Pre-implementation requirements for the design of a monitoring system for staff-student interactions at a university.

Abstract

University environments occasionally fail to provide adequate levels of security for student and staff interactions. Existing policies outlined by a university document the procedures to be followed in said interactions. However, there is a lack of enforcement of these policies and any artefact to aid this enforcement. This is apparent as incidents of misconduct are regularly published. This study aims to define the requirements for an artefact that monitors these interactions, and as a result, will provide different benefits to those involved. Subsequently, a design for the artefact will be generated based on the revealed requirements. In order to establish the major factors influencing this artefact's design, a qualitative approach with an exploratory design was chosen. The use of a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework provided related measurables. Through a purposive sampling technique, a focus group was formed, and a discussion was held to allow for in-depth emergent and systematic analysis until saturation was reached. Results indicated that the artefact's functionality should be tailored toward providing safety during interactions through the use of accurate identification of all involved parties. The artefact should be portable, provide adequate levels of confidentiality, and be partly autonomous - to the extent that the integrity of the recording and its details cannot be disputed. Performance expectancy, identifiability and social influence were the primary constructs associated with the system's acceptance. A system designed to the uncovered requirements and activated during an interaction, will provide users with a higher level of perceived safety and usefulness, thus influencing their behavioural intentions and overall opinion of following through on engagements with other parties. Further investigation can be conducted through the expansion of the sample utilised. This expansion should account for the different socioeconomic backgrounds of the individuals enrolled at universities, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the said individuals and their ability to resume studies in the changing environment.