DEVELOPMENT OF A VOTING ADVICE APPLICATION (VAA) SYSTEM

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A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the College of Computer Studies Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University

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In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Bachelor in Science of Information Technology

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By Legamia, Don Daniel D. Ortanez, Rolly O. Panopio, Charles R.

April 2013

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APPROVAL SHEET This thesis entitled DEVELOPMENT OF A VOTING ADVICE APPLICATION (VAA) SYSTEM, prepared and submitted by Don Daniel D. Legamia, Rolly O. Ortanez and Charles B. Panopio, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, has been examined and found in order and hereby recommended for acceptance and approval for the ORAL EXAMINATION.

BENIGNO P. LEGAMIA, JR. Ph.D Adviser THESIS COMMITTEE

JOEL T. YAMBAO Adviser

JULIETA M. UMALI, MSIT Chairman

ANICIA L. FERRER, MSIT Co-Chairman PANEL OF EXAMINERS Approved by the committee on Oral Examination with a grade of _________ on ____________________, ALZIEN S. MALONZO Chairman

RUBY ROSE N. PUNO Member

HILENE E. HERNANDEZ Member

Accept and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

JULIETA M. UMALI, MSIT Thesis Chairman

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT For the completion of this study, we gratefully acknowledge with utmost gratefulness and earnestness the support, guidance, cooperation and inspiration extended by the ensuing persons:

To Alzien S. Malonzo, Chairman of Panel of Examiners and his members, namely: Ruby Rose N. Puno and Hilene E. Hernandez for their venerated and expert comments that greatly enhanced this study; To Mr. Joel T. Yambao and Dr. Benigno P. Legamia, Jr., our advisers for their untiring supports and guidance;

To Ms. Julieta M. Umali and Ms. Anicia L. Ferrer, Thesis Committee Chairman and co-Chairman, respectively for their valuable pieces of advice and constant encouragement throughout the course of this thesis.

To our dear teachers for imparting their knowledge and great contribution to our intellectual development;

To our parents, Dr. and Mrs. Benigno P. Legamia, Jr,Mr. and Mrs.Rainier C. Panopio, and Mrs.Ronald O. Ortanez, who are always around 24/7 to inspire, pray, understand and encourage us to achieve our goals in life;

Finally, to the Lord Almighty, true God and Redeemer of the World, for his spiritual blessings.

The Proponents:

Legamia, Don Daniel D. Ortanez, Rolly O. Panopio, Charles R.

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ABSTRACT Students are having hard time choosing candidates to vote for during the scheduled annual election of University Student Council (USC) officers. This problem can be attributed to lack of knowledge or information about the candidates personal attributes and platform of government. This prompted the proponents to conduct a technology generated research which aimed to design, develop and implement an online system called Voting Advice Application that will help voters engage in a variety of online political activities, including: acquiring and sharing political information; participating in online discussions of political issues; mobilizing others to vote and participate in offline activities.

In this study, the proponents employed varied means of getting information which include internet surfing and reading of available references in the library. They also gathered data by way of administering survey instruments to selected students across all colleges of the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) to determine the effectiveness and reliability of the existing poll system made use of during the exercise of the annual election of USC officers.

Descriptive method of research was used for this study where data analyzed yielded to the need for designing the Voting Advice Application System which will be of great help for the entire students voting population.

Lastly, the proposed system was developed with the use of Dreamweaver for the web-based part and MySQL for the database. .

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TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS TITLE PAGE APPROVAL SHEET ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ABSTRACT TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES Chapter 1. THE PROBLEM AND REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE............. 1 Introduction .............. 1 1.2 Background of the Study .... 3 4 4 8 . 10 . 11 11 12 . . . . . . . i ii iii iv v viii ix Page

1.3 Review of Related Literature 1.3.1 Foreign Literature 1.3.2 Local Literature 1.4 Conceptual Framework 1.5 Statement of the Problem

1.5.1 General Problem... 1.5.2Specific Problems ....

1.6 Objectives of the Study .........12 1.6.1 1.6.2 General Objective .... 12 Specific Objectives ... 13

1.7 Assumptions .. 13 1.8 Significance of the Study . 1.8.1 1.8.2 1.8.3 1.8.4 Educational Significance . Technological Significance .. Social Significance ... 14 Economic Significance . 14 14 14 15 15

1.9 Scope and Delimitations ..

1.10 Operational Definition of Terms.. 16

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2. METHODOLOGY ... 17 2.1 Type of Research .. 17 2.2 Respondents of the Study . 17 2.3 Sampling Technique and Procedures.18 2.4 Research Instruments .... 18 2.4.1 Questionnaires.18 2.4.2 Internet Research.18 2.4.3 Library Research ...19 2.4.4 Internet Research.19 2.5 Administration of the Instrument .. 19 2.6 Analysis of Data..19 2.7 Methods Used in Developing the System...19 2.7.1 2.7.2 2.7.3 2.7.4 2.7.5 Planning Phase ..19 Analysis Phase.. 20 Design Phase . 20 Implementation Phase . 20 Operation and Support Phase ...20 ... 21

2.8 Methods Used for System Evaluation .. 21 2.8.1 2.8.2 2.8.3 Economic Feasibility Operational Feasibility.. 21 Technical Feasibility .... 21 ..... 26

2.9 Statistical Treatment of Data .... 22 3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Assessment of the Existing System .. 26 3.2 Attitude of the Customers towards the Existing System ...... 30 3.3 Existing System Capability . 3.4 System Improvement Suggestions ... 3.5 Technological Preparedness of the Company ... 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 Problem Statement . Data Requirements .. Transaction Requirements . 30 30 31 31 32 32 32

3.5.4 Requirement Specification.

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4. DESIGN OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM .. 33 4.1 ENTITY-RELATIONSHIP DIAGRAM (ERD) . 33 4.1.1 4.1.2 Initial ERD of the Proposed System .. Final ERD of the Proposed System .. Data Flow Diagram of the Existing System. Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed System.. 33 34

