DEVELOPMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL ILOCOS REGION

CAMPUS SCIENCE LABORATORY INVENTORY SYSTEM

DE JESUS, HUWAN PAWLO C.

MAPILI, EUFEMIANO III

MINA, RUSTY JOHN LLOYD R.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

ABSTRACT

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Database management systems employ the use of a query language and report writers to

interrogate the database and analyze its data. It enables large, structured sets of data to be stored,

modified, extracted and manipulated in different ways. Queries allow users to search, sort, and

analyze specific data by granting users efficient access to the required information.

The PSHS-Ilocos Region Campus needs improvement in security to manipulate well the

borrowing of the laboratory materials. The study aimed to formulate a program for the PSHS-

IRC science laboratory inventory system, manipulated to organize the laboratory materials, and

also to manipulate the borrowing of laboratory materials. The researchers developed two

prototypes and were evaluated according to the degree of usability/functionality of the inventory

system considering the criteria – attractiveness, control, efficiency, helpfulness, learnability,

interactivity, and acceptability. The system prototypes are run in the web browser connected to

wamp server, which is responsible for the function of PHP and MySQL.

Chapter I

Introduction

Background of the Study

Both old and new materials are used increasingly in the modern technology which has

been transformed since the end of World War II. Technology this time has been the major means

for creating things that make out life convenient and easy. (Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. ©

1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation, retrieved on November 22, 2011) One product of technology

is computer. Computer nowadays is so popular that it can be found everywhere in the world. It is

widely used for office purposes, for entertainment, for educational purposes, for browsing the

internet, for gaming purposes and for data management. It made our advancement to the super

highway age of information, possible.

In this era of information super highway, data management is the base of all of these. The

data that are retrieved from the internet are all stored into databases. Database is any collection

of data, or information that is specially organized for rapid search and retrieval by a computer.

Databases are structured to facilitate the storage, retrieval, modification, and deletion of data in

conjunction with various data-processing operations (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2010). A very

popular example of a database is the inventory of shopping items in groceries.

The government also implements different database management like the e-Procurement

and e-Commerce. Almost all agencies have their own websites.

In Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus, which is part of the PSHS

System, under the supervision of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), promotes

the development of the society and people of Region I, through science and technology. This

institution also encourages students to make remarkable discoveries about science and

technology, as an initiative to achieve the mission and vision of the Institution.

Computer Science, as a part of wide field of science and technology, is one of these

discoveries that stimulate students’ skills in programming, involving programming languages

like C and Java, other data processing languages like hypertext markup language (HTML),

Structured Query Language(SQL) and Hypertext Pre-processor (PHP), and optional style sheet

languages like Cascading Style Sheets(CSS), which can be applied in the HTML.

Since one of the courses in computer science is building database using MySQL and PHP

as part of PSHS curriculum, this would not just want to lose the chance to improve these lessons,

but also to improve these lessons and apply it in the real world in a useful and beneficial manner.

Application of this system in the science laboratory would lessen the burden of the Science

Research Assistant as well as the students in terms of issuance of borrowing forms in paper form

which contribute to more usage of paper and also considering that every science classes do

experimentations to monitor the in and out of these materials in the science laboratory. This

makes also inventory of materials and equipment in every quarter faster and more convenient.

Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to formulate a program for the PSHS-IRC laboratory inventory system

which was manipulated to organize the borrowing of laboratory materials. Specifically, it sought

to answer the following questions:

1. What prototype inventory system could be developed?

2. What are the degree of usability/ functionality of the prototype inventory system in terms of

the following aspects:

a. Attractiveness;

b. Control;

c. Efficiency;

d. Helpfulness;

e. Learnability;

f. Interactivity; and

g. Acceptability

Significance of the Study

The PSHS-IRC Laboratory Inventory system is a system for the School’s Laboratory that

helps organize and manage logs, inventory, and issuance of borrowers’ form. This system

reduces the time it takes to issue borrowers’ form and to check the logs. The system will also

provide the history records of the logs and inventory for future purposes and references.

