CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The history of Student Information Database Systemover the past 20 years is one of exceptional productivity that has led to the database system becoming arguably the most important development in the field of software engineering(Thomas Connolly, 2010).The database is now the underlying framework of the information system, and has fundamentally changed the way many organizations operate. In particular, the developments in this technology over the last few years have produced systems that are more powerful and more intuitive to use (Tony Morgan, 2011). This has resulted in database systems becoming increasingly available to a wider variety of users. Unfortunately, the apparent simplicity of these systems has led to users creating databases and applications without the necessary knowledge to produce an effective and efficient system (Terry Halpin, 2011).
Achievements in database research underpin fundamental advances in communications systems, transportation and logistics, financial management, knowledge-based systems, accessibility to scientific literature, and a host of other civilian and defense applications. They also serve as the foundation for considerable progress in the basic science fields ranging from computing to biology (LinLin Wang, 2011). It is a student information database system for education establishments to manage student data. Student Information Database Systems (often abbreviated as SIDS systems) manage many other student-related data needs in the Universities like Maintenance and reporting of student data, handling inquiries from prospective students, handling the admissions process, Enrolling new students and enabling online scheduling, student accounts and financial aid processing, Handling records of examinations, assessments, marks, grades and academic progression Maintaining records of absences and attendance, Recording communications with students, Maintaining discipline records, Providing statistical reports,Housing, dorms and facilities details, assignments and tasks, Student health records, Fees Management, Inventory and Assets of the school.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The type of database used to keep student records is void of data redundancy which waste space by storing the same information in more than one file. In contrast, the centralized student information database system approach attempts to eliminate the redundancy by integrating the files so that multiple copies of the same data are not stored. However, the database approach does not eliminate redundancy entirely, but controls the amount of redundancy inherent in the database. By eliminating or controlling redundancy, we reduce the risk of inconsistencies occurring. If a data item is stored only once in the database, any update to its value has to be performed only once and the new value is available immediately to all users. Unfortunately, many of the student information databases do not automatically ensure this type of consistency.This current work presents a new approach for storing and manipulating student information to bring about consistency and reduce redundancy in our database.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The aim of this Research is to present a centralized student information database system.The objectives to achieve this aim are:·
1. To review recent literatures on database systems·
2. To do a site survey of Elizade University·
3. To design a centralized student information database system.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The shifts from traditional flat files to database system are not merely a technological evolution, but require a change in the paradigm by which people access and use the database system.The database system has the following advantages over the traditional flat file.
* Databases can handle querying tasks, so you don't have to walk over files manually.
* Databases can handle multiprocessors/multi-threaded access.
* Databases can handle access from network·
* Databases can watch for data integrity·
* Databases can update data easily·
* Databases are reliable·
* Databases can handle transactions and concurrent access·
* Databases + ORMs let you manipulate data in very programmer friendly way.
* Databases + ORMs let you manipulate data in very programmer friendly way.
1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The methods that will be involved in carrying out this research include:·
Background research on database systems· Review of pertinent articles, journals and publications as regards to database, student’s information systems, and so on. Develop a centralised student information database based on the gathered facts and improve on them. The proposed system is designed using MySQL console for ensuring consistency etc.
1.6 ORGANISATION OF THE STUDY
The project is organized into five chapters in the following layouts: Chapter one:provides the background to the research and an introduction to the research, along with a definition of the problem statement, methodology, research objectives. Chapter Two:This chapter contains a literature review of books, articles, published papers, and electronic resources used during this research. It provides an overview of the relevant information available related to all the topics covered during the research. Chapter Three: covers requirement gathering. This entails the methodology, which is the analysis and specification of database development. Chapter Four:In this chapter, implementation of the system will be defined, i.e. the software requirements, the hardware requirements are specified. Chapter Five: contains summary, conclusion and recommendations for further studies.
1.7 GENERAL METHODOLOGY
The project is carried out following the appropriate stages involved in design and development of student centralized database software. The stages are briefly discussed below.
i. Problem identification: The problems associated with the student database are first identified. This is done by critically analysis of the existing system
ii. Data collection: The data required for this student centralized database is obtained by interviewing staff, students and other personnel. Also vital information was also obtained from the internet especially on the technicality in designing and developing a student database.
iii. System modelling: Using relevant facts obtained from relevant sources, the student database system is designed.
iv. System Development and implementation: The conceptual design is development and implemented as computer program. After the development and implementation, the system is tested to ensure that it fulfills the objectives of the project.
v. System installation: The developed clinical database system software is installed on the computer system and made ready for use.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Automation: This is the use of control system such as computer to control and process data, reducing the need for human intervention
Database: This refers to a large store of related data on a computer that can be access and modified by the user.
Password: This is a secret code that a user must type into a computer to enable him access it or its applications. This is made up of numbers, letter, special character or a combination of any of the above categories.
Record System: The act of using a computer system to store and update information/data sequentially in order to keep file security.
Computerized: To convert a based system to start using a computer system to control, organize and automate something.
Centralized Database: A centralized database system consists of a single processor together with its associated data storage devices and other peripherals.
Data Entry: This is the standard input device through which the system gets more of the instructions and commands
Research: A careful study of something, especially to discover new facts or information about it.
