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STUDENT GOVERNMENT AUTOMATED ELECTION SYSTEM
FOR THE ABRA STATE INSTITUTE OF
SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
RODSON ATLAS BLAZA TENEZA
DYLAN BUYAYO TESTADO
FREDOLIN GALVAN BLASE
MANELYN ANNE TUBAÑA TADEO
MICHAEL BALDERAS NAVARRO
Submitted to the Faculty of the Department of Information Technology Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology
Main Campus, Lagangilang, Abra
In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements
for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MARCH 2012
APPROVAL SHEET
This capstone project with the title “Student Government Automated Election System for the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology,” prepared and submitted by Rodson Atlas B. Teneza, Dylan B.Testado, Fredolin G. Blase, Manelyn Anne T. Tadeo, and Michael B. Navarro, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, is hereby accepted.
JOVANIE B. BORCE, BSCoE
Adviser
MA. NACELI G. BOSE, MAESL
English Critic
JOVENTINO T. TRINIDAD JR., BSIT
Research Coordinator
ALEX T. BISCARRA, MBA
Chairman
CHRISTOPHER JOHN R. LLANDA, MIT
Member
ERNESTO A. ELOISAN, BSE
External Evaluator
PABLO B. BOSE JR., Ed.D.
Member/Statistician
Chairperson, Department of Informationand Communications Technology Date Signed: _________________
Accepted and approved in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
HAMBELINA B. MOLINA, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Sciences and Information Technology
Date Signed: _________________
ABSTRACT
BLASÉ, FREDOLIN G., NAVARRO, MICHAEL B., TADEO, MANELYN ANNE T., TENEZA, RODSON ATLAS B., and TESTADO, DYLANB.” Student Government Automated Election System for Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology” Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology - Main Campus, Lagangilang,Abra, 2802, March 2012. Adviser: Mr. Jovanie B. Borce, BSCoE
This study entitled Student Government Automated Election System for Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology focused on the development of computer-based election system for ASIST. Specifically, it addressed the objectives: to determine the level of adequacy of Information and Communications Technology Resources of the SG of ASIST in terms of hardware, software, peopleware/manpower, and computer network; to determine the status of the existing operations of the manual election system of ASIST in terms of performance, information, economics, control, efficiency, and service and;.to determine the level of usability of the developed election system in terms of efficiency, affect, control, and learnability.
The study used the descriptive and developmental type of research and Rapid Application Development methodology was used in developing the system. There were 42 respondents composed of 12 candidates of the past Student Government election, 20 students, and 12 members of the Board of election canvassers/ faculty members who provided answers to the level of adequacy of ICT resources of ASIST, determined the status of the existing operations of the election system, and evaluated the level of usability of the system. The researchers made use of a checklist based from the thesis of Balagot, Javier, Miranda, and Orejudos (2011) to measure the level of adequacy of ICT resources of ASIST and for the status of the existing operations of the patient information system, Wetherbe’s PIECES framework evaluation questionnaire was used. After the development of the system, the researchers measured the level of usability of the system by administeringthe SUMI questionnaire to the chosen respondents; To quantify the gathered results, the researchers made use of the mean and overall mean as statistical tools for data interpretation. Findings of the study revealed that the ICT resources of ASIST were adequate to adopt the proposed system; The existing operations of the Student Government election of ASIST were all constraint, The Institution needs an automated election system to improve the way of voting and counting of vote.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Fredolin G. Blasé
He was born on October 11, 1988, He was the youngest of Mr.Armando Blase and Mrs.Leticia G. Blase of Presentar, Lagangilang, Abra. He spent his elementary years atPresentar Elementary School and decided to enter Tagodtod National High School. He finished his college years at theAbra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) - Main Campus, Lagangilang, Abrawith the degree Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
Michael B. Navarro
He was born on March 5, 1986 and was the only son of Mrs.Clarita B. Navarro of Laang, Lagangilang, Abra. He was an active student of Holy Cross School during his elementary and high school years. He pursued Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at theAbra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) - Main Campus, Lagangilang, Abra.