4.2 DATA FLOW DIAGRAM (DFD) . 34 4.2.1 4.2.2 34

4.3 Hardware and Software Specification 4.4 System Architecture 4.5 Prototype Process 4.6 Cost and Benefit Analysis 5. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMEMENDATIONS. 67 5.1 Summary . 67 5.2 Conclusions...... 69 5.3 Recommendations.... 70

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REFERENCES APPENDICES CURRICULUM VITAE

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APPENDICES Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Gantt Chart Letters Organizational Chart Interview Guide Questions Questionnaires Evaluation Form DFD and ERD Symbols User Manual Sample Source Code

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LIST OF TABLES

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LIST OF FIGURES

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Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND A REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE Introduction

Every year, the students of the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) convene to exercise their right to vote for their representatives in the University Students Council (USC). Said organization of students is believed to be a very powerful structure and a potent voice that protects and takes care of the general welfare of studentry. In factuality, elected USC President will automatically occupy one seat in the Board of Regents (BOR) as Student Regent and a member of the University Administrative Council bringing along with him collective issues and concerns that affects his members.

With the critical tasks and responsibilities to be entrusted onto the shoulder of USC officers, a voter must be properly informed of the candidates background, personality and platform of government as basis for making the best choice comes election day.

As a practice, few months before the scheduled election, candidates will be very busy with their usual way of selling themselves to the electorates. Campaigning is a critical component of any type of election, be it school poll or higher level political elections where the candidates attempt to win the hearts or alter the decisions of the students so they will be supported and consequently gets higher polls and wins elections.

Campaigning comes in varied forms and styles depending on the available resources of the candidates, like financial, manpower, political machinery and connections, among others. It can be through the use of expensive mass media like the TV or radio advertisement, broadsheets, cable TV, and the like. Others use tarpaulins, streamers, flyers, stickers, and other low-cost personalized items bearing their pictures and names.

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Nevertheless with the present technologies at hand, considered most popular medium for campaigning activities is the use of cell phones and the Internet. Through the existing Web applications, individuals are able to engage in a variety of online political activities, including acquiring and sharing political information, participating in online discussions of political issues, mobilizing others to vote wisely, participating in offline activities, as well as donating to political campaigns and organizations.

Students, regardless of age and levels, are very much inclined in online system to get information about any topic of their interest. One hundred percent of DHVTSU students are believed to be computer literates and enjoy the benefits of internet services to facilitate their research undertakings and getting closer and updated with other people and friends around the world and become apprised on the trends and issues affecting their lives, their families and the country as well. Therefore, introduction of an online system called Voting Advice Application will definitely be acceptable to them and eventually help them become actively involved in the university electoral process.

The Voting Advice Application System to be introduced will match the voter to the party or candidate based on his answered questions on preferred candidates platform of government. Voting advice will then appear consisting of a list of candidates whose platform closely match the voters choice. This system will undoubtedly create new and better alternative way of holding and managing electoral process that will benefit the entire students of DHVTSU.

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1.2 Background of the Study The use of internet greatly influenced the learning and lifestyles of peoples from all walks of life, most especially the students, around the world. It spurred economic growth through the use of e-commerce, it improves communication system making one closer to the whole world, enhanced instruction through uploaded scholarly research papers, and supplemented the limited books and other reference materials available in the university library making it lighter for students to do research works, among others.

Taking advantage of this popular online technology among the students of DHVTSU, development and introduction of a localized system of Voting Advice Application will be a welcome treat for them and for the university as well, particularly the Office of Students Affairs (OSA) being responsible for conducting, managing and supervising electoral process during the annual election of students council members.

At present, the existing electoral system is still wanting for more effective method that will make the entire studentry actively involved in the election process especially in gaining information about the candidates blueprint of government as basis for choosing the most qualified leaders. Traditional system of campaigning is still being used by the candidates, like conducting classroom presentation of selves and plans, distributing cheap flyers and posting campaign posters in conspicuous or strategic areas within the university campus. These strategies are found not so effective since limited time and opportunity are given to voters for them to know the candidates well. This often results to uneducated voting where candidates belonging to a bigger college win the political race over the most qualified who failed to sell himself and his vision for the students due to limited time and strategies.

The Voting Advice Application will address this problem. This online tool or system will help voters gain political information and make decisions. It will influence the way voters think about politics and their electoral choice. It will be of great help for the OSA to ensure higher level and more educated involvement of students in the university electoral process.

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1.3 Related Literature This part contains reviewed related literature which provide the researchers with a theoretical background of information on what is already known on the area of interest and what still needs to be done for the research undertaking.

1.3.1 Foreign Literature Research about Voting Advice Application (VAA) focused on the effects of this tool on voting behavior resorts to general debates and trends within electoral studies. The erosion of traditional social cleavages and the resulting weakening of long-established partisan alignments have resulted in a progressive individualization of vote choices implying an increased likelihood to cast a vote based primarily on issue preferences. Indeed, previous VAA research has found that a significant proportion of VAA users are motivated to go to the elections and willing to move their vote in accordance with the advice obtained (Ladner et al., 2010; Marschall and Schmidt, 2010; Ruusuvirta and Rosema, 2009; Walgrave et al., 2008). However, the findings presented in these studies diverge dramatically in their estimates of the importance of VAAs to users.

The significant differences in the findings regarding VAA effects on voter turnout and electoral choice might be based on the respective political context in which the VAAs were applied, but could also be explained by the fact that the empirical VAA research so far has not followed common standards. A lack of standardization in the field to date means that the items used to elicit estimates of VAAs influence vary substantially across national case studies. As a result, estimates of percentages of users who feel that their participation in the election as well as their eventual decision was influenced by their visit to a VAA range from a low of 1 percent in the Belgian case to a high of 67 percent in the Swiss case ( Cedroni and Garzia, 2010). A further complication stems from the inherent endogeneity within users subjective evaluations of the influence exerted by VAA-usage. The great majority of these studies rely on post-test questionnaires administered to users right after playing the

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test. Modeling VAA effects based on these sources, however, can lead to severe biases in terms of estimated individual level effects. The individuals of these samples have not only self-selected themselves to becoming VAA users but they have also deliberately decided to take part in the post-test survey. As a result, chances are that they might end up with a sample of highly enthusiastic and convinced VAA users who report different effects of the tool on their electoral behavior than if they had the chance to survey a representative sample of voters using VAAs.

