Improving the attendance tracking process of Discovery Pluz

• Main Author: Adina, Charlene Gail dR.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2019
• Subjects: Workflow—Management; Business Administration, Management, and Operations
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/6424; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/13486/viewcontent/Improving_the_Attendance_Tracking_Process_of_Discovery_Pluz2.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This action research paper discusses the current attendance tracking process of Discovery Pluz. It was found that the process of students logging their names in a log sheet, and the process of calculating the monthly charges of each student was inefficient and time consuming. The proposed change was to install a biometric machine which took each student's fingerprint and was used as their attendance log. The collaborators also digitized the current student data record during the second cycle, as part of their continuous improvement practice. Prior to implementing the change, the student data records were written in a sheet of paper and filed. The newly created database of student records are now stored in the company's laptop. The researcher used the Kaizen framework and Lewin's change model as references in both cycles of the action research. The newly implemented changes were beneficial to the company as it made two of its current processes efficient. The whole action research also allowed the employees in the company to engage in more discussions and brainstorming of other processes that might need improvements. This also allowed two of its administrative staff to be more confident in speaking out their concerns and their suggestions, if any. The researcher also found out that two Filipino traits, "hiya" and "pakikisama", play a huge role in organizations and is a factor in restricting employees in challenging the status quo. It was concluded that process improvement is a significant practice that should be undertaken by all organizations. More importantly, small businesses should also engage in process improvements as they have the advantage of easier communication among everyone involved, and quicker implementation. Practicing brainstorming discussions is also an initial step to allow employees to speak out whatever their thoughts are, without any fear that it might not be accepted. Since Kaizen was one of the frameworks that was used as a guide, the researcher included an additional step in the Kaizen cycle for continuous improvement, which was to understand the employees and the cultural differences of each individual. Culture plays a huge part in getting employees involved in any improvement before it takes place, thus it was placed as the first step of the Kaizen cycle.