Evaluating a web-based information system for managing master of science summer projects

Abstract

We describe the design of a web-based information system for monitoring MSc summer projects in the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton, and a mixed method quasi-experimental study involving 290 MSc project students, 19 monitors, and 69 supervisors in electronics and computer science, using the system over a period of 17 weeks. Statistically significant results presented here are: Students making heavy use of the system achieved higher marks on their project dissertation, while no such correlation was found with marks for other parts of their MSc. Likewise, student's monitor activity is significantly correlated with their own activity and dissertation mark. These results suggest that educational information and project management systems positively affect student achievement and academic staff involvement is crucial for these systems to be successful. Future work includes a more detailed analysis of success factors and their impact on student performance.