Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Technology is the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of

tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, and methods of

organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a pre-existing solution

to a problem, achieve a goal, handle an applied input or output relation or

perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools,

including machinery, modifications, arrangements and procedures

(Williams, 2012).

One of the remarkable and much known products of technology

advancement is the conversion of manually-operated system into

automated system. Automation produces a great impact in the lives of

man, particularly in the field of industry, business, medicine, and

education (Williams, 2012).

A scheduling system is usually a form of software that allows

someone to construct schedules in an easier, faster and error minimized

 Introduction| 2

way. It is very time consuming and sometimes leads to a disaster if output is not

efficient.

Northern Philippines College for Maritime Science and Technology (NPCMST)

as an educational institution offers services to the clientele more particularly the

students and to the community. The primary operations of the school are non-stop

starting from pre-enrolment up to the post-graduation activities. These activities

require money, labor force and time.

It is a fact that arranging class schedules, instructor’s load and room

utilization for the students and faculty in every department is one of the many

activities that each department heads must prepare before classes start. But the

school used the manual way of preparing the class schedule. With the manual

system, more time and labor force is required to plot, arrange, and revise the class

schedules, room utilization and instructors’ load provided by the department heads.

This process is a very large, complex, and time consuming task with many

inputs to take into consideration. The quality of the output has a immense impact

on students, faculty, and the department as a whole. Poorly planned offerings pose a

great impact on students’ ability to take courses, class utilization, and students’

ability to fulfill prerequisites, time to graduation, budget, and more. Poorly assigned
 Introduction| 3

faculty has a big impact to the quality of instruction, the satisfaction of faculty

members, student retention, and department policies. Poorly scheduled timetable

can also affect students’ ability to take courses due to conflict, course utilization, lab

utilization, time to graduation, student satisfaction, faculty satisfaction, department

policies, and it can lead to undesirable last minute changes. This study is proposed

with the aforementioned reasons as stated.

This process partially defines the lives of students and faculty members in

terms of schedule and should not be taken lightly. Because of the impact of this

process, it is important to incorporate individual and group preference into as many

areas of this process as possible and to create a robust process that generates close

to optimal solutions.

There has been a research around course assignment and course timetabling

and many operations research techniques have been utilized to address these

problems, However often the techniques are tested, but rarely implemented as

shown by Carterand Lamporte (1998). While some solutions have been fully

implemented and there area couple products available in the market, those weren’t

thoroughly investigated due to the software and implementation cost associated with

them. Since much of the research focuses only on generating a feasible schedule and

appears to lack the preference drivers that are valuable in creating a highly desirable
 Introduction| 4

schedule I felt there was room for further research in this area. We have taken into

consideration 3 types of preferences in this research: faculty preference to teach a

course, faculty preference for teaching time of day, and student/general department

preference for each timeslot. Additionally, this approach is unique because it takes a

systems approach by looking at the entire process instead of just one piece of the

puzzle.

With these problems, the researchers had come up to an idea of creating an

computerized class scheduling system of NPCMST in a web based form using HTML,

MySQL database PHP programming language. Through this advancement, it is

hoped that errors in operations be minimized and time and manpower be conserved.

Figure1.1

Conceptual Paradigm of the Proposed System

INPUT
PROCESS OUTPUT
Username and

Password. Identifying . Class Scheduling

Conflicts
System of Northern
Class Time, Room Viewing Student
schedule. Philippines College for

All Users including Viewing all Maritime, Science and

subject offerings
Administrator must key Technology, Inc
for the upcoming
in their username and semester.

password to access the

system
 Introduction| 5

Figure 1.1illustrate the conceptual paradigm of the proposed system which

serve as a basis for requirements specification and analysis of the existing system for

a more responsive and efficient way of building a system. The system requires users

to login first. The system has two power users, the administrator and the registrar.

The admin controls the accounts of the registrar and the registrar is the one who

enters schedules. The system processes time as specified in a certain subject

determining its conflict.

