Design & Implementation of Course Registration and Result Processing System (a Case Study of Federal Polytechnic Ilaro)
CHAPTER ONE
AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
The aim of this study is to develop student registration, course registration, examination registration, result processing and student transcript in less time, accurately and fast processing.
The objectives of this study are to:
- Provide a reliable solution to result processing that is corruption free.
- To enhance the speed of the results processing.
- Ensure that normal credit load in line with the school is maintained.
- Provide a software that will generate result that is accurate, timely and error free.
- To keep accurate record of students examination Results in the school and prevent lost of result, which are vital to the exams and records.
- To provide a long time database backup.
- To process and transfer student academic transcript.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
THE CONCEPT OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
The introduction of computer into information technology has massively improved the information needs of organization. The success of this machine is dependent on the knowledge base. Therefore, one can be prompted to ask aloud “what is a computer?”. Funk (1980), defined a computer as an electronic device that can perform automatically and at a high speed, a sequence of logical operations according to instructions given to it in form of a pre-arranged program. Anigbogu (2000) defined a computer as an electronic device capable of accepting data and instructions, processing the data based on the instructions to generate results or output in such a manner that is yet to be equaled by any other known machine to mankind. Chimezie (1990) stated that “Computers are looked upon as obedient servants who are ever ready to free man from tedious procedures and produce results as compared with human computing time”. Obilikwu (1995) described computer as a machine that is capable of accepting input data, store and process the data based on instructions given by the computer user and in this way produce expected results, generally called output. These definitions of computer would lead us to answer the question “what is a program?”
In his definition Obilikwu (1995), defined a program as a sequence of instructions given to the computer to perform a specific operation. From Encarta Encyclopedia, computer program is a set of instructions that directs a computer to perform some processing function or combination of functions. The above definitions of computer clearly demonstrates the limitless area of operations of computer in as much as such task is programmable. Computer is applicable in virtually all areas of human endeavor ranging from Agriculture, Education, Business, Sports, Entertainment, Medicine, Construction and Military etc.
French (1992), in his book titled” computer Science” fourth edition, he relates the relevance of computer to management and stated that “a company needs information in which to base decisions concerning the current operations and future plans. It requires the information to be timely and accurate”. He then cited the example of the use of computer in the area of management control to production and stated “production must be able to respond quickly to changes in demand and other circumstances. To do so requires the provision of up to date information this is accurate and timely”. Aluko (1991), stated that “in virtually any job whether clerical, technical, business, or professional; whether it is a banking, medicine, education etc. Computers are useful tools” and that “computers are tools with which we calculate, measure, assess, store, retrieve, regulate and monitor information”. Hence, the blood and life – wire of any system is information. A typical system (Education, Management etc.) cannot survive without good management information system (MIS). Management information system (MIS) are information systems, typically computer- based, that are used within an organization. The concept of management information system is a complex variable although Murdick (1971), simplified it when he said “there is probably no more challenging and diversified subject than management theory, system theory and computer science”. Admission processing system, result processing system, course registration system is typical information processing system or organizational information system on candidates’ admission and performances.
World Net describes an information system (I.S) as “a system consisting of the network of all communication channels used within an organization, and includes software and hardware”. It may also be defined as “a system that collects and processes data (information) and provides it to managers at all levels that use it for decision making, planning, program implementation and control. The aim of information system to admission, registration and result processing in polytechnics is improving the quality and accuracy of information provided to all involved as well as assisting polytechnics in compiling and reporting information.
The information system (IS) has common data set on admission, admittance regulations of different polytechnics and admission procedures. Computerization is a social process for providing access to and support for computer equipment to be used in activities such as teaching, accounting, writing, designing, circuits, file processing etc. Computerization entails social choices about the levels of appropriate investment and control over equipment and expertise, as well as choices of equipment.
Kling (1991), by the early 1990s, computing and telecommunications accounted for half of the capital investments made by private firms. However, paper Feigenbaum (1980) and McCorduck (1983) and Yourdon (1986) stated that the most fervent advocates of computerization have argued that the actual pace of computerization in schools, factories and homes is too slow. Taylor (1980), classified computer-based education as to include both computer-assisted instruction programs that interact with students in a dialogue and a broader array of educational computer applications such as simulations or instruction in computer programming. There is major national push for extended application of computer-based education at educational levels. For example, in the mid 1980s private several colleges and Polytechnics required all their fresh students to buy a specific kind of Micro-computers and others invested heavily in visions of “wired Campus”.
Kling (1983) asserts that computer-based education has been promoted with two different underlying ideologies in all levels of education. Some educators argue that computer- based instructional approaches can help fulfill the traditional values of progressive education: the simulation of intellectual curiosity, initiative, and democratic experiences. For examples, (1984) has argued that computerized polytechnics are qualitatively different than traditional polytechnics: College students with micro computers in their dorm rooms, will stimulate them to learn because they will have easy access to instructional materials and more interesting problems to solve. Papert (1979), argues that in a new computer – based school students will no longer simply be taught mathematics. These visions portray an enchanted social order transformed by advanced computing technologies. Other advocates are a bit less romantic, but not less enthusiastic.
