A Comparison Of Three Educational Data Processing Centers

Hardhono, Anthonius Padua (1988) A Comparison Of Three Educational Data Processing Centers. Masters thesis, Simon Fraser University.

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Abstract

It was the purpose of this study to describe, analyze and compare data processing centers in three educational institutions, the Open Learning Institute(OLI), Douglas College(DC) and Universitas Terbuka (UT) to provide recommendations for improving the operation of UT·' s data processing center. Universitas Terbuka, the Indonesian Open University, admitted its first student in 1984 and now carries approximately 130,000 students on its rolls. Active semester by semester enrolment is approximately 60,000. UT relies heavily on data processing to handle registration, student records, examination processing and materials distribution. Evidence derived from students·' complaints and internal studies strongly suggests the need for improved data processing procedures. Thus, this study was conducted to develop recommendations which could have useful effects on UT's data processing center and the institution as a whole. Data were gathered from the three data processing centers mentioned above. Direct observations were made and discussions with personnel who were involved in the three centers were conducted. In each case, areas which were studied were: organization, personnel, physical facilities and equipment, applications software and software development procedures, relationships with users, and operating procedures. The data provided descriptions of the three data processing centers. The results of these descriptions and the subsequent analyses provided a basis for comparing the three data processing centers in each of the six categories mentioned above. Recommendations for improving the UT data processing center were derived from these comparisons and analyses. The major recommendationf.; are related to the management of the center. Its organization should more closely reflect its functions and staff members should be provided with clear and up to date job description. staff training should be provided. Improved software development procedures should be established together with improved documentation. More attention should be given to user relationships in order to avoid misunderstanding. Finally, a backup schedule should be established and used consistently.

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