CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the comprehensive and in-

depth search done by the researchers. It also consists of the conceptual frameworks of the

present study

Related Literature

Information Dissemination

According to the book Basics of Information Dissemination by S.M. Dhawan, Information

dissemination is practical information service intended to instruct and update focused groups of

users on social, economic and educational issues, problems, and opportunities important to

them. It involves systematic planning, collection, organization, and storage of information for its

conveyance to the target audience using diverse media and communication means.

Short Messaging Service (SMS)

Short messaging service (SMS), is a protocol used for sending short messages over

wireless networks. SMS is based on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). It allows

for text messages of 160 characters of letters, numbers and symbols in length (Trigs, 2012).

It was first developed in 1991 for GSM digital mobile phones and was an accidental

success that took nearly everyone in the mobile industry by surprise (Baron, Patterson, and

Harris, 2006).
 Moreover, Nokia, a Finnish phone-maker, debuts the first mobile phone that's able to

send texts. Early text messages, which have to be carefully entered on numerical keypads, are

unrestricted, but can only be sent between two people on the same network (Published Article

of Gayomali, 2012).

Driven by simple person to person messaging as people told each other how they were

feeling, SMS volume growth has continued its upward growth ever since. It had become a vital

part of the way that young people communicated with each other in their daily life (itk.ilstu.edu).

In the Philippines, SMS remains to be the preferred medium in sending out greetings

especially during the holiday season, even as other services emerge as possible alternatives such

as Social Networking Sites or the Internet. According to a 2009 report, Filipinos send an average

of 600 text messages per month. Smartphone adoption has been on the rise in the country, but

studies have noted that SMS remains to be the top activity performed using these high-powered

phones.

The country’s major telecommunications companies have reported a revival in the size of

text messages sent over their networks last 2011, with the PLDT Group (which includes the Smart,

Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular brands) reporting an enormous 256.31 billion SMS sent in June

2011 alone, while rival Globe Telecom recorded as much as 19.2 billion text messages sent in a

month last year. (Published Article of Tuazon, 2012).

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)

Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) is an architecture used for mobile

communication in most of the countries. Additionally, Global Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is an
extension of GSM that enables higher data transmission rate (Published Journal of N. Agnihotri,

2011). It has been one of the best trustable wireless communication systems that can be accessed

and used very easily. (Published Thesis Alheraish A., et al, 2006).

Mobile services based on GSM technology were first launched in Finland in 1991.

Furthermore, more than 690 mobile networks provide GSM services across 213 countries at

present and GSM represents 82.4% of all global mobile connections. According to GSM World,

there are now more than 2 billion GSM mobile phone users

(searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com).

Naturally, this spectacular growth is a consequence of its popularity in rapidly growing

markets, such as China, India, Africa and Latin America. In addition, China, Russia, India and the

USA are the countries having the highest number of GSM subscribers. (Lajos Hanzo, 2008, from

Encyclopedia Scholarpedia)

GSM/GPRS Module

Based from the article written by N. Agnihotri (2011), GSM/GPRS module is used to

establish communication between a computer and a GSM-GPRS network. GSM/GPRS module

consists of a GSM/GPRS modem assembled together with power supply circuit and

communication interfaces (like RS-232, USB, etc) for computer.

It is a specialized type of modem which accepts a SIM card, and operates over a

subscription to a mobile operator, just like a mobile phone. When a GSM modem is connected

to a computer, this allows the computer to use the GSM modem to communicate over the mobile

network.
 GSM modems can be a quick and efficient way to get started with SMS, because a special

subscription to an SMS service provider is not required. In most parts of the world, GSM modems

are a cost-effective solution for receiving SMS messages, because the sender is paying for the

message delivery (nowsms.com).

Tracking

Article by Van Dorp; Stefansson and Tilanus (2002), In particular, tracking has invariably

been associated with tracing, to form the commonly adopted concept of tracking and tracing.

However, the authors argue that it would be more informative to consider tracking and tracing

as two different applications the separation is also presented by van Dorp (2002), where tracking

signifies the gathering and management of information related to the current location of

products or delivery items, whereas tracing relates to storing and retaining the manufacturing

and distribution history of products and components. This segregation is also supported by

Jansen (1998) and To¨yryla¨ (1999).

This paper focuses on tracking, its operational significance and the difficulties in utilizing

current tracking systems in multi-company networks.

Related Studies

Several studies associated to the design and development of university information and

tracking system have been distinguished here and foreign countries.

Foreign Studies

Adoption of SMS and Web Based System for Managing and Disseminating Information

Published Thesis of Ismail and Husen’s (2013) aimed to adopt web based SMS system to

measure the usability and effectiveness of Text alert system for managing and disseminating

information.

This design project adopted the used of web base system. The main objective of the study

is to overcome the delay in disseminating information among students and instructors.