For example Cole (1972), states that because of the insatiable desire of students for more and more information at a higher level of complexity and more sophisticated level of utilization, more effective means of communication must be used so that Computers can provide a unique vehicle for this transmission”. Hence, it is important to note that computer- based education goes a long way in helping the students as well as the staff to effectively make use of the computerized course registration system. It also helps in convincing the stakeholders of the importance and need for adopting the computerized admission, registration and result processing system as it provides effective and accurate handling of student’s files.
Therefore, a computerized course registration system is usually a system, which is implemented with a computer to achieve the utmost efficiency and desired goals. In well developed countries, where education systems are computerized; course registration system should be and/or is one of the modules contained in the college portal. A “College Portal” therefore is personalized software that captures the entire education business process and makes all operations accessible via the web, thus allowing schools to effectively serve all stakeholders, students, lecturers, administrators and parents. It provides many functionalities including Admissions, Registration, Financial Services (transactions- processing), Exams & Records, Grading, Staff Management, Facility Management, Student self-care (My school), Alumni Records, Library and College shop, etc and supports workflow and Messaging and provides other collaboration tools and advanced reporting engines.
Russell, M. (1987), dealt extensively on the need for the use of computers on such database system like computerized course registration system. In the words of Dimorji (2003), at the center of any information system is a database, which is any collection of related information grouped together as a simple item. The term can also be applied to the ways in which information in catalog is used, analyzed, stored and used manually. Russell was also of the view that without a computer, effective handling of Candidates’ records cannot be achieved effectively. According to him, “The oxford University has more than ninety- six thousand student’s records. No person would precisely remember the details of these records”. The computer is the most possible application to retain an unlimited number of records with the utmost current updating possibilities. This is true as can be seen as posited by Eloba (1992), Computer in school record keeping, Technical Education Today, Vol. 3 No 182. “That at a department with over a thousand candidates, with the use of computer, all qualified for admission, only 100 candidates needed to be chosen. With the ranking of the scores or grades of the candidates, the management is in position to choose the best candidates with the best results with ease and on time” with the use of computer. Again, many computerized systems have become more than tools-they are environments that people sometimes find hard to change and so on. Kling and Suzanne (1988), argue that we have much to learn about future uses and consequences of computerization by carefully examining past and present experiences. Knowing fully well how the Polytechnics program is being run (manually), studying the past and present experiences, energize the idea of computerization of the board or the program.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM
THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
For us to achieve all these stated above, we made use of the internationally accepted software engineering model, which are Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM). Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) is a systems approach to the analysis and design of information systems. SSADM method involves the application of a sequence of analysis, documentation and design tasks concerned with analysis of the current system, logical data design, logical process design etc. the steps involved are;
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
A thorough investigation of the current system was made in order to obtain detailed fact about the application area to be re-designed. Investigation also covered looking at the functional requirement of the present system and finding out whether the requirements and objective of the present system are being achieved. In the investigation proper, several methods of data collection were employed which includes interviewing of office representatives, evaluation/inspection of forms and direct observation. These methods were adopted to ensure the validity of data collected and relevance of the result after processing the data.
INTERVIEWING
In view to investigation, office representatives were interviewed such as the lecturers, HOD and faculty officers. This method yields the most profitable result as it is obtained by physical contacts, hence a firsthand knowledge of the various processes involved is obtained by speaking to the operator of the system. The essential element of the interview is obtained directly and in a short time than when other methods are employed since the interviewer is with the interviewed. This immediate feedback gives the opportunity to ask ambiguous questions and hence, obtain detailed responses.
OBSERVATION
The method of data collection enables the researchers to witness a firsthand operation of the old system or manual system. Direct observation is the surest method of learning as a scientist and this method was richly employed. During the observation, we had a feel of:
- The volume of work carried out
- The course registration processing
- The school filling system
OVERVIEW OF THE NEW SYSTEM
The itemized problem of the existing system can be solved or eradicated through the newly proposed system. It is better that records are computerized than done manually to avoid errors during data transfer of record and result. Those difficulties encountered in the existing system can be reduce using the proposed system.
Source program or application software will be developed which will perform the following task.
- Read the master file as input data.
- Process the students result
- Generate report for student score, grade, and grade point for each semester after a specified screen layout and dialog design.
- Append new records to the master file for processing.
- Modifies the existing records e t c.
To a great extent this eliminates duplication, redundancy and provides solution to some other itemized problems. Before user will be allowed access, it must be an authorized user. This is done by keeping the files of all authorized user who will have to enter their valid school information (matric number, level, department and institute) which will determine either they will be allow access or not. This will enhance data and information security.
In this new system, proof of ownership was implemented so that result of someone cannot be inputted for another person. Immediately the school information details of a particular candidate is inputted into the system it display the corresponding photograph of the owner, to be sure that the result about to be inputted is to the right person.