Statement of the problem

This study aims to design a Class Scheduling System for the Northern

Philippines College for Maritime Science and Technology.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the existing procedure in the current Class Scheduling System of

NPCMST?
 Introduction| 6

2. What are the problems encountered in the existing Class Scheduling System of

NPCMST?

3. What are the factors that affect the performance of the Class Scheduling System

of NPCMST in terms of:

a. Speed

b. Accuracy

c. Security

d. Data Handling

Objectives of the Study

This proposed system is pursued in order to fulfill the following specific

objectives:

1. To identify the existing procedure in the current Class Scheduling System of

NPCMST;

2. To identify the problems encountered in the existing class scheduling system

of NPCMST and the solutions that will be provided to address these problems;

and
 Introduction| 7

3. To identify the factors that affects the performance of the NPCMST Class

Scheduling system in terms of:

a. Speed

b. Accuracy

c. Security

d. Data Handling

Importance of the Study

The implementation of the proposed computerized class scheduling system

would be beneficial for the entire NPCMST community, from Planning and Extension

Office to the Registrars’ Office and to all Faculty members and Students.

Effective class scheduling is critical to the academic mission of the School. It

enables students to take the classes they need in a timely manner and contributes

to on-going cost containment efforts through efficient space utilization and good

stewardship of our valuable institutional resources.

Throughout the year, general purpose classrooms are used for both classes

and other key academic events, such as thesis defenses, faculty candidate job talks

or department meetings. Both types of classroom uses are important to the

 Introduction| 8

academic mission of each unit and the College, and this policy aims to ensure

adequate space for both.

For most departments, class scheduling occurs several months prior to the

start of the term. Class scheduling requires significant advanced planning and

coordination, not only within each department, but also often with other units to

ensure that classes are sequenced appropriately to meet interdisciplinary program

needs.
 Introduction| 9

Scope and Delimitation

The Class Scheduling System of NPCMST is broad in terms of areas being

covered. The study to be conducted would limit its scope to the following:

1. Administrator Module. This module handles the accounts of registrar personnel.

2. Registrar Module. This module handles the system scheduling inputs. Detection of

conflicts as well as printing of reports is processed.

The database of the proposed computerized class scheduling system covers

the records of a BS Information Technology subjects only.

The reports module of this proposed computerized class scheduling system

would generate the overall schedule of the BSIT Course, schedule by year and

semester, and individual subject schedule.

 Introduction| 10

Definition of Terms

The following terms below provides for an operational definition that would aid

the reader with a greater understanding on this study.

Class Schedule. It refers to a specific time, room, instructor and subject of a certain

class.

Database Management System. It is a software system that manages the storage

and access to data in the database.

Information. It denotes data which is converted into a meaningful and useful

context for specific users.

Instructor's Workload. It signifies the instructor's information and workload with in

semester.

Students schedule. It shows the student's schedule from first year up to fourth year

within the semester.

User. It refers to a person who interacts with the system having their own account

and privileges.
 Introduction| 11

Chapter II

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Research Design

This study entitled "Class Scheduling System of NPCMST" is a qualitative

research that attempts to accumulate existing information and data regarding the

current class scheduling of NPCMST. Trochim stated that "a key reason for doing

qualitative research is to investigate and become more experienced with a particular

phenomenon of the researcher's interest in order to deliver a detailed description.

The researcher decided to use the qualitative approach in order to verify current

problems in the class scheduling that has become a big problem for students,

faculties, registrar, and administrations as population of students increases.

Software Development Methodology

The proponents used the Rapid Application Development (RAD) as the

software development methodology for this study and Prototyping as its specific

model. In RAD methodology, development should be done in specified time frame.