Scope and Limitations

The study is confined in the school’s laboratory inventory system development, using

concepts of MySQL, PHP, HTML and Java Script programming. It focused on three steps – the

document analysis, prototype development, and validation.

Definition of Terms

Preparation of Materials

Gathering of the hardware needed like computer and data from the science laboratory

materials and equipment.

Collection of Data

Each I.D. number and their respective information like name, year and section, contact

number are acquired from the registrar.

Acquisition of Software

Download and Installation of all necessary software like MySQL, VisualBasic, Notepad,

Adobe Photoshop, CorelDraw, Winamp and Mozilla Firefox.

Algorithm and Flowchart

Design the structure of the program as well as its graphical user interface.

Creation of the Program

Creation of the database and incorporate it in the program.

Evaluation of Program

Handing out of the questionnaire to the end users for the inventory system rating using a

criteria.

Conceptual Paradigm

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1.Students’ information

a. Nameb. Contact Number c. Year & Sectiond. ID Number

3. Laboratory items information

2.Programming languages

3.Acquisition of hardware

4.Questionnaire

1. Assigning data dictionary

2.Creation of Program

a.Java scriptb.PHPc.MySQLd.HTML

3.Evaluation

a.Statistical test

4.Update of the Program and database

Functional PSHS-IRC Laboratory

Inventory System

Fig. 1. The Conceptual Paradigm of the Study

Chapter II

Review of Related Literatures and Studies

CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a vector graphics editor developed and marketed by Corel Corporation of

Ottawa, Canada. It is also the name of Corel's Graphics Suite. Its latest version, named X5

(actually version 15), was released in February 2010.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CorelDRAW,retrieved on September 13,2011)

PHP

PHP(Hypertext Processor) is the language that you use to make the server generate

dynamic output—output that is potentially different each time a browser requests a page. By

default, PHP documents end with the extension .php. When a web server encountersthis

extension in a requested file, it automatically passes it to the PHP processor. Ofcourse, web

servers are highly configurable, and some web developers choose to force files ending with

.htmor .html to also get parsed by the PHP processor, usually because developers want to hide

the fact that they are using PHP. When PHP allies with MySQL to store and retrieve this data,

you have the fundamental parts required for the development of social networking sites and the

beginnings of Web 2.0.(Nixon 2009)

MySQL

MySQL is probably the most popular database management system for web servers.

Developed in the mid 1990s, it’s now a mature technology that powers many of today’s most-

visited Internet destinations. MySQL is a fast and powerful yet easy-to-use database system that

offers just about anything a website would need in order to find and serve up data to browsers. A

database is a structured collection of records or data stored in a computer system and organized

in such a way that it can be quickly searched and information can be rapidly retrieved. The SQL

in MySQL stands for Structured Query Language. This language is loosely based on English and

is also used on other databases such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server (Nixon 2009).

JavaScript

JavaScript brings a dynamic functionality to your websites. Every time you see

somethingpop up when you mouse over an item in the browser, or see new text, colors, or

images appear on the page in front of your eyes, or grab an object on the page and drag it to a

new location—all those things are done through JavaScript. It offers effects that are not

otherwise possible, because it runs inside the browser and has direct access to all the elements in

a web document. JavaScript is a client-side scripting language that runs entirely inside the web

browser.To call it up, you place it between opening <script> and closing </script> HTML tags.

Related Studies

Jeonsoft Inventory System

The aim of Jeonsoft Inventory System (JIS) is to provide easier and faster way to monitor

the movement of your business' stock of goods. It is interactively designed to possibly do the

common tasks done in customary way. From item entry, releasing of items, inventory

adjustment, transferring of goods from one warehouse to another and production, sure you can

keep track of your inventory. JIS uses JibesXP Tools that has been especially configured with

properties that would help you organize well the flow of your inventory (Alcain, 2011).Jeonsoft

is analogically related to the laboratory inventory system wherein the stock of goods are the

laboratory items, the item entry, releasing of items are the issuance of borrow form. This

inventory system could be adopted in the logical design of the laboratory inventory system.

