Research of information syste m for traning at technical universities i n vietna m

The research on the organization and management of information systems in the field of Science and Technology, Education and Training were also implemented, involved significant thesis o

HANOI UNIVERSITY OF CULTURE

HANOI, 2016

Hanoi University of Culture

Supervisors: Assoc Prof Ph.D Nguyen Huu Hung

Reviewer 1: Assoc Prof Ph.D Tran Thi Quy

University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University - Ha Noi

Reviewer 2: Assoc Prof Ph.D Mai Ha

Ministry of Science and Technology

Reviewer 3: Assoc Prof Ph.D Nguyen Thi Lan Thanh

University of Culture

This thesis will be defended at the university evaluation

committee, held at: Hanoi University of Culture

No 418 La Thanh Road, Dong Da District, Hanoi Time: … hour… date……month …… year 201…

This thesis is available at:

- National Library of Vietnam;

- Library and Information Center, Hanoi University of Culture

INTRODUCTION

1 The reasons for choosing this subject

In these years of national renewal, Education and Training play an extremely important role in social life Education and Training are considered the responsibilities of the Party, the State and the entire population Along with Science and Technology, Education and Training are also considered the top national policies, the decisive factors in economic growth and social development, contributing significantly to the progress of industrialization and modernization of the country

Therefore, the Vietnamese Party and Government are particularly interested in innovation and development of Education and Training, expressed

in many legal documents which were promulgated, as in Resolution 29/NQ/TW Conference TW8 (XI) dated 4/11/2013 The Prime Minister’s Directive No.02/CT-TTg also stressed : “Any country, Vietnam is not an exception, education is the foundation for the development of industrialization and modernization”

To develop Education and Training, Information and Library activities play an important role Under the angle of state management, Ministry of Education and Training issued Decision 65/2007/QD-BGDĐT on the criterion

of educational quality evaluation in Universities, in which standard number 9 for libraries specified: “Libraries of the Universities are full of books, textbooks, reference in Vietnamese and foreign languages to meet the demands

of cadres, teachers and learners Electronic libraries connected to the Internet, useful in teaching, studying and researching science effectively

However, in fact, the current network of Information and Library agencies has many inadequacies, reflected in every aspect; from the organizational models, operational modes to the specific professional

processes At Universities, although the Information and Library organization has been operating for many years, there are still many shortcomings in its capacity, a fundamental cause of this situation is that Universities work separately and not as a system They do not cooperate or share resources to improve the quality of information assurance for information users

The theoretical and practical system of Information and Library activities show, Information System is an effective tool to solve the problem of ensuring information for economic and social activities Around the world, many countries have programs to support universities in developing Information Systems for training on the basis of integration and cooperation, using all resources of the member units

For these reasons, the author has chosen the subject “Research of Information System for training at technical universities in Vietnam” in

the thesis of information library science

2 History of research issues

The subject of Information System has attracted the attention of many scientists around the world There are also many typical theoretical studies published by authors S O'Bien and Haag, M Cummings and J Dawkin The scientific basis of Information System is theoretical system with its foundation is the work of three renowned scientists such as: L Von Bertalarffy, Kenneth E Boulding and Stefferd Beer The problems of the theory and practice of the Information System, the applications of Information System in the field of economy, social, education and training, Science and Technology has attracted the attention of many scientists In recent years, the research of Information and Library system has also attracted the attention of researchers, such as G Salton, T.D Wilson; F.W Lancaster and C.W, Cleverdon

In Vietnam, the research on the Information Systems was started in the 1980s and published by authors Ngo Trung Viet, Phan Huy Khanh concentrating on the basic knowledge of system, information, information system, information system analysis and design The research

on the organization and management of information systems in the field of Science and Technology, Education and Training were also implemented, involved significant thesis of authors Nguyen Huu Hung, Doan Phan Tan, Vương Thanh Huong va Dang Tran Khanh

Generally, these works fill with value in both theory and practice and can be refered to build the Information system For technical universities in our country, Information and Library system is still a new research contains many scientific and practical problems: Organisation, operation and process haven’t been studied completely

This thesis helps to solve these problems

3 Research aims and tasks

3.1 Research aims

The research clarifes scientific evidences, practical basis and proposes a model of Information and Library system for training at Technical universities in Vietnam

3.2 The research tasks

To achieve these aims, the thesis addresses the following objectives:

- Research overview and systematize the theoretical basis of Information and Library system and the practical basis of Information Systems at Technical universities

- Research, analyze and assess the current status of components of the Information system at Technical universities in Viet Nam