Being subject to a heavy self-selection bias, this kind of data can overestimate to a substantial extent the actual effect exerted by VAA-usage on the participation in elections and the voting decision. As Walgrave et al. (2008) demonstrated, the reported intention in post-test surveys to change vote choice in accordance with the VAA does not always match with actual changes in voting behavior.

Voting Advice Applications have turned into a widespread feature of electoral campaigns in Europe, attracting a growing interest from citizens. VAAs help users casting a vote by comparing their policy preferences on major issues with the programmatic stands of political parties or candidates on these policies. The mechanism employed is rather straightforward: the respondents fill in a web-questionnaire marking their position on a range of policies; after comparing the users profile with that of each party, the application produces a result in the form of a rank-ordered list, at the top of which stands the party/candidate closest to the users policy preferences.

According to Walgrave et al. (2008), in 2007 there was (at least) one Voting Advice Application running in 15 countries out of the 22 they surveyed. In some countries, VAAs have developed into outstandingly popular tools. As far as data were provided bythe organizations offering VAAs, the Dutch Stemwijzer in the national elections of 2006 can be considered the most successful implementation of a VAA so far, which taken by the numbers of its usages (e.g., 4.7 million) might have reached about 38 per cent of the Dutch electorate (de Graaf, 2010). In absolute numbers, the German Wahl-O-

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Mat Implementen before the federal election in 2009 has been used by the largest number of users ever: 6.7 million (Marschall and Schmidt, 2010).

VAAs have not only been deployed on the national level. Before the European elections of 2009, supranational VAAs had been launched the most prominent one under the auspices of the EUI-based European Union Democracy Observatory (EUDO). In only six weeks, the EU Profiler was able to attract more than 2.5 million users from all around the continent (Breuer, 2010). The second transnational VAA for the European elections, the VoteMatch EU was produced by a consortium of organizations that offers VAAs on a national level. As they have been established in many countries and as they are used so intensively by the voters VAAs have started to constitute a relevant field of social science research. Early studies have primarily concentrated on the characteristics of the users (Boogers and Voerman, 2003; Hooghe and Teepe, 2007; Wall et al., 2009). With the growing number of voters resorting to these tools during election times, a progressive interest has arisen with respect to the consistency and reliability of the voting advice provided by these applications. This stream of VAA-research has resulted 3 in a number of articles dealing with methodological issues such as the process of statement selection (Walgrave et al., 2009) and the way in which parties positions on the vario us statements are or should be established (Trechsel and Mair, 2011). More recently, the impressive numbers of users visiting VAA-websites during election campaigns have led a group of political scientist to research effects of these tools also on users electoral behavior.

In another paper, Ruusuvra and Rosema (2008) reported that some researchers investigated how voters are matched to parties by online voting advice applications (VAAs). The first such websites, which provide voting advice by matching user-entered policy views with parties positions, were developed in Finland and the Netherlands in the mid-1990s, and the concept has since spread to most European countries as well as the USA and Canada. VAAs now have millions of users in many countries. For example, nearly 40 per cent of the electorate in the Netherlands and Finland used at least one VAA

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in the run up to the parliamentary elections in 2006 and 2007, respectively. High user figures have also been reported in Germany, Belgium and Switzerland (Germany: 6.7 million VAA recommendations or 11 per cent of the electorate in 2009; Bundeszentrale fur politische Bildung, 2009; Belgium: a million users or 13 per cent of the electorate in 2004; Walgrave et al., 2008; Switzerland: over a million users or 21 per cent of the electorate in 2007; Ladner et al., 2008: 4). VAAs are clearly not just another passing internet gimmick.

According to Barnes (1997), voting advice applications may also have important political consequences such as considered against a backdrop of declining party loyalty and cleavage-based voting and an increase of issue voting. It could even potentially affect the electoral decision making of many citizens. For example, they have become the most important source of election information for young voters in Finland (Strandberg, 2009: 78-83), while a large proportion of website users say that the VAAs help them to decide how to vote ( Marschall, 2005: 45; Fivaz and Schwarz, 2007, & Bengtsson and Grnlund, 2005: 249).

VAAs may also persuade a small number of voters to change their candidate or party choice. In the 2005 German federal elections, six per cent of Wahl-O-Mat users surveyed said that they will change their vote choice as a result of VAA use (Marschall, 2005: 45) whereas the equivalent effect was approximately ten per cent in the 2006 Dutch elections (Kleinnijenhuis and van Hoof, 2008: 8). In the 2007 Finnish parliamentary elections, the conversion rate was just three per cent, but a surprisingly high 15 per cent of the surveyed VAA users said that they did not have a favorite candidate and voted for the candidate suggested by a VAA (Mykknen et al., 2007: 5). While such self-reported assessments of VAA influence are of course of uncertain validity, VAAs are clearly exceedingly popular online tools to help voters gain political information and make decisions. As such, they may have a non-trivial impact on voting behavior. This means that it is important to understand what kinds of recommendations VAAs give. Taking a VAA test may influence the way voters think about politics and their electoral choice. There are thus democratic implications to the design of VAAs like what notion of

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democracy do they represent, and what kind of voting do they encourage? In this paper, the researchers examined the model of voting that underlies these online applications. Specifically, they consider when they treat the preferences entered by voters as matching those of parties. By understanding what VAAs treat as voter-party congruence, they also clarify which model of voter representation underlies these applications. In doing so, they concentrate on proximity, directional, salience and valence models of vote choice. They found out that VAAs reflect a view of party competition and voting that is largely based on issue-based proximity models. This means that parties are seen as congruent with voters if their ideological distance to each other is low, so voter representation is along the lines suggested by the responsible party model (APSA, 1950). Having established

the dominant model of voting encoded in VAAs, the researchers investigated whether the actual recommendations given were in fact follow the proximity logic as well.