RAD methodology is suitable for the small project where all the requirements are

gathered before starting development of the project and no any concrete plan
 Introduction| 12

required. Development starts as soon as requirements are gathered and delivered

the initial working prototype to the client to get the feedback. Once client gives the

feedback, revision and changes are done. This process goes parallel with co-

operation with client and developers. Each prototype is delivered to the client with

working functionality and changes made based on the client’s feedback.

Development moves faster in RAD methodology with minimum errors.

Prototyping model is best used when you are developing something which is

basically being built upon the foundations of an existing prototype. The reason of

this model is the re-use of prototypes which reduces both the process of software

development and the testing time required.

However it should not be used for new cutting edge functionality which has

not been developed before. It is for this reason that RAD methodology is never used

in New Media or Web 2.0 development projects. Since these usually consist of

completely new functionality requirements. RAD simply wouldn’t work. And of

course once a system has been built using say Agile principles, this will always be

the approach used when looking to upgrade the functionality developed further

down the line.

 Introduction| 13

The guidelines that will follow in the analysis and implementation of this

study are as follows:

Using analysis and measurement as driers of the enhancement process is one

major difference between iterative enhancement and the current agile development

methods. It provides support for determining the effectiveness of the processes and

the quality of product. It allows one to study, and therefore improve and tailor, the

processes for the particular environment. This measurement and analysis activity

can be added to existing agile development methods.

Figure 2.1

Rapid Application Development Methodology

In figure 4.1, it shows the RAD methodology diagram that is used in the study.

The activities taken in every phase are discussed as follows.

 Introduction| 14

Analysis and Quick Design. We the researchers conduct interview to different

personnel in the school who’s in charge of the scheduling process specifically the

registrar personnel. Different scheduling system studies from other schools were

also studied to gather more data and as referenced in building the system. Upon

careful analysis of the different data, we formulated a quick design in a form of

prototypes then have it presented to the personnel that are connected to class

scheduling.

Prototyping Cycles. Series of prototypes were presented to the scheduling

personnel and registrar to examine and approve the proposed design. These part

consist of demonstrate, refine and develop that take several loops until the prototype

has been approved.

Testing. Testing of the system was conducted only by the researchers in the

design process.

Since the time allotted in not sufficient enough, not all the phases were used.

The testing phase is very short and the deployment phase was skipped.

In using the prototyping model, the proponents made use of HTML, PHP,

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and MySQL database. These programming language,
 Introduction| 15

scripts and database are suitable in this projects making the development process

faster and easier.

Data Gathering Tools

Considering that the Registrar, Planning and Extension Officer, and the Deans

as the vital sources of data and information for this study. Other sources of data or

information include books, published and unpublished researches or studies

conducted, articles or journal published in the internet and the NPCMSTI school

policy handbook or manual.

Data Gathering Techniques

The following data gathering techniques were used in the study as they are

beneficial enough in building the system.

The proponents interviewed all the persons involved in making the class

schedule of subjects. Problems encountered and different suggestions gathered were

carefully analyzed to improve the class scheduling system.

Observation. Other schools have been using semi-automated class scheduling

system already. The researchers went to different schools to observe the flow of their

class scheduling as they prepare for their enrollment.

 Introduction| 16

Research and Document analysis. The proponents gathered data from

different books, magazines, published and unpublished materials regarding

scheduling system in different libraries in La Union.

Data gathered were carefully compared and examined to identify its efficiency

in the enrollment process.

Requirements Management

The system requirements by the users and personnel involved in class

scheduling must be monitored using progress reports and the changes of their

project requirements.

It also includes the process of determining and ensuring the effects of the

specifications and diversity on product scope and quality. Allocation and property of

risk factors were also noted.

In the disposition of management processes, precise changes were done in the

performance of the formations and the use of change of control panel.

Schedule Control

The proponents spent their free time building the project before the deadline.

