CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 THE CONCEPT OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
The introduction of computer into information technology has massively improved the information need of organization; the success of this machine is dependent on the knowledge base. Therefore, one can be prompted to ask aloud “what is a computerâ€. 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 inform 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 timeâ€.
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 programâ€.
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 demonstrated 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 accurateâ€. 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 timelyâ€.
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 informationâ€. 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 scienceâ€.
Admission processing system, result processing system, student 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 hardwareâ€. It may also be defined as “a system that collects and processes data (information) and provides it to mangers 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 universities is improving the quality and accuracy of information provided to all involved as well as assisting universities in compiling and reporting information. The information system (IS) has common data set on admission, admittance regulations of different universities 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.
Dunlop and Kling (1991), by the early 1990s, computing and telecommunications accounted for half of the capital investments made by private firms. However, paper (1980) Feigenbaum 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 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 Universities required all their freshmen students to buy a specific kind of Micro-computers and others invested heavily in visions of “wired Campusâ€.
