“APAYAO STATE COLLEGE STUDENT BILLING SYSTEM”
A Capstone Project
Presented to the Faculty
College of InformationTechnology
Apayao State College
San Isidro, Luna Apayao
______________________________________________________________________
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In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Daniella Jance B. Villanueva
Michael Berbano
Jeremiah Abuan
INTRODUCTION
Nowadays most establishment are becoming modernized, they use modern
technologies to make their transaction fast, easy, and accurate in order to avoid waste
of time and for the sake of efficient transaction.
A student billing system is a software application that is designed to manage the
billing and payment process of educational institutions. These systems are used by
schools, colleges, and universities to manage tuition fees, room and board charges, and
other expenses related to education. The purpose of this system is to streamline the
billing process, provide accurate and timely billing information to students and parents,
and ensure timely payment of fees. In this paper, we will discuss the different aspects of
a student billing system, including its features, benefits, and challenges. Effective billing
systems are increasingly important as universities and colleges continue to expand their
services. Accurate and efficient billing is crucial in facilitating reliable financial
transactions between students and the institution.
This capstone project focuses on the design and implementation of the ASC
Student Billing System to address the limitations of the existing billing system. To begin
with, the current billing system has several limitations that have been hindering its
effectiveness. Students and parents have reported long waiting periods, delays in
processing requests, and difficulties accessing online payment portals. These issues
are not unique to Apayao State College and are a common challenge faced by many
educational exacerbated institutions. However, the specific challenges faced by ASC's
billing system have been further exacerbated by the college's growth and expansion in
recent years. With an increasing number of students and a wider range of services
being offered, the manual and time-consuming processes of the current billing system
are becoming increasingly inefficient.
To address these limitations and improve the quality of service for ASC's
students and parents, there is a need for an upgraded billing system that is faster, more
reliable, and secure. The new system would utilize modern technology, streamlined
workflows, and automated processes that minimize the need for manual intervention. It
would also have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for students and parents to
navigate and submit their requests.
By implementing this upgraded system, we aim to enhance the students' and
parents' experience and reduce the waiting times for request processing. The new
system will include features such as real-time updates and notifications to keep
students and parents informed about the status of their requests. It will also have a
centralized database that will allow for easier tracking and retrieval of information,
reducing the risk of errors and loss of data.
According to a survey conducted by the National Student Clearinghouse
Research Center, over 60% of students in the US take out loans to pay for college, and
the average student loan debt is over $37,000. This highlights the importance of
accurate and timely billing information to help students plan and manage their finances
effectively.
Moreover, delays in processing requests and difficulties accessing online
payment portals can lead to frustration among students and parents, resulting in a
negative impact on the university's reputation. In addition, manual and time-consuming
processes can lead to errors and data loss, which can be costly for the university in
terms of time, resources, and finances.
By implementing an upgraded billing system, ASC can address these challenges
and improve the overall experience for students and parents. For example, a more
efficient system can reduce waiting times for request processing and provide real-time
updates and notifications to keep students and parents informed about the status of
their requests. This can lead to increased satisfaction among the college community
and a positive impact on the university's reputation.
In conclusion, an upgraded billing system is essential for ASC to effectively
manage tuition fees, room and board charges, and other expenses related to education.
By utilizing modern technology and streamlined workflows, ASC can improve the billing
process, provide accurate and timely billing information, and ensure timely payment of
fees. This can lead to a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly system that benefits
both the students and the university.
1.2 Objectives
The general objective of this study was to design and develop a system for the student
of Apayao State College.
1.2.1 Specific Objectives
Specifically, this study sought to answer the following:
1. To analyze the current billing and payment processes at the institution.
a. To identify manual processes that can be automated.
b. To document the current workflow and procedures of the billing process.
2. To ensure billing and payment accuracy by providing detailed breakdowns of charges
and fees.
a. To develop a system that generates accurate and transparent billing
statements.
b. To provide students with the ability to review and verify their bills and
payments.
3. To improve payment options and flexibility.
a. To provide students with multiple payment options such as online payment,
automatic payment plans, and payment by credit or debit card.
b. To ensure that the payment options are easy to use and accessible to all
students.
1.3 Scope and Delimitation
The aim of this capstone project is to create a computerized billing system that
caters specifically to the billing and payment transactions of Apayao State College
students. The system will cover all billing aspects for current students, such as tuition
fees, miscellaneous fees, and other charges. It will provide students with a secure and
user-friendly platform to access their bills, make payments, and monitor their billing
history. The project will evaluate the system's performance and gather feedback from
both students and administrators to identify potential areas for improvement. However,
the study will have a limited focus on the billing and payment processes of Apayao
State College students only, and the billing system will be designed in accordance with
the college's existing policies and procedures. The project will not cover other
administrative functions like enrollment, grading, and scheduling. Additionally, the billing
system will not be linked to external payment gateways or financial institutions due to
security concerns.
1.4 Significance of the study
Students - The billing system will provide an easier and more efficient way for
students to view and pay their tuition and other fees. It will eliminate the need for long
queues and manual processing, reducing waiting time and improving the overall student
experience.
Future Researchers - The study can serve as a reference for future researchers
who want to explore the effectiveness of automated billing systems in higher education
institutions. It can also provide insights on how to develop similar systems for other
colleges and universities.
Respondents - The study can provide insights on how the billing system affects
the satisfaction and perception of students, faculty, and staff towards the institution. The
feedback from respondents can also help identify areas for improvement and inform
future system development.
Faculty and staff - The billing system can streamline the payment process for
faculty and staff who may have outstanding balances or fees to pay. This can save
them time and reduce the administrative burden of manual payment processing.
Financial aid and scholarship recipients - The billing system can provide more
accurate and timely information on the amount of aid or scholarship funds available to
students, helping them plan their finances better and avoid late payment fees.
External stakeholders - The billing system can benefit external stakeholders
such as parents, guardians, and sponsors, who may need to monitor the payment
status of students. This can help them make informed decisions and provide better
support to their dependents.
1.5 Definition of terms
Student Billing System: A software application designed to manage and
automate the billing process for educational institutions, including generating invoices,
tracking payments, and providing detailed reports.
Exacerbated Institutions: Educational institutions that are experiencing
increased challenges and difficulties.
Streamlined Workflows: The process of optimizing and simplifying complex
workflows, such as those involved in student billing and payment processing.
Payment Portals: Online platforms that allow students and other users to make
payments securely and conveniently, often using a variety of payment methods such as
credit cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets.
Board Charges: Board charges are a significant expense for many students,
and are often included as part of their overall tuition and fees.
Centralized database: A database that is in a single location and can be
accessed by multiple users. In the context of a student billing system, a
centralized database might include information about student accounts, billing
history, and payment records.
Financial transactions: Transactions that involve the exchange of money or
other financial assets.
Automated payment plans: In the context of a student billing system,
automated payment plans might include options for monthly or quarterly payments, and
can help students to manage their finances more effectively.