The proponents also spent a lot of effort to achieve their goal but it all depends on
 Introduction| 17

the allotted schedule. The proponents mostly focus their time building the system to

be successful.
 Introduction| 18

Quality Control

The proposed system is expected to work properly. The proponents will make

sure that there is no error and the system is 100% working. Specifying quality

control activities by knowing the procedures in using the following purposes: To be

able to good stewardship of our valuable institutional resources. Know the

knowledge, skills and experience of the person; To be able to verify if the system is

working properly; and to be able to check the system before it will be deployed in

school.

Reporting
The descriptions which will be used to display the result of the research and

inquiry will be provided together with the project's formal documentation. Records

that are written in the documentation will be comprised of a recognized output and

conclusion. Significant report will also give the proponents an idea about the flow of

the system. The proponents will specify status of each task for the development of

the project management. Analyzing the needed progress for the system is required in

order to accomplish a sufficient report.

Risk Management Plan

The proponents knew that there are some factors that might affect the

proposed system and they understood the collision this may cause. The proponents
 Introduction| 19

included in their project schedule, a time to develop an alternative solution if

unwanted problems occur. The proponents gathered lots of information to work on

the proposed system properly. Loosely defined requirements, difficulties in

estimating the time and resources required for the software development, type of

individual skills can be encountered during the project schedule. The quality of the

software being developed by the group, can only assure that the research

proponents all equipped with information and solutions.

The following risks in developing the proposed system are:

Database risk. The records will be saved in the database, but after a year,

unused records must be deleted to prevent database collapse. The records in

database are maintained by saving all the important records only. The proposed

system needs to store great numbers of data, it is utmost important to have a

backup and have secondary storage of data and reports for back up purpose and

safety of records in case of corruption of data happened. Data will be ensured to be

kept safe from corruption and to help ensure privacy.

Personnel risk. The system administrator will train a hired person 2 to 3 days

to familiarize the flow of the system. If this hired person will resign they will find first

a replacement before he/she will permanently resign. The user of the system does
 Introduction| 20

not necessarily need to be a technical expert but must have academic experience

about computer. It is a necessity to have an average functional literacy and most

importantly the user should be dedicated to learn how to use the system.

Technology risk. The proponents will continue to update the system and

adding features, regarding on upcoming new version of XAMPP. The proponents

require replacing the existing system and adopting the new version. The proponents

need to adjust for the upcoming software.

Process risk. The system might hang if the user doesn’t know what the

process. The proponents provide a user manual to help them how to use the system.

The plan of this proposed system is to have an easy way in evaluating the professors

of the school.

Project Closeout Plan

The proponents will do their best to finish the system. They learned that it

takes months to create a system and difficulties are expected to arise. It is expected

that system will benefit both the students and the school if the proposed Class

Scheduling System of NPCMST is successfully applied.

Introduction| 21
 Introduction| 22

Chapter III

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter discusses the procedures of the existing class scheduling system

of NPCMST. It also presents the proposed computerized class scheduling system.

The Existing System: Procedure and Problems

The existing Class Scheduling System of NPCMST has been functioning in a

semi-computerized process. The preparation starts six months prior to the start of

enrollment.

In the initial stage of preparation, the Registrar’s Office provides the initial

input for the Planning and Extension Office and for the HR Department when

necessary. These inputs are the subject offerings for the coming semester.

Other inputs would come from the Heads on the different departments. Only

the Deans or heads the different departments know the specific subjects with

laboratory attachments, actual number of students within the department, the

number and availability of laboratory rooms to be used in the coming semesters,

and the availability of faculty members qualified to teach on the available subjects.
 Introduction| 23

Upon plotting the schedules for general education, the planning office

integrates the schedules plotted by department heads with the corresponding faculty

members assigned on every subject. After the integration, the registrar collects all

the data for initial review and checking for conflicting assignments which is more

common for the higher years due to students with irregular schedules. These

students do not belong to any block section. Most irregular students who enrolled

advance subjects and others might as well be taking these subjects the next

semester.

After the schedules are thoroughly checked for errors, the plotted schedules

would be submitted to the VPAA for rechecking and approval. After it was approved,

the plotted schedules will now be posted on all bulletin boards within the campus. In

the meantime, plotting forms are prepared for students and faculty members to use

during the enrollment.

