The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, has launched seven (7) new software applications (Apps) developed by the University Information Technology Services (UITS) in line with the Vice-Chancellor’s digitalisation and relatively paperless vision.
The seven different applications which seeks to improve the operations of the University are Promotion App, Feedback App, TekScholar App, Timetable Management System, AIM Mobile App, Transwift App and Alumni Connect Web App.
Launching the Apps, Professor Dickson stated that we are in the fourth industrial revolution and advancement in technology has changed the way we do things. As such, Information Communication Technology (ICT) has become a key enabler for the core business of every institution including universities. Â She noted that KNUST set a goal of building a robust and resilient e-system to provide diverse online platforms to enhance Research, Teaching, Learning, and Administration.
On behalf of the Management of the University, she commended the current and past Directors of the UITS and their team for the birth of the Apps and the many innovative systems to be embarked on in the days ahead.
Professor Mrs. Dickson observed that over the years, it has become critical to streamline the process of promotions in the University. With the “promotion App”, KNUST staff will now apply for their promotion online and submit all relevant documentation electronically. These documents would be processed electronically through all defined stages including assessment by External Assessors. Staff would get real-time feedback on the status of their applications as they progress through the different stages of the processing of their promotion applications. With this App staff are assured of visibility, transparency, and speedy processing of their promotion documents.
In furtherance to a feedback-driven leadership in her administration, and to serve all our clients and stakeholders better, the “Feedback App” has also come to stay. She said Management welcomes all new ideas and feedback on its activities to continually improve on its services to all stakeholders.
She further said Staff, Students, Alumni, industry partners and guests can all give their feedback to assist the University to improve on its operations. Also, new ideas that seek to enhance the forward movement of the University will be welcome. In this light, a collation desk would be set up at the Quality Assurance and Planning Office.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, KNUST, as a research-intensive institution, research and its related activities are deemed very critical to achieving the very mandate of the University. The third app, TekScholar, has been developed to help achieve this aim.  This provides a dashboard for viewing the research performance of all academic staff on our various campuses. Another feature is that it provides a summarised bird's-eye view of performance indicators like publications by subject areas, international collaborations, citations, etc.
Professor Dickson hoped that this would spur healthy competition among researchers, Colleges, Faculties, Departments and to ensure competitiveness for global university ranking as well.
The fourth App, the Timetable Management System, provides a scheduling platform for generating lecture timetables. In this system, Venues on the system are tagged with GIS coordinates such that students can use mapping software such as google maps to obtain directions that guide them to their classrooms in real time. The interesting thing about this App is that students can set class reminders on their calendars directly from the App.
The redesigned AIM App is for optimal performance on both android and iOS. This App allows KNUST students to pay their fees, register for their courses, check their marks, assess their lecturers, download fees details, receive University notifications and announcements, collaborate, access their timetables, among others all from their palms.
The sixth app is the online transcript App, which will serve current students and Alumni and does not require one’s physical presence. The Vice-Chancellor explained that using the Online Transwift App, all Alumni can simply visit the online transcript portal and apply for their transcripts and pay for same online. She continued that applicants have the option of choosing how they want their transcripts to be delivered. “Transcripts may be sent electronically via emails or printed in hard copy for pick up or for dispatch via courier service.” Â
She also revealed that KNUST has a secure channel with the World Education Services (WES) where electronic transcripts are dispatched directly to them and validly verified for prompt action.” She added.
Finally, the Tek Alumni Connect App, the web-based interface seeks to draw us closer to our cherished Alumni. According to the Vice-Chancellor, with this app in place, Alumni will be able to connect, interact with each other irrespective of their location, make relevant payments, undertake mentorship sessions with our students and be part of the bigger KNUST family in real time. It was announced that the next stage would be to develop the interface into a mobile App for an enhanced user experience.Â
The Director of the UITS, Mr. Emmanuel Nii O. Afful, introduced the Apps to the audience. He was hopeful that the University and all stakeholders will make use of the newly designed apps to push the digitisation agenda of the University and to improve the operations and visibility of the University as a global science and technology institution.