Engineering of a Student Advisory Management System: Development Perspective

Abstract

Web presence is gradually becoming an essential part of every learning institute. This is why a large portion of academic activities is becoming available online. However, despite the emerging growth in the use of information technology towards academics, it is still a challenge for part advisers to effectively monitor and mentor their students’ academic activities, progress and processes. This paper attempts to justify the need to bridge the gap between students and their advisers through the use of web based technology. The paper adopted the qualitative research approach and a face-to-face interview with 24 Part Advisers from seven (7) faculties of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. 120 students randomly selected from each faculty were also interviewed to know what their challenges and expectations are for such a system. Software development life cycle phases were strictly followed in the development process, and the Students Advisory Management System (SAMS) was implemented using web technologies. The system helps students stay up-to-date on their academic career by improving their level of communication with their assigned part advisers. It also helps part advisers better manage their students. The paper showed an enhancement to the SAMS from the development perspective. This will help overcome the various challenges encountered by different categories of learners in the learning process. Thus, the paper justified the need for knowledge suitable for learners, and provides advisers an automated platform for active interaction. The paper concludes that it is essential, therefore, that student’ advisers understand the learning process and know how to facilitate its application throughout their areas of responsibility in an academic system, while giving the students the opportunity to receive better monitoring and mentoring in the course of their academics.