The widest downside of the manual scheduling approach is that the scheduler

cannot look at every combination of schedules and evaluate which one is the best.

Since the scheduler cannot look at every combination, it is likely that an overlap in

courses is necessary in order to schedule all the courses into the timetable. Some

quarter’s might work out with minimal overlap at the class level; however other
 Introduction| 24

quarters would result in overlaps in critical courses. These overlaps affect the

student’s ability to take their desired courses.

Proposed Computerized Class Scheduling System

Through the proposed computerized class scheduling system, the class

scheduling would be easily manage and records would be easily tracked, processed

and stored, because the proposed system will provide a module for the Planning and

Extension Office (PEO) and the Registrars ‘Office that allows the personnel in-charge

to generate or create a report or even make the necessary adjustments on specific

records in real time.

For the students, the proposed Class Scheduling System would provide an

easy request for an updated class schedule where he/ she is enrolled. This would be

possible, for the proposed system allows other departments, such as the office of the

Deans and Department Head, to have an access with the system so that they could

generate a copy of the student’s class schedule from the server. Using any web

browser installed in the computer, personnel can view there students information in

web base format.

The proposed Class Scheduling System was designed and created using the

PHP programming language. On this web based module it allows transactional

 Introduction| 25

operations such as database access and interactive web interface. MySQL 5.0 was

used as back-end of the proposed Class Scheduling System because it is one of the

most popular Database Management Tools that can handle billions of records in a

most complicated transactional database operation of many business organizations.

Factors that Affects the Performance of the System

Speed. Speed refers to the capability of the system to handle data in time that

the user is satisfied. Many things must be considered in order to make the system

execute faster. As records increases in the database, the performance of the

computer decreases. In order to solve this problem, database backup must be done

weekly and database cleaning to remove unnecessary records. Previous schedule are

not needed anymore so it must be deleted.

In terms of hardware, using the required computer hardware is necessary.

Server computer must me used and clients must be the latest personal computer

available in the market. Upgrading can be done every five years to level up with the

increasing number of records.

Accuracy. Accuracy refers to the capability of the system to produce desired

output. In order to do this in class scheduling system, data formatting is needed.

Data format sets guidelines for users to enter correct input. Time format must be
 Introduction| 26

followed in the system to avoid errors and for the accuracy of the system. The system

has been tested and presented to the registrar several times in order to check for its

accuracy.

Security. This refers to the safekeeping of records as they stayed in the

database. Security is very important in systems. To ensure data security, login forms

must be present. Login form requires users to enter their username and password.

Password must be hidden so as to not be seen or hacked by others.

Using Power Users is also effective security tool. Categorizing accounts and

controlling individual features to ensure that correct functionality is provided.

Database backup is also one way of security in systems. Using incremental or

differential, the system administrator must decide what type of backup to be used.

Data Handling. This refers to the ability of the system to efficiently handle or

manage data as user uses the system. As data increases the computer computer’s

performance decreases. Handling of data must be taken significantly to ensure the

efficiency of the system. Every data must be categorized in the database together

with its correct format and data types.

 Introduction| 27

System Architecture

The proposed Class Scheduling System will be deployed in the registrar’s

office. Secondary accesses will be at the extension office of the registrar, and in all of

the Dean’s Offices.

As regards to the controls and security measures, the school LAN should be

set-up as Class C network that would be divided into four (4) sub-networks or

subnets. One of the four subnets should be dedicated to the server and all

workstations that would be allowed to access the proposed class scheduling System.

Figure 3.1

Class Scheduling System of NPCMST Architecture

Client (Registrar Extension) Server(Main Registrar)

Client 1 Server

Xampp Server

Client 2 MySQL

PHP

Client 3

Client 4

Hub
 Introduction| 28

System Requirements

For the system to be able to maximize its performance, it requires some

hardware and software specifications.

