Information Study University Of Nairobi Resources Category

Abstract

This project constitutes part of a study whose main objective is to provide a complete information model for the University of Nairobi. The goal of the study is such that all future design and development of systems within the University will be done within the framework of the model evolved from this study thus giving rise to the University of Nairobi database information system.1.1 MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY Indeed such a project is extensive and rigorous. But when we look at the factors that have motivated such a study, it will be appreciated that it is a worthwhile undertaking. This study has been motivated by the confluence of several factors. (i) There is an increasing awareness of the power of computer based information systems and this is reflected in the increasing number of personal computers now in use within the the University Administration. Hence this study will provide a foundation on which future systems will be implemented so as to best util.i--ze this powerful resource to meet all~university's information needs.

(ii) With the double intake and impending 8-4-4 system the University's limited resources will be stretched a great deal. Theref6re a computei based information system will be a great aid. 1 (iii) The University is anticipating a new central computer which will necessitate reimplementation of existing systems and installation of new systems. Such tasks will easily exploit the groundwork made possible by this study. (i v ) There is a growing evidence that the piecemeal implementation of the information systems, the current practice, reduces efficiency and effectiveness of the academic process. 1.2 PHASED APPROACH The complete study has proceeded in three phases. phase 1 Phase one of the study was done by faculty and proffessional staff of the institute of the Computer Science. This involved a preliminary evaluation of the University functions and existing structure and consequently defining the general structure for further phases and providing a framework for further analysis. Phase one results In view of the functions and existing structure of the University, the study was defined to proceed with independent' but over 1apping investigation along the five -. categories oJ'. 1. STUDENTS- from applicants for admission through to alumni- by Mr. Khisa 2. STAFF- academic and non academic- by Mr. Muchiri 3. SERVICES- direct and indirect, central and ancilliary- by Miss. Ebrahim 4. RESDURCES- real property ,equipment and incomeby Miss. Range 5.FINANCE- allocation and control of funds- by Mr. Musyoka Each category was to be effectively investigated by the above indicated students as part of their Postgraduate diploma in computer science. Each student was to work within a specified framework so as to ensure that the emergent model , the objective of this study,is complete, consistent and comprehensive. phase 2 This involved (i)A thorough evaluation of all aspects, functions and offices of the University along the category under investigation, in order to determine what information is used by the University and how this information is used. (ii) Analysis and modelling of the collected information in such a way that the model produced should conform in format ana content in ord.e.-r to facilitate their integration into a complete model in the next phase.

•.phase 3 This involves the synthesis of all the information acquired in phase two into a single, consistent and comprehensive information model for the university.