Divine Word College

This study assessed the credit risk management practices and its effect on the financial performance of sari-sari stores in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Adopting a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, the investigation focused on registered store owners operational for at least two years, utilizing data derived from a computed sample size of 310, based on the total population of 1,351 registered stores. Data were systematically gathered through a four-part survey questionnaire developed and adapted from related literature and translated into Iloko which collected information on store profile, CRM practices, and the financial performance indicators of sales, profitability, and accounts receivable turnover. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, weighted mean, Spearman’s rho, and Pearson r. Results showed that CRM was practiced to a moderate extent, yet owners experienced slightly serious problems, especially in collection strategies, followed by credit policies and record-keeping practices Financial performance was found to be moderate, with slow accounts receivable turnover. Spearman’s rho analysis indicated that store profile variables were not significantly related to extent of CRM practices, although some profile factors, were partially associated with level of financial performance. Pearson correlation showed that the extent of CRM practices was not significantly related to either the seriousness of problems encountered or overall financial performance. However, the degree of seriousness of specific CRM problems encountered had a partial influence on accounts receivable turnover, while other financial indicators were unaffected. The study concluded that, while sari-sari store owners in Laoag City generally practice credit risk management to a moderate to high extent, these practices do not significantly influence their financial performance. This suggests that credit decisions among micro-retailers remain largely informal and trust-based rather than guided by structured systems. It recommended the adoption of clearer credit policies and the gradual integration of digital record-keeping tools to strengthen credit management efficiency.

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT into educational settings has transformed how students and teachers engage with academic tasks. This study explores teachers’ perspectives on the ethical implications, learning outcomes, and academic use of ChatGPT in education. Employing a qualitative-phenomenological approach, this research gathered insights from selected senior high school teachers across various disciplines through an interview. Findings revealed that teachers recognize ChatGPT as a valuable tool for enhancing learning through personalized assistance, idea generation, and differentiated instruction. However, they expressed growing concern over ethical issues such as plagiarism, academic dishonesty, and students’ overreliance on AI-generated outputs, which may hinder authentic learning and critical thinking. This study highlighted the need for clear institutional guidelines, digital literacy initiatives, and ethical frameworks to ensure responsible and effective AI use in education. Ultimately, this research underscores the dual role of ChatGPT—as both an innovative learning aid and a potential ethical challenge—calling for balanced pedagogical strategies that promote integrity, accountability, and meaningful student engagement.

The study aimed to examine the influence of transformational leadership and employees' participation in decision-making on the employees' grit. To deepen the theories of the study, the literature was reviewed. The study applied descriptive assessment and a correlational research design. The study population consisted of all employees of the institution where the study was conducted. The questionnaires were used to gather the data, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The study found that transformational leadership, employees' participation in decision-making, and employees' grit were high. The Pearson r correlation indicated that both transformational leadership and involvement in decision-making are significantly correlated with the employees' grit. Therefore, the hypothesis of the study is accepted. However, the study recognized its limitations because of its limited population and coverage. It is recommended to conduct more studies concerning strategies that enhance employees' grit.

The study aimed to examine the influence of workplace relationships on work motivation and innovative work behavior. To deepen the concept of the study, the literature was reviewed. The study used descriptive assessment and a correlational research design. The study population consisted of all employees of the institution where the study was conducted. The data gathered through research questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that workplace relationships, work motivation, and innovative work behavior were high, and there is a significant correlation between workplace relationships and work motivation, as well as between workplace relationships and innovative work behavior. The hypothesis is accepted. However, it is recommended that further study is necessary to identify other organizational contexts or cultures that may affect work motivation and innovative work behavior.

The study aimed to examine the influence of employee treatment on organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. To deepen the concept of the study, literatures were reviewed. The study used a descriptive assessment and correlational research design. The population of the study was the employees of the Divine Word College of Laoag. The study used research questionnaires to gather the data, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The study found no correlation between employee treatment and organizational commitment or organizational citizenship behavior. Thus, the hypothesis is rejected. The study recommends further study to include more organizational factors that might affect organizational commitment.

This study defined the strategies and challenges of the instructors in the integration of artificial intelligence tools in teaching from the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education and School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology of the Divine Word College of Laoag. Using a phenomenological research design, specifically descriptive phenomenology, the study provides an in-depth exploration of the lived experiences of the ten instructors of the Divine Word College of Laoag focusing on their strategies employed and challenges encountered. Data were gathered through online interview questionnaires via Google forms, analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. It was found to have significant challenges which include overreliance to artificial intelligence, lack of professional training in the use of artificial intelligence, and even the cost and access of artificial intelligence. In response, instructors employed strategies in the form of motivations and adjustments such as enhancing in class learning, improve teaching experiences, and even enhancing student participation and personalized learning. The study gives emphasis the need to have professional development on the use of artificial intelligence tools in integrating them in the teaching-learning process, a need to ensure data protection in collecting information from the students, and ensuring to have an equitable and inclusive access to artificial intelligence tools that are cost efficient.

The study aimed to examine the influence of ethical leadership and employee treatment on the employees' organizational commitment. To deepen the concept of the study, literatures were reviewed. The study applied descriptive assessment and a correlation research design. The study population consisted of all employees of the institution where the study was conducted. To gather the data, validated research questionnaires were utilized. To analyze the data, inferential statistics were used. The study found no correlation between ethical leadership and organizational commitment, as well as between employee treatment and organizational commitment. Therefore, the hypothesis is rejected. The study recommends further study to include more variables that consider the specific context of the institution.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in economic development, contributing to employment generation and local revenue. However, their financial performance is influenced by several factors, including financial literacy, financial management practices, and financial technology (fintech) adoption. This study examines the relationship between these variables and the financial performance of MSMEs in Vigan City, Philippines. Employing a descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected from ninety (90) MSME owners and managers through a structured survey. The findings revealed that MSMEs in Vigan City exhibit a high level of financial literacy, financial management practices, and fintech adoption. However, gaps persist in the practical application of financial knowledge, long-term financial planning, and the utilization of fintech beyond basic transactions. Statistical analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between financial literacy, financial management practices, fintech adoption, and financial performance. These results suggest that strengthening financial education, encouraging proactive financial planning, and enhancing fintech integration can further improve MSME sustainability and profitability. This study provided valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and MSME owners, offering strategic recommendations to enhance financial resilience, efficiency, and growth. By addressing key financial challenges, MSMEs in heritage cities like Vigan can achieve greater financial stability and long-term success.

This study focused on strategic leadership and employee productivity in open universities. A literature was conducted to provide a deeper understanding of these concepts. This study utilized the quantitative descriptive assessment and correlational research design utilizing the frequency, percentage, mean, and bivariate correlation. The sample included the 240 graduate students enrolled in the open universities in University of Northern Philippines and Lyceum of the Philippines University, Batangas in consortium with Divine Word College of Vigan. Results indicated that the demographic factors: gender, age group, level of education, and income per month and supporting factors: training policy and budgeting factors are determinants for strategic leadership and employee productivity in an open university. However there is no significant relationship between demographic profile with the supporting factors: training policy and budget. Likewise, there is no significant relationship of the demographic factors between the components of strategic leadership and employee productivity. The study suggests further research with larger sample and additional variables to more comprehensively assess the outcomes.