- Recommend solutions and models in operating model of Information system at Technical universities in Viet Nam

4 Research targets and scopes

4.1 Research targets: Information and Library systems at the

Technical universities in Vietnam

5 Methods of research

5.1 Methodology

The thesis uses the methodology of dialectical materialism, historical materialism as well as grasps thoroughly viewpoints, guidelines and policies of the Party and the State on Information and Library activities

5.2 Specific Methods

- Method of analysis and synthesis material: To assess the views of scholars, schools of theoretical and draw the studied issues, the added issues and new researches

- Method of modeling: To propose a model of the Information system at Technical universities in Viet Nam based on the results of the research

- Method of system analysis: To review the system, find out the structures and characteristics as well as other specific issues related to the system

- Method of sociological survey: Use the survey method through questionnaires and experts method

+ Survey method by questionnaires: Conduct to choose sampling survey + Interview the experts, scientists, managers of library and information industry, IT, education to clarify the research issues

- Statistical method: To handle survey data the current situation of components of the Information system at Technical universities in Viet Nam, Use the statistical forms to illustrate research issues

To conduct the survey by questionnaires, the thesis has conducted to choose sampling surveys: Fellows sampled according to geographical features of the country's regions (North, Central and South) In each region, the survey samples were selected on the principle of stratification based on these criteria: Technical universities that have a large and medium scale in training; Universities that are prestigious and have long history of training, team of highly qualified teachers, a big number of information users, modern

IT infrastructures, abundant information resourses, regional universities, local universities specialized training in science and technology

The results of sample survey included 16 Technical universities, in which 10/20 Technical universities in the North, 2/6 Technical universities in the Central and 4/12 Technical universities in the South

Respondents of inteview and investigation included 2 samples:

Forms of survey leaders of Information and Library agencies at Technical universities Forms of information demand investigation of 3 information user groups: Managers; Lecturers, Researchers; Regular University Students

- 16 forms were issued to leaders of Information and Library agencies at Technical universities and gathered in 16 (100%)

- The number of demand investigation forms of 3 information user groups at Technical universities:

+ 160 forms were issued to Managers (randomly selected 10 Managers every university) and gathered in 155 (96.9%)

+ 300 forms were issued to Lecturers, Researchers (randomly selected

19 Lecturers/Researchers every university) and gathered in 257 (85.7%) + 1.200 forms were issued to Regular University Students and gathered

6.2 Practical meaning

The results of this research provide points to help the State management agencies in higher education, library and information sectors and leaders of universities, library and information agencies in planning and developing construction for Information and Library system at Technical universities in Viet Nam Besides, the results of the thesis are also a reference for research, learning and operation of information officials at Technical universities in Viet Nam

7 The layout of the thesis

Besides the introduction, conclusion, recommendation, references and appendices, the thesis is structured into three chapters:

Chapter 1 Theoretical and practical basis of Information systems at

Chapter 1

THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL BASIS OF INFORMATION

SYSTEMS AT TECHNICAL UNIVERSITIES

1.1 Theoretical basis of information systems at technical universities

1.1.1 The basic concepts

1.1.1 Information

There are many different concepts and approaches about information

In the thesis, information is understood as material, data, knowledge and advocacy existing in the process, storage, search and streaming….Information using creates understanding and alters the behaviors and activities of people in society Information is recorded, stored on a tangible medium such as papers, magnetic tapes, computers, servers… It can

be generated, processed, transmitted, searched, copied, duplicated and even distorted and destroyed

1.1.1.2 System

The system is understood as a set of interactive elements into a structure to fulfill a common goal under the impact of the environment The system also encompasses the meaning of organization forms orderly to form

a perfect whole For each system, a superior nature is called “dominant” but

no a stand-alone element has

1.1.1.3 Information system

In the thesis, the system information is understood as a set of information units, organized according to a certain order, has interaction with each other, performs the function and process information to that organization The system information is created by 3 component groups: Organizational component group that collects information units with a mutual relationship Functional component group that operates functions such as: collecting, processing, storing and providing information Guaranteed component group that ensures the operation of the system, including humans; technical infrastructure, information technology infrastructure, financial and information resources These groups have the same relationship with each other to perform the functions: gathering, processing, storing and distributing information/documents and provide a feedback mechanism to achieve the goals, requirements of the organization

1.1.1.4 Information systems at technical universities

Information systems at Technical universities in this thesis are essentially Information and Library system at Technical universities These information systems have data flow to be rotated and managed

