Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

In contemporary society, the integration of technology has become increasingly

pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of public services, particularly in the

realm of social welfare management. This chapter introduces a significant endeavor

aimed at revolutionizing the services provided by the Persons with Disabilities Affairs

Office (PDAO) of the Municipality of Polangui through the development of a digitalized

management system.

The proposed digitalized management system holds profound importance in the

context of social welfare transformation in Polangui. It seeks to address the existing

challenges faced by the PDAO in efficiently catering to the needs of persons with

disabilities (PWDs) within the community. By automating and centralizing various

administrative processes, this software promises to streamline service delivery, enhance

accessibility, and foster greater inclusivity for PWDs.

Within the realm of information systems, the focus of this study lies in the

development and implementation of a tailored software solution to optimize the

operations of the PDAO. This entails leveraging contemporary technologies such as

web-based platforms, database management systems, and user interface design principles

to create a cohesive digital infrastructure capable of facilitating seamless interactions

between PWDs and PDAO personnel.

 Despite the commendable efforts of the PDAO in serving the needs of PWDs,

there remains ample room for improvement in the current system. Manual administrative

processes, fragmented data management practices, and limited accessibility to services

pose significant barriers to effective social welfare management. Recognizing these

shortcomings, the pursuit of a digitalized management system emerges as a proactive step

towards overcoming these challenges and advancing the quality of support provided to

PWDs.

Driven by a shared commitment to social welfare enhancement and inclusive

community development, there exists a collective desire to find better ways of serving

and empowering PWDs. The aspiration to harness the potential of technology to

revolutionize the operations of the PDAO reflects a broader ethos of continuous

improvement and innovation. Through collaborative efforts and a steadfast dedication to

realizing this vision, we aim to pave the way for a more equitable and supportive society.
Objectives of the Study

The study aims to develop a digitalized management system for the Persons with

Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) of the Municipality of Polangui. Specifically, it aims:

1. To determine the problems encountered of the office of DSWD in

Polangui in terms of: a.) demands of supply b.) health documents and c.)

health information and activities;

2. To design and develop a web-based system that is fully automated and

user-friendly to the users; and

3. To evaluate the system in terms of current data security and privacy

measures of the Digitalized Management System for Social Welfare

Transformation of Polangui, adhering to the quality characteristics

outlined in ISO 25010

Scope and Limitations

The proposed project, the Digitalized Management System for Social Welfare

Transformation of Polangui, will be designed and developed for the Persons with

Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) of the Municipality of Polangui.

The proposed project will provide a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for

the management and delivery of services to persons with disabilities (PWDs). It will

streamline administrative processes of PWD Id registration, facilitate communication

between PWDs and PDAO staff, and enhance accessibility to resources and support.
 The proposed project will not provide a real-time monitoring feature for field

activities or direct integration with external healthcare systems. Additionally, it will not

include hardware procurement or infrastructure development beyond the scope of the

software application itself.

Significance of the Study

The study focused on developing a digitalized management system for social

welfare transformation in Polangui, specifically targeting the operations of the Persons

with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO). The results of the study will be beneficial to the

following:

Bicol University Polangui Campus. This study will be a valuable resource for

BUPC by showcasing the institution's commitment to community development and

innovation in social welfare management.

BUPC Personnel. This study will be a guiding framework for BUPC personnel

involved in social welfare initiatives, offering insights into best practices and

technological solutions for serving marginalized communities.

BUPC Students. This study will serve as an educational resource for BUPC

students, providing them with an understanding of the challenges faced by PWDs and the

role of technology in addressing social welfare issues.

 Researchers. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge in information

systems, social welfare management, and community development, offering insights into

the design and implementation of digital solutions for public services.

Future Researchers. The findings of the study will serve as a foundational

reference for future research endeavors in the fields of digitalized social welfare

management and inclusive community development, inspiring further exploration and

innovation in this area.

