A Solution for the Management of Supervision in a Blended Learning On-line PhD Program: Case Study of SUST Computer Science PhD Program

Abstract

Blended learning describes the way e-learning is being combined with traditional classroom methods and independent studies to create a new or hybrid teaching methodologies. Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST) College of Computer Science and Information Technology (SCIT) used blended learning in their PhD program. But they apply it by making hybrid teaching ways so they find difficulties in managing their two different groups of lecturers which make the top management facing difficulties in sharing information to handle management processes. This study aims to enhance the management of this PhD blended learning by enabling coordinators to manage students and supervisors, connecting supervisor’s payments with student’s progress, and covering all payments which related to this programme. The study presents some related works to blended learning processes and creating criteria according to the needs of SUST CSIT management staff. The proposed solution covers lecturer’s teaching information and researches supervision process regarding phases that each research go through. It also handles lecturer’s visits for those who come from outside Sudan and their payments for visits, teaching and supervision. Also, covers payments to third parties like travel agencies and hotels which hosts lecturers who come from outside Sudan.