Effectiveness of Infographics in Enhancing Integrated Management System (IMS) Policy Awareness of Undergraduate Students

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess and raise the level of awareness on Integrated Management System (IMS) policy of undergraduate students in one of the top universities in the Philippines. In a preliminary survey conducted to 300 students, 86.67 percent of respondents admitted that they were not aware of the existence of the IMS policy, a sad truth for the university considering it had been promoting awareness for the past years. An infographic applying cognitive ergonomics principles was designed to increase attention and memory retention and two methods of information dissemination were utilized - through social media and through in-campus postings on bulletin boards strategically situated in hallways and stairways. After a period of five weeks, a post survey was performed to verify if the awareness campaign was successful. Using paired sample t-test, results revealed that the respondents agreed that they are attracted, influenced, and happy or satisfied with the design of the infographic. In addition, the use of both social media postings and posters on bulletin boards made the students aware and familiar with the IMS policy. They had a change in outlook by helping the environment, gained sufficient information to promote awareness and understood the content of the infographic. Respondents also strongly agreed that social media posts and bulletin board posters are effective and resulted in positive promotion of awareness in the school's community. Respondents also became more aware of the existence of the IMS policy, became more familiar with its content and since the IMS infographic has sufficient information, understood its content and the information being relayed. The findings in this study denoted that a properly designed information campaign material and the use of two platforms of communication can help increase awareness and influence the community.