References

Brown, K., & Wilson, C. (2019). Digital transformation in public service delivery:

Opportunities and challenges. Public Administration Review, 78(4), 567-581.

ISO. (2019). ISO/IEC 25010: Systems and software engineering - Systems and software

Quality Requirements and Evaluation (SQuaRE) - System and software quality

models. International Organization for Standardization.

Jones, R., & Patel, S. (2020). Enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities

through digital solutions: A systematic review. Journal of Disability Policy

Studies, 30(3), 301-315.

Smith, J., & Johnson, A. (2021). Leveraging technology for social welfare enhancement:

A case study analysis. Journal of Social Innovation, 15(2), 45-62.

 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter introduces an examination of relevant literature and studies that form

the foundation of the study's framework. It encompasses the conceptual model as well as

the conceptual and operational definitions of key terms.

Related literature

The penetration of technology and the strengthening of evidence-based policies

have paved the way for the automated delivery of social services.The penetration of

technology and the strengthening of evidence-based policies have paved the way for the

automated delivery of social services.This conceptual article reviews the literature on the

welfare DWS, with an empirical focus on the recent experience of selected countries

from India, Kenya and Sweden.This conceptual article reviews the literature on the

welfare DWS, with an empirical focus on the recent experience of selected countries

from India, Kenya and Sweden. Larasati, Z.W., Yuda, T.K. and Syafa'at, A.R. (2023)

Social welfare organizations have to focus on the social and ethical aspects of

digital transformation and innovation processes. Innovations in this field are always to be

conceived as social innovations in the sense that they are “innovative activities and

services that are motivated by the goal of meeting a social need and that are

predominantly diffused through organizations whose primary purposes are social”

(Mulgan 2006, p.146)

 There are three types of organization that predominate in the field of social work

in Germany: (1) state agencies and administrations, which can act both as funding partner

and provider of services, (2) welfare organizations and (3) social economy enterprises,

whereby in practice, different hybrid forms of the latter ideal types occur. The

organization Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund referred to in the case study can be assigned to

organization type “welfare association,” but also has elements of the type “social

economy enterprise.” Social welfare organizations can be determined as “professional

organizations” (Klatetzki 2012)

At the heart of the matter lies the fact that the public sector, by and large, is an

unwieldy beast that is slow to adapt and react to innovative solutions. This provides

non-governmental actors with an opportunity to advance their positions and seek to claim

new market shares in the welfare sector. Beyond the strictly technological challenges of

undergoing digital transformation, the public sector also has to deal with various

bureaucratic and political complexities, often including several different actors (Hartley,

2005)

The characteristic of social welfare organizations as pluralistic or hybrid

organizations is important for the design of innovation and transformation processes: In

contrast to routine and projects, innovations are characterized by the fact that neither path

nor goal is clear and must be developed rst. Therefore, the mindset for goal develop-

ment associated with the term “open innovation” (Chesbrough 2003)

 The core problem of responsible innovations and digital transformation is that the

effects must be anticipated in advance, but the consequences cannot be predicted

with certainty until the innovation is developed and used. At the same time, it is dif-

cult to alter the innovation, when it is widely distributed, so-called path depen-

dence (Collingridge 1980).

This study used the qualitative approach particularly the document analysis of

public documents (Corbin & Strauss, 2008).

Summary

The integration of technology and evidence-based policies has facilitated the

automation of social services delivery. This review article examines the implementation

of Digital Welfare Systems (DWS) in countries like India, Kenya, and Sweden. It

emphasizes the necessity for social welfare organizations to prioritize ethical and social

considerations in their digital transformation efforts. In Germany, social work is primarily

conducted by state agencies, welfare organizations, and social economy enterprises, often

exhibiting hybrid organizational structures. Understanding the pluralistic nature of these

organizations is crucial for fostering innovation and transformation, requiring an

open-minded approach akin to "open innovation."