To Professor TD Wilson, UK, Information systems of universities include factors related to the implementation of functions: collecting, processing, storing

and providing information from the source, documentation to ensure information for information users, improve the effectiveness of teaching and training Professor G Salton of Cornell University, the United States says that there are three approaches to solve the construction of Information and Library system at present First, keep the old system and automate some tasks or operational processes in Information and Library agencies Second, build a system based on cooperation and integration of current systems/ Information and Library agencies to use all resources of the member units to tackle the task (goal) of the system Third, build a completely new Information and Library information with fundamental change all stages, from the organizations, processes to means

In fact, the second approach is common and easy to fit in the construction and modernization of current Information and Library systems The formulation is based on the network of Information and Library agencies available, make use of all resources such as information resource in universities and integrating processes in the Information and Library agencies at universities

Information systems at Technical universities have dual functions: First, is a tool to manage information as an asset and resource of university This information

is in the form of published and not published in accordance with the training programs of member universities Second, is a tool to help participate in the process

of improving the quality of education and scientific research at universities Information and Library systems at Technical universities support teaching, learning and researching by ensuring timely information for users

To ensure the objectives of information systems, Technical universities should improve operational efficiency of the Information and Library agencies, must address issues such as: Ensuring the operation of the Information and Library agencies at universities on a unified mechanism; Organizing Information and Library processes on the basis of ensuring interoperability in terms of information library in the stages with the appropriate procedures and uniform standards; comprehensive approaching to the modernization on the basis of rational use of technology

From the above premises, Information systems at Technical universities in the thesis is understood as a set of Information and Library agencies that are organized and operated under a unified mechanism to perform the duties such as collection, process, storage and provide information from sources published and not published to ensure information and satisfy the needs of different information users in training and studying and scientific research at universities In terms of structure, this system consists of three components: organizational system components, functional components (operating systems) and guaranteed components to ensure the operation of the system (human, facility physical and

IT infrastructure, finance, information resources, legal) These components have a mutual relationship with each other to implement the information

1.1.2 The components of information systems at Technical universities

From concept of information systems at Technical universities, the systems are defined by three main components: organizational system components, functional components (operating systems) and guaranteed components to ensure the operation of the system) These components have

a mutual relationship with each other to operate and develop the systems

1.1.2.1 Organized system components

The organized components of systems at Technical universities

include Information and Library agencies that perform functions related to library and information activities such as: Collecting, processing, storing and providing information to the users, These agencies make up the system As every organizational system, to operate university information system, unified operating mechanism are needed through regulations include provisions, binding rules for each member organization in the system, ensure the rights and responsibilities of each university participating in the system

1.1.2.2 Functional components (operating) system

Functional components (activities) of information systems at Technical universities toward the implementation of the small objectives of the Information systems (actually the functional modules of the system) as: Collecting, processing, storing and supplying information for the users at universities

1.1.2.3 Guaranteed components

Guaranteed components are tools, means and conditions for implementing the small goals of the information systems at Technical universities In these systems, guaranteed components mainly include: human, facility physical and IT infrastructure, finance, information resources

1.1.3 Factors affect Information and Library systems at Technical universities

Manpower, Perception of leadership, Information users, Revolutionary of Science and Technology, Economic, Cultural and Political education; Training environment

1.1.4 Requirements, principles and methods of building information system for technical universities

1.1.4.1 Requirements of information system

Originating from training requirements, the Information system of technical universities must meet the following requirements: Modernity and systematicity ; Sustainability and scientificity; Openness and development; Target- orientation: Conciseness and logicality; Professionalism; Timeliness

and flexibility of information; Safety, security

1.1.4.2 Principles of information system construction

Building Information system includes various principles, of which the following principles need to be observed: highest leadership principle; new math principle; system access principle; open system principle; principle of reliability assurance

1.1.4.3 Method of library information system construction

There are 3 major methods of studying system building:

Modeling method: is the method reappearing characteristics of researched objects by a model when major research to such object cannot

With limitations in research object and complexity of the problem, suitable for Vietnam conditions, to build model of information system organization in the thesis, the author uses the modeling method in combination with the system analysis method The thesis has surveyed and brought models of main parts of the Information system such as: in terms

of organization, functions, interactions among system assuring components

1.1.5 Operational effectiveness of information systems in technical universities

The thesis gives out some different opinions about effectiveness: Following F W Lancaster: Effectiveness is measured by level of demand satisfaction of information userss Information userss pay attention

to final results of the information system other than how the information system operates

Pr T.D Wilson: Effectiveness of the information system is defined by criteria

of success, effectiveness, benefits, performance and costs

In conditions of the thesis, the author considers effectiveness through evaluating system components: system organization part, system function (operation) part and part ensuring system operation

