CHAPTER III

RESEARCH AND SOFTWARE DESIGN

This chapter deals with the methods of research used whether it may be historical,
descriptive, and experimental or a case study. The techniques used under Descriptive Research
Method as well as the data gathering tools and analytical tools used will be further explained in this
chapter as well as the methods used in developing the software and for evaluation.

RESEARCH DESIGN
Methods of Research Used

The proponents have used the Descriptive Research Method wherein the study is focused on
present situations. It involves the recording, description, analysis and the presentation of the present
system, composition or processes of phenomena.

Under the Descriptive Research Method, the technique used is the Survey Method, which is
otherwise known as normative survey. The results and findings of the study should always be
compared with the standards. With the survey method, researchers are able to statistically study the
specific areas where the proponents must concentrate. Findings regarding the common practices
being done and the methods which are commonly adopted by the employees are obtained with the
use of the survey method.

RESPONDENTS OF THE STUDY

The respondents of the study include the employees wherein the proponents prepare a set of
carefully prepared and logically ordered questions. This respondent focuses on the company’s
employees for they are very important in a sense that this study is all about them.

(See Table 1.)

Table 1.0

Respondents Distribution

N = 61
Position/Status
No. of Respondents
Percentage (%)
Agents
46
76%
Secretary/Staff
8
13%
Managers
7
11%
TOTAL
61
100%

The questionnaires are being answered accordingly to the priority of concern by using predetermined
sets of questions with predefined ranges of answers so as to avoid any conflicting series of response.

Sampling Design and Technique

Sampling may be defined as measuring a small portion of something and then making a general
statement about the whole thing. It enables the study of a large, heterogeneous population more
economic wise, meaning not too costly, and more realistic and possible to make. The population to be
researched upon is quite small; hence scientific sampling is implied to each member of the population
since the number of population is attainable for sampling. The proponents decided to use the
unstructured random sampling technique since the population is well in the reach of statistical
evaluation.

To justify the point, the use of Sloven’s Formula was utilized in the

formula of:

N = N / 1 + N (e)2

Where:

n = sample size
N = total population
e = level of confidence (.01 to .05)
Data Gathering Tools

These are the instruments or tools for gathering data in research used as basis for drawing conclusions
or making inferences. Some of these tools are questionnaires, interviews, empirical observations,
research and analysis used by the proponents as they conduct the proposed study.

Interview. An Interview is defined as a meeting of two people

face to face to confer about something or an act of questioning to receive a desired answer that is
necessary in solving a specific problem. This is where data gathering occurs by asking questions for much
needed information from the interviewee verbally and directly.

Observation. This technique is used when the researcher cannot

secure adequate or valid data through the use of the questionnaire or some other technique. It is
considered to be the most direct means of studying people in so far as their overt behavior is concerned.
Observation of a current operating procedure is another data gathering tool seeing the system in action
gives you additional perspective and better understanding of system procedures.

Research. Research is simply, the systematic search for

pertinent information on a specific topic or problem. It is systematic study or investigation or something

Questionnaire. A pre-written series of questions used in

gathering important information’s from one or more persons. This will

be given to the individual who have a direct bearing of the study and in

order to satisfy the proponent’s goal that is to get and measure the

opinions, polls and attitude of the respondents of the study.

into its constituent parts of the categories according to the specific questions under the statement of
the problem. This is to bring out into focus the essential feature of the study.

Statistical Tools

Statistics is one way of getting the information’s organized. To have a general view of the whole scenario
of the study, statistical tool is used. This also includes the scaling system, which is used by the
proponents as a technique to monitor the respondent’s interpretation of facts. (See Table 2.0 & Table
3.0)

Table 2.0

Scaling Systems of the Existing System and Proposed

System

Rating Scale

Interpretation

Excellent

Very Good

Good

Fair

Poor
Table 3.0

Scaling Systems for the Problems Encountered of the

Existing System

Rating Scale

Interpretation

Strongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Undecided

Below are the Formulas used to arrive to the computation used by the

Statistical Tool:

1) Frequency Distribution = n / T * 100%

Where:

n = Number of respondents in a single gender classification

T = Total number of respondents including all the gender

classification
2) Mean() = F(X1 + X2 + …… Xn) / n

Where:

F = Frequency that a given X was chosen by the respondents

X = Represents any of the numerical ratings 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

represents, excellent, very good, good, fair, poor

n = Total number of respondents

3)Weighted mean(x) = f(X1 + X2 + …… Xm)n / N

Where:

n = Total numbers of criteria

Where:

T = Computed + Value

Xp = Overall rating for proposed system

Xe = Overall rating for existing system

Np and Ne = Degree of Freedom

4) CBA(Cost Benefit Analysis) P = F / (1 + l) n

P = Present Value

F = Total Savings

l = Bank Interest Rate

n = Number of Years

SYSTEM DESIGN

Analytical Tools

The analytical tools used in conducting the proposed study are the System flowchart, IPO (Input Process
Output) and HIPO (Hierarchical Input-Process-Output), which are precisely discussed in this section for
the development of the system.

