Development of a workflow management system for higher education : case study of a department in a Nigerian university

Abstract

The growing complexity of academic and administrative processes in educational institutions necessitates an efficient and streamlined approach to managing workflows effectively. The research work presents the development of a cutting-edge Workflow Management System (WMS) designed to cater to the needs of the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. The WMS is built using Flutter, a popular cross-platform framework, and Firebase, a scalable and cloud-based backend service. These challenges underscore the importance of a tailored WMS that can centralize communication, automate tasks, and enhance productivity. This research project encompasses a systematic approach, beginning with requirements gathering through observation and prototyping, followed by the design and development phases. Agile development principles were employed to ensure flexibility and adaptability throughout the project life-cycle. The outcomes of the research work, including any improvements made based on user feedback. This research has significantly improved communication efficiency, task allocation, and time management. Users reported increased collaboration, reduced delays, and better organization of academic and administrative activities and the potential to improve the efficiency and accuracy of collaboration management within the department and enhance the user experience for both the collaboration department and the college community. The developed workflow Management System proved valuable for the department, addressing their needs and streamlining their workflows. The successful integration of Flutter and Firebase showcased the potential of modern technologies to revolutionize traditional processes in educational institutions.