DESIGN OF LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR INDUSTRIAL

ENGINEERING LEARNING AT UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM

CHAPTER ONE

Background

The occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of Universities and colleges
throughout the world and over 1.2 billion of students were out of school globally, with the hope
that the social distancing and isolation would help to reduce the sickness rate and overall
mortality from the outbreak. Due to advancement of information and technology which gave
light to posssible alternatives through e-learning application, made possible to continue with
learning process during pandemic and therefore Universities were forced to do all of their student
teaching and learning online as the result of the disease. thus led to the use of Learning
management systems which became the perfect approach for facilitating the distance learning for
the Universities and colleges (El Said, 2021)

The learning management systems become comprehensive web-based software application

which facilitates distance learning for learners in terms of evaluations, files sharing, chats and
wide range of additional tools in terms of participation where anyone can connect from home or
wherever they are. The system allows creation of virtual classrooms normally via the web
browser using any operating system, computer or mobile devices and not only it opens the
interaction between the learners and tutors but also provides the platform between learners and
course materials (Almarashdeh and Alsmadi, 2016)

Although researches show that there is gap of skills left in applying learning management
systems in engineering education since engineering education has been traditionally contents
centered, hands on training and design oriented which could become a barrier in online
classrooms as courses delivery could be conducted in computer laboratories, but due to the
significant application of learning management systems, Universities and colleges started to
integrate learning management systems within face to face learning for supporting teaching and
learning activities. Due to the nature of courses offered in engineering education some
universities and colleges started to design and develop their learning management systems to be
used as complement under face to face learning (Id et al., 2021)
Problem Statement

Current at University of Dar es salaam engineering undergraduate learning are offered under face
to face learning and one of them is Industrial engineering learning, however learning
management system are used for other courses learning but may not be an effective tool for
learning in industrial engineering education. the nature of industrial engineering courses consist
of basic science, mathematics, general engineering science and industrial engineering sciences
where there are some IE courses may require laboratory works such as statistics, programming,
engineering drawing, ergonomics, simulations and automation which require active learning and
engagement, good interaction and feedback with deep understanding of various concepts to
students.

There is a lack of Engagement and poor feedback in LMS, LMS is used as a repository of
information where students access course materials, submit assessment and take quizzes,
however this does not promote active learning and engagement which is crucial for students to
develop a deep understanding of engineering concepts, also this may not provide the detailed
analysis and personalized feedback for industrial engineering students to improve their skills.
There is lack of interaction in LMS however LMS may provide opportunities for online
discussions and virtual classrooms but these interaction are often limited and may not adequately
replace face to face interactions that are necessary for industrial engineering students, students
may miss out collaborative learning, problem solving and feedback. also one size fits-all
approach used in LMS may not be suitable for industrial engineering learning, students have
different learning styles and may require different types of instructions and materials to be
successful.

Therefore limitations of LMS may hinder development of critical thinking, problem solving and
analytical skills that are essential for industrial engineering students, hence the aim of this study
is to explore alternatives and complementary approaches to industrial engineering learning that
can address these limitations.

Objectives

Main Objective
To explore alternative features and tools which can be added in LMS in order to be applicable
for industrial Engineering undergraduate learning at University of Dar es Salaam.

Specific objectives

i. To clearly define the requirements and objectives of an LMS for industrial engineering.

ii. To design alternative features in LMS in order to be applicable for industrial Engineering
learning at University of Dar es salaam.

iii. To represent a model of alternative features in LMS in order to be applicable for industrial
Engineering learning at University of Dar es salaam.

Research questions

i. What are the requirements and objectives of learning management system for industrial
engineering learning ?

ii. How can the alternative LMS features for industrial engineering learning be designed ?

iii. How is an LMS model of alternative features for industrial engineering learning ?

Significance of the study

The design of Learning Management System for industrial Engineering learning have several
number of potentials, and if successful implementation of this project will contribute to the
following advantages

i. Lower the costs and complexity of courses delivery in industrial engineering learning

ii. Improving the learning performance and ensure time management in courses delivery

iii. LMS use will provide the centralized way of managing learning materials in industrial
engineering learning.

