11-10-2016, 02:36 PM
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Introduction
Many schools have their own system to manage students profile and assessments. Common practice is by recording the student information in a record book. Just the same to students’ results are recorded into files which at some times when not kept well can be lost at any time. Students may do different examination papers which at the end they will be given examination reports according to the performance and the school has also to have a record of those results for easy evaluation of the students’ performance in each term.
In Serere secondary school, several assessments are prepared to evaluate student performance. Types of assessments that are common are class assessments (assignments), monthly test, and end of term exams. At the end of each assessment, test and examination, the class teacher records student’s marks and grades in the record book or in basic computer software such as Microsoft Excel for teachers with knowledge and access to computer, once done students are called to get there results or will be pinned on the notice board, which takes a lot of time but all this can easily be achieved by an online Students Result Management System (OSRMS).
1.1 Background of the study.
This study will be carried out in Serere secondary school.
Serere secondary school is located in Serere county, Olio sub-county in Serere District. It’s about 1km(kilometre) to the North East of Serere town. The school is founded by church of Uganda in 1981.
The school is government aided mixed day and boarding, and it operates in both Advanced and Ordinary level with the help of highly qualified, well motivated and experienced teachers. The school has got good learning environment with well spaced classrooms having enough desks for all the students of about 1195 students.
It has got a total of 14 (fourteen) classrooms provided by World Bank and well stocked library and laboratories.
Currently the school prepares candidates for UNEB (Uganda National Examination Board) Examination at both Ordinary and Advanced levels, with centre number U0319.
School mission
To be among the best performing schools moulding and providing highly tailored disciplined and informed students by promoting their talents and creating students awareness.
School vision
To be one of the best education providers
School motto
Work with Honesty.
The researcher will focus on the design and implementation of an application program where student results can be stored, and users (students) can access this application from anywhere as long as the computer they are working on is connected on the internet. This application enables users with the right permission (administrators) to register new user details, student’s examination records as well as updating these records whenever necessary.
Purposively, the study is carried out to develop an application program that will ameliorate on the short-comings encountered in the student’s result processing and publications by the manual system being used in Serere senior secondary, and through this application programme thereby will generate results that are accurate, timely and error free and students will access results Online just by the click of the button.
1.2 Statement of the problem.
Many schools today are still applying 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 our sense the need to properly address how these shortcomings could be resolved and improved.
In Serere senior secondary school, results are being compiled by each teacher according to the subjects he or she handles, by calculating each student’s Test and Exam scores to get the total for every student in class.
To get the average score for each student, the teacher will further add all the total scores for each subject offered then divide by total number of subjects offered by the student. After that is done, the teacher starts looking for the highest average score and the one that follows and so on to get (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th ………30th positions in the class).
Then teacher later enter the record into each student “Report Card” and also create a broad sheet called Master Sheet for all the students’ records for future references, and then report cards are submitted and given to the students where they are needed to gather in an assembly. Imagine for far students, they have to wait till the issuance of report cards time comes/reaches. This manual system has got problems associated to it like inaccuracy, lack of security of results, late processing of results, weather threats, and production of ineffective results.
According to Eludire (2011), he stated that other problems associated with manual systems includes; improper registration, late release of students’ results, Inaccuracy due to manual and tedious calculation, retrieval difficulties/inefficiency, and loss of data recorded. It is unfortunate that most educational institutions in the developing world still operate the manual methods of record keeping and computation. Although the manual methods still work, it is prone to errors. By the use of OSRMS results can be entered into the system and published online which can be done quickly and efficiently to the satisfaction of the students, lecturers, parents and school authority.
1.3 Objectives of the study.
1.3.1 Main Objectives.
To develop an Online Students Result Management System (OSRMS) in order to manage A’ Level student information and assessments results in Serere secondary school. This system will help school administration and class teacher to manage students’ assessments results.
1.3.2 Specific objectives
To provide the management with a tool with which to cut down on the time taken to provide results of evaluations. Result will be processed and presented at the click of a button. Hence computer becomes indispensable in results processing.
Efficiency: Because of the ever increasing number of students enrolling in secondary schools, it is becoming progressively harder to cope with the paper worked involved in the manual system which takes long time. A computerized system will make the job a lot more efficient and students will obtain their results soon after the marking of the scripts is completed and the results entered into the system by either there Class teacher or System Administrator.
