DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPUTERIZED MAILING SYSTEM (A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE (NIPOST) UYO)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

This chapter introduces a computerized mailing system. It focuses on the theoretical background of the research, statement of the problem, aim and objectives of the study, significance of the study, scope of the study and the organization of the study.

1.1  Theoretical Background

The mail or post is s system for physically transporting documents and other small packages, as well as a name of the postcards, letters and parcels themselves. Mail can also be known to be the official system of collection, transporting and delivery letters and parcels. A postal service can be private or public, though many government place restrictions on private mailing system. Since the mid-19th century, national postal systems have generally been established as government monopolies with the fee on the article prepaid. Proof of payment is often in the form of adhesive postage stamps, but postage meters are also used or bulk mailing. Modern private postal systems are typically distinguished from national postage agencies by the names “courier” or “delivery service”. Postal authorities often have functions other than transporting letters. In some countries, postal or mailing telegraphs and telephone service oversees the postal system as well as having authority over telephone and telegraph systems. Some countries postal systems allow for savings accounts and handle applications for passports. Deficiency in quick access to information on registered mails, such as addresses of recipients and other relevant information for the mail delivery pose a serious challenge on various mail service providers, especially in the Nigerian Postal Service, Uyo. But this new system after implementation will bring the mentioned problems and the likely ones to rest, improve the registration and also delivery of mails, as well as the entire operation.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

As earlier mentioned, problems have been perceived on the course of processing mails for delivery, which include time wastage in gathering information about the mail senders and the recipients of the mails respectively for safe delivery. The problems of easy generation of statistics on the mail services daily and especially in months or annually. Inability to post a received mail for the recipient to receive immediately or at that instant.        

1.3     Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this research work is to develop a computerized mailing system.

The objectives are:

1. To design a new system that will enhance the collection of information about mails to be sent, sender and the recipient (receiver).
2. To design a system that will enhance quick access to registered mails, delivery and the staff responsible for such.
3. To carefully study the existing system and get the related data from the case study.
4. To identify the problem or difficulties encountered associated with the existing mailing system, as well as proffering a solution with a new system.   

1.4     Significance of the Study

The significance of the study include the following:

1. Manages and users of the system will experience utmost relieve when using the system as regard timeliness in the system.
2. It will improve security of data or information about mails on disposition in regard to the destination and delivery of the mails.
3. It would serves as a reference work for research on the same or related field.

1.5     Scope of the Study

The scope if this research covers computerized mailing system, with reference to Nigerian Postal Service, Uyo as a case study.

1.6     Organization of the Research

This project work is divided into five chapters. Chapter one starts with the introduction, followed with theoretical background, statement of the problem, aim and objectives of the study, scope of the study and the organization of the research.

Chapter two focuses on the review of related literature on the area of the research.  

Chapter three is concerned with the system analysis and design (analysis of the existing and new system, as well as the design of the new system).

Chapter four comprises system implementation and documentation, which are system design diagram, choice of programming environment, hardware and software requirement and implementation.

Chapter five contains summary, constraint of the study, conclusion and recommendations by the researcher. Thereafter the appendices follow.