Using World Wide Web as an information system to reduce the average period of study by better information providing and to relieve administration


Abstract

The University of Mannheim/Germany has one of the largest Business Administration programs in the country. Here the average period of study is 12.5 semesters although it is supposed to be 8 semesters. One reason for this is the lack of comprehensive information for the students. In order to bridge the gap between real study length and the intended one there is an attempt to offer new medias as the facilities of "conventional" medias like brochures or direct consulting are exhausted.

The World Wide Web (WWW) is the appropriate tool to provide more efficient access to desired information. Its use will benefit students by providing the following: Information about how to get started, how to organize one's study, support during the course of study, improved dialog with the chairs etc.

Some information changes in a short period of time and manual information maintenance is very cost effectiv and often unreliable. So automatic maintenance is required.

The development of an administrating system which will be linked with the information system is in progress. This leads to an integration of providers and user into one system. The administrating system (based on a database) is an offer to the chairs to reduce their efford in dealing with daily activities by providing services and giving access to central and comprehensive data, including a connection to the Department of Examination. As a result dates and facts are extracted and given to the information system. On the other hand students are able to register for exams and retrieve their certificates automatically e.g.

So providers become users and vice versa.


Introduction

Implementation

Summary and Conclusions, References



bmueller@rummelplatz.uni-mannheim.de