Accuracy: As in all manually operated systems, there are often errors, to a very negligible degree, and when they do occur, can be easily identified and corrected with the use of ORSMS.
Retrieve ability: In the manual system information are stored in files, these information can be retrieved by searching for the file that contains it, but with the use of computers, one need to do is to punch a few keys on the key board or simply click the mouse and the information is retrieved.
Safety and security: information stored in the computer is safe from animals, insects and intruders. Also a password can be used to make program accessible to only authorized persons.
1.4 Research questions.
1. How will OSRMS manage A’ Level student information and assessments results in Serere secondary school?
2. How helpful is OSRMS helpful in reducing rapid use of paper work to the delivery of students’ results.
3. How accurate will OSRMS be helpful in improving Education system in Serere secondary school in terms of errors encountered in the manual system used?
4. How can OSRMS be helpful in retrieving data faster?
5. In which way is OSRMS in establishing security issues?
1.5 Scope of the study
1.5.1 Time scope.
In terms of time, the study will be conducted between July 2016 to November 2016. The study will be carried out among administration, students, staff, non-staff and other workers within the school.
1.5.2 Geographical scope
This scope tells us the relevant boundaries limited and un-delimited zone issues.The study will be carried out in Serere senior secondary school in Serere district. This area of study has been chosen because it has been noted that the school needs improvement in the global world. It’s believed that through this, there is a change in administrative management at the school to ease on school results issuance to both the students and their parents to clearly see their performance.
1.5.3 Content/Technical scope.
The study will examine the contribution of Online Students Results Management towards the promotion of education and other services in Serere senior secondary school in Serere district. The role of Online Students Results Management System and how best it can be used in the struggle to promote education performance and issuance and management of students results by the teachers.
1.6 Justifications.
The findings from this study will help the students access their results online immediately the marks are being entered into the system. It has been established that the manual method being used in Serere Secondary School tends to be tedious and time wasting when issuing the school results to the students thus with the use of the proposed Online Students Results Management System (OSRMS) will ease and solve such scenarios to happen and students gets their results online just by the clicking of the button.
Focus onto the topic
1.7 Significanceof the study
With Online Students Result Management System (OSRMS) in a school of learning will have lots of benefits to derive which will provide the necessary conveniences for the students, teachers and managements in the school. The benefit of Online students Results Management System has the following as benefit.
Facilitate Management: The Computerized Statistical Analysis of data will facilitate the management to see trends in result at various levels. This will facilitate the Top Level Management to make strategic decision in favour of the school and students.
Minimizes Redundancy: The use of Online Students Results Management System for storage of students’ data will help in minimizing the redundancy in database in addition to maintain consistency, integrity and security of data. In an educational community, information is highly essential for correct students’ record and examination data. Student information, if not properly created and stored, will cause many errors in usage.
Human interaction: With only one person can enter the results into the system, either an administrator or the class teacher. These will reduce on many teachers wanting to enter the results into the report cards at the same time if the manual system is being used.
Focus onto the topic as u summarize towards it
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This chapter tells about the reviewed related literature from different authors on Online Students Results Management System (OSRMS) concepts and performance. This gives a light hearted perspective about OSRMS and how OSRMS work.
Information systems used to manage student data have been referred to in various ways which includes: 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) and Barrett(1999) encapsulate 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) views 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 analysing data, and developing presentation formats or reporting interfaces”
My aim is to design and implement an Online Students Result Management System, this system will have the capability of storing current and historical data, organize and analyse this data as required and the application program will have the ability to be integrated with other SIS packages if the need arises.
2.1 Historical perspectives
In the Early 1970’s, the first automated Integrated Student Information System using punch card input was implemented. But in 1984 Punch-card system replaced by a database system on an Intercom platform. In 1988 Intercom system replaced by an Integrated Database Management System (IDMS) database system. An IDMS is primarily a network database management system for mainframe computers.
