Academic Adviser's Apprentice

Student: Jeff Hsueh-Chang Kuo

Supervisor: Prof. P Bailes

Category: Software Engineering Thesis Project

ABSTRACT

This research project attempts to examine the current state of study plan facilities and to evaluate the potential effectiveness of these facilities towards the building of the functionalities to accommodate the top-down plan development. The discussions of technologies for the study planner development are discussed, including PROLOG Interpret Environments and TCL/TK graphical user interface tools.

The first part of the project involves the integration of a new graphical user interface (GUI) to the existing deductive database, achieve by the use of TCL/TK to construct list boxes where by the user is able to easily select available options. Followed by the logical connection towards to the rule base with the user interface, achieve by PROLOG logical programming. This is then intergrading the current rule base to meet required degree completion rules. The second part of the project involves adding information on foreign courses to the rule base, and then integrating the rule base to meet the future degree completion.

The features and comparison of both the current planning facilities and the developed logic with new interface were addressed. Non-technical aspects of planning tools such as the importance of friendly user interfaces, the effectiveness and efficiency of the system were discussed. Delivery of this demonstration project and observations about this project were discussed in detail. Recommendations for the future projects of this nature were made.

Poster Presentation (PDF)

Thesis Document (PDF)