Faculty Loading

Introduction

Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology as an educational institution offers services to the clientele particularly the students, community and stakeholders. 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 head must prepare before the start of classes and NEUST Atate Campus is of no exception.

The Campus always encounters conflict on its room distribution because of the manual way of preparing class schedules. Time is consumed in order to lay-out, arrange and revise the class schedules, room utilization and instructors’ loading. With these problems, the researchers came up with an idea of creating a Faculty Loading System using MS Access database and VB 6.0 programming language. Through this advancement, errors in operations were minimized and time and manpower were conserved.

Related Studies
On Faculty Workloads

Schalin (2011) stressed that determining faculty workloads is not a simple process. Faculty members’ duties are usually divided among teaching, research, service and administration, and other activities. Arriving at a single number that provides a meaningful account of a professor’s production can be an exceedingly complex task. However, the central purpose of a university is to teach; his study focuses solely on the amount of teaching that faculty do in University of North Carolina. As a result, the researcher created a quick, simple, and meaningful measure of teaching loads that can be used for policy purposes. The study is not intended to be a definitive empirical study on the topic of faculty teaching loads. It is instead intended to illustrate approximately how much teaching is actually done by professors, based on a representative sample of faculty.

Academic General Assignment Classroom scheduling

With such a large campus and so many courses being offered, we must use some guidelines in order ensure maximum use of our general assignment classrooms and provide a fair distribution across campus departments. We have highlighted the most important guidelines below. Issues about policy are governed by the Campus Committee on Classroom Policy and Management.

3 Phases of Classroom Scheduling
Phase I: Room Assignment & Compliance

This is the scheduling phase in which you submit your requests for general assignment classrooms. Over 85% of classrooms are assigned at this stage. At the end of this phase, when departmental schedulers enter their requests, the Scheduling Office runs compliance checks for: total number of hours requested by department

prime time vs. non-prime time use of classrooms
standard time blocks
instructional format compliance
Standard Time Blocks
The heavy demand for classroom space requires us to assign general assignment classrooms to academic courses that fit standard time blocks (see table below). Non-standard times must be assigned in departmentally controlled space.

Time Requests – 70% / 30%
The most impacted times are called prime time and these are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You must limit your prime time requests for academic courses in general assignment classrooms to no more than 70% of your total general assignment space requests. Prime time requests for primary sections are calculated separately from prime time requests for secondary sections. Prime time hours are in bold type in the table above.

Phase II: Schedule Review & Publication

During the review and publication phase of the classroom scheduling process, you’ve received your room assignments and finalize the schedule in anticipation of the publication of the Online Schedule of Classes.

Phase III: Adjustment Period and Semester Start-Up

(http://registrar.berkeley.edu/acad_sched.html)

Visual Basic

Visual Basic is a third-generation event-driven programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft for its COM programming model first released in 1991. Visual Basic is designed to be relatively easy to learn and use. Visual Basic was derived from BASIC and enables the rapid application development (RAD) of graphical user interface (GUI) applications, access to databases using Data Access Objects, Remote Data Objects, or ActiveX Data Objects, and creation of ActiveX controls and objects. Scripting languages such as VBA and VBScript are syntactically similar to Visual Basic, but perform differently.

A programmer can put together an application using the components provided with Visual Basic itself. Programs written in Visual Basic can also use the Windows API, but doing so requires external function declarations. Though the program has received criticism for its perceived faults, from version 3 Visual Basic was a runaway commercial success, and many companies offered third party controls greatly extending its functionality. The final release was version 6 in 1998. Microsoft’s extended support ended in March 2008 and the designated successor was Visual Basic .NET (now known simply as Visual Basic).

Language features

Like the BASIC programming language, Visual Basic was designed to be easily learned and used by beginner programmers. The language not only allows programmers to create simple GUI applications, but to also develop complex applications. Programming in VB is a combination of visually arranging components or controls on a form, specifying attributes and actions of those components, and writing additional lines of code for more functionality. Since default attributes and actions are defined for the components, a simple program can be created without the programmer having to write many lines of code.

