Philippine E-Journals

USING SYSTEMS THINKING MODEL AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT TOOL IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Helen M. Rigor

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study merged the philosophy of instructional development with a change framework using systems thinking model. Applying the Blondin model of organizational planning system through a root cause analysis workshop, system indicators which may be related to the persistent low passing rate in CPA licensure exam among SPUQC-BSA graduates were identified as: (1) inadequate financial capability resulting in low financial feasibility and sustainability of the BSA program; (2) insufficient number of qualified manpower and appropriate logistics to address the rigid demands of the program; and (3) inability of the BSA program to maintain a balance between meeting the academic demands of preparing for the CPA Licensure examination and achieving holistic human development aligned with SPUQC‘s core values. Measures to address the identified dysfunctions that were immediately implemented the following school year resulting in significant changes in the accountancy instructional development were as follows: (1) exclusive use of the newly constructed Accounting Laboratory; (2) establishment of formal linkage with third-party CPA review centers; and (3) setting up of Accounting Enrichment Period—a three-hour per week peer tutorial and faculty consultation class, which is formally integrated in the institutional class schedules. Recommendations forwarded by the researcher include the following: (1) sustainability of the program‘s innovations and quality control; (2) continuation and completion of the next two phases of Blondin framework (developing the operation design and consolidating the plan of action); and (3) further evaluation of the Accountancy Program and of its current instructional system design.