AB3S: agents based service support system

Abstract

In many training institutions course administration function is of significant strategic importance. Performance of the core function determines survival and success of any institution in competitive environment. The main part of course administration involves gathering, processing and distribution of information tol from various players. Timely availability and accuracy of the same is a key success factor. Modem life dynamics present numerous challenges which require continuous and innovative solutions. One way to address these problems is to equip workers with appropriate skills through value based flexible short courses; Training institutions' are well aware of these facts and hence their operations are distributed across various towns from where data is gathered, processed and exchanged through communication networks. Due to advancements in technology, organizations have started noticing the enormous potential benefits of applying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to this. Increased number of courses, tutor, learner and flexible schedule requires significant data and information flow between learning centers, learners and staff .The frequent and ad hoc information exchange places heavy administrative burden on users due to information overload. The situation is compounded further by the phenomenal growth of network connectivity. Computer networks experience numerous problems ranging from congestion, connectivity and sometimes total breakdown. Agent technology hold a lot of promises if carefully deployed in some stages of information gathering and distribution. This research project sought to identify agents' properties that can be utilized to create software agent which will serve as user's assistance at various level. Agent technology will be utilized to create a prototype Agent based service support system for course administration.