Results Computation System In Higher Institutions Using Php, Html, Css, Mysql

CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1    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.
2.2    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.
2.3    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”.
Admission processing systems, result processing system, course registration system are typical information processing system or organizational information system on candidates’ admission, information and performances. World Net describes an information system (IS) 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 mangers at all levels that use it for decision making, planning, program implementation and control.
The aim of information system for 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 regulations of different universities. 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. It entails social choices about the levels of appropriate investment and control over equipment and expertise, as well as choices of equipment.