Specifically, they analyzed 13 VAAs from Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland and compare party positions extracted from these applications with expert survey and manifesto data. They found that in general terms VAAs reflect party positions well, but that accuracy depends on the number of questions asked. This means that party-voter matches on secondary issues, which are represented by fewer VAA questions, are less exact. While Finnish researchers have used candidate preferences recorded in VAAs to study the ideology of MPs and voter-representative congruence (Paloheimo et al., 2005; Kestil-Kekkonen and Wass, 2008; Reunanen and Suhonen, 2009), the paper presents the first cross-national attempt to systematically study how voting advice applications match voters to parties.

1.3.2 Local Literature In spite of the popularity of the system in other countries, the Philippines have not yet delve on exploring VAA as a modality to improve the electoral process. This is manifested by nil researches or studies conducted and published locally.

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Synthesis This review highlighted essential findings related to the study at hand. It brought into focus experiences of the Voting Advice Applications System users as well as their lessons learned in adopting the system. As revealed in previous research works

conducted about VAA, significant proportion of users are motivated to participate in elections manifested by their willingness to cast their votes in accordance with the advice obtained. Related study showed significant differences in VAA effects on voter turnout and electoral choice that might be based on the respective political context in which the system was applied, but could also be explained by the fact that the empirical VAA research so far has not followed common standards. A lack of standardization in the field to date means that the items used to elicit estimates of VAAs influence vary substantially across national case studies (Cedroni and Garzia, 2010).

Likewise, majority of published studies rely on post-test questionnaires administered to users right after playing the test. Modeling VAA effects based on these sources, however, can lead to severe biases in terms of estimated individual level effects. This kind of data can overestimate to a substantial extent the actual effect exerted by VAA-usage on the participation in elections and the voting decision. As Walgrave et al. (2008) demonstrated, the reported intention in post-test surveys to change vote choice in accordance with the VAA does not always match with actual changes in voting behavior. Finally, considering the essence of the reviewed related literatures and studies by foreign researchers and the dearth of locally conducted study about VAA system, it only shows that there is a need to pursue this study.

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1.4 Conceptual Framework

INPUT CANDIDATES
Personal Information Platform of government. Comments on the existing system of USC election Recommendatio n to improve the system VOTERS Personal Information List of expected platforms of the candidates Preferred traits of candidates Comments of the existing system of USC election Recommendatio n to improve the system

PROCESS
Survey Interview Research works/thesis of related studies Design the desired system Develop the proposed system Testing the system Implementation

OUTPUT

Voting Advice Application System

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Figure 1.1 Paradigm of the Study

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Figure 1.1 shows the process how the study was conceptualized and made into reality following the Input-Process-Output format. The proponents gathered all

pertinent data through administration of survey instruments, conduct of interview with selected USC officers and OSA personnel. Moreover, the proponents undertook library and online research works to identify books, reference materials and theses which are related to the study. After which, the proponents designed and then

developed the desired system. The study concluded by subjecting the developed system to a series of testing. Each stage of the study was subjected to close

monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the system is perfect and functional. 1.5 Statement of the Problem This section shows the different problems that the student-voters of DHVTSU are experiencing following the existing electoral process.

1.5.1 General Problem Voters are having difficulty identifying and choosing the right candidate or party to vote for during the annual USC election. They are not given enough information about the characteristics of the candidates and to clarify their plans or promises (platform of government) for the studentry due to limited time and poor campaign strategies.

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1.5.2 Specific Problem This section describes the specific problems experienced by the students-voters and candidates during the conduct of annual USC election.

1. Not all candidates are confident in introducing themselves and presenting their platform of government before a group of students or crowd thereby limiting their chance of encouraging more votes from the, 2. Candidates have limited budget to enhance their campaign strategies like printing of flyers, tarpaulins, streamers: 3. Voters have insufficient information about the candidates making it hard for them to make the right decision when they cast their votes; 4. Candidates belonging to a bigger unit or college have the advantage of winning the political race compared to the smaller ones because of familiarity.

1.6 Objectives of the Study The section presents the objectives of the study that will respond to the problems encountered viz-a-viz electoral exercise in DHVTSUs annual election of USC officers.

1.6.1 General Objective The main objectives of this study is to introduce to DHVTSU an online system called Voting Advice Application that will help voters engage in a variety of online political activities, including: acquiring and sharing political information; participating in online discussions of political issues; mobilizing others to vote and participate in offline activities and will help reduce, if not totally eliminate, confusion of voters in choosing the most qualified candidate for the University Student Council.

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1.6.2 Specific Objective This section states the proponents detailed objectives in this study. These specific objectives are the solutions for the aforementioned specific problems, as follows:

1. To develop an online Voting Advice Application (VAA) System that can provide opportunity for voters to gain information about the candidates

platform of government in order to come up with the right choice during the USC election of officers. 2. To create a system where candidates will be treated fairly by the electorate as they will be voted based on their platform of government and not by popularity. 3. To introduce to the university, through the OSA, an online system of voting advice application which require lesser cost but with significant benefits for the USC and the university.

1.7 Assumptions This section states the assumptions of the study for the proposed system, the Voting Advice Application System.

1. The proposed system will provide opportunity to identify deserving candidates by answering set of questions online to be formulated by the Systems

Administrator concerning their preferred platform and getting them introduced to the candidates/party whose platform closely match with their preference or choice sent through the voting advice.

2. The proposed system will reduce, if not totally eliminate, the problem on voting based on popularity and not on the merit of the candidates platform of government.

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3. Electorate will be more motivated to participate in the electoral processby casting their intelligent vote in accordance to the advice obtained.

1.8 Significance of the Study This section states the significance of the study viz-a-viz educational, technological, economic and social aspects.

1.8.1 Educational Significance This study contains information on how to develop a Voting Advice Application System that can be used by other researchers as reference in designing and developing related system. Further, other researchers who wish to modify or enhance this system may approach the proponents to be oriented and learn from their experiences while undertaking the various phases of the project. 14

1.8.2 Technological Significance This study used the Web-based system which is considered very relevant component of information technology. It can be used as a benchmark for other universities who are desirous to adopt online VAA system to keep their students informed of the personal attributes and platform of their candidates to any students organizations that can make electoral process and political exercise successful with assured high level of voters participation.