Manelyn Anne T.Tadeo
She was born on July 26, 1992 and was the only daughter of Mr.Manolito J. Tadeo and Mrs.Veneranda T. TadeoofNagtupacan, Lagangilang, Abra. She was an active student of Holy Cross School during her elementary and High School years. She finished Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at theAbra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) - Main Campus, Lagangilang, Abra.
Rodson Atlas B. Teneza
He was born on August 18, 1992 and was the youngest of Mr. Rodrigo T. Teneza and Mrs.Nancita B. Teneza of Poblacion,Tayum, Abra. He was an active student ofLagayan Central School andTayum Central School during his elementary years and decided to enter Holy Ghost School where he was a consistent honor student. He took up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at theAbra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) - Main Campus, Lagangilang, Abra.
Dylan B.Testado
He was born on April 24, 1988 and was the youngest of Mr.Emilio Testado and Mrs. Elena B. Testado of Presentar, Lagangilang, Abra. He was an active student of Presentar Elementary School during his elementary years and decided to enter ASIST LaboratorySchool for his Secondary degree. He took up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at theAbra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) - Main Campus, Lagangilang, Abra.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The researchers like to extend their sincere acknowledgment to all the people who helped and inspired them during their study. To their adviser, Mr.JovanieB.Borce, for his unending support and guidance during their research and study, in addition, to his accessibility and willingness to help his students; To their instructors and members of the panel of examiners, namelyDr. Pablo B. Bose Jr., Mr. Ernesto A.Eloisan, Mr.Christopher John R. Llanda, Mr.Joventino T. Trinidad Jr., Mr.JovanieB. Borce, Ms.JanelynA. Ambre, Ms.RobeelynB. Teneza,Mr. Excel Philip B. Guidang, Mr. GiovanniM. Calicdan,Mr. Christopher B. Pilotin, andMr. Alex T. Biscarrafor their advices and suggestions; ToProf. Ma.Naceli G. Bose for patiently checking their manuscript; To their relatives and friends, for the moral support, inspiring words, encouragement and suggestions; Their deepest gratitude to their family for their unflagging love and support all throughout; and Lastly, their thanksgiving to the Almighty Creator, for the infinite blessings and guidance. May His name be exalted, honored and glorified.
DEDICATION
To theAbra State Institute of Sciences and Technology community, To our beloved parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and To all the people who gave their immeasurable love and support in pursuing this academic endeavor.
Fredolin. Michael. Mavie.Rod. Dylan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRELIMINARIES PAGE
LIST OF TABLES
Table
Description
Page
1
Distribution of Respondents
25
2
Adequacy of ICT Resources of the Student Government of ASIST in terms of Hardware
31
3
Adequacy of ICT Resources of the Student Government of ASIST in terms of Software
32
4
Adequacy of ICT Resources of the Student Government of ASIST in terms of Peopleware
33
5
Summary of the Adequacy of ICT Resources of the Student Government of ASIST
35
6
Status of the Existing Operations of the Student Government ElectionsCommittee of ASIST in terms of Performance
36
7
Status of the Existing Operations of the Student Government Elections Committee of ASIST in terms of Information (input)
37
8
Status of the Existing Operations of the Student Government Elections Committee of ASIST in terms of Information (stored data)
37
9
Status of the Existing Operations of the Student Government Elections Committee of ASIST in terms of Information (output)
38
10
Status of the Existing Operations of the Student Government Elections Committee of ASIST in terms of Economy
39
11
Status of the Existing Operations of the Student Government Elections Committee of ASIST in terms of Security
40
12
Status of the Existing Operations of the Student Government Elections Committee of ASIST in terms of Efficiency
41
13
Status of the Existing Operations of the Student Government Elections Committee of ASIST in terms ofService
41
14
Summary of the Status of the Existing Operations of the Student Government Elections Committee of ASIST of the Student Government of ASIST
42
15
Computer Hardware Requirements
44
16
Computer Network Requirements
45
17
Computer Software Requirements
46
18
Level of Usability of the System in terms of Efficiency
60
19
Level of Usability of the System in terms of Affect
62
20
Level of Usability of the System in terms of Control
63
21
Level of Usability of the System in terms of Learnability
65
22
Summary of the Level of Usability of the System
66
LIST OF FIGURE
Figure
Description
Page
1
Research Paradigm
7
2
Rapid Application Development Model
27
3
The Automated Election System Network Layout
46
4
Context Diagram
47
5
Level 0 Diagram
48
6
Use Case Diagram
49
LIST OF PLATES
Plate
Description
Page
1
Log-in Form
50
2
Administrators Main Form
51
3
Candidates Corner Form
52
4
Load Picture Form
52
5
Edit Picture Form
53
6
Voters Corner Form
53
7
Voters List Data Report
54
