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DESIGN OF A COMPUTER ASSISTED MULTIPLE CHOICE EXAMINATION SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

With the thoughtful application of emerging technologies and in a bid to improve on the effort towards the conduction of the multiple choice assessments, this project is designed to automate all multiple choice assessments and examinations in the department of computer science, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri with the aim of cushioning the effects of the existing manual, system but most importantly, to encourage and implement a faster and better examination assessment service delivery in the department. In the course of developing the new system, the Microsoft visual Basic 6.0 programming language was used to code the modular programme for the new system in a top –down design approach it is important to note that the logic employed in the work us treated in a general sense. Inferably. It could be applied or implemented in any other structured assessment system.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 

1.0 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Early methods of processing data and information involved management of paper work. With the advent of automation, mechanization of information management was introduced for the purpose of minimizing costs and providing efficiency and opportunities to add value to the services and products. The advancement was not lost on the examination system as well.

In order to keep abreast with the increasing roles and importance of information technology in the business and academic concern, stakeholders in both areas need to understand new technologies, factors applicable to information system and techniques involved in updating the development, with various responsibilities for the operations of the MIS defined for each sub-system requiring proper planning and control.

As information technology is now applied in almost every field of endeavour, the application of computer science in examination systems form a common connection as both deal with the analysis, transformation and manipulation of data, presentation and storage of information. Over the years, much has been highlighted on the problems inherent in examination conductions due to some factors; increased number of candidates to be invigilated, increased number of scripts to be marked and examination malpractices, leading to time wastage, loss of scripts and ineffectiveness.

1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

The objective of this project is to design a computer based multiple choice examination system with which;

(1) Questions are set and presented in the computer

(2) Questions are answered in the computer

(3) Answers are marked by the computer in shortest possible time.

(4) The results and grades are presented and stored.

1.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

(1) Upgrading Of The Departments Examination System

Implementation will showcase the benefits of adopting the initiative of information technology as an approach to the nation technological advancement. It will lead to an upgrade of the examination system to a world class status. 

(2) Optimization Of The Examination Administrative System 

The replacement of the manual system (paper based system) with the automated system will optimize the overall performance of the examination administrative body.

(3) Security and sanitation of the examination system 

Prior to implementation and coupled with the assurance of security, vices and problems in the system such as malpractice, loss of scripts etc will be minimized or alleviated. 

(4) Effective Service Delivery 

Errors which could be encountered during script markings, recording and other examination activities would be highly or completely minimized.

1.3 DEFINITION OF TERMS SYSTEM CONCEPT 

A system can be defined as a collection of parts or components which forms a whole, the parts are inter-related with each other and work together to achieved a common goal. In a system exhibits characteristics such as inputs and outputs, boundaries, interfaces and methods of converting the inputs and outputs. An examination can be defined as a system. it uses resources such as the examiner, candidates, questions etc. all interacting to the accomplishment and production of results and grades. In the system are operation such as setting questions, answering questions, marking and grading which needs to be properly managed. 

SYSTEM BOUNDARY

This separates a system from its environments or determines the extent of the separation it therefore shows the scope of activities supported by the system.

SYSTEM AND SUB-SYSTEM

A system contains smaller systems known as sub-systems which has elements, interaction and objectives and perform tasks related to the overall objectives of the system as a whole. The multiple choice examination system consist of individual operations that are subsystems with each specific operation forming a part of the overall system contributing to its goal. 

INPUT AND OUTPUT

The basic function of a system is to produce outputs from inputs. This entails that within the system are processes which ensure the conversion by assessments and manipulation by adding value to the input. In the system, subsystems usually produces output which become input in output from one is an input to the next, the trail leading to overall output of the system. for example, the output of the marking subsystem of an examination is used as an input for the result and grading subsystem.

INTERFACE

An interface is a connection between a user and the system or the connection at subsystem boundaries. For example, a candidate for an examination gains access to the examination system through the examination paper.

OPEN AND CLOSED SYSTEM

An open system operates in a dynamic relationship with its external environment as it receives inputs form it. Transforms them and passes it out in form of output back into the environment. It needs output information in terms of feedback as a basis for control of the input system. In contrast, a closed system does not relate with its environment. They do not operate with/on feedbacks and eventually destroys itself. An examination system is an open system as it works with inputs in terms of questions and answers from the elements outside it and gives output in terms of results and grades back into the elements.

SYSTEM FEEDBACK

This is control information used to determine activities of the inputs of the system. it normally comes as output information. 

THE COMPUTER AIDED TESTING SYSTEM (CATS)

This is a Computer Assisted Testing System (CATS) which is an option implemented in distance learning programs and courses offered through the university external studies program.

FLOWCHART: This is the diagrammatic representation of the program components using standard symbols.

GRADE POINT (GP):- this is the corresponding points 0.00 to 5.00 of the grade letters F-A respectively.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA):- this is the point in which the academic performance of a student is measure at the end of every semester. It has the maximum value of 5.00 and minimum 0.00. It can be calculated thus: GPA- Sum of quality points/total credit unit for all course registered in the semester.

CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)

This is the measure of the students overall academic performance at any given time in his academic program. It is normally calculated at the end of the session.

It is calculated thus:

CGPA = GPA first semester + GPA second semester/total credit unit for first semester + total credit unit for second semester.

1.4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 

This describes the investigation methods applied in the various stages in the development of this project. This standard procedure called “The system software Analysis and Design methodology” (SSADM) was employed in the analysis and design, and the stages of the project work are; analysis, model design, model implementation testing and documentation. With the techniques employed being

(1) Analysis of the existing conventional method. 

(2) Consultation of relevant materials like text, tutorials and the inherent which all aided in the development work

1.5 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The new system is designed to cover all multiple choice based examinations conductions in the department of computer science.

1.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE PROJECT

Due to limitations in time, this project is designed without the random selection function which would account for the “TYPE” format which is inherent in most multiple choice examinations and assessments.

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