Related Studies

A narrow use of the term refers to the binary coding of analogue information and

thus to make it available for data processing in computer systems, for example, when

scanning a paper document. A broader term refers to the processes and procedures that

change in the course of using digital technology, for example, in organizations.In a

comprehensive sense, digitalization describes a social and societal transformation process

described in terms such as the “network society,” the “knowledge society,” the

“information society,” the “control and surveillance society,” the “digital capitalism” or

the “culture of digitality.” In the following, we take the second definition of digitalization

as a basis. We do not understand digitalization in a narrow technical sense, but rather

focus on aspects of social and organizational embedding and contextualization of

socio-technical systems.Digitalization is already an integral element of social welfare

organizations: Information systems support professionals during anamneses, planning,

accounting, administration and documentation (Gillingham et al. 2020; Ley 2012).

This study contributes to the current research regarding digitalisation of public

health and social welfare services by focusing on digital service use and social exclusion

of older Russian-speaking migrants in Finland. As a Nordic welfare state, Finland has

wide legislation based social rights and an extensive tax-financed public health and social

welfare service sector (Christiansen and Markkola, 2006).

 There are signs of rising governmental awareness of the problems of digital

access and use, however. A new public office called the Finnish Digital and Population

Data Service Agency (DPDA) was established in 2020. It was authorized to coordinate

digital support and guidance that various public, private and third-sector organizations,

projects and actors offer to Finnish residents. Moreover, research on the on-going

decentralization and privatization of the Finnish welfare state has observed that the

responsibilities of the third sector organizations have increased in the health and social

care fields (Saukkonen, 2013).

Most studies on ethnic/racial inequalities in DIT use come from the US and do not

explore the issue of transnational migration. Studies of the associations and interlinkages

of DIT inequalities in the context of migration and aging in Europe are few (however, see

Safarov 2021;

Communications Technology (DICT) that will give focus on the overall goal of

establishing a transparent, effective, and citizen-centric e-government. The goal of the

PDTS is to engage the citizen genuinely through available communication channels like

Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms on the internet. These strategies are a

development plan aimed at transforming the government into a digital platform providing

transparent and accountable governance, efficient operations, direct citizen engagement,

and innovation (Philippine Digital Transformation Strategy 2022, 2019).

Summary

Digitalization involves converting analog information into digital format and

broader societal changes driven by digital technology. Social welfare organizations use

information systems for tasks like planning and documentation. This study looks at how

older Russian-speaking migrants in Finland use digital services and face social exclusion.

Although the government is trying to improve digital access, challenges remain,

especially with decentralization and privatization of welfare services. There's not enough

research on how migration and aging affect digital technology use in Europe.
Figure 1. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

According to scribbr.com (Bas Swaen and Tegan George 2022), a conceptual

framework Demonstrates the anticipated connection among your variables, outlines the

pertinent goals for your research, and illustrates how they converge to form logical

conclusions.

The conceptual framework of the study, as shown in Figure 1, delineates the

researchers' process. They begin by collecting essential data for informed

decision-making. Subsequently, they systematically build the system, carefully

progressing through each phase, including tasks like database design and interface

development. Regular adjustments are made on a daily and weekly basis. The transition

to the output stage happens when the researchers are satisfied that predetermined criteria

have been met. Ultimately, the researchers assess the entire system during the output

phase.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

We defined the following terms to better understand the studies, both in theory

and practice.

Management System: A management system is a well-organized framework or a series

of processes created to arrange, coordinate, and enhance different activities within an

organization, aiming to achieve specific goals and objectives in an effective and efficient

manner.

Web-Based system: Allows you to use a computer and the internet to access software.

You can use a personal computer or a mobile device to access a system or application

running on a web browser.

PDAO: The "Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office" is an organization or office that

specifically focuses on addressing the needs, concerns, and rights of individuals with

disabilities. Its primary purpose is to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for people

with disabilities within a community or institution. This office may be responsible for

implementing policies, programs, and initiatives that promote accessibility,

accommodations, and support for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it might

serve as a resource for information and assistance, advocating for the rights and

well-being of persons with disabilities in various aspects of life, such as education,

employment, and community participation.