PSHS-IRC Online Clearance System

The aim of PSHS-IRC Online Clearance System is to help arrange and administer the

present students’ scholastic records. Its descriptive-developmental design is made for efficient

access to the data of clearance. The system includes support for internet making it usable even

outside the school. The system is applied in a web browser connected to wamp server, which is

responsible for the function of PHP and MySQL.(Palaganas, 2012) This clearance could serve as

basis in logical design of the laboratory inventory system.

Chapter III

Research Methodology

Process Flow Chart

Preparation of materials

Algorithm and Flow chart formulation

Acquisition of SoftwareCollection of Data

Creation of Program and database

Evaluation of program using adopted Questionnaire

Fig 2. Process Flow Chart

Research Design

Descriptive-development research design was implemented in the study, wherein the

research was used to describe the performance of the PSHS-IRC Science Laboratory Inventory

System, through evaluation system of the usability of the prototype of the system, and the

developmental research design was used in the construction of the prototype, and its

improvement for validation.

Document Analysis

The status of the existing gatepasssystem of PSHS-IRC was observed, as an approach to

look out on the possible features that can be modified, to satisfy the degree of

usability/functionality of the proposed automated gatepass system.

Prototype Development

This is the stage where the researchers concentrated on the planning and constructing of

the prototype, through logical and physical designs. This is a figure based on the waterfall

diagram.

Requirement

Logical

Physical

Validation

Implementation

Fig.3. Waterfall Diagram

Requirement Analysis

Requirement analysis is the stage where all necessary data, tasks, outputs and other

conditions were considered to improve and increase the system’s helpfulness. In this phase,

needed processes were also arranged and organized. The result became the main basis for the

prototype development.

Logical Design

A Logical Entity-Relationship diagram was developed to set all the data gathered in a

tabular form. The structure of the databases was analyzed and observed, so that error in insertion,

selection, and update will be prevented. The output will prevent, for example, two or more

identical usernames in the user information database to occur.

Physical Design

Programming. The researches based on the formulated logical ER diagram, to create the

tables controlled by MySQL, using software called SQLyog v8.55. pro content of the HTML

scripts, and union of the parts of the pages as managed and arranged by the CSS was made

easily, using Kompozer 0.710, wherein the structure of the outputs, instead of the source code,

were to be edited. PHP scripts then were created using Notepad, Google Chrome, by starting

MySQL 5.6.0.1 and PHP 5.5.4 services using WAMP manager v5.

Debugging.Other terms can be incorporated in the system, to find and remove errors in a

system, to improve the usability of the system, for better use.

Validation

In validating the prototype of the Laboratory Inventory System, the students as well as

faculty members, as the end users of the functional system, evaluated the system by their self,

because usability will also depend on how the user initially and progressively acts with the site.

The evaluation was also created using MySQL, PHP, and HTML. It involves the

questionnaire type usability testing based on WAMMI, specifically testing the system’s

attractiveness (10 items), control (10 items), efficiency (8 items), helpfulness (8 items),

learnability (8 items), interactivity (2 items), and acceptability (1 item). The point system for the

evaluation was set based on the five point Likert scale, which is frequently used in providing

questionnaires for statistical analysis:

Scale Mean Descriptive Rating

5 4.20-5.00 Strongly Agree

4 3.40-4.19 Slightly Agree

3 2.60-3.39 Neutral

2 1.80-2.59 Slightly Disagree

1 1.00-1.79 Strongly Disagree

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Document Analysis

It was observed that the school’s current science laboratory inventory system is processed

through loads of borrowing sheets being submitted by students, making it difficult for the

manager to manage, retrieve and stock significant data of the borrowed items.