Hardware Specifications: Server Side (CPU Specifications)

Hardware Minimum Recommended

Processor I3 Second Generation I5 or higher

RAM 3 GB 4 GB or Higher(8 GB

max)

Hard Drive 100 GB of available 1 TB of available hard

hard disk space disk space

USB port At Least 4 ports USB 6 or more ports USB

2.0 3.0(FireWire support)

Motherboar Compatible with 750 Intel motherboard

d MHz processor
1333 MHz Front Side

800 MHz Front Side Bus Support or Higher

Bus Support
4 X DDR2 or higher

2 X DDR/SDR speed memory slot

 Introduction| 29

memory slot On-Board LAN

100Mbps/1Gbps or
On-Board LAN
Higher
10/100 Mbps

PCI express 16X or

AGP 8X slot (for video
higher (for video card)
card)

4 or more PCI Slot

4 PCI Slot

Video Card AGP 8X (256 MB;64 PCI express 16X or

bits) Higher (1 GB or higher;

128 bits)

Casing  Mid-Tower  Server Box Type

Desktop  350 Watts or

 300 Watts Higher (Power Supply)

(Power Supply)  Front panel USB

 Front panel 2.0 ports (FireWire

USB 2.0 ports Support)

 4 in 1 Card  8 in 1 Card

Reader Reader
 Introduction| 30

Workstation Side (CPU Specifications)

Hardware Minimum Recommended

Processor Dual Core (750MHz) I3 (2.0 GHz) or Higher

RAM 2GB (400 MHz) 4 GB or more(800 MHz)

or Higher

Hard Drive 80 GB (7200rpm) 500 GB or Higher

USB port At Least 4 ports USB 6 or more ports USB 2.0

2.0 (FireWire support)

Motherboar Compatible with 750 Intel motherboard

d MHz processor
1333 MHz Front Side

800 MHz Front Side Bus Support or Higher

Bus Support
4 X DDR2 or higher

2 X DDR/SDR speed memory slot

memory slot
On-Board LAN

On-Board LAN 100Mbps/1Gbps or

10/100 Mbps Higher

AGP 8X slot (for video PCI express 16X or

card) higher (for video card)

4 PCI Slot 4 or more PCI Slot

Video Card AGP 8X (256 MB;64 PCI express 16X or

bits) Higher (1 GB or higher;

 Introduction| 31

128 bits)

Casing  Desktop Type  Mini-Tower Type

 300 Watts  350 Watts or

(Power Supply) Higher (Power Supply)

 Front panel  Front panel USB

USB 2.0 ports 2.0 ports (FireWire

 4 in 1 Card Support)

Reader  8 in 1 Card Reader

Other Peripherals Specifications

Hardware Minimum Recommended

Monitor 18” LED Display 21” LED (Wide Screen)

Screen

Mouse Optical Mouse (USB) Optical Mouse (USB)

Keyboard Standard Keyboard Multimedia Keyboard

(USB) (USB)

Printer LX-300+ Ink Jet Printer

Network Devices Specifications

Hardware Minimum Recommended

Switch 24 ports 10/100 24 ports

Mbps 10/100Mbps/1Gbps or
 Introduction| 32

Higher

Cable UTP cable CAT 5 UTP cable CAT 5e or

Higher Category

Software Specification

Some software needs to be installed for the proposed Class Scheduling.

This softwares are needed to perform its functions to control the flow of

operations and provide secured access to the database.

On the server , Windows Server 2003 and XAMPP Server (latest version)

for Windows must be installed.

On the client side of the proposed system, Windows 7 professional

service pack 2 with Web Browser (Chrome/ Mozilla/ Opera), must be installed.

Anti-virus must be installed also for security purposes from viruses.

 Introduction| 33

Chapter IV

SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary

This study is intended to design and develop a Class Scheduling System of

NPCMST. It sought to find answers to the following specific problems: What is the

existing procedure in the current Class Scheduling System of NPCMST? What are

the problems encountered in the existing Class Scheduling System of NPCMST?