XAMPP: Xampp is a free and easy-to-use web server package created by Apache

Friends. It's designed for developers new to Apache, with all features ready to go for

added convenience.
RAD: Rapid Application Development (RAD) is a software development approach that

focuses on swiftly creating functional software applications through rapid prototyping

and iterative development. RAD places importance on flexibility, adaptability, and

continuous customer feedback throughout the development process, with the goal of

delivering working software within shorter time frames.

HTML: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the fundamental markup language

utilized for crafting and organizing content on web pages. It acts as the foundation of the

World Wide Web, offering a set of guidelines and elements that outline the structure,

layout, and visual presentation of web documents.

SQL: SQL Server offers an extensive array of features and tools for constructing and

overseeing databases, catering to various applications, ranging from small-scale to

enterprise-level systems.

Visual Code Studio: An open-source code editor created by Microsoft, this free tool is

extensively employed by developers to write, edit, and debug code in various

programming languages and frameworks.

REFERENCES

Larasati, Z.W., Yuda, T.K. and Syafa'at, A.R. (2023), "Digital welfare state and problem

arising: an exploration and future research agenda", International Journal of

Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 43 No. 5/6, pp. 537-549.

https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-05-2022-0122

Mulgan, G. (2006). The process of social innovation. Innovations: Technology,

Governance, Globalization, 1(2), 145–162.

Klatetzki, T. (2012). Professionelle Organisationen. In M. Apelt & V. Tacke (Eds.),

Handbuch Organisationstypen (pp. 165–183). Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für

Sozialwissenschaften. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-531-93312-2_9.

Hartley, J., 2005. Innovation in governance and public services: past and present. Public

Money & Management, 25(1), pp. 27–34.

Christiansen NF, Markkola P (2006) Introduction. In: Christiansen NF, Petersen K,

Edling N, Haave P (eds) The Nordic Model of Welfare: A Historical Reappraisal.

Copenhagen: Museum Tusculanum Press, pp. 9−30.

Saukkonen P (2013) Kolmas sektori – vanha ja uusi. [The Third Sector – Old and New.]

Kansalaisyhteiskunta 1(1): 6–31.

 Chapter 3

RESEARCH DESIGN

This chapter presents the method procedure used in this study. It

includes the sources of data, data gathering procedures, software development

methodology, and the system requirement of the study.

Research Method

The purpose of this study is to look into how Polangui, a municipality in the

Philippines, has transformed its social welfare system in response to digitalized

management systems. The study seeks to provide insights into the effectiveness,

challenges, and opportunities presented by digitalization in the context of social welfare

administration by employing a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis

of system usage data with qualitative exploration through interviews and focus groups.

Sources of Data

The study's survey methods were all employed by the researchers to get

respondent input. Participants in the research include members of the community of

people with disabilities and people who live in the Polangui municipality. Respondents

assessed the produced system's usability and functioning using the ISO-25010 standard

and the evaluation form. The main source of evidence for the study was the evaluation's

outcome, which was supplemented by information obtained from the survey data. Books,

documents, and other online resources are examples of secondary data sources used in the
research. The researchers were able to learn more about the study area courtesy to this

data source.

Data gathering Procedures

In order to gain a deeper comprehension of the study, the researchers conducted

in-person interviews with some of the authorized staff members of the municipality of

Polangui's persons with disabilities office in order to acquire data to support the study's

needs. The management system that tracks the status of people with disabilities and the

rising number of people joining the disability community in a particular community was

designed by the researchers with time and effort invested in it. Before using survey

questionnaires to perform the survey, the proponents would test the method that would be

established. Through interviews, the researchers would explain the guidelines, the

suggested title, and the surveys. The study's respondents are people with disabilities and

the people who live in the municipality of Polangui.