Prototype Development

Requirement Analysis

The necessary tables for the system prototype are lab_items, transaction, accounts. The

lab_itemstable contains information (e.g. property number, item name) related to the entity that

identify the existing items, quantities and other entities concerning the borrowing transaction.

The transaction table contains the transaction information (e.g. borrowed item name, quantity

borrowed). It also contains the current transaction status, either PERMITTED or NOT

PERMITTED or either RETURNED or NOT RETURNED, on the difference components of

transaction; this also contains remarks on the borrowed items’ status.

The accounts table contains the information about the students of the school as well as

the information of the signatant which are the laboratory assistants of the school. It was also

LAB_ITEMS

-Item_Name

-Description

-Unit

# -Prop_Num

-Value

-Quantity

-Remarks

accessed by

included for users to access the page and it was also used for segregation of users into

administrator, student and signatant.

Logical Design

The researchers had each of the given databases have its full details and processes involved,

through the entity-relationship diagram, as shown in the Figure 1.

ACCOUNTS

-FName

-LName

-Section

# -ID_Num

-Role

-Username

-Password

TRANSACTION

-Item_Name

-Quantity

-Date_borrowed

-Date-return

-Remarks

# -Transaction_num

-Permitted(Boolean)

-Returned(Boolean)

-ID_Num

-Time_borrowed

-Time_returned

Fig. 4.Inventory System Entity Relationship Diagram.

The ER Diagram shows that the ACCOUNTS table is related to the TRANSACTION

table in terms of Username, which explains the user’s relationship to the documents needed.

These tables have a many to many relationship many users, and not only one can access on the

documents in the system. The relationship also indicates the access on the output of the

TRANSACTION to be optional.

The TRANSACTION table is also related to the LAB_ITEMS table in terms of Property

number(Prop_num), Item Name(Item_Name) and quantity, showing that the output in the HTM

document depends on the identification of the items. And the relationship has both figures

indicating the given relationship to be mandatory, which means that the expected outputs on the

HTM document will depend on its identification, and the status of an item will depend on the

transaction, for the quantity of the items and the quantity remaining of the items.

During normalization, the database designs were not altered because it is already

normalized. All of the attributes needed are atomized.

These are the final table structures taken from SQLyog v8.55

Fig. 5.Structure of the ACCOUNTS table.

Fig. 6.Structure of the LAB_ITEMS table.

Fig. 7.Structure of the TRANSACTION table.

Physical Design

The researchers had decided to have the first system prototype designed to fit in the

window of the browser.

Plate 1.Prototype 1 Inventory System Login Page.

Plate 2.Prototype 1 Admin/Signatant Home Page.

Plate 3. Prototype 1 Student Home Page

Plate 4. Prototype 1 Admin Input New Account Page

Plate 5. Prototype 1 Student Borrower’s Form Page.

Plate 1.Prototype 2 Inventory System Login Page.

Plate 2.Prototype 2 Admin/Signatant Home Page.

Plate 3. Prototype 2 Student Home Page

Plate 4. Prototype 2 Admin Input New Account Page

Plate 5. Prototype 2 Student Borrower’s Form Page.

Change logs (From Prototype 1 to Prototype 2)

Overall design make up

Improved Banner

Login Page Improved

Background Change

Input Validation through JavaScripts

Transaction Comment Notification Added

Validation

The validation of the prototype was done through usability testing in terms of

attractiveness, control, efficiency, helpfulness, learnability, interactivity, and acceptability. The

evaluation was done through seven sets of questionnaire that was answered by the 4 th year

students, faculty and staffs of the school. Their ratings were cut down and deduced using their

mean.

EVALUATION OF THE PROTOTYPES

Prototype 1

Usability Testing along Attractiveness

Table 1 shows the degree of attractiveness, as based on the statements describing the

system for evaluation. The evaluations were assessed by ten evaluators to include students and

faculty members.