Performance problems were experienced by earlier versions, but with faster computers and native code compilation this has become less of an issue. Although VB programs can be compiled into native code executables from version 5 onwards, they still require the presence of runtime libraries of approximately 1 MB in size. Runtime libraries are included by default in Windows 2000 and later, however for earlier versions of Windows, i.e. 95/98/NT, runtime libraries must be distributed together with the executable. [pic]

`Forms are created using drag-and-drop techniques. A tool is used to place controls (e.g., text boxes, buttons, etc.) on the form (window). Controls have attributes and event handlers associated with them. Default values are provided when the control is created, but may be changed by the programmer. Many attribute values can be modified during run time based on user actions or changes in the environment, providing a dynamic application. For example, code can be inserted into the form resize event handler to reposition a control so that it remains centered on the form, expands to fill up the form, etc. By inserting code into the event handler for a keypress in a text box, the program can automatically translate the case of the text being entered, or even prevent certain characters from being inserted. Visual Basic can create executables (EXE files), ActiveX controls, or DLL files, but is primarily used to develop Windows applications and to interface database systems. Dialog boxes with less functionality can be used to provide pop-up capabilities.

Controls provide the basic functionality of the application, while programmers can insert additional logic within the appropriate event handlers. For example, a drop-down combination box will automatically display its list and allow the user to select any element. An event handler is called when an item is selected, which can then execute additional code created by the programmer to perform some action based on which element was selected, such as populating a related list. Alternatively, a Visual Basic component can have no user interface, and instead provide ActiveX objects to other programs via Component Object Model (COM).

This allows for server-side processing or an add-in module. The runtime recovers unused memory using reference counting which depends on variables passing out of scope or being set to “Nothing”, resulting in the very common problem of memory leaks. There is a large library of utility objects, and the language provides basic object oriented support. Unlike many other programming languages, Visual Basic is generally not case sensitive, although it will transform keywords into a standard case configuration and force the case of variable names to conform to the case of the entry within the symbol table. String comparisons are case sensitive by default. The Visual Basic compiler is shared with other Visual Studio languages (C, C++), but restrictions in the IDE do not allow the creation of some targets (Windows model DLLs) and threading models. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Basic)

Database

A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. In one view, databases can be classified according to types of content: bibliographic, full-text, numeric, and images. In computing, databases are sometimes classified according to their organizational approach. The most prevalent approach is the relational database, a tabular database in which data is defined so that it can be reorganized and accessed in a number of different ways. A distributed database is one that can be dispersed or replicated among different points in a network.

An object-oriented programming database is one that is congruent with the data defined in object classes and subclasses. Computer databases typically contain aggregations of data records or files, such as sales transactions, product catalogs and inventories, and customer profiles. Typically, a database manager provides users the capabilities of controlling read/write access, specifying report generation, and analyzing usage. Databases and database managers are prevalent in large mainframe systems, but are also present in smaller distributed workstation and mid-range systems such as the AS/400 and on personal computers. SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard language for making interactive queries from and updating a database such as IBM’s DB2, Microsoft’s Access, and database products from Oracle, Sybase, and Computer Associates. (http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/definition/database)

Through the use of given topics above, the researcher make used this as references in creating the system. Class Scheduling topics to get some idea on how the schedule flows. Visual Basic makes use in creating the system with the database MS Access to store data.

Statement of the Problem
1. How the propose Faculty Loading System compare with the manual system. 2. How may the propose system describe in terms of the following: 2.1 User Interfase;
2.2 System Output;
2.3 Efficiency;and
2.4 System Security

Assumptions
These following assumptions serve as a guide in accomplishing this study: 1. The propose system will minimize the problems of the manual class scheduling – time, and conflicts . 2. The researcher anticipated that this system serve the institution for a long period of time because of evolving technology.

