subjunctivization” concept to examine the narratives of five former MILF combatants and the views of the Municipal Agriculture Officer of Kauswagan town. The results of this study showed the communication triggers that influenced the former combatants to transform their lives such as (a) personal motivations, such as their desire to have financial security and a better future for their families; (b) sincere engagement of the local authorities; (c) peer support and influence; (d) key messaging of the program’s benefits, and (e) consistent communication and regular visits. The local government of Kauswagan also established an online group chat to sustain communication with the former combatants which provided practical and real-time communication to keep them updated and engaged about the program and other activities in the town. The use of this communication channel hastened their transformation process. Moreover, this study highlighted the importance of building trust and providing resources, community-based training, and support in marketing their harvests. Constant dialogue and institutional support were also vital in their transformation.
  • Item
    Online Applicant Tracking System
    ( 2022) Taton, Ma. Cristina A.
    Systemantech, Inc, is a small/medium business company committed to providing competent professionals and technology for the improvements of the clients' business. The demand for competent professionals is high due to attrition or new projects that required manpower. Because of this, the monitoring of the applicant from sourcing to deployment is necessary which is currently a big challenge. The company uses different platforms to track the recruitment process. With the use of the existing ticketing tool to track all the movements from sourcing up to deployment, Onedrive to save all the data of the applicants, and Microsoft Excel for the manual creation of reports. There is also a shortage of technical interviewers due to the availability of time. The proposed customized system as agreed by the client to deliver in a given timeframe resolved the mentioned challenges with the following features such as Web Applicant Tracking Portal where the recruiter can add new candidates and track the movement based on the Candidate status from shortlisted up to the employment in a given time. This feature uses an existing OrangeHRM framework and customized the recruitment module to align with the client’s process. Another feature is the Interview Chatbot in which the new candidate experiences on-the-spot initial interviews. It is added under Job Posting Career Site as another way for the candidate to apply with interaction to a virtual agent. It captures not only the candidate data but how the candidate communicates and answers the question honestly. For the Descriptive Analytic Reporting, it can view the summary count of hired candidates. The dashboard shows the subunits percentage based on the organizational structure of the company. The participation of the company through testing of the customized system resulted in a successful implementation. The comments provided show that the system is ready to use and more recommendation for future works. Therefore, this customized system deployed as a new Online Applicant Tracking System for Systemantech, Inc.
  • Item
    Empowering Women Fisherfolk through Participatory Communication Among the Subanens in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines
    ( 2024-08-23) Tosino, Roeyna May
    This research explores how participatory communication fosters the empowerment of women fisherfolk in Miagao, Iloilo. Data were gathered from focus group discussion, in-depth interviews and key informant interview. Through a thematic analysis, the study identified four major themes: Dialogues and Interactions, Economic Outcomes, Recognition and Importance, and Decision-making. Dialogues and Interactions reiterated the role of dialogue in assessing the needs of the women fisherfolk. Through community dialogues with the barangay and interactions with the University of the Philippines Visayas, capacity-building programs were implemented. These programs led to better economic outcomes for women fisherfolk because of income diversification, access to credit and market opportunities, and product reputation. Women fisherfolk also experienced recognition from the community, which further strengthened their roles in the fisheries sector. Their decision-making capacity and involvement in ordinance formulations at the barangay level contributed to their empowerment as women fisherfolk. Findings revealed that participatory communication fosters empowerment among women fisherfolk in Miagao, Iloilo through giving them an inclusive communication platform in dialogues, addressing their needs and supporting their capacity-building that will facilitate better economic outcomes and strengthened role and independence in the community. It is recommended that there should be continuous implementation of inclusive community dialogues and facilitate participatory decision-making among women fisherfolk.