CHAPTER III

RESEARCH AND SOFTWARE DESIGN

This chapter deals with the methods of research used whether itmay be
historical, descriptive, and experimental or a case study. Thetechniques used
under Descriptive Research Method as well as thedata gathering tools and
analytical tools used will be further explainedin this chapter as well as the
methods used in developing the softwareand for evaluation.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Methods of Research Used
The proponents have used the Descriptive Research Methodwherein the
study is focused on present situations. It involves therecording, description,
analysis and the presentation of the presentsystem, composition or processes of
phenomena.
Under the Descriptive Research Method, the technique used isthe Survey
Method, which is otherwise known as normative survey. Theresults and findings
of the study should always be compared with thestandards. With the survey
method, researchers are able to statisticallystudy the specific areas where the
proponents must concentrate.Findings regarding the common practices being
done and the methodswhich are commonly adopted by the employees are
obtained with theuse of the survey method.
RESPONDENTS OF THE STUDY
The respondents of the study include the employees wherein
theproponents prepare a set of carefully prepared and logically
orderedquestions. This respondent focuses on the company’s employees forthey
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 priorityof
concern by using predetermined sets of questions with predefinedranges of
answers so as to avoid any conflicting series of response.
Sampling Design and Technique
Sampling may be defined as measuring a small portion ofsomething and
then making a general statement about the wholething. It enables the study of a
large, heterogeneous population moreeconomic wise, meaning not too costly,
and more realistic and possibleto make. The population to be researched upon is
quite small; hencescientific sampling is implied to each member of the population
sincethe number of population is attainable for sampling. The proponentsdecided
to use the unstructured random sampling technique since thepopulation 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
2
Fair
1
Poor
Table 3.0
Scaling Systems for the Problems Encountered of the
Existing System
Rating Scale
Interpretation
5
Strongly Agree
4
Agree
3
Disagree
2
Strongly Disagree
1
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
Where:

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 arethe System
flowchart, IPO (Input Process Output) and HIPO(Hierarchical Input-Process-
Output), which are precisely discussed inthis 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 interactwith the
system, and the major information flows between the entitiesand the system.
Methods Used in Developing the Software
At this point, the work of the system analyst will be tested to itsfullest
ability. This is the part where the system analyst must be able todetermine and
explain the methods that will be used throughout theentire project. Software
Development is a tedious task not only for theprogrammer but also for the
system analyst, because they will decideon the type, size and creativeness of the
system. At this juncture, themethods used in developing the software must be
explained anddefined. The following are the system development methods,
namely,software planning, software analysis, software design, software
testingand 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.