In 1988 through to 2005 IDMS systems were continually enhanced and modified to meet new requirements and changing technology using the Internet, hundreds of interfaces have been built and extracts created to service a large number of independent systems across colleges and campus. (Wikipedia 2014)
2.2 Theoretical reviews.
According to 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 equalled by any other known machine to mankind. Since the computer is capable of accepting data and instructions, store this data and often time 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.
According to 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 together. 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.
Barrett (1999) also notes that, it’s an effort to efficiently document and maintain accountability data, schools are relying more on technology in the form of Student Management Information Systems (SMIS). This system is designed to efficiently handle processes like inputting scores, storing results, automatically calculating grade points, and interpreting the student’s overall result. The usual manual process has now reached a level where it is difficult for the available man power to cope with the magnitude of examination work, in the given time. The imbalance between man power availability and the magnitude of work to be done in processing examination results, leads to the delay in the declaration of examination results.
An effective measure, which can improve the efficiency of the examination result processing and publications,is therefore the introduction of computerization, especially with the use of examinations result processing software. Computerized relational database systems (RDBMS) like Oracle database, Microsoft SQL server, MySQL etc. were developed with goal of reducing data redundancy more so there is need to reduce redundancy in schools.
Eludire (2011) also noted that, the data generated by organizations are usually created in files for use by different departments/units within the organization. If the data contained in these files are not carefully delineated it is very likely that the same data will appear on several of these files. That is these files would contain redundant data for example the school registry file and department file would contain the name and address of a student. This would mean that a simple change of address has to be processed in two and probably three or four places, depending on the number of other files on which these data appears.
According to Vecchioli (1999), he noted that organizing and managing student records into a cohesive and efficient system might seem like an impossible task. This study is to be carried out to verify the manual process involved in generating students examination result and to seek a way of automating the system for effective operations. It is pointed out in the research work Student Examination Result Processing System (2012) that the effort expended in the process of registration of students and computation of their examination results is enormous. Hence, the need to evolve a computerized process that will effectively and efficiently capture all the important data associated with the registration and examination result processing within the Serere secondary school.
Brian (2009) also stated that, databases are collections of interrelated data of such a nature that the collections can be represented as a number of files but not a single file.
According to Garcia-Molina et al. (2008) also stated that, depending on the Database Management System (DBMS) used, these files may be integrated permanently into a single connected structure or integrated temporarily for each interrogation, known as a query. Nearly all departments within an organization require data to be processed into information in a timely manner. Timely information processing and dissemination leads to efficiency and customer satisfaction. Schools are organizations as well and timely information processing and dissemination is needed to run a school efficiently. Many schools have their own system to manage students profile and assessments. Common practice as earlier stated is by recording the student information in a record book(s). Students’ information is obtained from the registration forms obtained from the practices that have always been used. This practice has some weaknesses such as it takes a longer time to search the student’s profile, the possibility of misplacing these record books and the vulnerability of student’s record as the records could be accessed by unauthorized persons.
2.3 Technologies and tools to be used
Html
HTML is a hypertext markup language which is in reality a backbone of any website. Every website can’t be structured without the knowledge of html. If we make our web page only with the help of html, than we can’t add many of the effective features in a web page, for making a web page more effective we use various platforms such as CSS. So here we are using this language to make our web pages more effective as well as efficient. And to make our web pages dynamic we will use Java script.
Css
CSS Stands for "Cascading Style Sheet." Cascading stylesheets are used to format the layout of Web pages. They can be used to define text styles, table sizes, and other aspects of
Web pages that previously could only be defined in a page's HTML. The basic purpose of CSS is to separate theof a web document (written in any markup language) from its presentation (that is written using Cascading Style Sheets). There are lots of benefits that one can extractthrough CSS like improved content accessibility, betterflexibility and moreover, CSS gives a level of control overvarious presentation characteristics of the document. It alsohelps in reducing the complexity and helps in saving overallpresentation time. CSS gives the option of selecting variousstyle schemes and rules according to the requirements and italso allows the same HTML document to be presented inmore than one varying style.
Java Script
JavaScript is considered to be one of the most famous scripting languages of all time. JavaScript, by definition, is aScripting Language of the World Wide Web. The main usage of JavaScript is to add various Web functionalities, Web form validations, browser detections, creation of cookies and so on. JavaScript is one of the most popular scripting languages and that is why it is supported by almost all web browsers available today like Firefox, Internet Explorer etc.