System Flowchart.

It is formalized graphic representation of a

program logic sequence, work or manufacturing process, organizing

chart, or similar formalized structure.

IPO or the Input Process Output.

These are the components

or elements that make up the system. It is also described as tools on

the design of the entire software.

HIPO or Hierarchical Input-Process-Output.

A high-level view
of the functions performed by a system as its functions and software

implementation.

Data Flow Diagram.

This is a graphic illustration that shows the

flow of data and logic within the system.

Context Diagram.

This is an overview of the organizational

system that shows the system boundary, external entities that interact with the system, and the major
information flows between the entities and the system.

Methods Used in Developing the Software

At this point, the work of the system analyst will be tested to its fullest ability. This is the part where the
system analyst must be able to determine and explain the methods that will be used throughout the
entire project. Software Development is a tedious task not only for the programmer but also for the
system analyst, because they will decide on the type, size and creativeness of the system. At this
juncture, the methods used in developing the software must be explained and defined. The following
are the system development methods, namely, software planning, software analysis, software design,
software testing and software implementation.

Software Planning.

This software development method

designates a plan in which a system analyst must first identify. Identify

meaning, to identify the product goals and requirement of the system.

System analyst must also put into consideration the capabilities of the
programmer before deciding the product itself.

Software Analysis.

It can be considered as the most difficult

phase because in this phase raw materials or information’s must first

examine thoroughly before converting it into a software design.

Software Design.

Design is a visualization of the outcome of a

product but then in software design phase, time is very essential because designing software is not an
overnight job. It takes a long period of time to ensure efficiency, maintainability and reliability if the
software.

Software Testing.

A stage or phase where the proposed system

will be given to a panel of critics and end-users for testing. In this way, the developer can determine the
response of the user whether the system works or not.

Software Implementation.

The phase of the software

development method where software has already been debugged documented and tested. The
objective of the implementation phase is to deliver a completely functioning and documented
information system.

Software Operation and Maintenance.

Maintenance keeps

the system functional at an acceptable level, correct errors and adapts

Methods Used for Product Evaluation

This part consists of the methods used in evaluating the proposed system in terms of accuracy,
efficiency, reliability, speed, portability and user friendliness which lead to the integrity of the proposed
system.

Technical Feasibility.

The proposed system is technically

flexible since computerization of the existing data is possible and the

components needed for the system are widely sold in the market.

Market Feasibility.

The proposed system of the proponents is

market feasible since the respondents will be able to save time in tallying and recording the files of
clients. They will also be able to save time and money by not purchasing a lot of papers for paper works
and documentations.

CBA (Cost Benefit Analysis). This estimates and totals up the

equivalent money value of the benefits and costs to the community about whatever projects to
establish are worthwhile. Evaluating hardware and software, identifying and forecasting cost and
benefits and performing cost benefit analysis are all necessary activities the system analyst must
accomplish in preparing material for the systems proposal.

Operational Feasibility

To determine if the proposed system is operationally feasible to apply or implement. Below are the
given criteria, which serve as a basis to test the proposed system if it really works.
Accuracy.

The ability to be precise and avoid errors and the

correctness or truthfulness of something especially in the

mathematical computation of sales so that the business will not suffer

from any losses.

Efficiency.

The ability to do something well or achieve a desired

result without wasted energy or effort, or the degree to which this

ability is used in the system.

Reliability. The ability to be trusted to do what is expected or

has been promised. The ability to be trusted, to be accurate or correct

to provide result.

Speed.

To reach the maximum or desirable rate of movement or

progress. To be or become fully informed about the latest developments, to accomplish things in a
manner that consumes less time. Speed is the main concern of the proponents so that the proposed
system will be implemented successfully. In using computer based program and the idea of automation,
speed requirement should be satisfied.

User-Friendliness.

Understandable software applications. Easy

access and easy to use Windows based system.

Portability.
The ability to transfer software application to

another computer. The proposed system is hosted online so that users can easily access the system
wherever they are as long as there is internet access.