1.2 Practical bases of information system in technical universities 1.2.1 Innovation of higher education and issues to building information system for training

Ministry of Education and Training issued the regulation of university training and regular college according to the credit system, starting from school year 2007 – 2008 which takes training schedule into Vietnam education system, HCMC University of Technology is the first university applying this training type, following by University of transport

and communications and other university of economy in the country also apply training according to the credit system Generally requirements on education and training system innovation is mentioned fully in Decree 29 of The Central Executive Committee

1.2.2 Characteristics of technical universities in Vietnam

1.2.2.1 Functions, obligations of universities

Following UNESCO, the higher education performs four functions: First, prepare students to enjoy research and teaching activities; Second; provide advanced training course to meet manpower needs for the society;

Third, promote international cooperation via internationalization of scientific research activities, creation of affiliate network of scientific ideas; Four, expand education chances for everyone, meet various issues of the lifelong education

Regulations of university define, universities in general and technical universities in particular perform obligations and rights under regulations in Article 28 of Law on Higher education as follows:

Build strategies, plans to develop higher-education foundations;

Develop training activities, international cooperation, and assurance

Perform mode of information, report and under inspection and check

of Ministry of Education and Training, relating departments and Provincial People's Committees where higher-education establishments place

Develop cooperation in training and science research with universities, science organizations and foreign enterprises

1.2.2.2 Training sectors of universities

In addition of the revolution of modern science and technology and analysis trend, there is trend of integrating making science and technology (S&T) sectors have common S&T foundations Therefore, technical universities, including multidisciplinary training schools such as University

of Technology, or specialization such as University of transport and communications, Construction, Irrigation… also have many same subjects/studying sectors

1.2.2.3 Scope of training

Technical universities are active to research and develop to perform training by social needs, especially moving yearly training forms unto training by credit Many sectors increase annual training scope in order to

meet S&T manpower for the economy of many components, many universities diversify the types of training, open many new major, new technology, and advanced training programs

1.2.2.4 Lecchers and scientists

Technical universities have teachers and scientists: Academician, Professor, Associate Professor, PhD, Dr of S&T, Technology Many teaching staff of universities have published reports on international scientific journals of reputation: A&HCI/SSCI/SCI, SCIE, ISI, SCOPUS,

1.2.2.5 Characteristics of information system in technical universities

Information needs of information users in the field of engineering, technology are often highly accurate expression, with a volatility according

to speed development and technical innovation cycles and technology; Currents in the fields of engineering, technology has rapid growth, consolidation is highly concentrated, become obsolete faster than other knowledge industries;

Type of document is more diverse, beside published and published document types, a significant making up of the group specialized format documents such as standards, patents, technical reports, drawings, technical documents,

non-Language of information document in the fields of engineering, technology has tighter structure, in which uses many formulas, models, charts, drawings…

1.2.3 Roles of information system in technical universities

The information system of universities plays mediating role between system and environment, in order to provide enough information, exactly and in time to ensure information for information users in the system The information system renovates teaching – learning method: To teach and learning with high effectiveness, increasing self-study time of students with support of University library information agency is very necessary

In conclusion, it can be said that, the information system in technical universities keeps important role in improving capacity to ensure information in universities and having a positive impact in training and science research, in time as measure of the efficiency of the training activities of these universities, contributing to improve quality of S&T manpower training suitable with requirements of the society and of engineering, technology industry

1.2.4 Experience in organizing information system in technical universities in the world

In the world, in countries with advanced education, universities have experiences in information system research, construction and operation

There are many types of information system, in scopes of various organization and operation methods Fellows perform study cases for three representatives: Information system of US technical universities; Information system of Australia technical universities; Information system of Singapore technical universities

Sub-conclusion

The information system in technical universities is a collection of University library information agency which is organized and operated according to an agreed mechanism in order to perform obligations of collection, solution, storage and information provision from published and non-published document information resources with the goal of ensuring the information serves the universities’ training In terms of structure, the information system is structured by three component groups: System organization part, system function (operation) part and part to ensure system operation, such parts have mutual relationship with each other in order to perform information processes Construction of information system in technical universities are governed by and subject to the influence of the practical problems as natures of universities: Function, obligations; training sectors; scope of training; teachers and characteristics of information system in technical universities In order to find experience on organization and system operation mode, then consider to apply to build information system in technical universities in the current period, fellows have researched information system organization experience in some universities in the world: US universities, Australia universities and Singapore universities