JavaScript is considered to be one of the most powerful scripting languages in use today. It is often used for the development of client-side web development. Java Script is used to make web pages more interactive and dynamic.
JavaScript is a light weight programming language and it is embedded directly into the HTML code. JavaScript, as the name suggests, was influenced by many languages, especially Java.
Php.
Another application language to be used PHP; PHP is a very powerful server-side scripting language for developing dynamic web applications. Using PHP, one can build interactive and dynamic websites with ease. PHP script can be embedded straight into the heart of html code. PHP is compatible with various web servers like Apache. All the PHP scripts are executed on the server and it supports various databases like MySQL, Oracle, and Generic ODBC etc; however, it is mostly used with MySQL.
Sql.
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. SQL lets us access and manipulate databases. SQL is an ANSI(American National Standards Institute) standard. SQL can execute queries against a database ,retrieve data from a database, insert records in a database, update records in a database, delete records from a database, create new databases , create new tables in a database , create stored procedures in a database, create views in a database, set permissions on tables, procedures, and views.
METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
Research in common terms refers to a search of knowledge. One can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation.
According to Oxford dictionary’s definition, research is a careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge. Some people consider research as a movement from the known to the unknown looking for the unknown information to solve the problem.
Methodology implies more than simply the methods you intend to use to collect data. It is often necessary to include a consideration of the concepts and theories which underlie the methods.
This chapter will present the methodology the researcher will use in the study. It will give an overview of the research design, study area, target population, selection of respondents, and data collection methods.
3.1 Research designs.
This study will use a descriptive research design which will involve the use of interviews, questionnaires and a group discussion checklist to produce both qualitative and quantitative data and to allow simultaneous description of views and perceptions about the study.
3.2 Study Population.
The study population to participate in the study will be the Administrators and (Advanced) A’ Level students’ of Serere secondary school.
3.3 Study area
The area of study will be carried out in Serere Secondary school, whereby the researcher will aim at finding the past current system used to capture and keep the students’ data or information in the school and the ease access of students results.
3.4 Sampling size
The number of respondents to participate in the study will be 30 respondents of which 5 will be administrators from the school, 20 will be students, and 5 others.
3.5 Sampling procedure
The study will employ a sample random technique which will be applied in the selection of the A’ Level students in Serere secondary school. This is because there are many students in the school.
3.6 Source of data
Primary and secondary sources of data will be used in the research
a) Primary source of Data: This is the source of data will be used by the investigator himself for a specific purpose. The primary source of data will be done by presenting the questionnaires and conducting the interview with sampled respondents.
b) Secondary source of Data: This is data which have been already collected and analyzed by some agency for its own use. Related information from books, journals, and reports, publications, newspapers, the World Wide Web are what the researcher will use in the secondary data collection
3.7 Research data collection methods.
3.7.1 Interview method.
It is an interactional communication process which involves asking of questions by the interviewer to the respondents for the specific purpose of obtaining research-relevant information and answering of questions by the interviewee. Interview is commonly used survey method in social sciences. It involves the gathering of data through direct verbal interaction between the interviewer and interviewee.
Interviewis good in that, it’s easy in correction of speech; development of relationship; collection of primary information; sufficient information; time saving; and less costly.
3.7.2 Observation method
Kawulich, Barbara. B (2005) defined observation as "the systematic description of events, behaviours, and artefacts in the social setting chosen for study". Observations enable the researcher to describe existing situations using the five senses, providing a "written photograph" of the situation under study. Fieldwork involves active looking, improving memory, informal interviewing, writing detailed field notes, and perhaps most importantly, patience.
Participant observation is the process enabling researchers to learn about the activities of the people under study in the natural setting through observing and participating in those activities. It provides the context for development of sampling guidelines and interview guides
3.7.3 Sampling method.
This is the study method where a researcher selects a random number of respondents from the larger group. The sample size can be of 5, 10, 15, 20, or even beyond. This number of respondents is used to represent the larger group; any information got from them implies that the rest also has the same.
3.7.4 Questionnaires
These are questions written on the paper on which researchers submits to the respondents to answers. The questions can be open-ended or closed-ended.