Scope of the project

The scope of this project will cover the Dar es Salaam region at University of Dar es Salaam, the
project will involve design of alternative features in learning management system in order to be
applicable for industrial Engineering undergraduate learning at CoET.
CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review contains different important issues that must be known while conducting
the study so that to facilitate understanding for people who can read the project. The main
purpose of literature review is to gain different knowledge from other researchers and scholars
who did different projects relating to this project and identifying different significant concepts to
be used in the project. Those concepts are discussed as follows;

Overview and influence of learning management systems

Learning management system is a result of broad use and expansion of ICTs which has
generated e-learning opportunities by allowing interactive media and collective construction of
knowledge through networks, LMS creating virtual environment that aims to simulate face to
face learning environment with the use of ICTs while interactions happens through operating
devices that enable communications and participation of instructors and students via the system.
LMS is characterized by integrating different media, languages, resources and enabling the
alternatives technology and presenting information in an organized way to accomplish its
learning goal , although there are several LMS options but the choice for an institutions depend
on its characteristics and needs for that option (Almarashdeh and Alsmadi, 2016)

Reviewing past related papers on the design of Learning Management systems

The study of design of web-based learning management system in Sman I Kampar kili Hilir
focused on design of web-based LMS to support teaching activities at schools where LMS
required to be used as a medium for dissemination of subject materials, distribution of
assignments, student discussion forums and as a way to increase learning interactions between
students and teachers. The study used PHP programming language and MySQL using Waterfall
model method for software development which include requirements, design, implementation,
verification and maintenance stages in LMS design, research methodology used was descriptive
analysis where literature review, observation and interview were the methods used in collection
of data for LMS implementation. Data analysis techniques used were Normality and gain tests
and finally black-box testing was used to verify the software creation of learning management
system, the study revealed that design of Learning Management System as a supportive tool in
learning activities at schools with increasing students interactions with teachers to archive
educational goals (Muhardi et al., 2020)

The study concerned with development of an interactive e-learning management system for
Tanzania secondary schools focused on developing e-learning management system to support
teaching and learning functions for Tanzania secondary schools as there was a problem of poor
performance in examinations due to poorly way of getting learning materials. Therefore the
study focused on ensuring storage and creation of learning materials highly available through
development of learning management system, the study used unified modeling language and
integrated object oriented system analysis and design as well as model driven architecture to
address the system development life cycles in good way. The study mainly based on qualitative
methods through interviews and focus group discussions with selected stakeholders of schools
and physical observations of real status of schools to get primary sources of data regarding
development of learning management systems at schools. Finally it is revealed that replication
and mirroring in the design will make learning materials highly available to end users (Kalinga,
2010)

The study of design and development E- learning system by learning management system in
vocational education focused on assessment of LMS based on its usability, functions, visual
communication and language, learning design and material content from 15 undergraduate
students from Mechanical engineering class aged 22- 25 years as subject matters. The study
involved the developed learning management system and validated by material and media
experts where direct observation and questionnaire were the Data collection techniques used to
explore the information from the subject. The study revealed that the design and development of
learning management system was feasible to be used in vocational schools as it increases the
quality and satisfaction of Learning (Rabiman, Nurtanto and Kholifah, 2020)

The research concerned with development of learning media based on Moodle integrated with
blended learning in Mathematics learning process at SMA Muhammadiyah Al-amin sorong
aimed to produce a web- based learning management system to be used in Mathematics studies
at school. The paper used ADDIE method (analysis, design, develop, implement and evaluate)
with three phases, were design, development and implementation, the data collection methods
used were observations, test scores and questionnaire from students and teachers at school to get
the responses and needs from the objective design of Moodle LMS. The paper revealed the
design flowchart of web e-learning system and software engineering and visual aspect were
validated using like-rt scale by material and media experts, the findings showed that it was
effective and very positive to use e-learning Moodle integrated to blended learning environment
as responses from the teachers and students at school (Faturrahman et al., 2018)

Another study was concerned with developing an LMS based cross platform web application for
improving vocational high school English learning, the study aimed to develop web application
of LMS to solve the student’s lack of independence and poor performance in English lessons
where system can be accessed through computers or mobile devices. The adapted the 10 steps R
and D model of instructional design proposed by Dick and Carey with suitable steps, the steps
including