1.8.3 Economic Significance This study can reduce expenses incurred during the conduct of annual election of USC officers for they need not resort to expensive campaign activities and strategies. Through online campaign, they will be able to introduce themselves and their platforms to the voting public who are all internet users and lovers.

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The proponents and the university can benefit from this study should other schools or organizations signify interest to adopt the system.

1.8.4 Social Significance This study provides opportunity to the electorate to actively involved in the electoral process by voting the most qualified candidates. Success in the implementation of the Voting Advice Application System can even be recognized and adopted or improved by concerned government entity as part of their voters education program. 15 1.9Scope and Limitation The study was conducted within the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University. A total of 388 students randomly selected from the different colleges

served as respondents to the administered survey questionnaires. Selected USC leaders and OSA personnel were likewise interviewed to determine the existing system and their experiences in holding USC election of officers.

The study is focused on the design, development, and testing of online VAA system which can address the problem on voters unfamiliarity with the candidates and their platforms frequently encountered during the USC annual election of officers.

1.10 Operational Definitions of Terms This section contains the operational terms and definition that have been used in this study. Common terms used are the following:

Advice. An opinion or recommendation offered as a guide to action, conduct, etc. http://www.freedictionary.com

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Candidates. A person seeking or nominated for election to a position of authority or honour or selection for a job, promotion, etc. http://www.freedictionary.com

Election. Is a formal decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office. http://www.freedictionary.com

Electorate. One who has the right to vote. http://www.freedictionary.com

Internet. The worldwide system of linked computer network. http://www.freedictionary.com 16 Platforms. A formal declaration of the principles on which a group, such as a political party, makes its appeal to the public. http://www.freedictionary.com

Voting. To express one's preference for a candidate or for a proposed resolution of an issue. http://www.freedictionary.com

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Chapter 2 METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the different methods used in developing and evaluating the system. It also presents the sampling techniques that the proponents used in choosing the respondents and the different research instruments that have been used in gathering data as well as its statistical treatment.

2.1 Type of Research Descriptive Method of research was appropriately employed in completing this study. This method is a general procedure that describes the nature of the situation as it exists at the time of the study and explores the course of the particular phenomena.

2.1 Respondents of the Study The main respondents for this study are selected students and personnel of DHVTSU who are directly involved in the conduct of the annual USC election of officers. The proponents conducted a survey by means of administering printed questionnaires which have been distributed to a total of 388 respondents. Respondents of the study were chosen following the Slovens formula:

Where: n = sample size N = Population Size E = margin of error

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By using the formula, the proponents got 388 respondents from the DHVTSU students population of 13,323 using 5% or 0.05 error tolerances.

n= 13323/ (1+13323*0.05*0.05) n=13323/(1+13323*.0025) n=13323/34.31 n= 388

2.3 Sampling Technique and Procedures

The proponents used random sampling technique in choosing the respondents and gathering information, thus the chance of being chosen as a respondent is reasonable. The proponents chose the respondents randomly based from the total number of students.

2.4 Research Instruments

This section of the study shows the different research instruments used to gather and collect needed data.

2.1.1 Questionnaire The proponents formulated some questions to acquire statistical and relevant information.. Answers were utilized by the Systems Administrator in determining the inputs to be considered in the systems developed.

2.1.2 Interview The proponents conducted an interview to acquire information and suggestion for the development of proposed system from the respondents. Through this instrument, the proponents were given the opportunity to discuss with selected respondents their experiences and lessons learned about the present election system.

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2.1.3 Library Research It involves collecting and reading related books available in the library as references in establishing the theoretical framework and justification for the pursuance of the study

2.1.4 Internet Research It involves surfing the internet for related scholarly works about VAA system.

2.5 Administration of the Instrument

Survey questionnaires were pre-tested to 10 respondents (not included in the total sample) to determine the validity and reliability of the instruments. After which, the instruments were administered to the 388 student-respondents who were randomly selected. The proponents asked the students to answer the given questionnaires with honesty and with assured confidentiality.

2.6 Analysis of Data Data collected from the respondents were analyzed using simple statistical tool.

2.7 Methods Used in Developing the System

This section shows the methodology cycle from the system development up to the systems operation and maintenance. The proponents used the concept methodology cycle also known as Systems development Life Cycle (SDLC) to describe the activities and functions used within the system.

2.7.1 Planning Phase

Planning phase includes the process of establishing the need for developing the system. It covers the analysis of the present system of election of USC officers through various strategies which include interview of people directly involved in the process and

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administering survey instruments. Related studies were then identified to determine available references as basis in developing conceptual framework of the system. The proponents jointly planned their activities well by building time table of specific activities to be undertaken.

2.7.2Analysis Phase

This phase covers critical analysis of the problems encountered by the voters. Through the data gathered from respondents and other co-operators (i.e OSA personnel and USC officers), the proponents come-up with their conclusions and possible actions to address the problems.

2.7.3 Design Phase

This phase covers the conceptualization of the design of the proposed system with all its features and documented detailed system of operation. This was realized through the application of the inputs, processes and outputs (IPO) framework.

2.7.4 Implementation Phase

After the completion of the design, the proponents started working on the development of the VAA system followed by a series of testing to determine its functionality and workability. Possible weaknesses and faults that occurred inside the system were determined and acted upon by the proponents.

2.7.5 Operation and Support Phase

This phase represent the actual operation of the system. The proponents uploaded the system in the internet and tested to selected users. Problems encountered were properly documented and used as basis for corrective measures. This includes correction, additions, and movements to a different computing platform, among others. The

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proponents made sure that the developed system had continuous improvement entertaining objective comments and suggestions of the users/voters.

2.8 Methods Used for System Evaluation

This section shows the methodology used in the evaluation of the system together with the feasibility of the different aspects, to wit:

2.8.1 Economic Feasibility The economic feasibility covers the budgetary requirements composed of breakdown of all expenses incurred in the developed system as well as the computed return-on-investment (ROI) or benefits which can be derived from it. This analysis is similar with those technology-generated research projects which directly contribute to economic development of the university, in particular and the country, in general.

2.8.2 Operational Feasibility

The operational feasibility determines the functionality and efficiency of the system developed. It is the process where the proponents studied whether the system operate properly without faults and errors before its full implementation.

