Enhancing Policy Frameworks: Analysis of the Agreeability of Standard Operating Procedures in DOST – FICs, Philippines

Abstract

This paper focused on the Standard Operating Procedures of Food Innovation Centers participated in by 55 employees of DOST FICs. Specifically, it looked into the following aspects of FICs standard operating procedures: eligibility of firm / MSMEs, Provisions of Services and use of Facilities, Intellectual Property (IP) Management, Marketing / Promotional Strategies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Sustainability Mechanism, Procedure for Customer Transactions, Schedule for Fees, Equipment Rental Rates, and Schedule for Operation, and the degree to which the employees perceived them as agreeable or not.  Further, it also gives us idea as to extent to which these standards are used by the employees. The study utilized the descriptive-survey method and the questionnaire as the main instrument to gather the needed data on perception and extent of use. These data were treated and interpreted using the mean and standard deviation.  Results revealed that the employees of the FICs in the region have homogenous responses as to the agreeability of the SOPs of FICs in the region and that the use of the employees of the standard operating procedures is oftentimes which means that their tasks and the operations of the FICs are governed and guided by these operational procedures which make the centers functional.  The researcher recommends that FICs should look into variables other than the areas mentioned in the SOP.  The variables are limited so there might be others that are equally important, and might be needing attention. FICs should work on acquiring intellectual property rights as this is a form of preserving ownership. Since the study show positive results, the centers might want to maintain or consider more criteria to add which may help improve the services of the FICs.