Information dissemination through SMS among IT students

Published Thesis of Shahabani et. Al (2010) worked on information dissemination through

SMS among IT students in Masjid Tanah Community College. The study was conducted to

examine the usefulness and student’s acceptance of SMS in classroom management.

The study was aimed at identifying the factors for using SMS application and the level of

acceptance for the use in the dissemination of educational information. The concept of using

SMS for dissemination was likewise used in this study and it also focused on disseminating

information.

SMS Based Information System for Agricultural Marketing

Published Thesis of P. Jaiswal et. Al (2011) worked on SMS Based Information System. This

study investigates the problem that faces smallholder farmers in price setting of their products

in Tanzania and also other African countries, and the establishment of SMS-based market

information system that would help the farmers to know the market price to increase their

negotiation power to get the right price.

SMS Based Student Services Administration

In a Published Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research by T. Mengawade (2013)

proposed an application using Short Message Services (SMS) by educational institutes for

Information Dissemination, Alert services, and Information on-demand services for students.

The proposed software would provide specific information to students including test

scores and monthly attendance records. This information can also be forwarded to multiple

subscribers including parents on a regular basis. And Information Dissemination to the students

on campus related events and activities.

The concept of using GSM Modem was likewise used in the study and it also focused in

disseminating information.

TeleTracker Lite

Published by SB Electronic Systems Ltd. The Teletracker Lite solution will prevent hours

of unproductive time being spent looking for files that have gone missing. Initially designed for

use with barcodes, the solution is equally at home with RFID tags.

The software resides on the customer’s server, and each user has access to the system

through their local PC. Attached to the local PC will be a barcode reader such as the Metrologic

Voyager scanner pictured. Given that the Voyager has the advantage of a hands-free stand, a

simple ‘wave’ of the file under the scanner results in the location being updated – no keystrokes

are required.

For the busy Records Office, a Bluetooth wireless scanner option is available. The

wireless option enables files to be scanned remotely from the PC.

CASE FILE TRACKING SYSTEM

Published Thesis of LEE JUN HWA, in this research they use RFID to track the file or item.

The system will search and locate the existence of the file and its location within the company

office. The location of the file will then be displayed on the monitor if successful. Finally, the staff

can retrieve the file manually without having the need to ransack the entire company archive.

Local Studies

Cell phone-Based Student Information System

Unpublished Thesis of Manzanas (2004), explored the adaptation of SMS system to

disseminate student information such as grades, notices and announcements using a mobile

phone connected to a computer that sends SMS (Short Message Service) to the mobile numbers

saved from the database through user interface software developed from Visual Basic.

Online Event Management Information System for College of Arts and Sciences

Unpublished Thesis of J. Cachero et. Al (2014), aimed to improve the quality of services

and the availability and security of information. The Online Event Management Information

System serves as a tool in storing events and information needed by anyone to get updates on a

certain event.

Through the proposed system, a user can view the upcoming events and the list of

registered participants. With regards to the development of the Online Event Management
Information System, the researchers made used of Visual Basic Light switch in the progress of the

system. SQL Server was used as the backend database.

Integration of a Mobile Platform for De La Salle University - Dasmarinas' Student Information

System

P. Molina (2013), explored the integration of mobile platform that will let the students’

access important school related information through a mobile device. The goal of this study is to

integrate a system within the University's Information System that will deliver information

directly to students through a mobile platform particularly SMS and Smartphone application.

SMS Based: Key Word Generated of a Two-Way Communication of Student Organizations'

Information Dissemination

In a published Academic Research of M. Saldon-Eder (2015) designs a mobile android

application that will disseminate SMS to the students with just one press of the “send” button.

Envaya SMS is a SMS gateway running entirely as an Android application. It forwards incoming

SMS messages to server mode on internet, and sends outgoing messages from the web server to

other phones. People with any type of mobile phone can send SMS.
Project Tracking System

Published by the National Economic and Development Authority, The Project Tracking

System was created to know the status of a project from conceptualization, programming,

funding, implementation, completion and operation.

The system covers all projects with different levels of preparedness. These may be project

ideas, proposals, pre-investment studies, pre-feasibility studies, feasibility studies or pipeline

projects. On-going and completed projects are also included in the system. The project tracking

has two sub-systems. These are the sub-system for proposed projects and the sub-system for

monitoring on-going and completed projects.

Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

•Problems related •System Analysis •GSM-Based

to accessibility of •System Design Universtiy
information •Testing Information &
regarding Tracking
•Maintenance System
announcements,
notices, and other
student matters.

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

Figure (1) depicts the research paradigm of the proposed system. The three segments of

the study include the input, process, and output.

 For the input phase, the proponent will identify the problems regarding information

dissemination in the college/School to determine the goals of the intended software so that

enabling the proponent to come up with a systematic University Information and Tracking

System.