i. Identifying instructional goals

ii. Conducting instructional analysis

iii. Analyzing learner and context

iv. Writing performance objectives

v. Developing assessment instrument

vi. Developing instructional strategy

vii. Developing and selecting instructional materials

viii. Designing and conducting a formative evaluation of institutions

ix. Revising institutions

x. Designing and conducting a summative evaluation

The research participants were two educational media, web programming experts, one subject
matter expert and students, observation and closed ended questionnaires were used as data
collection methods where t-test with assistance of SPSS 20.0 for windows were used to analyze
the student’s ability after utilizing LMS based cross platform. The results of this study was an
learning management system based cross platform web application for vocational high school
(Suswanto et al., 2017)
The study about an approach to designing and developing an LMS framework appropriate for
young people focused on developing a web- based e learning management system to increase
learning motivation for young people, the main approach used in developing the platform is
User-centered design (UCD) as it should be based on user friendliness. The study employed
survey method to collect consumer's opinions through electronic questionnaires of 10 questions
which included 52 children and young people from schools aged 7 to 18 years including 27 girls
and 25 boys. The study used PHP programming language for back end development of LMS
prototype, MySQL for database management system, HTML and CSS to design the user
interface, also few integrated development environments Microsoft visual studio for managing
HTML and CSS, Atom for PHP code management, XAMPP for local web server management
and graphic images were created with Inks-cape and GIMP for beautiful user interfaces. The
results of this study was a conceptual model of a web based e learning management system was
developed and used to create a prototype of an LMS platform called " My classroom " (Kraleva
et al., 2020)

The research concerned with Building reliable E learning management system for Iraqi
University campus focused on developing robust learning management system that will fulfill
educational services for teachers and students at University, the paper had used user centered
web interface design through available open source platform like Apache, web server, MySQL,
database management system and PHP programming language to meet the project requirements.
The paper also divided entire open E learning project process workflow into student and course
oriented workflows where system administrator or course teacher and student are the system
users in each workflow respectively, thus the study came up with project workflow and modular
architecture of E learning open platform project (Ziad, 2009)

Research about developing a Moodle based learning management system for slow learners
focused on developing an LMS called eLSIDA to help slow learners studies, the study used 3 out
of 5 ADDIE models as a research method namely needs analysis, design and development
models, at needs analysis step the study analyzed and identified problems that arisen in the
context of where an idea emerged to understand the product that will be developed, at design
stage, the study was guided by needs content analysis through specifications of multimedia
products and materials elements that would be included in the learning management system
eLSIDA, research validation was done as LMS development stage to obtain quality system
through media and materials experts. An instrument employed in this study to collect research
data was structured questionnaire with 4 like-rt scale and result of the study was developed
learning management system that was created by Moodle software application (Widodo,
Musyarofah and Slamet, 2022)

Research concerned with an interactive e-learning management system a solution to Tanzanian

Secondary school’s education presented the need of e-learning management system for
Tanzanian schools through design and development of learning management system. The paper
employed software engineering principles within the system development life circle with open
source software platform based on Linux operating system and Web based technologies like
HTML, MySQL, PHP, CSS, Java script and Apache to develop the system, physical observation,
group discussions and questionnaire with teachers, students and administrators used in this study
to get primary information about the system, participation of users in this study connected
between the analysis stage and system implementation stage. The study revealed that e-LMS
being developed will allow creation, storage, re-use and delivery of digital learning materials and
resources management (Kalinga, Bagile and Trojer, 2006)

Research about Design and implementation of online teaching and learning management system
aimed to create an online E-learning system that provides all in one tool for teachers, delivering
and administer courses online. The study used use case diagrams in modeling the proposed
system and depict the system components, the system architecture contained client application
with web browser, data server for data base and web server for web application. The study used
PHP framework and Java script for the front end hosting it on web server MySQL database
management system, also HTML 5 was applied to develop the system, evaluation of the system
was done to detect some mistakes and weakness for adjustments to ensure system effectiveness.
The result of the study was proposed online learning system which basically meets the needs of
the student’s online learning (Quispe, 2023)
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter helps to provide the detailed information on the way in which the project will be
done starting from the data collection, data analysis and discussion for research on “DESIGN OF
LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING LEARNING
AT UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM”.

In order to meet the objectives of this research both primary and secondary data sources will be
used to get the required information.

Data Required

Data required in this research on design of learning management system for industrial
Engineering learning at University of Dar es Salaam are qualitative data.

Data Collection Method

The methodology to be used in this study is survey method through expert involvement and the
approaches to be included in the collection of data are mixing closed ended questionnaire and
interview, A likert scale with five points will be used in the questionnaire tool for assessment
which is shown in the appendix.

Data Analysis Tool

The analysis of the collected data is needed to provide the summary of the collected data and
organize them in the manner that will help in answering the research questions. In this research
NVivo 12 software package will be used as analysis tool which will help in the presentation and
interpretation of results obtained.