Introduction
Many schools have their own system to manage students profile and assessments. Common practice is by recording the student information in a record book. Just the same to students’ results are recorded into files which at some times when not kept well can be lost at any time. Students may do different examination papers which at the end they will be given examination reports according to the performance and the school has also to have a record of those results for easy evaluation of the students’ performance in each term.
In Serere secondary school, several assessments are prepared to evaluate student performance. Types of assessments that are common are class assessments (assignments), monthly test, and end of term exams. At the end of each assessment, test and examination, the class teacher records student’s marks and grades in the record book or in basic computer software such as Microsoft Excel for teachers with knowledge and access to computer, once done students are called to get there results or will be pinned on the notice board, which takes a lot of time but all this can easily be achieved by an online Students Result Management System (OSRMS).
1.1 Background of the study.
This study will be carried out in Serere secondary school.
Serere secondary school is located in Serere county, Olio sub-county in Serere District. It’s about 1km(kilometre) to the North East of Serere town. The school is founded by church of Uganda in 1981.
The school is government aided mixed day and boarding, and it operates in both Advanced and Ordinary level with the help of highly qualified, well motivated and experienced teachers. The school has got good learning environment with well spaced classrooms having enough desks for all the students of about 1195 students.
It has got a total of 14 (fourteen) classrooms provided by World Bank and well stocked library and laboratories.
Currently the school prepares candidates for UNEB (Uganda National Examination Board) Examination at both Ordinary and Advanced levels, with centre number U0319.
School mission
To be among the best performing schools moulding and providing highly tailored disciplined and informed students by promoting their talents and creating students awareness.
School vision
To be one of the best education providers
School motto
Work with Honesty.
The researcher will focus on the design and implementation of an application program where student results can be stored, and users (students) can access this application from anywhere as long as the computer they are working on is connected on the internet. This application enables users with the right permission (administrators) to register new user details, student’s examination records as well as updating these records whenever necessary.
Purposively, the study is carried out to develop an application program that will ameliorate on the short-comings encountered in the student’s result processing and publications by the manual system being used in Serere senior secondary, and through this application programme thereby will generate results that are accurate, timely and error free and students will access results Online just by the click of the button.
1.2 Statement of the problem.
Many schools today are still applying 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 our sense the need to properly address how these shortcomings could be resolved and improved.
In Serere senior secondary school, results are being compiled by each teacher according to the subjects he or she handles, by calculating each student’s Test and Exam scores to get the total for every student in class.
To get the average score for each student, the teacher will further add all the total scores for each subject offered then divide by total number of subjects offered by the student. After that is done, the teacher starts looking for the highest average score and the one that follows and so on to get (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th ………30th positions in the class).
Then teacher later enter the record into each student “Report Card” and also create a broad sheet called Master Sheet for all the students’ records for future references, and then report cards are submitted and given to the students where they are needed to gather in an assembly. Imagine for far students, they have to wait till the issuance of report cards time comes/reaches. This manual system has got problems associated to it like inaccuracy, lack of security of results, late processing of results, weather threats, and production of ineffective results.
According to Eludire (2011), he stated that other problems associated with manual systems includes; improper registration, late release of students’ results, Inaccuracy due to manual and tedious calculation, retrieval difficulties/inefficiency, and loss of data recorded. It is unfortunate that most educational institutions in the developing world still operate the manual methods of record keeping and computation. Although the manual methods still work, it is prone to errors. By the use of OSRMS results can be entered into the system and published online which can be done quickly and efficiently to the satisfaction of the students, lecturers, parents and school authority.
1.3 Objectives of the study.
1.3.1 Main Objectives.
To develop an Online Students Result Management System (OSRMS) in order to manage A’ Level student information and assessments results in Serere secondary school. This system will help school administration and class teacher to manage students’ assessments results.
1.3.2 Specific objectives
To provide the management with a tool with which to cut down on the time taken to provide results of evaluations. Result will be processed and presented at the click of a button. Hence computer becomes indispensable in results processing.
Efficiency: Because of the ever increasing number of students enrolling in secondary schools, it is becoming progressively harder to cope with the paper worked involved in the manual system which takes long time. A computerized system will make the job a lot more efficient and students will obtain their results soon after the marking of the scripts is completed and the results entered into the system by either there Class teacher or System Administrator.
