COMPUTERIZED FEE PAYMENT SYSTEM (A CASE STUDY OF UYO CITY POLYTECHNIC)

CHAPTER ONE

 INTRODUCTION

1.0              Introduction

This chapter contains the theoretical background, statement of the problem, objective of the study, significance of the study, scope and organization of the study. Theoretical background entails relevant theory or theories that best unfold the knowledge behind the research work and also state its areas of contributions. Statement of the problem describes the problem a researcher is trying to solve and the need for the research on the problem. Objectives of the study states relevant areas needed to work on. Significance of the study is about the contribution(s) that the research work would make to the case study, other relevant bodies or institutions. Scope of the study implies the areas that the research covers and what it does not cover is stated clearly to avoid ambiguity. Organization of the study as the name implies, gives a brief overview of the research on how the chapters are organized. And finally on chapter one, is definition of terms where a researcher defines keywords used in the study.

1.1     Background of the Study

Uyo City Polytechnic is a private institution located at Uyo Metropolis in Akwa Ibom State. Uyo City Polytechnic was founded in the year 2013 (2012/2013 session) and has received its recognition from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The polytechnic is said to be a skillful and innovative institution, committed to enhancing quality manpower development and acquisition of skills for the youth for the purpose of being self-reliant. School fee payment in the school is done manually.

Before, now, people/students often embraced technological changes with the fear of the unknown and as such decided to carryout activities their usual way (manually).

However, the 21^st century came with a lot of challenges that only the use of computer can solve problem effectively. Electronic/Automated payment of student school fees in any school would boost the school management morale and therefore increase productivity. However, this supports the mash low’s theory of management which is of the view that metrication of an organization financially will bring increase in productivity.

Therefore, the payment of student school fee in a particular school enhance the productivity of such school for both the management and students as well, even as a computer – based system is used for such payment for easiest and fastest mode of operation as well as accurate security and good financial management; which is recommended for Uyo City Polytechnic.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

The major problems encountered with the manual method of school fees payment at Uyo City Polytechnic are:

• Loss of Data: The slow rate of processing the school fee at Uyo City Polytechnic bursary department was done manually; enhance, sometimes lead to the misplacement of the school fees tellers because of lack of adequate storage medium.
• Time delaying in processing of information: The processes of manual school fees for student in the polytechnic have resulted to a lot of problems which makes student not to write exams.

• Updating and Retrieval of information: Information in manual method is not guaranteed for future use because it may sometime attach by causative agent such as cockroach, insect etc.

1.3     Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the manual and automated student school fees payment system in Uyo City Polytechnic. The objectives of this study are:

1. To create a computerized system for students school fee payment
2. To determined the conversion of manual system of school fees payment to computerized/automated method to ease the stress of students information processing during payment.

iii.              To Eliminate heavy paper processing during exams

1. To provide a more efficient and simpler means of handling and updating students fee and other records
2. To provide solutions to the problems of inaccuracy, alteration, delay, loss of receipts and irregularities in the manual system of clearance
3. Maintaining timely preparation of school fees receipts

1.4     Significance of the Study

This research work would help the management and students of Uyo City Polytechnic to have a better knowledge of operating on the method of automated students fees payment and how this can be effective through practical aspect of the device. It is obvious that the manual system is slow in operation and also ineffective in service.

The inconvenience brought about by the manual system could be overwhelmed by the use of more effective and advanced system. In other words, an automated system minimize time delay procedures during students fee payment.

1.5     Scope of the Study

This study is restricted to Uyo City Polytechnic and no other firm. Data used for the study were gotten from the case study only (Uyo City Polytechnic). It focused on automated student’s school fee payment only.

1.6     Organization of the Research