What are the factors that affect the performance of the NPCMST Class Scheduling

system in terms of: Speed, Accuracy, Security and Data Handling.

Findings

NPCMST uses the manual way of making class schedule. First, the registrar

gets the previous schedule for revision. They revised it believing that, this is the

fastest way of making a schedule. Adding schedules of another section is what they

are doing. One error can lead to lot of problems if not seen by the registrar.

Class schedule usually took two to three weeks to make the temporary

schedule. The class schedule done is still temporary since alterations is done during
 Introduction| 34

and after enrollment. This is due to inefficient scheduling. Rooms and instructors

are changed due to conflicts and unavailability of instructors. Sometimes it is due to

conflict in schedule itself that is not seen before the enrollment. Human error

contributes a lot in this error. Rooms are not also used efficiently due to wrong

scheduling. Rooms are not fully occupied during the day leaving spaces that no one

uses it.

The following are the factors that affect the performance of the system that

can lead to system error if not considered significantly. In terms of speed, the system

is programed in a web based form to increases the speed of transactions. Network

configurations are managed by the operating system and not by the system. User

training must also be conducted to familiarize user about how to use properly the

system. In terms of accuracy, the system uses time format to ensure the correctness

of output. In terms of security, the first page that will appear in the system is the

login page. Username and password must be provided to access the content of the

system. Two power users are presented to the system in order to restrict and divide

functionalities. The administrator controls user accounts. In case the registrar

forgets his/her username and password, the administrator can retrieve and show it.

A hidden and fixed emergency username and password can show the username and
 Introduction| 35

password of the administrator in case the he/ she forget it. PHP programming was

also used in the system thus hiding codes if anyone wants to view the source code.

In terms of data handling, records have been accessed using Standard Query

Language (SQL). This is the fastest and most efficient way of data handling. With the

use of PHP programming, data are also executed the fastest way.

Conclusions

The manual system is surely a traditional way of making schedules. However,

the automated class scheduling system is more efficient because of the distinctive

performance in the aspect of speed, project design, accuracy and stability of the

system in the preparation of class schedules, room schedules and instructors’ load.

With these features, the automated system can really solve the primary problems

being encountered during the class schedule preparation.

Recommendations

With the foregoing conclusions, the researchers recommend the following:

1. Using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) has to be implemented to improve the existing

class scheduling system of NPCMST.

 Introduction| 36

2. Security policies and other control measures must be adopted to ensure the security

of confidential records.

3. An in depth training has to be given to the Registrar and all concerned employees

directly involved in the usage of the CSS so that they will be oriented with the proper

use of the proposed system.

4. Migration for the existing records to the proposed system has to be performed.

5. Implementation and maintenance of the proposed CSS should be in coordination

with the IT department.

6. Assessment of the proposed system has to be conducted regularly.

7. Hardware and software specifications based on the system recommendation must be

adopted for better performance.

 Introduction| 37

Appendix D

Questions
1. What are the problems
that you encountered in
the manual Class
Scheduling System of
NPCMST?
1.1What are the actions or
solutions did you do to
solve these problems?
Answers
a. Conflict of schedule of
student, instructor and
rooms.
b. Lack of rooms.
c. Lack of teachers.
d. Changes in schedules.
Immediate change in schedule.
Transfer of rooms, additional
teachers. Re-scheduling students.

3. What are the materials Pen and Paper, computer for

do you use in the encoding of schedules, printer.
present scheduling
system?
4. How many persons are Four to five personnel in the
involved or in charge registrar.
of the system?
5. How many days are 2 to 3 weeks to create a
needed for you to temporary schedule and changes
finish the scheduling were done during the enrolment
of students and process.
instructors?
6. What are the See next page for the enrolment
processes involved in procedure.
the running of the
system you are using?