Table 1.Degree of Usability along Attractiveness

Attractiveness Mean Descriptive Rating1. I would recommend/refer this 4.37 Strongly Agree

system to other users.2. The instructions and font of text are

readable.4.21 Strongly Agree

3. This system is not cluttered with unnecessary diagrams/graphics/etc.

4.28 Strongly Agree

4. The use of link colors in this system is consistent.

4.69 Strongly Agree

5. This system enables you to search on its content.

4.41 Strongly Agree

6. There are ample opportunities to interact with this system.

4.24 Strongly Agree

7. The design of this system reduces mistakes in user understanding of content.

4.37 Strongly Agree

8. Number of buttons/links is reasonable.

4.61 Strongly Agree

9. The system seems logical to me. 4.24 Strongly Agree

10. Everything on this system is easy to understand.

4.97 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.439 Strongly Agree

The table shows that the system has high degree in attractiveness. Evaluators also agree

with the conciseness and easiness of the physical design of the system, being one of the

characteristics of a web portal that can improve its attractiveness.

Usability Testing along Control

Table 2 shows the degree of control, as based on the statements describing the system for

evaluation.

Table 2.Degree of Usability along Control

Control Mean Descriptive Rating

1. Going from one part to another is 4.23 Strongly Agree

easy on this system.2. I know what to do next with this

system.4.63 Strongly Agree

3. I find that the “breadcrumbs” displayed by this portal is useful.

4.72 Strongly Agree

4. There is clearly identified link to the Home Page.

4.37 Strongly Agree

5. All major parts of the system are accessible from the Home Page.

4.79 Strongly Agree

6. Site structure is simple. With necessary levels.

4.34 Strongly Agree

7. There is clear indication of the current location.

4.81 Strongly Agree

8. I feel I’m knowledgeable when I’m using this system.

4.32 Strongly Agree

9. Users can browse this system without consulting others.

4.71 Strongly Agree

10. It is relatively easy to move from one part of the task to another.

4.69 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.561 Strongly Agree

The evaluators did not have a hard time what to do next, because the system has a high

degree in control which shows that the system can be managed with a user only self-knowledge.

Usability Testing along Efficiency

Table 3 shows the degree of efficiency, as based on the statements describing the system

for evaluation.

Table 3.Degree of Usability along Efficiency

Efficiency Mean Descriptive Rating

1. The content of the system is useful for its intended purpose and audience.

4.76 Strongly Agree

2. This system is accurate or truthful with the information presented.

4.45 Strongly Agree

3. This system enables you to search on its content.

4.35 Strongly Agree

4. Searching on this system yield good(and relevant) results.

4.29 Strongly Agree

5. The server of this system is effective in browsing.

4.87 Strongly Agree

6. There is no problem in accessing this system

4.56 Strongly Agree

7. I get what I expect when I click things on this system.

4.83 Strongly Agree

8. This system works exactly how I would expect it to work.

4.59 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.5875 Strongly Agree

The rating shows that the system is efficient and is really dependable to a user as

evaluated by the evaluators.

Usability Testing along Helpfulness

Table 4 shows the degree of helpfulness, as based on the statements describing the

system for evaluation.

Table 4.Degree of Usability along Helpfulness

Helpfulness Mean Descriptive Rating

1. This system has been designed to suit its users.

4.72 Strongly Agree

2. All the parts of this system are clearly labeled.

4.78 Strongly Agree

3. The system has no time to stop unexpectedly.

4.69 Strongly Agree

4. The use of panels, frames or dedicated areas to facilitate navigation is very useful.

4.38 Strongly Agree

5. There is a clear exit point on every page.

4.92 Strongly Agree

6. Accessing data files in and out of the system is easy.

4.85 Strongly Agree

7. There is a clear guide in every page. 4.92 Strongly Agree

8. I can understand and act on the information provided by this system.

4.86 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.765 Strongly Agree

Evaluators clearly agreed that the system is practical to the user. The system has a high

degree of helpfulness, which is a great factor in the usability and functionality of the system.