Accuracy: As in all manually operated systems, there are often errors, to a very negligible degree, and when they do occur, can be easily identified and corrected with the use of ORSMS.
Retrieve ability: In the manual system information are stored in files, these information can be retrieved by searching for the file that contains it, but with the use of computers, one need to do is to punch a few keys on the key board or simply click the mouse and the information is retrieved.
Safety and security: information stored in the computer is safe from animals, insects and intruders. Also a password can be used to make program accessible to only authorized persons.
1.4 Research questions.
1. How will OSRMS manage A’ Level student information and assessments results in Serere secondary school?
2. How helpful is OSRMS helpful in reducing rapid use of paper work to the delivery of students’ results.
3. How accurate will OSRMS be helpful in improving Education system in Serere secondary school in terms of errors encountered in the manual system used?
4. How can OSRMS be helpful in retrieving data faster?
5. In which way is OSRMS in establishing security issues?
1.5 Scope of the study
1.5.1 Time scope.
In terms of time, the study will be conducted between July 2016 to November 2016. The study will be carried out among administration, students, staff, non-staff and other workers within the school.
1.5.2 Geographical scope
This scope tells us the relevant boundaries limited and un-delimited zone issues.The study will be carried out in Serere senior secondary school in Serere district. This area of study has been chosen because it has been noted that the school needs improvement in the global world. It’s believed that through this, there is a change in administrative management at the school to ease on school results issuance to both the students and their parents to clearly see their performance.
1.5.3 Content/Technical scope.
The study will examine the contribution of Online Students Results Management towards the promotion of education and other services in Serere senior secondary school in Serere district. The role of Online Students Results Management System and how best it can be used in the struggle to promote education performance and issuance and management of students results by the teachers.
1.6 Justifications.
The findings from this study will help the students access their results online immediately the marks are being entered into the system. It has been established that the manual method being used in Serere Secondary School tends to be tedious and time wasting when issuing the school results to the students thus with the use of the proposed Online Students Results Management System (OSRMS) will ease and solve such scenarios to happen and students gets their results online just by the clicking of the button.
Focus onto the topic
1.7 Significanceof the study
With Online Students Result Management System (OSRMS) in a school of learning will have lots of benefits to derive which will provide the necessary conveniences for the students, teachers and managements in the school. The benefit of Online students Results Management System has the following as benefit.
Facilitate Management: The Computerized Statistical Analysis of data will facilitate the management to see trends in result at various levels. This will facilitate the Top Level Management to make strategic decision in favour of the school and students.
Minimizes Redundancy: The use of Online Students Results Management System for storage of students’ data will help in minimizing the redundancy in database in addition to maintain consistency, integrity and security of data. In an educational community, information is highly essential for correct students’ record and examination data. Student information, if not properly created and stored, will cause many errors in usage.
Human interaction: With only one person can enter the results into the system, either an administrator or the class teacher. These will reduce on many teachers wanting to enter the results into the report cards at the same time if the manual system is being used.
Focus onto the topic as u summarize towards it
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This chapter tells about the reviewed related literature from different authors on Online Students Results Management System (OSRMS) concepts and performance. This gives a light hearted perspective about OSRMS and how OSRMS work.
Information systems used to manage student data have been referred to in various ways which includes: 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) and Barrett(1999) encapsulate 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) views 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 analysing data, and developing presentation formats or reporting interfaces”
My aim is to design and implement an Online Students Result Management System, this system will have the capability of storing current and historical data, organize and analyse this data as required and the application program will have the ability to be integrated with other SIS packages if the need arises.
2.1 Historical perspectives
In the Early 1970’s, the first automated Integrated Student Information System using punch card input was implemented. But in 1984 Punch-card system replaced by a database system on an Intercom platform. In 1988 Intercom system replaced by an Integrated Database Management System (IDMS) database system. An IDMS is primarily a network database management system for mainframe computers.