2.8.3 Technical Feasibility This includes in-depth study on the technical aspects of the system ensuring that all systems work or functions based on the design that was developed by the proponents. This likewise include application of technical expertise of the proponents in employing corrective measures concerning faults and errors encountered during the testing and implementation of the system.

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2.9 Statistical Treatment of Data

This section of the study refers to the statistical computation and analysis of data gathered from the respondents of the administered survey questionnaires.

2.9.1 Statistical Procedures After retrieving the questionnaires, the proponents performed statistical analysis to come up with the best interpretation Weighted mean was used to determine the degree of importance of the items being analyzed following the formula, as follows: Weighted Mean Where: WM = Weighted Mean

WM =

WV = Weighted Value = Symbol for the summation process N = Number of Respondents

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1.

In assessing the effectiveness of the Existing System for the election of

USC officers, the following rating scales with corresponding value were used:

Rating Scale Outstanding Very Satisfied Satisfied Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied

Point Values 5 4 3 2 1 23

To get the overall assessment of existing system in terms of its effectiveness, weighted mean was computed, and the following conversion table was used:

Weighted Mean 4.51 5.00 3.51 - 4.50 2.51-3.50 1.50 2.50 1.00 1.50

Descriptive Rating Very Effective Effective Uncertain Ineffective Very Ineffective

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2. In assessing the reliability of the Existing System election of the USC officers, the following rating scales with corresponding values were used:

Rating Scale Outstanding Very Satisfied Satisfied Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied

Point Values 5 4 3 2 1

To get the overall assessment terms of the reliability of the existing system, weighted mean was computed and the following conversion table used:

24 Weighted Mean 4.51 5.00 3.51 - 4.50 2.51-3.50 1.50 2.50 1.00 1.50 Descriptive Rating Outstanding Very Reliable Reliable Unreliable Very Unreliable

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3.

In assessing on how helpful is the existing system for the election of USC

officers to the end user, the following rating scales with corresponding values were used: Rating Scale Outstanding Very Satisfied Satisfied Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied Point Values 5 4 3 2 1

To get the overall assessment on how helpful is the existing system to the end users, weighted mean was computed and the following conversion table used: Weighted Mean 4.51 5.00 3.51 - 4.50 2.51-3.50 1.50 2.50 1.00 1.50 Descriptive Rating Very Satisfied Satisfied Uncertain Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied

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Chapter 3 RESULT AND DISCUSSION This chapter presents the analysis and interpretation of data gathered consistent with the statement of the problem for this study. The result is presented using the tabular and textual presentations.

The proponents administered survey instruments and conducted interview to selected students, incumbent USC officers and OSA personnel of the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University to determine the effectiveness, reliability and helpfulness of the existing system for USC election of officers.

The respondents of the study are composed of three hundred eighty-eight (388) students-voters from different colleges of the university selected through random sampling method using the slovens formula.

3.1 Assessment of the Existing System for the Election of USC Officers

The table presented below shows the result of survey and opinions of the respondents on how efficient the existing system for election of USC Officers is.

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Table 3.1.1 Assessment on the Effectiveness of the Existing System for the Election of USC Officers

Aspects

5 (O)

4 (VS) 0

3 (S) 0

2 (U) 180

1 (VU) 201

WV

WM

DR

a. In giving information about the candidate. b. In giving information about the election.

388 1.54

Ineffecti ve

(35) 7

(0) 0

(0) 0

(360) 94

(201) 287

(596) 388 1.31 Very Ineffecti ve

(35)

(0)

(0)

(188)

(287)

(510)

c. In giving information about who are the candidates in a certain position.

110

271

388

Very Ineffecti 1.40 ve

(35)

(0)

(0)

(220)

(271)

(526)

Average Weighted Mean=1.42 Very Ineffective Table 3.1.1 shows the frequency distribution, weighted mean and the descriptive rating of the assessment of the respondents on the effectiveness of the existing system. With the computed average weighted mean of 1.42, it can be deduced that the respondents found the existing system for the election of USC officers very ineffective. It means that the existing system failed to provide the voters with vital information about the candidates, about the election itself and the candidates for certain positions. This somehow affect the result of the election where wrong candidates were elected as leaders. 27

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Table 3.1.2 Assessment on the Reliability of the Existing System for the Election of USC Officers

Aspects

5 (O)

4 (VS)

3 (S)

2 (U)

1 (VU)

WV

WM

DR

a. In giving a correct information b. In giving non-bias advice c. In being available if needed

147

234

388 2.43

Unreliable

(35) 7

() 0

(441) 0

(468) 186

() 195

(944) 388 1.60 Unreliable

(35) 7

() 0

() 3

(372) 154

(195) 224

(602) 388 1.50 Very Unreliable

(35)

()

(9)

(308)

(224)

(567)

Average Weighted Mean=1.84 Unreliable

Table 3.1.2 shows the frequency distribution, weighted mean and the descriptive rating of the respondents on the reliability of the existing system for election of USC Officers. Based on the computed average weighted mean of 1.84 , it bears out the unreliability of the existing system as perceived by the respondents. Apparently, the existing system failed to give correct information about the election as well as present non-bias advice to concerned individuals and availability was not felt when needed. This would mean that the respondents consider these aspects as crucial in determining the reliability of any election system.

