THESIS TITLE: Integration of Blockchain Technology Software with Existing Electronic Academic Records Management Systems in Kenyan Universities

STUDENT’S NAME: Agwenyi Christopher Andere

SUPERVISORS

1. Dr.Richard K.Ronoh

2.Dr.Daniel Otanga

ABSTRACT

In this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), information technology, especially blockchain technology, plays an important role in driving the diverse economy. In higher education institutions such as universities, academic records are important assets and must be managed appropriately. The purpose of this research study was to investigate blockchain technology integration for Academic records management systems to enhance data security and prevent fraud in universities in Kenya. The specific objectives include: to establish the existing electronic academic records management systems to be integrated with blockchain technology in universities in Kenya, to identify the problems encountered in the existing electronic academic records management systems to be integrated with blockchain technology in universities in Kenya and to design blockchain technology integration model for academic records management systems in universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on The Big Bucket Theory. The study adopted quantitative research design. The target population was drawn from; Registrar Academic Affairs, Deans of schools/Faculties, Chairperson of Departments, Librarian, Departmental Examination Officers and Lecturers from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology-Kakamega. The sample population size for this study was 150 respondents using purposive sampling technique. Face validity and content validity was performed to ascertain the validity of the research instruments. Reliability of the instruments was tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient measure via SPSS software. Data was collected with questionnaires and interviews. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis respectively. The findings revealed electronic and web based systems were commonly used by universities, and were however, faced with a myriad problems such as data security among others thus need for an innovative technology such as blockchain and a design of an integration model. This study findings are significant to the education sector particularly institutions of higher learning such as universities in ensuring improved management of academic records systems to enhance data security and prevention of fraud, other researchers, Government, policy makers and industry players (software developer) hence a boost of integrity, trust, verifiability , transparency and sharing of records.