Digital Transformation in Cooperative Management: The Case of Multipurpose Cooperatives

Abstract

This qualitative case study research focuses on the identification of the functions of information technology and its challenges among multipurpose cooperatives to serve as the basis for information technology system design. Six duly registered multipurpose cooperatives in the province of Bukidnon, involving nine participants from the management division, personnel, and staff participated in the interview conducted by the researcher. The results of the interview were transcribed, encoded, and categorized according to their codes and themes. Based on the results of the interview, findings revealed that the functions in integrating information technology in multipurpose cooperatives are Microsoft Application, communication, general accounting, data management, and process improvement. From the identified challenges, three themes surfaced out, namely: accessibility, system integration, and information security. The identified functions and challenges of IT integration to multi-purpose cooperatives became the basis to design Cooperative Upgrade Management Information System, an information technology system which features a friendly user interface is that is cost-effective and efficient, accessible even with limited internet connection and provides system security.