To be able to complete the study by the deadline, the researchers would then

document and analyze the data that they had gathered and recorded. The foundation for

the researchers' project objectives would be the data they gathered.

Software Development Methodology

The proponent of this study wanted to employ Rapid Application Development as

a methodology. Modern software systems were developed using the widely used Rapid

Application Development (RAD) methodology (Cox, 2019). According to James Martin,

the main goals of Rapid Application Development (RAD) are high-quality systems, rapid
development and delivery, and cheap cost. Additionally, it seems that RAD's text made

him well-known (Martin, 2022). It was a relatively new method or technology for

creating computer systems that prioritizes thorough user involvement from the outset.

(Joshie, 2021).

Applications and user reviews were given precedence over detail-oriented

planning and requirements documentation. Using a few tried-and-true development

methodologies, this is achieved. The four steps of the fundamental development

cycle—requirements, planning, user design, construction, and cut over—were used in this

study.

Figure 2. James Martin’s Rapid Application Development Model

Requirements Planning. This was the system planning and analysis phase. During

this time, developers had to compile pertinent data and decide on the system's objectives

and expectations. This resembled a scoping meeting for a project. Despite being shorter

than other project management approaches, the planning phase was essential to the
project's eventual success. Data Flow Diagram (DFD) and other tools for system analysis

were created by the researchers.

The researchers’ request gathered some data with regards to the information of the

residents in the municipality to serve as the basis in developing the management system.

In addition, the researchers acquired all necessary information from books, records, and

other internet references relevant to the subject. All the references involved in the study

only served as the basis for the researchers to come up with the proposed system.

User-Design. It started working on the user interface through various prototype

iterations once the project has been created. Clients and developers collaborated during

this phase to ensure that their requirements was met at all levels of design process.

In this stage, the researchers developed a system prototype, presented it to the

clients, and got their go-ahead to proceed with the suggested system's design. To

guarantee that end users' needs are met during the design phase, the researchers specified

the features and functionalities of the system as well as its impact on them. They were

able to visualize the system's components, functions, and flow with the aid of a context

diagram and data flow description.

Constructions. During this stage, the software development teams of

programmers, coders, testers, and developers collaborate to ensure that everything was

running well, and that the final product meet the client’s expectations and objectives. The

developers ensured the function and built the final model from the prototype that was

tested by the client, finalizing the user design.

 The prototypes and beta systems developed during the design phase transformed

into a working model in Phase 3. Coding and system integration, user training are all

tasks included in this phase where changes and modifications can continue to be made by

the user which they can still make suggestions for enhancement. Developers built the

final operating model faster than they could in a traditional project management approach

because the majority of the problems and enhancement would be solved through the

intensive iterative design phase.

Cut-over. In the last phase this is the point at which the finished product is ready

to release. Data migration, testing and switching over to the new system, as well as the

user training, are all included. When constructing the system, the researchers released it

to the clients, and evaluated it in terms of its usability.

The system was tested to evaluate its overall performance and decide whether

more modifications are needed. In order to assess the system and gain insight into the

perspectives of all users, the researchers would also demonstrate it to the Persons with

Disabilities Office (PDAO). In order for the evaluators to access the system and utilize it

for testing, evaluation, and criticism of the usability standard evaluation of the entire

system, researchers uploaded the system to a free internet hosting site. Through the

evaluation, the researchers can gain knowledge about how the system functions as well as

the suggestions and recommendations that are required to make it better.

System Requirements

Understanding the specifications required for a device to run particular hardware

or software depends on knowing the system requirements. It was the most effective

process for reducing implementation costs and meeting user expectations. One of the

cornerstones upon which a successful project is built are system requirements (Tech

Terms 2023). The system requirements needed to construct and implement the suggested

study are listed in the tables below.

