Graduate School of Management electronic continuing professional development (e-CPD) for registered and licensed professionals : a pilot model / Danilo Sotta Sosa. 6

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 2014.;A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate School of Management Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree Doctor of Business Administration. 56

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Abstract: The study has explored the factors that influenced the development of web portal for the continuing professional development (CPD) programs for registered and licensed professionals as plan of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila- Graduate School of Management (PLM-GSM). The research used both the qualitative and the quantitative approaches of research trying to complement each other since at the start of the study, unstructured interviews, documentary analysis and respondents' assessments were utilized. At the latter part of research, data were collected using a questionnaire, to validate their responses to substantiate the data gathered. Official documents such as reports, resolutions, memoranda, circulars, flowcharts, policies, and other documentary analysis from books and newspapers served as supplemental tools to the analysis and interpretation of the results. The findings of the study showed that some professional complied the requirements of CPD by pursuing higher education such as master's and doctoral degrees. Others write books, manuals/training modules and doing researches while majority are attending seminars and training/workshops. Some factors that contributed for the professionals to pursue and not to pursue continuing professional development are motivation, finance, time and time accessibility of CPD activities. The major motivations that drive professionals to pursue CPD activities include support from employers and company sponsorship, promotion and employment requirements. There are negative feedbacks from professionals on CPD seminars/workshops implementation as to its learning outcomes, design, delivery and cost. The e-CPD web portal model as evaluated by selected respondents satisfactorily passed the criteria and dimensions in terms of functional suitability, performance efficiency, compatibility, usability, reliability, security, maintainability and portability. Majority of the respondents from the interview suggested an implementation of an available and accessible online web portal for continuing professional development. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that CPD program is not a priority for some professionals. It is a personal enhancement and growth of a professional not only in his career but also promoting the general welfare of his client, the people and the society. Government regulations affect the compliance of registered and licensed professional to the continuing professional development. Nowadays, technology plays a major role in almost all aspects of education including continuing professional education. Time and budget affects the motivation of professional to pursue further learning. On the basis of the aforementioned conclusions, an immediate action of the management is sought to help solve the perceived problems through the immediate deployment of the web site model. Procurement and acquisition of hardware are necessary to carry-out the effective implementation. Installation of network and database server must be priority in the plan. A qualified web portal administrator is likewise recommended. PLM-GSM needs to apply to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to become an accredited training provider. There should be an immediate approval of bill that will mandate the PRC to require all professionals to have the required CPD units before the renewal of their PRC ID to compel all professional to undergo CPD activities. The Continuing Professional Development Council (CPDC) should strengthen the monitoring of CPD performance of accredited service providers. On the personal level, a professional must consider CPD as a moral obligation to enhance their professional skills and competence to become globally competitive. On the other hand, employers should consider CPD as part of their employee development program or else encourage their employees by providing them flexible time and educational support to continue further learning. Keywords: continuing professional development, continuing professional education, online and distance learning, distance education, registered and licensed professionals, lifelong learning.

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