Conceptual Frame work

The conceptual framework shows the gathering of data for class scheduling system. This proposed system was created by the researcher to help the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Atate Campus to lessen more work and time, and specially, to become more secure of their records. Input shows how will get data to fulfill the proposed system.

However, may understand much better and gives the idea about the proposed system by the help of research paradigm, to visualize the flow of the study.

INPUTPROCESSOUTPUT

Figure 1
Research Paradigm
Significance of the Study
This study is all about the Propose Faculty Loading System of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Atate Campus . It’s very essential to the following:

Faculty and Staff: This study will help them to process schedules and keep class, faculty and student schedule in a fastest and accurate way.

Students: The students can easily access and retrieval Class schedule.

The Future Researchers: the future researchers will use for their references in having a computerize enrollment system if the future researchers would like to formulate a system such as this.

Scope and Limitations

This study aims to develop a system called Propose Faculty Loading System of NEUST, Atate Campus.The study will be conducted this second semester School Year 2012 – 2013, at Nueva Ecija Ecija University of Science and Technology, Atate Campus, Palayan City.

Also, this study is proposed due to the conflict of class and room schedule of the students of the intuitions.
This study used a programming language called Visual Basic and a database software to develop the automated class scheduling for nursing students.

Definition of Terms

For further understand the terms used by the researcher in the study, below are the meanings of the terms used. Analysis. Is a detailed study of the current system, leading to specifications of a new system. It encompasses the study of various operations performed by a system and their relationships within and outside the system. During analysis, data are collected on the available files, decision points and transactions handled by the present. Coding. Does a way of converting a system into computer understand language. It is an important stage where the defined procedures are transformed into control specification by the computer language. Database. Is a large collection of data organized specially for rapid search and retrieval. Design. Is the most crucial phase in the development of the system.

It is on the user requirement and the detailed analysis of a new system. (nos.org, 2011) Enrollment. The process of entering and verifying data of student to register on a particular school. Effeciency. Is a set of attributes that bear on the relationship between the level of performance of the software and the amount or resources used under stated conditions. (ISO, 1991) Functionality. Is the sum or any aspect of what a product, such as a software application or computing device, can do for user. A product’s functionality is used by marketers to identify product features and enables a user to have a set of capabilities. Information System.

Any combination of information technology and people’s activities that support operations, management and decision making. Planning. Is a method used in the software development to create a map for a software project form the current state to the goal state, refines the scope and helps determine what is important and what is not. (nos.org, 2011) Registrar. Departmnt in the school engaging in studnt records and data. Security. Is the ability of the system to be secured from any unauthorized access and user. This can be done in a system by including password and other security features so that only the authorized user can use the system. (Cisco manual, 2009) Staff. People who worked or employed of a company or an individual. Teacher. Somebody who teaches, especially as a profession.

Testing. Is an important phase of the successful system development. After codifying the whole program of the system, a test plan should be developed and run on given setoff test data.

Chapter II
Research Methodology
Method

This study used the applied method of research which studies the relationship and applicability of the theories or principles to solution of a certain problem. This method of research is mainly used by the IT students because it is all about the process of developing a system and methods for acquiring and gaining knowledge about the rapid changes and evolving things around the world.

Research Locale

This study aims to develop a system called Propose Faculty Loading System conducted at NEUST, Atate Campus.The study will be conducted this second semester School Year 2012 – 2013, at Nueva Ecija Ecija University of Science and Technology, Atate Campus, Palayan City.

Data Collection

Collecting data needed is very important to accomplish their study. In this study, the researcher used different methods of collecting or gathering data and important information needed for the development of the system

Interview

The researcher will conduct an interview in order to know the problem that commonly encountered in the existing system. The interview method is us to gather information from the subject institution and to understand the required details to complete the proposed system.