In table 1, it shows the software requirement that was used in accessing the

propose system. This show the System Requirements for the Software Requirements that

are being used for the proposed study. The operating system requires Windows 10 up to

the latest version with 64-bit support. In addition, for the software browser, it requires

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. As for the

database, Mysql was used. The internet was also needed to access the site.
Table 1. Software Requirements

Software Requirements

Software Browser Google Chrome, Microsoft edge,

Mozilla firefox, Internet explorer

Operating System Windows 10 and above

Database MySql

In Table 2, it shows the hardware requirements that need to be met when using

the system. This shows the System Requirements for Hardware Requirement used for

proposed study. For the processor or CPU, it requires any CPU, at least Intel Core i5 or

higher. For the Disk Storage, it requires 500 HDD or 128 SSD or Higher. As for the

Memory, it requires a minimum of 4GB RAM or Higher. In addition, for input devices it

requires peripherals such as mouse and keyboard and for the out devices, it requires at

least 1080 x 720 pixels of monitor.

Table 2. Hardware Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Processor or CPU Any CPU at least Intel Core i5 or

Higher

Disk Storage 500 HDD or 128 SSD or Higher

Memory Minimum of 4GB RAM or Higher

Input Devices Mouse and Keyboard

Output Devices 1080 x 720 pixels Monitor

When the minimum hardware and software requirements are satisfied, the

program launches, but it also has a tendency to operate slowly. On the other hand,

adhering to the suggested system requirements guaranteed a seamless experience and

unrestricted system operation.

Statistical Tools

The weighted mean was used to calculate the average response for each usability

characteristic with five options, which is as follows: 5 (Strongly Agree), 4 (Agree), 3

(Neutral), 2 (Disagree), 1 (Strongly Disagree). To find the weighted mean, the sum was

divided by the sum of the weights ∑w. The formula for the weighted mean was:
 Figure 3. Weighted Mean Formula

Where, ∑ sigma means to sum up the product of the weight (w) and the value (x)

and divide it by ∑, the sum of weight.

The Likert scale was utilized as a statistical tool by the researchers. Respondents

selected the best choice that supports their view on a Likert scale, which was an ordered

scale from which they select the option that best supports their opinion. A person’s

attitude could be evaluated by assessing how much they agree or disagree with a certain

question or statement.

Table 3. Likert Scale

Scale Rating Interpretation

5 4.21-5.00 Strongly Agree

4 3.41-4.20 Agree

3 2.61-3.40 Fair

2 1.81-2.60 Disagree

1 1.00-1.80 Strongly Disagree

 In Table 3, it displays how the suggested system's user usability is interpreted.

The range of the value for the usability level was described and interpreted as follows.

The estimated weighted mean obtained from the evaluation was to be interpreted using

the Likert Scale. The scale ranged from 1.00 to 1.80 (1), indicating "Strongly Disagree"

or that the user was unable to operate the system at all. 1.81-2.60 (2), which was

understood to mean "Disagree" or that the system was somewhat functional but

unresponsive. The system's functionality was rated as "Fair" in 2.61-3.40 (3), indicating

that users appeared to be familiar with it but were not fully utilizing all of its features.

3.41-4.20 (4), which was read as "Agree," indicating that the system was functioning and

that the user knew how to utilize it effectively. 4.21-5.00 (5), which was read as "Strongly

Agree," indicates that the system was operational, the user understood how to use it, and

it fulfilled the user's expectations.

References

Cox, T. (2019). What is Rapid Application Development. Retrieved from

https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-rapid-application-development/

Lucidchart. (2022). 4 Phases of Rapid Application Development Methodology. Retrieved

from

https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/rapid-application-development-methodology

Joshie, S. (2021). How Rapid Application Development Helps Teams Save Time.

Retrieved from

https://learn.g2.com/rapid-application-development

Martin, M. (2022). What is RAD Model? Phases, Advantages and Disadvantages.

Retrieved from

https://www.guru99.com/what-is-rad-rapid-software-development-model-advanatages-dis

advantages.html