8
Result Form
55
9
Results Data Report
56
10
Results Data Report for Winners
57
11
Settings Form
57
12
Log-in Form for Voters
58
13
Voting Form
59
LIST OF APPENDICES
Page
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M. Chapter 1
N. INTRODUCTION
O. Situation Analysis
P. In the history of computers, from the abacus to laptop computers, people witnessed an amazing and successful evolution of such great technology. Throughout its history, the benefits thathuman received from it were observed and marked. In doing things, computers are easier to manipulate and more reliable especially in working with different documents. It provides much less errors in working with different office and school productivity tasks. Thereafter, the computer evolved and became the number one tool in information systems and Computer-Based Information Systems (CBIS). Different computer-based systems proliferated like computerized enrolment system for a particular school, automated billing and inventory system for a certain business establishment, and even an automated national election system. Q. The advent of new technology gave rise to easy and hassle-free interaction between and among humans. Whether it is in business, science or whatever task a person takes on, the quality and speed of carrying it out are enhanced with automation. At the core of this is the efficiency of a system that benefits from computerization. Indeed, computers bear a great impact on the work scenario and on people’s lives. All things, which seemed to be impossible to do before, are now becoming workable faster and easier. The automation of tasks R. usually done manually has thus picked up steam. On this day and age, to be technically perceptive is synonymous to dominance in terms of productivity in the workplace, school or home. Workloads are now becoming more bearable and are accomplished faster with minor error.Information processing has never been as fast as today, particularly in communication. The interplay of humans, machines and the procedures to accomplish a specified task has purposely generated many changes in our lives, technical or otherwise. The interaction refers to what is commonly known as information system. Like other systems, IS plays a vital role in any organization for it embodies the totality of the organization. The success or failure of organizational programs is attributed to how well information and communication is processed and managed. (Introduction to Information Technology, 2003) S. As stated in an online article at kidsvotingoh.org retrieved on September 19, 2011, in 2002, in the United States, the Help America Vote Act mandated that one handicapped accessible voting system be provided per polling place, which most jurisdictions have chosen to satisfy with the use of DRE voting machines, some switching entirely over to DRE. In 2004, 28.9% of the registered voters in the United States used some type of direct recording electronic voting system, up from 7.7% in 1996. T. In 1996, after tests conducted on more than 50 municipalities, the Brazilian Electoral Justice has launched their "voting machine." Since 2000, all Brazilian voters are able to use the electronic ballot boxes to choose their candidates. In 2010 presidential election, which had more than 135 million voters, the result was defined 75 minutes after the end of voting. The electronic ballot box is made up of two micro-terminals (one located in the voting cabin and the other with the voting board representative) which are connected by a 5-meter cable. Externally, the micro-terminals have only a numerical keyboard, which does not accept any command executed by the simultaneous pressure of more than one key. In case of power failure, the internal battery provides the energy or it can be connected to an automotive battery. The Brazilian electronic ballot box serves today as a model for other countries. Charles Stewart of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimates that one million more ballots were counted in the 2004 USA presidential election than in 2000 because electronic voting machines detected votes that paper-based machines would have missed. (Electronic Voting, 2011) U. In making a more reliable and more accurate computer-based system usable, highly knowledgeable computer programmers in creating software suitable for what a company or an organization needed. They use different programming languages like Visual Basic, Java, and the like. It is so astonishing to know that with the advancement of technologies to date, simple codes used in different programming languages could create an alternative doer of a manual work. Because of all the combined intellect of all the geniuses in the computer universe, complicated and tiring manual works become simple. That is how the evolution of technology benefits human beings. V. As stated in an online article at neda.gov.ph retrieved on September 19, 2011, the conduct of elections in the Philippines for the past four decades has remained largely unchanged. Philippine elections rely heavily on manual tallying and canvassing of votes thus making them vulnerable to control and manipulation by traditional politicians and those with vested