Sampling framework and sample size

In this study, system experts from Centre for virtual learning at college of information and
communications technology and staffs of industrial Engineering at university of Dar es Salaam
will be used as sample, the reason of taking this sample is to cover the population effectively and
be able to get necessary information about the design of Learning Management System.
Population

The population involved is 10 staffs from Centre for virtual learning at CoICT and 230 lecturers
at CoET.

Technique

The method used to do sampling is simple random probability for CoET lecturers since it is
difficult to access every one thus selecting sample from the group will be suitable approach, also
Non-probability sampling (purposive sampling) is used for staffs of center for virtual learning.

Determining sample size

Lecturers at CoET

Known population was chosen to get the sample number of CoET lecturers who are experts to
participate in this research.

From the slovin’s equation

N
n= 2
1+ N e

n=Sample size required=?

N=Population size=230

e=Margin of error=10%

230
n=
1+ 230 ( 0.1 )2

n = 70

Therefore there will be 70 CoET lecturers who will respond to questionnaire

Staffs from center for virtual learning

At CVL, there are 3 Coordinators for multimedia unit, internal and external programs, 2 System
administrators and 2 Multimedia producers. 5 workers will be used for non-probability sampling
(purposive sampling).
Sample size

People who will be taken as the sample size for the project to respond on questionnaire are as
following

Table 1: Sample Size

S/N Group (experts) Questionnaire

1. CoET Lecturers 70
2. CVL Staffs 5

TOTAL 75

Therefore there will be a total of 75 experts who will respond on questionnaire

Summary of Methodology

Table 2: Summary of Methodology

S/ SPECIFIC DATA DATA DATA DATA

N OBJECTIVE REQUIRED COLLECTION COLLECTION ANALYSIS
METHOD TOOL TOOL

1 To clearly define the - Closed ended

requirements and Questionnaire
Qualitative - Survey - NVivo 12
objectives of an LMS
- Interview package
for industrial
engineering.

2 To design
alternative features in
- Architectural
LMS in order to be
 applicable for Qualitative design - Flowcharts
industrial
- Logical design
Engineering learning
at University of Dar
es salaam.

3 To represent a model
of alternative
features in LMS in
order to be - Unified - Use case

applicable for modeling diagrams

Qualitative
industrial language

Engineering learning
at University of Dar
es salaam.
 CHAPTER FOUR

PROJECT BUDGET AND DURATION ESTIMATION

Project budget

This section of the study shows the overall costs which will be used in conducting the project
from the beginning of the project from first semester to the second semester. It includes all costs
associated in the project proposal, literature review, methodology, data collection, data analysis
and presentations.

Table 3: Project Budget

S/N ITEM ITEM DESCRIPTION COST(Tsh)

1  Papers, Pens,
Printing, Binding,
 Stationery cost 60,000/=
Note book,
 Reports Literature,
Questionnaire

2  Transportation cost  Data collection 30,000/=

trips

3  Communicating
with Supervisors,
Study area staffs
 Communication and experts 40,000/=
cost
 Mobile data bundle

4  Design cost  System features 50,000/=

design and model
representation

TOTAL COST 180,000/=

Project Timeline

Table 4: Project Timeline

WEEKS
S/ ACTIVIT SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2
N Y 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Project
proposal
1 writing
Literature
2 review
Methodolo
3 gy
Mid
semester
presentatio
4 n
Report
5 writing
Report
review &
6 submission
Final
presentatio
7 n
Data
8 collection
Data
9 analysis
Report
10 writing
Mid
semester
presentatio
11 n
Report
review,
correction
and
12 submission
Final
presentatio
13 n
REFERENCE

Almarashdeh, I. and Alsmadi, M. (2016) ‘Investigating the acceptance of technology in

distance learning program’, 2016 International Conference on Information Science and
Communications Technologies, ICISCT 2016 [Preprint]. doi:10.1109/ICISCT.2016.7777404.

Faturrahman, M. et al. (2018) ‘Development of Learning Media Based on MOODLE

Integrated with Blended Learning in Mathematic Learning Process at SMA Muhammadiyah
Al-Amin Sorong.’, IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 175(1).
doi:10.1088/1755-1315/175/1/012202.

Id, S.A. et al. (2021) ‘An observational study of engineering online education during the
COVID-19 pandemic’, pp. 1–17. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0250041.

Kalinga, A.E., Bagile, R.B.B. and Trojer, L. (2006) ‘An interactive e-learning management
system (e-LMS): A solution to Tanzanian secondary schools’ education’, International
Journal of Human and Social Sciences, 1(4), pp. 250–253.