Data Analysis
For the data analysis, the researchers used some mathematical treatments.

A. Frequency counts. This is a way of getting the number of frequency done by tabulating in each rate.

Requirement Specifications

Table 1

Cost of Hardware Specification

|Specification |Description |Cost | |CPU Casing |SJCA w/ 300W Power Supply |Php 990.00 | |Hard Disk Drive |SEAGATE 320GB 7200rpm SATA |1,950.00 | |Keyboard |KB-7908-u USB Keyboard |160.00 | |Memory |Core i3-i5-i7 1GB DDR3 |850.00 | | |STRONTIUM | | |Monitor |17-inch Flat CRT Monitor |1,590.00 | |Motherboard |Motherboard FSB 553 |1,100.00 | | |(DDRAM Type) | | |Mouse |PS/2 Optical Mouse |120.00 | | |DG-M308-P | | |Printer |HP Deskjet D1660 |1,950.00 | |Processor |Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz |1,900.00 | |Optical Drive |BENQ 24X DVDRW |999.00 | | |Dual Layer SATA | | |Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) |KE-600VA w/ AVR 500W |1,200.00 | | |TOTAL
|Php 12,889.00 |

Table 2

Cost of Software Specification

|Specification |Description |Cost | |Operating System |Microsoft Windows Ultimate |Php 1,900.00 | |Programming Language |Microsoft Visual Studio |2,800.00 | |Database & Word Processing |Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 |2,799.00 | |Security |Norton Antivirus 2011 |1,667.00 | | |Total |Php 9,166.00 |

Evaluation tool
The researcher will conduct an evaluation to test the efficiency and reliability of the proposed system. The researcher will provide 13 questions which were asked in the evaluation tool.

Preliminary Evaluation
The researcher will conduct a preliminary evaluation follow by the adviser. After the evaluation, the result of the preliminary evaluation will help the developer cite and correct errors found in the system

The said system will conduct using the following criteria:
a) User Interface
b) System Output
c) Efficiency;
d) System Security

Trial Evaluation
Trial evaluation will conduct with a group of evaluators c. Who are randomly selected from the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology and 5 IT Professional.
Functionality: The capability of the system to monitor room, students, and teachers availability.
Design: How easy it is for users to identify basic tasks during the first time the encounter the design. Interface and methods were used for improving ease – of – use during the design process.
Usability: How the users can easily access within a system a normal operable state within a given time frame, using the prescribe practices and procedures. Table 2
Rating Scale and Verbal Interpretation
|Numerical Rating |Verbal Interpretation | |5 |Excellent | |4 |Very Good | |3 | Good | |2 | Poor | |1 | Very poor |

The table above shows the numerical rating and their corresponding verbal interpretation. The data wi9ll use in the software testing to evaluate.

The data gather will analyze. In getting the weighted mean using the frequency counts as well as weight and number of the respondents, the method was made with use of this formula

WM = F/R

Where :WM = weighted mean

F = frequency

R = Total number of respondents

Chapter III

Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretations of Data

This chapter presents the data gathered from the 15 respondents (IT Professionals, Faculty and IT Students).

Figure 2
Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed Faculty loading System

The figure above shows the procedure of the proposed system. The Director is responsible in assigning faculty loading schedule for there availability.

TABLE 1

Assessment of the System Output of the Proposed Faculty Loading System

|STATEMENT |WM |Verbal Interpretation | |Accuracy |4.13 |Very Good | |Speed |4.60 |Excellent | |Completeness of information |4.47 |Excellent |

Table 1 shows the weighted mean and verbal interpretations of the System output of the proposed Faculty Loading of NEUST Atate Campus. The system according accuracy is verbally interpreted as excellent and with a weighted mean of 4.40, Speed is verbally interpreted as very good and with a weighted mean of 4.13, and Completeness of information is verbally interpreted as excellent and with a weighted mean of 4.47