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Table 3.1.3 Assessment on the Helpfulness of the Existing System for the Election for USC Officers

Aspects

5 (O)

4 (VS)

3 (S)

2 (U)

1 (VU)

WV

WM

DR

a. by providing information about the candidate b. In giving non-bias advice c. In being available if needed

388

Unreliable

(35) 7

() 0

() 0

()

()

() 388 Unreliable

(35) 7

() 0

()

()

()

() 388 Very Unreliable

(35)

()

()

()

()

()

Average Weighted Mean=1.84 Unreliable

Table 3.1.3 shows the frequency distribution, weighted mean and the descriptive rating of the respondents on how the existing system helps the voters during the election of USC officers.. With an average weighted mean of 1.84, it turned out that the existing system is unreliable. As can be gleaned from the result, the respondents found the existing system not reliable giving correct information about the election as well as presenting non-bias advice to concerned individuals and making the system available when the need it. In the same vein, these aspects are regarded vital yardsticks by respondents determining the helpfulness of any election system to the end-users. 3.2 Attitude of the respondents towards the Existing System in

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The existing system was claimed by

the majority of respondents as very

traditional which are not appreciated by them. As some averred, .. the campaign system of candidates was too elementary (basic). Another one declared that the entire system is actually a waste of time and money. Flyers, Posters, and even Online ads especially in social networking sites dont work much with some of the respondents. One even claimed, sometimes Im annoyed with those political gimmicks by the candidates which do not show what their plans are for us students. This comments only shows negative attitude among selected

respondents who are desirous of some innovative reforms on the existing election system in DHVTSU. 3.3Existing System Capability The existing system apparently lack the capability to encourage higher level of voters participation in the electoral process. The annual election of USC officers which should have been treated by students as critical as they will be electing their leaders who will serve as their representatives in negotiating with the school management on matters of their interests are observed to be a futile exercise as some students voted only for compliance or for fun. One respondents shared his experience last election day. He said, I casted my vote in favor of (???) because he is the only one I know. Why should I vote for others coming from another department. Others might think that we are not united in our college!. It goes without saying that for others, election is a mere competition among departments of the university. 3.4 System Improvement Suggestion The present system of election has to be evaluated and if needed be revised to make it more functional. More effort must be exerted in the campaign process where voters will have more opportunity to know the candidates and appreciate their platforms of government which they will use as basis in making wise election. As one respondent observed, ..for as long as you are handsome, you are likely to win. You must have face value to win the race even if you dont have leadership ability.

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As suggested by the respondents, a more effective system should be developed in order to ensure reliable election result where those voted as officers are truly qualified and service-oriented. As much as possible, they suggested online system of electoral campaign be developed in as much as the university is technological in nature. 3.5 Technological Preparedness As its vision, DHVTSU aims to become the premier technological state university. As such, the officers must focus more on the installation of needed systems in the operation of its various units and programs. One best way is to encourage all students of technological courses, like the B.S. in Information Technology, to design and develop new or modified system that will be of great importance and will provide greater benefits to the university. Development of online system for election of USC Officers can be undertaken by the students who were trained in programming activities by able professors of the university. 3.6Requirements Specifications

Models of the system to be developed make up an integral part of every requirement specifications. It provides a substantiated basis for the development of these models. Unfortunately, there is no universal specification of requirements. Rather, the choice and level of detail of models depend on various factors.

3.6.1 Problem Statement 1. Not all candidates have their advertising strategy that is why voters dont have much information about that candidate and this may lessen their option in choosing the candidate that matches their political policies. 2. Since not all of the voters getting enough information about the candidates/parties. Voters are having a hard time to choose their candidate.

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3. Voters need some advice or suggestions for the reason of having more than the required candidates/parties to vote for. 4. Having negative impact on electoral turnout. It is because that some of the voters voted the candidate that didnt even match their political policies.

3.6.2 Data Statement

Administrator profile is needed upon registration for new account, where the profile may consist of full name, address, gender, email, username, password and the authentication code from the head of election committee.

3.6.3 Transaction Requirements

Transaction requirement is the last step to be considered in the requirements specification. The main transaction required by this system as suggested by the respondents and as being approved upon by the proponents.

The main transaction required by this system as suggested by respondents and as being observed by the proponents includes:

1. Anyone who is connected to the internet can use the Voting Application. 2. Having a more appealing graphical design 3. The proposed system will give a ranked list of candidate that will be based according to the voters political policies.

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Chapter 4 DESIGN OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM This chapter uses graphical techniques through diagrams like Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) and Data Flow Diagram (DFD) which shows the logical model and the flow of the existing system and the proposed system. The diagrams are used to tell or describe what the system does or the transactions it undergoes and the entities involve.

4.1 Entity- Relationship Diagram (ERD)

4.1.1 Initial Entity-Relationship Diagram of the Proposed System

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4.1.2 Final Entity Relationship Diagram 4.2 Data Flow Diagram 4.2.1 Data Flow Diagram of the Existing System

4.2.1.1 Context Diagram of the Existing System

4.2.1.1 Diagram 0 of the Existing System

4.2.2 Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed System

Figure 4.2.2.1 Context Diagram of the Proposed System

Figure 4.2.2.2 Diagram 0 of the Proposed System

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4.3 Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed System

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4.3 Hardware and Software Specification Table 4.3.1 Hardware and Software Specification

HARDWARE SPECIFICATION

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION

Processor: Intel Pentium/Celeron/AMD at least 5Mhz

Any internet browser. Internet Connection

Memory: 128MB RAM or higher Graphic Card: 32MB or Higher OS: Windows 98 or Higher

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4.4 System Architecture

The system architecture shows the figure of the server client connection where in the database resides in the web browser as shown in figure 7. All the datas from the client are in the database which is the web-server. The server has a greater security control than the client. It also performs better control access to guarantee that the client with the appropriate permissions may access the admin. And the client must have an internet connection to access the proposed system.

Internet

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4.5 Prototype Process

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Figure 4.5.1 Homepage and Login This is the Homepage and Login page of the system where the administrator can log in their username and password.

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Figure 4.5.2 User Registration

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Figure 4.5.3 User Datagrid This page shows the user datagrid where the admin can manage the user account.