Kalinga, E. (2010) Development of an Interactive e-Learning Management System (e-LMS)

for Tanzanian secondary schools, Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Available at:
http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:835371.

Kraleva, R. et al. (2020) ‘An approach to designing and developing an LMS framework
appropriate for young pupils’, International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
10(2), pp. 1577–1591. doi:10.11591/ijece.v10i2.pp1577-1591.

Muhardi et al. (2020) ‘Design of Web Based Lms (Learning Management System) in Sman 1
Kampar Kiri Hilir’, Journal of Applied Engineering and Technological Science, 1(2), pp. 70–
76. doi:10.37385/jaets.v1i2.60.

Quispe, J. (2023) ‘Design and implementation of online teaching and learning management
system’, Journal of sciences, 4(1), pp. 88–100.

Rabiman, R., Nurtanto, M. and Kholifah, N. (2020) ‘Design and development E-learning
system by learning management system (Lms) in vocational education’, International
Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 9(1), pp. 1059–1063.

El Said, G.R. (2021) ‘How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Higher Education Learning
Experience? An Empirical Investigation of Learners’ Academic Performance at a University
in a Developing Country’, Advances in Human-Computer Interaction, 2021.
doi:10.1155/2021/6649524.

Suswanto, H. et al. (2017) ‘Developing An LMS-Based Cross-Platform Web Application For

Improving Vocational High School Students’ Competitiveness In ASEAN Economic
Community’, Jurnal Pendidikan Sains, 5(3), pp. 72–79. Available at:
http://journal.um.ac.id/index.php/jps/.

Widodo, J.P., Musyarofah, L. and Slamet, J. (2022) ‘Developing A Moodle-Based Learning

Management System (LMS) for Slow Learners’, Jurnal Inspirasi Pendidikan, 12(1), pp. 1–
10. doi:10.21067/jip.v12i1.6346.

Ziad, N. and (2009) ‘Building of Reliable E-Learning Management System for Iraqi
University Campus’, International Journal of Advancements in Computing Technology, 1(2),
pp. 65–72. doi:10.4156/ijact.vol1.issue2.8.
 APPENDIX: CLOSED ENDED QUESTIONNAIRE

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for taking time to respond to this questionnaire. This questionnaire aims at
identifying and describe in detail about Technical requirements and specifications needed to
be added or improved in LMS in order for Learning management system to be applicable for
Industrial engineering learning at University of Dar es salaam.

LMS is a software application that provides framework that handles aspects of learning
processes or delivering education courses.

All information you provide will be treated with strict confidentiality for purpose of
improving Learning management system to be applicable for Industrial Engineering Learning
at University of Dar es salaam.

PERSONAL DETAILS

Name: ……………………………………………………

Telephone: …………………………………………………...

Email: …………………………………………………...

Gender: …………………………………………………..

Position: …………………………………………………..

What is your gender? Male ( ) Female ( )

SCALES TO BE USED

A likert scale with five points was used to assess the frequency of application of LMS for
Industrial Engineering learning at University of Dar es salaam and weight of each point was
indicated as follow;

 Strongly disagree = 1

 Disagree = 2

 Neutral = 3

 Agree = 4

 Strongly agree = 5
ASSESMENT PART ( PLEASE TICK ON THE RESPECTIVE NUMBER )

Question1. How much do you agree that features of an LMS are useful in helping industrial
engineering students track their progress in learning ?

1. Strongly disagree ( )

2. Disagree ( )

3. Neutral ( )

4. Agree ( )

5. Strongly agree ( )

Question2. To what extent do you agree that an LMS can enhance interaction and be
applicable in industrial engineering learning ?

1. Strongly disagree ( )

2. Disagree ( )

3. Neutral ( )

4. Agree ( )

5. Strongly agree ( )

Question3. How much do you agree that an LMS can enhance collaboration and
communication among industrial engineering students and faculty ?

1. Strongly disagree ( )

2. Disagree ( )

3. Neutral ( )

4. Agree ( )

5. Strongly agree ( )
Question4. In your opinion, how much do you think an LMS can be customized to fit the
specific needs of industrial engineering courses and programs ?

1. Strongly disagree ( )

2. Disagree ( )

3. Neutral ( )

4. Agree ( )

5. Strongly agree ( )

Question5. In your opinion, how much of a role do you agree an LMS can play in enhancing
overall quality of industrial engineering learning ?

1. Strongly disagree ( )

2. Disagree ( )

3. Neutral ( )

4. Agree ( )

5. Strongly agree ( )