Development of an Information System for Cooperative and Work Integrated Education Management at Northeastern University

Abstract

This research aimed to develop and evaluate an information system for managing Cooperative and Work Integrated Education at Northeastern University. The objectives were: (1) to develop a comprehensive information system that supports the workflow of all relevant units; (2) to evaluate the efficiency of the developed system; and (3) to assess user satisfaction. The system was designed to ensure accuracy, security, and ease of use for administrators, students, faculty members, and enterprises. The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology was employed, encompassing system analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and evaluation. The system was developed using PHP and a MySQL database to create a web-based application accessible through a standard web browser.

The findings indicated that the developed system effectively supported key functions, including student registration, enterprise nomination, internship plan tracking, and performance evaluation. Users were able to conveniently manage information and monitor progress independently. The efficiency evaluation conducted by experts revealed that the system achieved a very high level of performance (𝒙̄ = 4.73, S.D. = 0.45), while user satisfaction was rated at the highest level (𝒙̄ = 4.83, S.D. = 0.38). These results demonstrate that the system successfully reduces workflow complexity, enhances data storage and retrieval processes, and strengthens collaboration between the university and partnering enterprises.

In conclusion, the developed information system effectively supports the overall management of Cooperative and Work Integrated Education. It is technically sound, user-friendly, and meets the needs of users at all levels. The system also shows strong potential for institutional-level expansion to sustainably enhance the management of work integrated education.