Design and evaluation of knowledge-based tool for course exemption in institution of higher learning

This study is built on the prior work done on a proposed knowledge-based tool in facilitating course exemption process in Institution of Higher Learning in Malaysia. In this study, an experiment is carried out in the faculty and the purpose of the experiment is to allow end users to evaluate the prototype, at the same time gather further requirements from the end users. This experiment is carried out at a business faculty and ten respondents who made up of dean, associate deans and program leaders are involved in the experiment to evaluate the usability of the tool. The evaluation report shows that the respondents are not fully satisfied with the proposed tool although the idea of developing the tool is good. However, they find the tool useful and help to increase the efficiency of their work. Even though the proposed knowledge-based tool, which contains knowledge-based engine, is not meant to replace program leaders, it is supposed to facilitate and make recommendation to the program leaders during the course exemption process. It is believed by doing so; the program leaders are able to conduct their work efficiently and effectively.