Development and Evaluation of a Digital Knowledge Management System: An Innovation to Enhance the Financial Management of School Heads
Abstract
This study developed and evaluated a Digital Knowledge Management System (DKMS) designed to support the financial management processes of school heads in Paracale District, Division of Camarines Norte, particularly in budgeting, resource allocation, and reporting. Guided by the Input–Process–Output (IPO) framework, the study employed a quantitative research method using a validated survey questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The findings from 23 school heads showed that all respondents used Google Sheets and Google Forms for financial-related activities but continued to encounter inconsistencies in reports, inefficient budget preparation, and delays in report submission. In response to these challenges, the DKMS was developed to integrate financial information and processes within a centralized digital system. The system obtained an overall weighted mean of 4.82, interpreted as Strongly Agree, indicating high acceptability among respondents. Budgeting received the highest weighted mean of 4.91, followed by reporting at 4.83 and resource allocation at 4.72. The study concluded that the developed DKMS was highly acceptable to school heads as a digital system for supporting financial management processes. Adoption of the system, appropriate training and technical support, improved technological infrastructure, continued system enhancement, and further research involving larger populations and different educational settings were recommended. The study supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) through improved resource management, digital innovation, and emphasis on financial transparency and accountability. Its sustainability significance lies in supporting organized financial information, efficient resource management, accountable reporting, and more sustainable school administration.