TABLE 2

Assessment of the User Interface of the Proposed Faculty Loading System

|STATEMENT |WM |Verbal Interpretation | |Clarity of Instruction |4.60 |Excellent | |Quality of Help Messages |4.20 |Excellent | |Ease of use |4.53 |Excellent | |Appropriateness of options |4.40 |Excellent |

Table 2 shows the weighted mean and verbal interpretations of the User Interface of the proposed Faculty Loading of NEUST Atate Campus. The system according to clarity of instruction is verbally interpreted as excellent with a weighted mean of 4.60, Quality of Help messages is verbally interpreted as excellent with a weighted mean of 4.20, ease of use is verbally interpreted as excellent with a weighted mean of 4.53, and appropriateness of options is verbally interpreted as excellent with a weighted mean of 4.40.

TABLE 3

Assessment of the Efficiency of the Proposed Faculty Loading System

|STATEMENT |WM |Verbal Interpretation | |Data Storage |4.60 |Excellent | |Data Retrieval |4.60 |Excellent | |Security Control |4.40 |Excellent |

Table 3 shows the weighted mean and verbal interpretations of the Efficiency of the proposed Faculty Loading of NEUST Atate Campus. The system according to Data storage is verbally interpreted as excellent with a weighted mean of 4.60, data retrieval is verbally interpreted as excellent with a weighted mean of 4.60, and security control is verbally interpreted as excellent with a weighted mean of 4.40.

TABLE 4

Assessment of the System Security of the Faculty Loading System

|STATEMENT |WM |Verbal Interpretation | |Access Restriction |4.07 |Very Good |

Table 4 shows the weighted mean and verbal interpretations of the Efficiency of the proposed Faculty Loading of NEUST Atate Campus. Only access Restriction is evaluated in system security and it is verbally interpreted as Very good.

TABLE 5

Assessment of the Proposed Faculty Loading System of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Atate Campus

| |WM |Verbal Interpretation | |System Output |4.40 |Excellent | |User Interface |4.43 |Excellent | |Efficiency |4.53 |Excellent | |System Security |4.07 |Very Good | |AVERAGE |4.36 |Excellent | | | | |

Table 5 shows the assessment of the proposed Faculty Loading system of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, atate campus. For the system output (4.40) is verbally interpreted as excellent, User interface (4.43) is verbally interpreted as excellent, Efficiency (4.53) is verbally interpreted as excellent, and System security (4.07) is verbally interpreted as excellent. As evaluated by the respondents the proposed is verbally interpreted as excellent and with a weighted mean of 4.36.

Chapter IV

Summary of Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

This part of the study is focus on the summary of findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the researchers.

Summary of findings

1. The procedure of the proposed system is shown on the data flow diagram. The Director is responsible in assigning of Faculty Load for there availability.

2. The assessment of the proposed Faculty Loading system of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, atate campus. For the system output (4.40) is verbally interpreted as excellent, User interface (4.43) is verbally interpreted as excellent, Efficiency (4.53) is verbally interpreted as excellent, and System security (4.07) is verbally interpreted as excellent. As evaluated by the respondents the proposed is verbally interpreted as excellent and with a weighted mean of 4.36.

Conclusions

1. Applied method of research which studies the relationship and applicability of the theories or principles to solution of a certain problem.

2. The researchers developed a Faculty Loading system to easily manage the faculty loading and other schedules not conflict.

3. The researchers used the data flow diagram to show the process of creating the faculty loading in computerized matter. And in comparing the procedures of Faculty loading, the existing system is more difficult than the computerized. It is because of the conflict of faculty load, and others.

Recommendations

1. Compared with the manual process of making Faculty Loading by the director of NEUST Atate campus, the researchers recommended that the computerized faculty loading system be implemented.

2. Printing of Faculty schedule is easily access through the proposed computerized system.

3. Use the computerized Faculty Loading system in making faculty loading to avoid conflict.