A Multi-Channel Academic Result Checking System for Tertiary Institutions (Published)
Timely access to students’ academic results remains a challenge in many tertiary institutions, particularly where students depend on physical notice boards or internet-based platforms. This study developed a Multi-Channel Result Checking System (MCRCS) to provide a more convenient and flexible approach to academic result dissemination. The system was developed using the Waterfall software development model and implemented with Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) and My Structured Query Language (MySQL), with SMS (Short message Service) and email electronic mail) services integrated into the platform The students’ academic records are mapped to the students’ phone numbers and emails. The MCRCS does not process or compute examination results; rather, it works with the existing Result Processing System (RPS), from which approved results are uploaded into the MCRCS database for dissemination. Two channels were provided for result access. SMS and email use push-based approaches to automatically deliver result notifications or relevant result information after the release of approved results. The system also provides administrative functions for uploading and managing results, generating reports, and monitoring dissemination activities. Controlled access was incorporated to protect students’ academic records. System evaluation was designed to assess functional correctness, result accuracy, communication delivery. The developed system provides an alternative to single-channel result dissemination and demonstrates how SMS and email can be integrated to improve the accessibility and convenience of academic results in tertiary institutions. The approach can be adapted to other institutions with similar result dissemination challenges.
Keywords: Email, SMS, academic results, application tier, multi-channel checking system