In 1988 through to 2005 IDMS systems were continually enhanced and modified to meet new requirements and changing technology using the Internet, hundreds of interfaces have been built and extracts created to service a large number of independent systems across colleges and campus. (Wikipedia 2014)
2.2 Theoretical reviews.
According to 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 equalled by any other known machine to mankind. Since the computer is capable of accepting data and instructions, store this data and often time 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.
According to 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 together. 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.
Barrett (1999) also notes that, it’s an effort to efficiently document and maintain accountability data, schools are relying more on technology in the form of Student Management Information Systems (SMIS). This system is designed to efficiently handle processes like inputting scores, storing results, automatically calculating grade points, and interpreting the student’s overall result. The usual manual process has now reached a level where it is difficult for the available man power to cope with the magnitude of examination work, in the given time. The imbalance between man power availability and the magnitude of work to be done in processing examination results, leads to the delay in the declaration of examination results.
An effective measure, which can improve the efficiency of the examination result processing and publications,is therefore the introduction of computerization, especially with the use of examinations result processing software. Computerized relational database systems (RDBMS) like Oracle database, Microsoft SQL server, MySQL etc. were developed with goal of reducing data redundancy more so there is need to reduce redundancy in schools.
Eludire (2011) also noted that, the data generated by organizations are usually created in files for use by different departments/units within the organization. If the data contained in these files are not carefully delineated it is very likely that the same data will appear on several of these files. That is these files would contain redundant data for example the school registry file and department file would contain the name and address of a student. This would mean that a simple change of address has to be processed in two and probably three or four places, depending on the number of other files on which these data appears.
According to Vecchioli (1999), he noted that organizing and managing student records into a cohesive and efficient system might seem like an impossible task. This study is to be carried out to verify the manual process involved in generating students examination result and to seek a way of automating the system for effective operations. It is pointed out in the research work Student Examination Result Processing System (2012) that the effort expended in the process of registration of students and computation of their examination results is enormous. Hence, the need to evolve a computerized process that will effectively and efficiently capture all the important data associated with the registration and examination result processing within the Serere secondary school.
Brian (2009) also stated that, databases are collections of interrelated data of such a nature that the collections can be represented as a number of files but not a single file.
According to Garcia-Molina et al. (2008) also stated that, depending on the Database Management System (DBMS) used, these files may be integrated permanently into a single connected structure or integrated temporarily for each interrogation, known as a query. Nearly all departments within an organization require data to be processed into information in a timely manner. Timely information processing and dissemination leads to efficiency and customer satisfaction. Schools are organizations as well and timely information processing and dissemination is needed to run a school efficiently. Many schools have their own system to manage students profile and assessments. Common practice as earlier stated is by recording the student information in a record book(s). Students’ information is obtained from the registration forms obtained from the practices that have always been used. This practice has some weaknesses such as it takes a longer time to search the student’s profile, the possibility of misplacing these record books and the vulnerability of student’s record as the records could be accessed by unauthorized persons.
2.3 Technologies and tools to be used
Html
HTML is a hypertext markup language which is in reality a backbone of any website. Every website can’t be structured without the knowledge of html. If we make our web page only with the help of html, than we can’t add many of the effective features in a web page, for making a web page more effective we use various platforms such as CSS. So here we are using this language to make our web pages more effective as well as efficient. And to make our web pages dynamic we will use Java script.
Css
CSS Stands for "Cascading Style Sheet." Cascading stylesheets are used to format the layout of Web pages. They can be used to define text styles, table sizes, and other aspects of
Web pages that previously could only be defined in a page's HTML. The basic purpose of CSS is to separate theof a web document (written in any markup language) from its presentation (that is written using Cascading Style Sheets). There are lots of benefits that one can extractthrough CSS like improved content accessibility, betterflexibility and moreover, CSS gives a level of control overvarious presentation characteristics of the document. It alsohelps in reducing the complexity and helps in saving overallpresentation time. CSS gives the option of selecting variousstyle schemes and rules according to the requirements and italso allows the same HTML document to be presented inmore than one varying style.
Java Script
JavaScript is considered to be one of the most famous scripting languages of all time. JavaScript, by definition, is aScripting Language of the World Wide Web. The main usage of JavaScript is to add various Web functionalities, Web form validations, browser detections, creation of cookies and so on. JavaScript is one of the most popular scripting languages and that is why it is supported by almost all web browsers available today like Firefox, Internet Explorer etc.