The process phase monitors the operation in the system. The procedure is as follows:

System Analysis. On this stage researchers will establish high-level view of the project

and analysis of the system’s function and operation. It processes the project goals into defined

functions and operation of the intended application. On this stage the proponent analyses end-

user information needs.

System Design. Define the chosen features and tasks in detail. The proponent shall be

liable for the design of the graphical user interfaces, processes and database based on the system

analysis and gathered system and user requirements.

It describes the desired features and operations in detail, including screen layouts and

virtual code of the system. The researchers will write the code using VB.Net for the program

coding. The tools that will be used on this stage are Microsoft Access and Visual Basic 2010

Express. The outputs on this stage are the Database design, Graphical User Interface, and the

processes of the system.

Testing. Brings all the pieces together into special testing environment, then check for

errors, bugs and interoperability. It refers to the testing of the whole system functionality.
Through this phase, the respondents and researchers shall work hand-in-hand to easily identify

errors and bugs. On this way, the respondents can also give feedback if the system meets the

requirements of the system.

Maintenance. After the delivery of the system, maintenance is an important phase to

include. In that case, researchers shall maintain the system. Backup procedures shall be done to

ensure data availability in case of crash and unexpected situations. And also, updating the

contacts shall be applied for every school year for the new enrollees’ information.

The output of the system is an University Information and Tracking for Northwestern

University, CEAT.

Theoretical Framework

This study was elaborate on the theories and concepts on GSM modem and Tracking using

RFID, relational database, and mobile phone user.

GSM Theory

The GSM/GPRS Modem is a class of wireless MODEM devices that are designed for

communication of a computer with the GSM and GPRS network. The key feature of GSM is the

Subscriber Identity Module commonly known as the SIM card.

The SIM is detachable plastic card when place in the back of mobile devices stores various

types of information. Also, they have IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number

similar to mobile phones for their identification.

 A GSM/GPRS MODEM can perform the following operations: Receive, send or delete SMS

messages in a SIIM; Read, add, search phonebook entries of the SIM; Make, Receive, or reject a

voice call. The modem needs AT commands, for interacting with processor or controller, which

are communicated through serial communication. These commands are sent by the

controller/processor.

The modem sends back a result after it receives a command. Different AT commands

supported by the modem can be sent by the processor/controller/computer to interact with

the GSM and GPRS cellular network.

The GSM theory will be used in the system because it performs the following function

providing the development of the structure.

Database Theory

The Database Management System makes it possible for end users to create, read, update

and delete data in a database. It is useful for providing a centralized view of data that can be

accessed by multiple users, from multiple locations, in a controlled manner.

It can limit what data the end user sees, as well as how that end user can view the data,

providing many views of a single database schema. This theory is connected to the study, often

connected to the rational model of data and encapsulates a broad range of topics related to the

study and research of the theoretical realm of databases and database management systems.

Thus, in this study, it was used since it has a database program for the information of the students

of College of Engineering.
Mobile Phone User Theory

Technological revolutions and inventions have provided the world with various inventions

for various purposes. Communication channels have been so fantastically upgraded that

communicate a person with thousands of miles apart is simply a game of seconds now.

The mobile phone industry is rather unique and, as a result of its phenomenal growth

over the past several years. With growing capabilities, cell phones are found in the hands of many

college students. This theory is connected to the study, since this makes it easier to guarantee

the delivery of information to the students.

Tracking Theory

There are myriad tracking systems. Some are 'lag time' indicators, that is, the data is

collected after an item has passed a point for example a bar code or choke point or gate. Others

are 'real-time' or 'near real-time' like Global Positioning Systems depending on how often the

data is refreshed. There are bar-code systems which require a person to scan items and

automatic identification (RFID auto-id). For the most part, the tracking worlds are composed of

discrete hardware and software systems for different applications. That is, bar-code systems are

separate from Electronic Product Code (EPC) systems, GPS systems are separate from active real

time locating systems or RTLS for example, a passive RFID system would be used in a warehouse

to scan the boxes as they are loaded on a truck - then the truck itself is tracked on a different

system using GPS with its own features and software. The major technology “silos” in the supply

chain are: There are myriad tracking systems. Some are 'lag time' indicators, that is, the data is
collected after an item has passed a point for example a bar code or choke point or gate. Others

are 'real-time' or 'near real-time' like Global Positioning Systems depending on how often the

data is refreshed. There are bar-code systems which require a person to scan items and

automatic identification (RFID auto-id). For the most part, the tracking worlds are composed of

discrete hardware and software systems for different applications. That is, bar-code systems are

separate from Electronic Product Code (EPC) systems, GPS systems are separate from active real

time locating systems or RTLS for example, a passive RFID system would be used in a warehouse

to scan the boxes as they are loaded on a truck - then the truck itself is tracked on a different

system using GPS with its own features and software. The major technology “silos” in the supply

chain are: