| dc.description.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. | en |
