TY - BOOK AU - Anunciacion, Alxzandyr Kvorgx E. Pascua, James Andrei. Regacho, Ma. margarita M. Tagle, Eral John D. AU - ED - ED - ED - ED - SN - 2 PY - 4559///746 CY - PB - KW - KW - 2 KW - 0 KW - 6 KW - 20 N1 - Business Research : (BSBA major in Operations Management) - Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 2024; 5 N2 - ABSTRACT: This study investigates the influence of perceived benefits and barriers on the adoption of digital management systems among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Manila, Philippines. In light of the increasing importance of digital transformation for SMEs, this research seeks to examine the role of perception in shaping the willingness and capacity of SMEs to adopt digital tools. Employing a comparative-correlation methodology, the study analyses the relationships between demographic variables-such as age, gender, ethnicity, education, social class, attitude toward technology, language, religion, employment status, and income-and digital adoption. A structured survey using a Forced-Choice Likert scale was administered to a sample of 100 SME decision-makers to collect data on both demographic characteristics and perceptions regarding digital tools. The findings of this study are particularly pertinent to SME industries such as retail, services, and manufacturing, where digital adoption holds significant potential to drive growth and enhance competitive advantage. By identifying the perceptions and demographic factors that influence digital adoption, the research highlights financial constraints, inadequate digital literacy, and cultural resistance, which mainly impede SME's transition to digital management systems. The study further underscores the necessity of addressing these barriers to enable broader and more effective adoption of digital technologies within the SME context. The study's results highlight that, despite being conducted in Manila, the country's capital and economic hub, digital adoption faces challenges rooted in insufficient infrastructure established by the Philippine administration. While awareness of digital technologies is present due to observable trends and innovations, their importance in business development remains underemphasized compared to neighboring countries. This awareness largely stems from the shifts brought by COVID-19, which transformed education, daily life, and workplaces into more digitally reliant setups. To foster greater adoption, digital systems must directly demonstrate their impact on business operations, particularly financial outcomes. Additionally, stronger support from both the government and the public is essential to address barriers, promote benefits, and emphasize the future impact of digital transformation. Enhanced engagement is increasingly recognized as a key driver for investment in innovative models and technologies ER -