Usability Testing along Learnability

Table 5 shows the degree of learnability, as based on the statements describing the

system for evaluation.

Table 5.Degree of Usability along Learnability

Learnability Mean Descriptive Rating

1. All the materials are written in a way that is easy to understand.

4.86 Strongly Agree

2. It will be easy to remember how to use this system.

4.45 Strongly Agree

3. It’s easy to learn to use all that is offered in this system.

4.62 Strongly Agree

4. It is obvious that user needs have 4.76 Strongly Agree

been fully taken into consideration.5. The organization of the menus or

information lists seems quite logical.4.86 Strongly Agree

6. Learning to operate/browse this system initially is simple and easy.

4.95 Strongly Agree

7. It takes short time to learn the system environment.

4.23 Strongly Agree

8. The way that system information is presented is clear and understandable.

4.75 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.685 Strongly Agree

Evaluators fund that the system was easy to learn and understand given a small period of

time given to them to explore the site. It was concluded that the system has a high level of

learnability.

Usability Testing along Interactivity

Table 6 shows the degree of interactivity, as based on the statements describing the

system of evaluation.

Table 6.Degree of Usability along Interactivity

Interactivity Mean Descriptive Rating

1. The system allows user to register and create an account.

4.98 Strongly Agree

2. It allows users and administration to submit necessary data.

4.78 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.88 Strongly Agree

Interactivity of the system was evaluated to have high degree. Evaluators were able to

make their own accounts, providing them the chance to insert and update records of data in the

laboratory.

Summary of Usability Testing of the Prototype Laboratory Inventory System

In table 7, all previous evaluations were summarized through their mean ratings and

description. Acceptability, indicating the validation of the system according to the marks made

from the other evaluations, was also included.

Table 7.Summary of the System’s Degree of Usability

Indicators Mean Descriptive Rating

1. Attractiveness 4.439 Strongly Agree

2. Control 4.561 Strongly Agree

3. Efficiency 4.5875 Strongly Agree

4. Helpfulness 4.765 Strongly Agree

5. Learnability 4.685 Strongly Agree

6. Interactivity 4.88 Strongly Agree

7. Acceptability 4.79 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.6725 Strongly Agree

In the table, the attractiveness of the system was observed to be low, as compared to the

other features. Here applies the concept of learnability that it can excel at content and service and

be a good enough at the aesthetics, and may not excel at both. The learnability, as the most

important factor in usability according to Nielsen(2001), also had a good rating and a high

degree.

Prototype 2

The assessments of this prototype are evaluated by ten evaluators to include students and

some faculty members.

Table 8.Degree of Usability along Attractiveness

Attractiveness Mean Descriptive Rating1. I would recommend/refer this

system to other users.4.3 Strongly Agree

2. The instructions and font of text are readable.

4.6 Strongly Agree

3. This system is not cluttered with unnecessary diagrams/graphics/etc.

4.8 Strongly Agree

4. The use of link colors in this system is consistent.

4.9 Strongly Agree

5. This system enables you to search on its content.

5 Strongly Agree

6. There are ample opportunities to 5 Strongly Agree

interact with this system.7. The design of this system reduces

mistakes in user understanding of content.

5 Strongly Agree

8. Number of buttons/links is reasonable.

4.7 Strongly Agree

9. The system seems logical to me. 4.8 Strongly Agree

10. Everything on this system is easy to understand.

4.8 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.79 Strongly Agree

The table shows that the system has a lower degree in attractiveness compared to the first

prototype. The table depicts that the evaluators also approve with the conciseness of the physical

design of the system, thus further enhancements must be also considered.