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Figure 4.5.4 Candidate Registration

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Figure 4.5.5 Administrator Portal

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Figure 4.5.6 Accomplishment

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Figure 4.5.7 Candidate Datagrid 4.6 Cost and Benefit Analysis The Cost and Benefit Analysis is the estimation of total cost of money used in the development of the proposed system. Analysis is undertaken to determine whether the cost of the project is comparable or exceeded with the needed or targeted benefits of end users . Table 4.6.1 Development Cost of the Proposed System

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Development Cost Hardware Cost 2 Laptop Computer Broadband Kit Total Software Cost Dreamweaver MySQL 150.00 150.00 150.00 Total Miscellaneous Cost Print Transportation Internet Fee Electricity, Water, Food Total Total Development Cost 1,000.00 1,000.00 3,000.00 15.,000.00 20,000.00 56,450.00 450.00 35,000.00 1,000.00 36,000.00

Table 4.6.1 shows the development cost of the proposed system, which consist of the hardware, software, and miscellaneous cost. The total cost of the is Php. 56,450.00

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Chapter 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This chapter shows the summary, conclusions and recommendations of proponents based in the information they gathered. Summary Voters are having difficulty identifying and choosing the right candidate or party to vote for during the annual USC election. They are not given enough information about the characteristics of the candidates and to clarify their plans or promises (platform of government) for the students due to limited time and poor campaign strategies. This prompted the proponents to introduce to DHVTSU an online system called Voting Advice Application that will help voters engage in a variety of online political activities, including acquiring and sharing political information, participating in online discussions of political issues, mobilizing others to vote and participate in offline activities and will help reduce, if not totally eliminate, confusion of voters in choosing the most qualified candidate for the University Student Council. The study was conducted within the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University. A total of 388 students randomly selected from the different colleges using the slovens formula served as respondents to the administered survey questionnaires. Selected USC leaders and OSA personnel were likewise interviewed to determine the existing system and their experiences in holding USC election of officers. 46

Summary of findings are as follows: 1. Assessment of the respondents on the effectiveness of the existing system for the election of USC officers very ineffective. It means that the existing system failed to provide the voters with vital information about the candidates, about the election itself and the candidates for certain positions. This somehow affect the result of the election where wrong candidates were elected as leaders;

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2. Assessment of the respondents on the reliability of the existing system for election of USC Officers is unreliable. Apparently, the existing system failed to give correct information about the election as well as present non-bias advice to concerned individuals and availability was not felt when needed. This would mean that the respondents consider these aspects as crucial in determining the reliability of any election system: 3. Assessment on how the existing system helps the voters during the election of USC officers is likewise unreliable and not helpful; 4. Generally the attitude of the respondents towards the existing system is not favorable; 5. The existing system apparently lack the capability to encourage higher level of voters participation in the electoral process. 6. The present system of election has to be evaluated and if needed be revised to make it more functional. 7. DHVTSU students are technologically prepared to develop system beneficial to the university. Conclusion Based on the results and finding of the study, there is a need to improve 47

the present system of election of USC Officers. An online system called Voting Advice Applications (VAA) can be a potential alternative or solution to the problem. This online tool or system will help voters gain political information and make decisions. It will influence the way voters think about politics and their electoral choice. It will be of great help for the OSA to ensure higher level and more educated involvement of students in the university electoral process.

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Recommendation Based on the findings and conclusion made in this study the following are hereby recommended: 1. Adoption of the VAA System by the Office of the Students Affair comes

election of USC Officers; 2. Massive information-dissemination drive to make the students aware of 48

the system; and 3. Further study should be conducted to identify specific areas for the VAA

system improvement.

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References

A. Books Bengtsson, A. and K. Gronlund (2005). Ehdokasvalinta in Paloheimo, H. (Ed.), Vaalit ja demokratia Suomessa. Helsinki: WSOY, 229-51.

Boogers, M.; voerman, G. (2003). Surfing citizens and floating voters: Results of an online survey of visitors to political web sites during the Dutch 2002 General Elections. Information Polity 8: 17-27.

Cedroni,. L.; Garzia, D. (eds) (2010). Voting Advice Application in Europe: State of the Art. Napoli:ScriptaWeb.

De Graaf, J. (2010). The Irresistible Rise of Stemwijer. . In L. Cedroni; D. Garzia (eds.). Voting Advice Application in Europe The State of the Art. Napoli: ScriptaWeb

Fivaz, J. and D. Schwarz (2007). Nailing the Pudding to the Wall: E-Democracy as Catalyst for Transparency and Accountability. Paper presented at the Direct Democracy in Latin-America conference, 14-15 March 2007, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hooghe, M.; Teepe, W. (2007). Party profiles on the web: an analysis of the logfiles of non-partisan interactive political internet sites in the 2003 and 2004 election campaign in Belgium. New Media & Society 9: 965-85.

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Kleinnijenhus, J. and M.J. van Hoof (2008). The influence of Internet Consultants. Paper presented at the International Communication Association conference, Montreal, May 2008, Montreal

Ladner. A.; Felder, G; Fivaz, J. (2010). More than toys? A first assessment of voting advice application in Switzerland. In L. Cedroni; D. Garzia (eds.) Voting Advice Application in Europe. The state of the Art. Napoli: ScriptaWeb, 91-123.

Marschall, S; Schimidt, C. K; (2010) Party profiles on the web: analysis of logfiles of non-partisan interactive political internet sites in the 2003 an 2004 election campaign in Belgium. New Media & Society 9: 965-85.

Mykkanen, J., T. Moring and J. Pehkonen (2007). Tutkimus vaalikoneiden kaytosta ja suhtaumitumisesta vaalikoneisiin: vaalikoneet koetan hyodyllisiksi.

Ruusvirta, O. Rosema, M. (2009). Do online vote sectors influence electoral articipation and the direction of the vote? Paper presented at European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR) General Conference, Potsdam, Germany, 10-12 September 2009.

Trechsel, A. H. Mair, P. (2011). When parties (also) position themselves: n introduction to the EU Profiler. Journal of Information Technology & Politics 8: 1-20.

Walgrave, Stefaan/van Aelst, Peter/Nuytemans, Michiel (2008b): Vote Advice Applications as new Campaign Players? The Electoral Effects of the Do the Vote Test during the 2004 Regional Elections in Belgium. In: Farrell, David/Schmitt-Beck, Rdiger (eds.): Non Party Actors in Electoral Politics. The Role of Interest Groups and Independent Citizens in Contemporary Election Campaigns. Baden-Baden: Nomos, pp. 237-258.

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Wall, M.; Sudulich, M.; Costello, R.; Leon, E. (2009). Picking your party online An Investigation of Irelands first online voting advice application. Information Polity 14: 203-18.

B. Internet
http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/182308/election http://www.thefreedictionary.com http://www.google.com

APPENDICES

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APPENDIX A (Questionnaire)

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