Thesis Chapters by Christine Kiconco
Thesis, 2011
This project is about the design and development of an Online Student Information System (OSIS) f... more This project is about the design and development of an Online Student Information System (OSIS) for UMU. Though, UMU had been ranked highly among the Universities in Uganda providing quality education; difficulties in timely access to students’ information had increasingly become problem. There were difficulties in information sharing between the registry and departments/faculties which caused delays in processing and making information quickly available to students. As a result, students faced difficulties of frequent travel to the main campus to find information which process was characterized by long queues and time wasting in addition to delays in decision making. The project was therefore aimed at enhancing student information management and access through the design and development of an OSIS to provide a flexible platform to communicate student information in real time.
To realize the above, both research and development methodologies were employed. The study followed a design –oriented research approach, which accommodated both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather and analyze the required data to justify the relevance of the new system. Interview guides, observation guide, questionnaire and document analysis were employed to collect the required data. Data analysis was done with the use of SPSS and a qualitative narrative to come up with the requirements for the new system solution. The study found out that despite UMU’s heavy investment in information technologies, student information management processes were still being handled by use of stand- alone desktop office applications characterized by too much duplication, inconsistencies and inflexibility. The study also revealed that the intention to use online services is high, in particular relative to services providing information based on localization.
In response to the above, a prototype solution was designed and implemented. Several methodologies and tools were employed here after weighing their benefits vis-à-vis costs. DEMO, UML, Ms Office, and Dreamweaver embedded with HTML and PHP, notepad++, Ms Visio and MYSQL were employed through planning, analysis, design and implementation of the solution. The research used prototyping technique to come up with a product which was later tested and evaluated to ascertain that the pre-established required functionality was met.
The OSIS provides students with on-line access to student information including; their personal details, examination results, progress reports, financial statements, transcripts, courses and programs. The OSIS also provides support to the registry staff both in the main and faculties’ with on-line access to a central student database system to enable them effectively input and share student information processing activities for timely delivery of information to stakeholders.
Papers by Christine Kiconco
Conference paper, 2018
This paper presents an evaluation of the implications of big data on the role of libraries toward... more This paper presents an evaluation of the implications of big data on the role of libraries towards realization of sustainable development goals (SDGs). The paper begins with a brief overview of the concept big data and its potentials followed by a discussion of the role of libraries in the realization of SDGs. It then focuses on big data implications on the role of libraries as evident via new innovations that have moved the library's focus from being keepers of information resources to innovative technological developments and the effect these have on service provision and attainment of SDGs. Literature reviewed was selected from Academic Journal Databases popularly known to contain Library and Information Science publications (Elsevier, Emerald, Sage and Ebsco Host), International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and United Nations Global Pulse websites as well as Google Scholar. Literature reviewed indicates that libraries contribute to improved outcomes across the SDGs by supporting their implementation in regards to providing access to information, literacy and ICT skills and access to community space. However, as a result of big data deluge, the role of libraries and information professionals is changing in various ways including new roles such as libraries as innovation centers, data curation, research data management, designing taxonomies and community engagement. There are also challenges associated with this data deluge on libraries especially those in the developing world where technology infrastructure is still poor, skills required for new roles still beginning to evolve, lack of motivation among LIS professionals, lack of partnerships between governments and libraries, issues with open data policies among others. There is need for updating of Library and Information Science (LIS) curriculum especially in African Universities and continuous professional development trainings to cope up with the new roles and expectations. Libraries need to aggressively intensify advocacy for freedom of access to information balanced against protecting human privacy; build partnerships with governments, design taxonomies that address privacy and access, intensify information literacy and advocate for policy reform especially in developing countries to address the issues that have come up due to advances in information technology in particular, big data revolution.
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Thesis Chapters by Christine Kiconco
To realize the above, both research and development methodologies were employed. The study followed a design –oriented research approach, which accommodated both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather and analyze the required data to justify the relevance of the new system. Interview guides, observation guide, questionnaire and document analysis were employed to collect the required data. Data analysis was done with the use of SPSS and a qualitative narrative to come up with the requirements for the new system solution. The study found out that despite UMU’s heavy investment in information technologies, student information management processes were still being handled by use of stand- alone desktop office applications characterized by too much duplication, inconsistencies and inflexibility. The study also revealed that the intention to use online services is high, in particular relative to services providing information based on localization.
In response to the above, a prototype solution was designed and implemented. Several methodologies and tools were employed here after weighing their benefits vis-à-vis costs. DEMO, UML, Ms Office, and Dreamweaver embedded with HTML and PHP, notepad++, Ms Visio and MYSQL were employed through planning, analysis, design and implementation of the solution. The research used prototyping technique to come up with a product which was later tested and evaluated to ascertain that the pre-established required functionality was met.
The OSIS provides students with on-line access to student information including; their personal details, examination results, progress reports, financial statements, transcripts, courses and programs. The OSIS also provides support to the registry staff both in the main and faculties’ with on-line access to a central student database system to enable them effectively input and share student information processing activities for timely delivery of information to stakeholders.
Papers by Christine Kiconco