Table 9.Degree of Usability along Control

Control Mean Descriptive Rating

1. Going from one part to another is easy on this system.

5 Strongly Agree

2. I know what to do next with this system.

5 Strongly Agree

3. I find that the “breadcrumbs” displayed by this portal is useful.

5 Strongly Agree

4. There is clearly identified link to the Home Page.

5 Strongly Agree

5. All major parts of the system are accessible from the Home Page.

4.8 Strongly Agree

6. Site structure is simple. With necessary levels.

4.8 Strongly Agree

7. There is clear indication of the current location.

4.8 Strongly Agree

8. I feel I’m knowledgeable when I’m using this system.

4.7 Strongly Agree

9. Users can browse this system without consulting others.

4.9 Strongly Agree

10. It is relatively easy to move from one part of the task to another.

5 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.9 Strongly Agree

The table shows that the users have some hard time to use the system. There is slight

decrease in the mean compared to the mean of the Control in first prototype. The table also

shows that the researches should make the prototype easier to control.

Table 10.Degree of Usability along Efficiency

Efficiency Mean Descriptive Rating

1. The content of the system is useful for its intended purpose and audience.

5 Strongly Agree

2. This system is accurate or truthful with the information presented.

5 Strongly Agree

3. This system enables you to search on its content.

5 Strongly Agree

4. Searching on this system yield good(and relevant) results.

4.8 Strongly Agree

5. The server of this system is effective in browsing.

4.9 Strongly Agree

6. There is no problem in accessing this system

4.7 Strongly Agree

7. I get what I expect when I click 5 Strongly Agree

things on this system.8. This system works exactly how I

would expect it to work.5 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.925 Strongly Agree

This implies that the efficiency of the system in processing data is appreciated by the assessors.

Table 11.Degree of Usability along Helpfulness

Helpfulness Mean Descriptive Rating

1. This system has been designed to suit its users.

4.7 Strongly Agree

2. All the parts of this system are clearly labeled.

4.8 Strongly Agree

3. The system has no time to stop unexpectedly.

5 Strongly Agree

4. The use of panels, frames or dedicated areas to facilitate navigation is very useful.

5 Strongly Agree

5. There is a clear exit point on every page.

5 Strongly Agree

6. Accessing data files in and out of the system is easy.

5 Strongly Agree

7. There is a clear guide in every page. 5 Strongly Agree

8. I can understand and act on the information provided by this system.

4.8 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.9125 Strongly Agree

The table shows the mean of the degree of usability along helpfulness. The final mean

suggests that the end-users accept the helpfulness of the system, considering the features of such.

Table 12.Degree of Usability along Learnability

Learnability Mean Descriptive Rating

1. All the materials are written in a way that is easy to understand.

4.9 Strongly Agree

2. It will be easy to remember how to use this system.

4.9 Strongly Agree

3. It’s easy to learn to use all that is offered in this system.

4.9 Strongly Agree

4. It is obvious that user needs have been fully taken into consideration.

5 Strongly Agree

5. The organization of the menus or information lists seems quite logical.

4.7 Strongly Agree

6. Learning to operate/browse this system initially is simple and easy.

4.7 Strongly Agree

7. It takes short time to learn the system environment.

5 Strongly Agree

8. The way that system information is presented is clear and understandable.

5 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.8875 Strongly Agree

The results of the evaluations show that the mean in this parameter has gradually

increased compared to the results of the first prototype.

Table 13.Degree of Usability along Interactivity

Interactivity Mean Descriptive Rating

1. The system allows user to register and create an account.

5 Strongly Agree

2. It allows users and administration to submit necessary data.

5 Strongly Agree

Mean 5 Strongly Agree

This table shows the results of the evaluations along the interactivity parameter. Thus the

results show that the system is interactive with the users.