JavaScript is considered to be one of the most powerful scripting languages in use today. It is often used for the development of client-side web development. Java Script is used to make web pages more interactive and dynamic.
JavaScript is a light weight programming language and it is embedded directly into the HTML code. JavaScript, as the name suggests, was influenced by many languages, especially Java.
Php.
Another application language to be used PHP; PHP is a very powerful server-side scripting language for developing dynamic web applications. Using PHP, one can build interactive and dynamic websites with ease. PHP script can be embedded straight into the heart of html code. PHP is compatible with various web servers like Apache. All the PHP scripts are executed on the server and it supports various databases like MySQL, Oracle, and Generic ODBC etc; however, it is mostly used with MySQL.
Sql.
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. SQL lets us access and manipulate databases. SQL is an ANSI(American National Standards Institute) standard. SQL can execute queries against a database ,retrieve data from a database, insert records in a database, update records in a database, delete records from a database, create new databases , create new tables in a database , create stored procedures in a database, create views in a database, set permissions on tables, procedures, and views.
METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
Research in common terms refers to a search of knowledge. One can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation.
According to Oxford dictionary’s definition, research is a careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge. Some people consider research as a movement from the known to the unknown looking for the unknown information to solve the problem.
Methodology implies more than simply the methods you intend to use to collect data. It is often necessary to include a consideration of the concepts and theories which underlie the methods.
This chapter will present the methodology the researcher will use in the study. It will give an overview of the research design, study area, target population, selection of respondents, and data collection methods.
3.1 Research designs.
This study will use a descriptive research design which will involve the use of interviews, questionnaires and a group discussion checklist to produce both qualitative and quantitative data and to allow simultaneous description of views and perceptions about the study.
3.2 Study Population.
The study population to participate in the study will be the Administrators and (Advanced) A’ Level students’ of Serere secondary school.
3.3 Study area
The area of study will be carried out in Serere Secondary school, whereby the researcher will aim at finding the past current system used to capture and keep the students’ data or information in the school and the ease access of students results.
3.4 Sampling size
The number of respondents to participate in the study will be 30 respondents of which 5 will be administrators from the school, 20 will be students, and 5 others.
3.5 Sampling procedure
The study will employ a sample random technique which will be applied in the selection of the A’ Level students in Serere secondary school. This is because there are many students in the school.
3.6 Source of data
Primary and secondary sources of data will be used in the research
a) Primary source of Data: This is the source of data will be used by the investigator himself for a specific purpose. The primary source of data will be done by presenting the questionnaires and conducting the interview with sampled respondents.
b) Secondary source of Data: This is data which have been already collected and analyzed by some agency for its own use. Related information from books, journals, and reports, publications, newspapers, the World Wide Web are what the researcher will use in the secondary data collection
3.7 Research data collection methods.
3.7.1 Interview method.
It is an interactional communication process which involves asking of questions by the interviewer to the respondents for the specific purpose of obtaining research-relevant information and answering of questions by the interviewee. Interview is commonly used survey method in social sciences. It involves the gathering of data through direct verbal interaction between the interviewer and interviewee.
Interviewis good in that, it’s easy in correction of speech; development of relationship; collection of primary information; sufficient information; time saving; and less costly.
3.7.2 Observation method
Kawulich, Barbara. B (2005) defined observation as "the systematic description of events, behaviours, and artefacts in the social setting chosen for study". Observations enable the researcher to describe existing situations using the five senses, providing a "written photograph" of the situation under study. Fieldwork involves active looking, improving memory, informal interviewing, writing detailed field notes, and perhaps most importantly, patience.
Participant observation is the process enabling researchers to learn about the activities of the people under study in the natural setting through observing and participating in those activities. It provides the context for development of sampling guidelines and interview guides
3.7.3 Sampling method.
This is the study method where a researcher selects a random number of respondents from the larger group. The sample size can be of 5, 10, 15, 20, or even beyond. This number of respondents is used to represent the larger group; any information got from them implies that the rest also has the same.
3.7.4 Questionnaires
These are questions written on the paper on which researchers submits to the respondents to answers. The questions can be open-ended or closed-ended.