interests. The cost of winning an elective post is highly expensive and the absence of mechanisms to check and limit sources of campaign funds become fertile grounds for corruption and divisiveness. In recent years, initiatives to reform the electoral system included the enactment of the following laws: Republic Act (RA) 8046, establishing a pilot program modernizing the registration and vote counting process in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Party List Law, Fair Elections Act and the Absentee Voting Act. To address the inadequacies and limitations of the electoral process, RA 8436 or the Election Automation Act of 1997, was passed authorizing the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to use automated election system for vote counting and canvassing in the national and local polls. The law provided for the generation of a national computerized voters list, establishment of a voters identification card system and the automation of the vote counting. W. However, sectoral issues still hinder reform efforts in the electoral process. The following have been identified as basic problems afflicting the electoral system: (a) outdated electoral process; (b) failure to implement the electoral modernization law; (c) limited administrative and regulatory capabilities of the COMELEC; (d) ineffective educational/information campaigns on new laws and policies; (e) weak political party system; (f) unaccountable political financing; and (g) defective party list system (GovernanceAssessment, 2003). X. The Philippines, for the first time ever in its history, used an automated election system in the recently concluded May 2010 national elections. It is a new and improved system which aims to output an honest result and reduce the days counted in presenting to the public the final results. Filipinos were not left disappointed, instead were grateful for it was a successful election and goals were at least met. The system really made a big difference in the history of Philippine national elections. Though some machines were found defective during the Election Day, it was still a successful one for the majority of the machines functioned very well. Y. The Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology is an institution which had never experienced yet having a computer-based system in any field of its management. Many activities of the school need a Computer-Based Information System like the Student Government Election. Because of the growing population of the school, the election process gets more different for the election officials as well as the students. Too much time is spent in waiting for the result of the election. In addition, the result is not reliable. Thus, an automated election is helpful for the Student Government. Z. Conceptual Framework
AA. Managing an automated election system requires people, software and hardware to function in concert of the purposeful interaction between these different entities. Some of the major problems encountered, particularly as concerns the election procedure are the following: 1. Too much paper and blackboard works;
2. Time-consuming process in the counting of votes; and
3. Lack of reliability in the election results.
AB. The research paradigm on the next page shows how the researchers come up with the development of a new Student Government Automated Election System for ASIST. AC.
AD.
AE.
AF.
AG.
AH.
AI. Research Paradigm
AJ.
AK.
AL.
AM. Figure 1. Research Paradigm
AN. Statement of Objectives
AO. The study aimed to develop an automated Student Government Election system for theAbra State Institute of Sciences and Technology. AP. Specifically, it aimed to achieve the following:
1) To determine theadequacy of ICT resources of the SG of ASIST in terms of hardware, software, peopleware/manpower, and computer network. 2) To determine thestatus of the existing operations of the Student Government Elections Committeeof ASIST in terms of performance, information, economics, control, efficiency, and service. 3) To determine the Level of Usability of the Developed Election System in terms of efficiency, affect, control, and learnability. AQ. Significance of the Study
AR. This study found meaning and significance to the following: AS. To the ICT Department, that the result of this study contributes to the enrichment of information and communications technology and its allied fields. The study will help formulate new principles, concepts and strategies which could be helpful in designing other information and communication systems. AT. To the aspiring candidates, that the study will ascertain that there would be no errors in the final result. AU. To the students of ASIST,thatthe study will make election easier and would assure a reliable result. AV. To the respective Board of Canvassers, that the automated election system will minimize their paper and board works in the preparation and conduct of the elections until the casting of votes. AW. To other researchers, that they be motivated to develop their own information system for a specific group or organization. This could also serve as a challenge for them to improve this study. AX. Finally, to the researchers, that this stud...