Table 14.Summary of the System’s Degree of Usability

Indicators Mean Descriptive Rating

1. Attractiveness 4.79 Strongly Agree

2. Control 4.9 Strongly Agree

3. Efficiency 4.925 Strongly Agree

4. Helpfulness 4.9125 Strongly Agree

5. Learnability 4.8875 Strongly Agree

6. Interactivity 5 Strongly Agree

7. Acceptability 4.92 Strongly Agree

Mean 4.905 Strongly Agree

The mean results of the second prototype is higher than the first prototype, this suggest

that there is gradual progress in the development of the system. Thus, the objectives were

conformed in developing such prototypes.

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

The objective of the study was to formulate a program for the PSHS Science Laboratory

Inventory System, which will be manipulated to organize the borrowing of laboratory items and

to answer the following questions: (1) What prototype laboratory inventory system could be

developed? ; (2) What is the degree of usability/ functionality of the prototype laboratory

inventory system in terms of (a) attractiveness, (b) control, (c) efficiency, (d) helpfulness, (e)

learnability, (f) interactivity, and (g) acceptability?; and (3) what laboratory inventory system can

be developed for the Philippines Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus?

Descriptive-developmental research design was used in the study, wherein the descriptive

research design was used to describe the performance of the PSHS-IRC Laboratory Inventory

System, through questionnaires used in evaluating the usability of the prototype of the system,

and the developmental research design was implemented in the construction and development of

the functional PSHS-IRC Laboratory Inventory System.

The method used was a combination of database management system and prototyping.

The database management system was used to manage the databases needed in the organization

of the data using MySQL, a version os Structured Query Language (SQL), and the connection of

these databases using the Hypertext Pre-Processor (PHP). The prototyping is inclined on the

management of the system design and outputs, as run through HTML and CSS.

The current laboratory inventory management system of the school is processed through

loads of borrowing papers kept in the science laboratory, making it difficult for the organizer to

manage, search for, and store important data of the items.

The needed databases for the prototype are (1) the item identification table, particularly

the item code and name; (2) a general transaction table for recording transaction of borrowing

books and information, which will be used for documenting borrowers’ transactions, and

inventory of the laboratory items; and (3) an account table was also included for (a) exclusive

borrowing of laboratory materials and issuance of available materials borrowed which can be

done by registered students; and (b) inserting new item, which can be made by the administrator

of the system.

The lab_items table contains information about the materials in the laboratory, like its

condition, quantity and item description while the transaction table contains the information

about the people who borrowed laboratory materials. An account table was also incorporated for

users to access the page and it was also used for separation of users and administration.

The students strongly agreed that the prototype of the laboratory inventory system is

attractive (4.79), convenient (4.9), efficient (4.925), helpful (4.9125), learnable (4.8875),

interactive (5), and acceptable (4.92).

The faculty, staff and experts strongly agreed that the prototype of the laboratory

inventory system is attractive (4.66), convenient (4.824), efficient (4.869), helpful (4.835),

learnable (4.891), interactive (4.98), and acceptable (4.96).

Conclusion

Based on the finding presented, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. The existing PSHS-IRC laboratory inventory system involves the Traditional File

Processing System wherein all the files or data are stored in a file cabinet or any storage

available. Considering all the processes and problems involved in the traditional

laboratory inventory system, the developed laboratory inventory system is designed to

function like the traditional one. Adding some features, the developed one is intended to

solve each problems.

2. The first, second and third prototype are highly usable in terms of Attractiveness,

Control, Efficiency, Helpfulness, Learnability, Interactivity and Acceptability. Each

prototype was assessed, and the evaluations show that the prototype 2 is the most

developed and highly acclaimed for execution.

Recommendations

The following recommendations were formulated, as based from the results and

conclusions; in order that the developed school laboratory inventory system is operational.

1. Prototyping and database management system must be done well, in studies associated to

the improvement of the Laboratory Inventory System.

2. Usability testing must also be executed in the future studies related with this research to

avoid errors, and apply an effective and efficient output system.

3. Student must conduct further researches, in line with the development of the laboratory

inventory system, on the improvement of the attractiveness of the site scheme and

efficiency of the site map implemented, as a portion of the maintenance phase of the

content management.

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