Results Computation in Higher Institutions Using PHP, HTML, CSS, MYSQL
Chapter One
Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this project is to design and develop a system with the capability to automate the process of result computation.
The objectives of this project are to:
- Develop a system that keeps accurate record of students’ examination results in the school and prevent loss of result which is vital to the Exams and Records.
- Reduce the length of time spent in results’ computation.
- Develop a system that prevents unauthorized access or tampering of students’ result hence, upholding data integrity.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Barrett (1999) encapsulated the essence of a student information system. He defines SMIS as “an integrated software package that maintains, supports, and provides inquiry, analysis, and communication tools that organize student accountability data into information to support the educational process”.
A result management system (RMS) is only an aspect of a complete SIS package. The U.S. Department of Education (2008) viewed student data systems as encompassing “hardware and software that provide many different functions to users, such as storing current and historical data, rapidly organizing and analyzing data, and developing presentation formats or reporting interfaces”.
Information systems used to manage student data have been referred to in various ways: Student Information Systems (SIS), Student Management Information Systems (SMIS), Student Data Systems (SDS), Student Data Warehouse (SDW), Student Academic Information Systems (SAIS), or Student Information Management Systems (SIMS), (Ngoma, 2009).
The aim is to design and implement a University Results Management System (RMS), this system will have the capability of storing current and historical data, organize and analyze this data as required and the software will have the ability to be integrated with other SIS packages if the need arises.
Theoretical Framework
Emmanuel and Choji (2012) stated that the introduction of computer into information technology has massively improved the information need of organizations.
Before then, 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. Since the computer is capable of accepting data and instructions, store this data and often time use this instructions and then generate an output, it is therefore necessary that we harness this quality and use it to our advantage. The process of school administration and in this case result processing is as already stated a time consuming and strenuous exercise prone to errors, if done manually, hence the need for us to seek out ways to lift this burden from the individuals involved in this exercise.
Okonigene et al. (2008) further stated that, with the use of computers for information processing, the following are possible: instant access to students’ personal and course information, instant student information updating, automatic computation of the Grade Point Average (GPA), generation of the graduating students list, monitoring of failed courses, keeping an up-to-date record of the entire student body in the University, storing course information such as course code, course description, course unit, and scores for the purpose of GPA computation, and producing user friendly data entry screens for ease of use.
Obiniyi and Ezugwu (2010) observed that Student enrolment in tertiary institutions is increasing at a very alarming rate. The increase in students’ population over the years has made the work of administrative officer in charge of processing students’ result a very tiresome exercise to deal with. The rise in the number of students in schools today has made it imperative that we continue to seek out the best and most efficient ways to handle schools and school administration.
Mohini and Amar (2011) indicated that Publication of student’s results in the manual system takes a very long time owing to which students remain idle for months. Sometimes the delay in declaration of result cause heavy losses to the students as generally they cannot join further studies or appear in competitive exams or join jobs because of the non-availability of examination result in time. Nmaju et al. (2013) also observed that many higher institutions in Nigeria still adopt the manual method of managing students’ data which is time consuming and demanding, and are often prone to a variety of errors and disasters. Hence, it brings to the fore the need to properly address how these shortcomings could be resolved and improved. They further stated that the solution to these shortcomings lies in an efficient information management system, or simply, information system.
Empirical Review
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).
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 that is accurate and timely”.
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”.
CHAPTER THREE
SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
Methodology
A methodology is a system of methods used in a particular area of study. It is a body of practices, procedures and rules used by those who work in a discipline or engage in an enquiry. It is in other words, a set of working methods. Methodology involves a process whereby the existing or current system is studied to identify the information requirements. It is used to refer to a specific series of steps or procedures which governs the analysis and design of a particular project. It also includes the techniques and methods which are used to collect and analyze information.
The types of methodologies includes: Prototyping, Object Oriented Analysis and Design Methodology (OOADM), Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) etc. For the purpose of this project, Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) was employed. Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) is an integrated set of standards which guides the analysis and design of computer systems.
CHAPTER FOUR
SYSTEM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
Introduction
A system is an organized collection of inter related subsystems with a collective responsibility of meeting a goal. Dependent subsystems are regularly interacting while independent group of components forming a unified whole work stand alone in achieving a specified task.
A system is also defined as an organized or complex unitary whole. System Analysis is therefore the study of the systems’ processes including investigation of inputs and outputs in order to find better, more economical and efficient means of processing data (D.I. Cleland and W.R. King, 1975).
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDTIONS
Summary
This Research work focuses on the use of computer system with reference to Results Processing in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science of Kwararafa University, Wukari.
The work covers the manual system of operations as regards the problems identified, stating the aims of the new system, stating the various specifications and then implementing the programs. The work was successfully developed using PHP programming language, and the package was tested and improved upon which yielded an Automated Results Processing System.
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 operations, efficiency, accuracy and improved storage of data.
Conclusion
The introduction of an automated method of results computation solves a lot, if not all, of the problems inherent in the manual method of results computation. It narrows down results computation and data handling to just “a click on the mouse button”, thereby making work faster, more efficient and more effective. And for this reason, the implementation and use of this application becomes necessary. Over time, the feasibility of a perfectly working Results Computation System has been a source of concern to academic bodies. Due to some uncontrolled factors such as non-payment or late payment of school fees, inconsistent administrative policies and power failure, the possibility of realizing such achievement is threatened. Thus just as human beings, all we can achieve is a “near-perfect” system.
Moreover, an attempt to accomplish this project has taken care of the delay between examination and results processing with minimum mistakes. This has also forced me to learn, practically, what is involved in the design and implementation or computerization of a project (existing or non-existing).
Recommendations
Based on the achieved objective of this project and experiences gained during its design and implementation, I wish to make the following recommendations for future improvements.
- The System can be upgraded to have a students’ module that allows students view their results once it is computed.
- The System can also be integrated with the institutions Students’ Registration Portal hence, having a near complete School Management System.
REFERENCE
- Barrett, S. (1999). Information’s Systems: An Exploration of Factors Influencing Effective Use. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, (Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 4-16).
- Eloba, P.C (1998). Computers in School Record Keeping Technical Education. Ikeja, Lagos State: Ekon Press.
- Anigbogu, S.O. (2000). Computer Application and Operation, (1st ed., Vol. 1, No.2, pp. 30-39). Awka: Optimum Press.
- Ekpenyong, M. E. (2008). A Real-Time IKBS for Students’ Results Computation. International Journal of Physical Sciences, (Vol. 20, No. 3).
- U.S. Department of Education. (2008). Computer and the Education System. U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. Retrieved from: http://www.ed.gov/.
- Ngoma, S. (2009). An Exploration of the Effectiveness of SIS in Managing Student Performance. (A final year Dissertation in the School of Post Graduate Studies, Marlboro College, Vermont, USA). Retrieved from: http://www.marlboro.edu/.
- Emmanuel, B. and Choji, D. (2012). A Software Application for Colleges of Education Student’s Results Processing. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications, (Vol. 2, No.11).
- French, C. S (1992). Computer Science. London, United Kingdom: Educational Low-Priced Book Scheme.
