Application of SWOT, Principal Component and Cross case analysis for Implementing and Recommending an ICT Technology in Library A Case study
Many educational organizations and universities are using computer based management information system for increasing efficiency of work in the organizations. Library management plays a vital role in academic organizations. Bar code is one of the computer based technology which helps to increase efficiency and speed of the organization effectively and qualitatively. Though each bar code character is represented by a group of bars and spaces, computer based software can easily understand it. Organizations have to implement new technologies to meet goal of the organization. Implementation of bar code technology in the Library of Dr. BATU, is a tool to minimize the time taken at the circulation counter in charging discharging the reading material. The new technologies may be a bit difficult to be adopted in the initial stages, but in the long run they improve the image of the organization. The paper is a case study based on the bar coding at Dr. BATU. This paper renders on implementation of Bar code technology and the advantages gained from using bar code technology by looking into each work process in the case library. For better understanding of the bar code based library management system, this case study has been conducted. We used a SWOT analysis for getting actual picture of the situation raised after implementation of the bar code system in the library. We also conducted the survey to understand the values added by this system in the library management system. The conclusion has been drawn based on SWOT analysis, cross case analysis, Implementation report and survey. Keywords Strategic Planning, SWOT analysis, Crosscase analysis, Bar code technology, Qualitative analysis, library management 1. Barcode: Meaning and Working Bernard Silver had invented the bar code in 1948. [1] He was inspired by Morse code. In morse code, dots and dashes are used to encode letters. [2] Bernard Silver used the long lines. For efficient and effective library management, the computerized information system plays important role. Automatic identification technology called bar code is set of which lines and spaces. Main motto behind attaching a bar code to an object (e.g. books, journal and magazine etc) is identifying and /or describing that physical object. Automatic identification/ data capture technology enables information to be collected directly from device by using barcode scanner and send it to computer for further processing. Set of black and white lines with different variable thickness are used in barcode that one can use to store stock code, serial numbers. When a scanner scans a physical object's bar code, it beeps and then it sends a code to a computer. The computer sends back information about that item [2] [3] There are various types of bar code (Shown in table 1) Figure 1 shows a barcode symbol. Widely used barcode types are UPC A, Code 39, Code 93, EAN 8, EAN 13 etc. A QR code abbreviated from Quick Response code is a type of matrix barcode (or two dimensional code) (shown in figure 2) [4][5] The scanner passes a narrow light beam onto a bar code. Then the reflected light is measured by a light sensor inside the scanner. Black lines reflect lesser light than white ones. [6][7][8] Table 2 shows Industry Standards for Barcodes and Labels.[21][22][23][24][25] Application of SWOT, Principal Component. 811 Fig. 1 A UPC A barcode symbol Fig. 2 QR Code 2. The Bar Code Technology for Library A Case Study For better understanding of the bar code based library management system. This case study has been conducted. We used a SWOT analysis for getting actual picture of the situation raised after implementation of the bar code system in the library. We also conducted the survey to understand the values added by this system in the library management system. A. Library Background This University was established on 5th May 1989 by the Government of Maharashtra under the Act No. XXII, 1989. The University has a sprawling campus of 468 acres in such a beautiful place which provides just that little isolation from the hubbub of city life necessary to academic life and its pursuit of research and contemplation. Dr. BATU is one and only one of its kinds in the state. The university is located in the college town of Lonere. Established by the government of Maharashtra, it is relatively young, but has been making its mark in the research and technological services through its dedicated faculty and disciplined students. There are 23 courses offered by Dr. BATU catering to the faculties of Engineering in diploma, B. Tech, M. Tech PhD programmes. [9] The library of the university has total huge 4000 sqm carpet area. Only 185 sqm are is used as reading space. Total Number of Seats in reading space is 300. Total Number of Users (issue book) per day is 250, Number of Users (Reading space) per day 200. Timing in the Academic Working day is 9.30 a.m to 5.45 p.m. The library hosts 33533 volumes of 18500 book titles, 173 journals in print format and huge number of ejournals and eresource. Table 1.Types of barcodes [3]