Abstract
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban development and infrastructure planning, the role of effective communication and efficient decision-making within governmental entities cannot be overstated. This study investigated the role of data visualization in enhancing communication effectiveness and improving decision-making efficiency within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region X – Planning and Design Office, which manages complex datasets as a key player in infrastructure planning and design. Five independent variables were analyzed: experience and engagement with data visualization techniques, organizational culture and support for data visualization, visual design elements, complexity of visualization, and integration of data visualization with other communication channels. Descriptive Correlational and Causal Comparative Research Designs were used in the study. The study encompassed the Planning and Design Division of the Regional Office X, Cagayan de Oro City and 14 District Engineering Offices’ Planning and Design Sections, involving professionals such as engineers, architects, and planning and design staff. Statistical analyses, including mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product – Moment correlation (r), multiple linear regression and path analysis were employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed statistically significant positive correlations between overall performance and experience and engagement, organizational culture and support, visual design elements and integration of data visualization to other communication channels. Regression analysis highlighted organizational culture and support in terms of leadership support and culture of collaboration, along with visual design elements particularly typography and iconography, and complexity of visualization in terms of experience and proficiency in advance/complex data visualization as key influencers in the overall performance. Finally, Model 4 emerges as the best-fitting structural model, meeting acceptable index standards and providing actionable insights for optimizing planning and design operations. This model is known as Villamor’s Model on Data Visualization for Effective Communication and Decision-making Efficiency in the Planning and Design Office at DPWH.