In the new system student are expected to do their profile registration, course registration and can view their profile and result information. In the new system the administrator are expected to do the course introduction, department introduction, score entry into the system.
Some of the advantages of the proposed system are:-
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
The requirements of the Design and Implementation of Multimedia System demands that a capable programming language can be used for its implementation. Hence PHP, Javascript was chosen.
PHP: Hypertext preprocessor is a widely used, general-purpose scripting language that was originally designed for web development to product dynamic web pages. For this purpose, PHP code is embedded into the HTML source document and interpreted by a web server with a PHP processor module, which generates the web page document. As a general-purpose programming language, PHP code is processed by an interpreter application in command line mode performing desired operating system operations and producing program output or its standard output channel. It may also functions as a graphical application. PHP is available as a processor for most modern web servers and as standalone interpreter on most operating systems and computing platforms.
JavaScript is used in the application in authenticating the client side of this application.
Why I found it appropriate to choose it in implementing this project. Its powerful debugging facility that provides useful hints and suggestions for error handling.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSION
This research work focuses on the use of computer system with reference to course registration, result processing in the Polytechnic system. The work covers the manual system of opertions as regards the problems identified, stating the aims of the new system, stating the various specifications and then implementing the programs. The work was successufully developed using php, javascript scripting languagesin an HTML environment, a user- friendly programming language, and the package was tested and improved upon which yields an automated course registration, result processing and result view..
The project work cannot be said to be perfect, but however, its benefits cannot be overemphasized. It has led to the improvement in the speed of processing operation, efficiency, accuracy and improved storage of data.
Realizing a project of this nature is very exciting. However, the students encounter a lot a problem which I believe if looked into, will go a long way toward reducing the tension associated with the design implementation and construction of the project. In spite of the constraints encountered during the implementation of this project, the aim of my project is well accomplished.
Moreover, an attempt to accomplish this project has taken care of the delay between examination and result processing with minimum mistakes. This has also forced me to learn, practically, what is involved in the design and implementation or computerization of project (existing or non-existing). Finally, I wish to commend the polytechnic system and indeed the department of computer science for this project inclusion as a course that must be taken by graduating students it is a step in the right direction to withstand the future challenges in computing in companies, industries, institutions and the world at large.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the achieved objective of this project and the experiences gained during its designed and implementation, I wish to make the following recommendations for future improvement. Students should be exposed to serious practical exercise during the course of their studies. In this regard, the students of Computer Science & Information Technology should be made to write at least a working program with veritable results before graduating. This could be accomplished by providing more computers qualified lecturers in the department.
Tertiary institutions should computerize their result processing system for greater efficiency, neatness, and reliability. This will go a long way to save the student all the trouble they go through trying to get their results in one form or the other. Finally, the students’ project should be closely supervised and monitored to achieve more success.
REFERENCE
- Abd. Majid, Muhd Zaimi (1997). “Non-Excusable Delays in Constructions.” Loughborough University of Technology, UK: PhD Thesis.
- Adrian. J. “Construction Estimating an Accounting and Productivity Approach’:, 2nd edition, 1993 , Stipes Publishing Company.
- Asworth, Allan, “Cost Studies Of Building”, Longman Group UK Limited, 1988,p60,85
- Bryan, S.M. “Assembly Pricing in Construction Cost Estimating.” Cost Engineering Journal, Vol.33, No. 8, August 1991.
- Carr, R.I, “Cost Estimating Principle,” Construction Engineering and management Journal, Vol. 115, No 4, December 1989.
- Charoenngam, C., Yeh, C.-Y. (1999) “Model for Estimation of Time and Cost for Tunnel Projects.” Int. J. Project Management 17: 29-37
- Che Wan Putra, CWF, “Object Definition and Data Exchange In An Integrated Construction Environment”, Ph.D Thesis, Department Od Surveying, University Of Salford, U.K, March,1996.
- Chong W.P. (2001). “Mereka Bentuk Perisian Kos Rendah (M.S. Excel) Untuk Pengukuran Kuantiti.” University Technology of Malaysia : Undergraduate Thesis.
- Chong Wan Siang (2004). “ Developing Computer Application For Quantity Surveying Services Using Microsoft Office Application.” Research management Centre, Universiti teknologi Malaysia.
- Coolier, Keith, “ Fundamentals of Construction Estimating and Cost Accounting”, Englewood Cliffs, N J: Practice Hall, 1974, p12.
- CSSP (2002). “CSSP Company Overview.” : Trade Brochuer.
- Dagistino, Frank R, “Estimating in Building Construction”, 2nd Edition, Reston, V.A. Reston, 1978. p1.
- David S.M.Hall, “Elements Of estimating,” B.T. batsford Ltd, London, 1972.
- Ducan, W.R,. “ A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge,” 1996, Library of Cataloging-in-Publication Data.
