26 Jan 2014

Botho University has launched an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system project that will enable them to manage the campus ecosystem.

The ERP software, which was started in July last year, allowed the university  to use a system of integrated applications to manage the campus ecosystem.

Iit facilitated information flow between all institutional functions and also managed connections to outside stakeholders, researchers and alumni.

The university’s vice chancellor and managing director,  Mrs Sheela Raja Ram said the system was like a spine that boundtogether different departments in and outside the institution and allows easy sharing of information.

Giving a keynote address, vice chancellor, education & quality assurance, Mr Ananth Ram said the system had already started servicing students. Currently, he said, they were about to complete phase one of the ERP project, while phase two and three would be rolled out by April. 

“The system had expanded beyond inventory control and other operational processes to other back-office functions like student management, accounting and human resources,” he said.

Mr Ram noted that the system automated functions and integrated all facets of operations effectively across departments and campuses to ensure that data was up-to-date, services are smooth and decision-making is based on real-time information.

He noted that they had used computer based assessments to provide effective and accurate assessment of student capabilities. The university, he said, had always believed in the use of technology to improve the quality of education and other services to student and stakeholders hence the launch. 

He said the system was effective because students could log into their student portal online and on mobile phones where they could see what modules were offered, their durations and the lecturers of those modules. He also said that students can register directly online through this system. 

Mr Ram noted that the system takes them to the next level as it allows Botho University to transform from being one of the leading higher education institutions in Botswana to one of Africa and the world’s top Universities. ENDS