Emmanuel Kaingu Charo,Mvurya Mgala, Kennedy Hadullo

Abstract

The attendance data in the paper attendance registers lack validity for decision making in institutions of higher learning. Biometric attendance register systems have been adopted in a number of institutions. However, they still have usability issues. This study investigates the usability of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model in the use of fingerprint biometric students’ attendance register system. The UTAUT model, as a usability and acceptance testing framework, has been used comprehensively in the testing for the adoption of new technologies. In the case of fingerprint biometric students’ attendance register system, we seek to understand the perceptions and experiences of target users of this technology. These are important factors in the successful implementation of such systems. The research applies both quantitative and qualitative surveys, observations, and experiments to collect data from sampled users of the fingerprint biometric attendance register system and test the usability of the UTAUT model. The usability and acceptance factors used in the UTAUT model were Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Attitude Toward Using, Trust and Security, Behavioural Intention to Use and the Actual System Use of the register system. A sampled typical class size of twenty students interacted with the fingerprint biometric attendance register system and for each student, the usability constructs were measured, recorded and analysed. It was found that Perceived Usefulness, Attitude toward Use, and Behavioural Intention to Use, a 86%, attained 83%, and 80% acceptance respectively, while Perceived Ease of Use attained lowest at 76%, and Trust and Security scored 78% acceptance. The results of this study help to give direction and insight to organizations that are seeking to improve user acceptance of their biometric recognition systems and enhance the use of such systems.

Key words: Usability, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Attitude Toward Using, Trust and Security, Behavioural Intention to Use.