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

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

 Introduction| 2

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 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

 Introduction| 3

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 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

 Introduction| 4

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 Identifying . Class Scheduling

Conflicts
Password. System of Northern
Viewing Student
schedule. Philippines College
Class Time, Room
Viewing all subject for Maritime, Science
All Users including offerings for the and Technology, Inc
upcoming
Administrator must
semester.
key in their username

and 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?

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
 Introduction| 6

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

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

 Introduction| 7

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 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| 8

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| 9

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| 10

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 required. Development starts as

 Introduction| 11

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| 12

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| 13

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, scripts and database are suitable in this projects

making the development process faster and easier.

 Introduction| 14

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| 15

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 the allotted schedule. The proponents mostly focus their

time building the system to be successful.

 Introduction| 16

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 included in their project schedule, a time to develop an

alternative solution if unwanted problems occur. The proponents gathered

 Introduction| 17

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 not necessarily need to be a technical

expert but must have academic experience about computer. It is a

 Introduction| 18

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| 19

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| 20

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 quarters would
 Introduction| 21

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 operations such as database access and interactive

web interface. MySQL 5.0 was used as back-end of the proposed Class
 Introduction| 22

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 followed in the system to avoid errors
 Introduction| 23

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| 24

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| 25

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)

Motherboard Compatible with 750 Intel motherboard

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
 Introduction| 26

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;

128 bits)

Casing  Mid-Tower Desktop  Server Box Type

 300 Watts (Power  350 Watts or Higher

Supply) (Power Supply)

 Front panel USB  Front panel USB 2.0

2.0 ports ports (FireWire

 4 in 1 Card Reader Support)

 8 in 1 Card Reader

Workstation Side (CPU Specifications)

Hardware Minimum Recommended

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

 Introduction| 27

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)

Motherboard Compatible with 750 Intel motherboard

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;
128 bits)

Casing  Desktop Type  Mini-Tower Type

 300 Watts (Power  350 Watts or Higher
Supply) (Power Supply)
 Front panel USB  Front panel USB 2.0
2.0 ports ports (FireWire
 Introduction| 28

 4 in 1 Card Reader Support)

 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
Higher

Cable UTP cable CAT 5 UTP cable CAT 5e or

Higher Category
 Introduction| 29

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.
 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 and after enrollment. This is due to

inefficient scheduling. Rooms and instructors are changed due to

 Introduction| 31

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 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
 Introduction| 32

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.

2. Security policies and other control measures must be adopted

to ensure the security of confidential records.

 Introduction| 33

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.


Appendix D
Questions
1. What are the problems that you
encountered in the manual Class
Scheduling System of NPCMST?
1.1 What are the actions or solutions
did you do to solve these
problems?
3. What are the materials do
you use in the present
scheduling system?
4. How many persons are
involved or in charge of the
system?
5. How many days are needed
for you to finish the
scheduling of students and
instructors?
6. What are the processes
involved in the running of
the system you are using?
Introduction| 34
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.
Pen and Paper, computer for encoding of
schedules, printer.
Four to five personnel in the registrar.
2 to 3 weeks to create a temporary
schedule and changes were done during
the enrolment process.
See next page for the enrolment
procedure.