CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Overview of Information Technology in the AcademicSystem
The introduction of computer into information technology has massively improved the information need of organizations; 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 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) defined it by saying 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) defined 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.
World Net describes an information system (I.S) is “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 to it managers at all levels that use it for decision making, planning, program implementation and control.
Information Technology has been an integral part of academic system since almost four decades.
According to, Hewlett (1993), the world is entering “an era in which technology will literally transform every aspect of business, every aspect of life and every aspect of society.
Since the arrival of Internet technology, school system has taken a new shape and style with a blend of convenience and satisfaction.
Taylor (1980) said that computer-based education includes 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.Learning from a student’s bedroom, office or anywhere in the World has made its way into university system with the advent of Internet technology. Information technology has always helped the university system to educate students in better way. To explain few examples, online news portal is a method where students can get news about past, present and future events ongoing in the department without moving from one place to another to check the school notice board. This is only possible with the help of information technology. Through the Internet, this process is made much easier and most times information is disseminated to students within minutes.
2.1 Data and Information
The concepts of data and information are very important in understanding issues that go with development and implementation of a computer-based information system. The term ‘data’ and ‘information’ are used interchangeably in everyday conversation as meaning the same thing. Too many managers and information specialists, however, these terms have distinct meanings. According to O’Leary (1996), data simply consists of raw, unprocessed facts while information is data that have been processed by the computer. Hordeski (1986) gives the following definition of data:
A graphic or textual representation of facts, concepts, numbers, letters, symbols, or instructions suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing. Data is the basic element of information that is used to describe objects, ideas, conditions, or situations.
Lucey (1991) defines data and information as follows:
Data are facts, events, transactions, and so on, which have been recorded. They are the raw materials from which information is produced. Information is data that has been processed in such a way as to be useful to the recipient.
Data are facts obtained by observation, counting, measuring, weighing, etc., which are then recorded.
Enwere (1992) argues that the concept of information in an organisation sense is more complex and difficult than the frequent use of this common word would suggest. Oketunji (2002) emphasised that information is data that have been processed, transmitted to the recipient, interpreted and understood by the recipient. Here it should be noted that the user, not just the sender is involved in the transformation of data into information. There is a process of thought and understanding involved and it follows that a given message can have different meanings to different people. Based on this, one can conclude that the data which has been analysed, summarised, or processed in some other fashion to produce a message or report which is conveniently deemed ‘management information’ only becomes information if it is understood by the recipient. Therefore, it is the user who determines whether a report contains information or just processed data.
2.2 Computer-Based Information Systems
An information specialist, Lucey (1991) defines computer-based management information system as:
The combination of human and computer-based resources that results in the collection, storage, retrieval, communication and use of data for the purpose of efficient management of operations and for business planning.
Computer-based information system is one basic feature of all large organisations nowadays. The literature identifies four kinds of computer-based information system: Transaction Processing System (TPS), Management Information System (MIS), Decision Support System (DSS), and Executive Support System (ESS). Some systems record routine activities: employees hired, material purchased or produced, and the like. Such recorded events are called transactions. Other systems use these recorded events to help managerial planning and control. The systems form a pyramid, each primarily supporting one another level of management.
a) Transaction Processing System (TPS): This system records day-to-day transactions such as customer orders, bills, inventory levels, and production outputs. The TPS helps supervisors by generating database that act as foundation for other information system.
b) Management Information System (MIS): MIS summarizes the detailed data of the transaction processing system standard reports for middle-level managers. Such reports might include production schedules and budget summaries.
c) Decision Support System (DSS): The DSS provides a flexible tool for analysis. The DSS helps middle-level managers and others in the organization analyze a wide range of problems, such as effects of events and trends outside the organization. Like the MIS, the DSS draws on the detailed data of transaction processing system.
d) Executive Support System (ESS): The ESS is an easy-to-use system that presents information in a very highly summarized form. It helps top-level management oversee the company’s operations and develop strategic plans. The ESS combines internal data from TPS and MIS with external data.
