Improving research protocol submission management system for MMSU-IACUC

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) faces challenges in managing research protocol submissions through a labor intensive manual process. To address this, an online research protocol submission management system was developed, leveraging Agile Methodology to ensure flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The system enhances the efficiency of the IACUC office by digitizing and automating the submission process, reducing administrative burdens, and improving the accuracy and speed of reviews. Key features include a user friendly interface for researchers, automated notifications, and a streamlined workflow for protocol evaluation and approval. User Acceptance Testing, based on ISO 25010:2011 standards, indicated high satisfaction, with a grand mean score of 4.61, demonstrating the system's effectiveness in meeting user needs. The new system significantly improves the submission process, streamlines document management, and increases overall productivity in the office, thereby supporting the IACUC's mission of ensuring ethical research practices at MMSU. By transitioning to an automated platform, the IACUC office not only enhances compliance with regulatory standards but also fosters a more efficient research environment, empowering researchers to focus on innovation and scientific inquiry. This technological advancement represents a critical step forward in modernizing administrative processes, aligning with MMSU's commitment to excellence in research management.