Development and Performance Evaluation of an Automated Academic Grade Management System Using Microsoft Excel VBA: A Case Study of EN12200 Computer Programming Course

Abstract

This research aimed to develop an Automated Academic Grade Management System (AAGMS) using Microsoft Excel VBA for the EN12200 Computer Programming course and to evaluate the system performance compared with the conventional Microsoft Excel workflow. The sample group consisted of 100 students and 3 instructors. The study employed an experimental research design using a within-subject design. The research instruments included the AAGMS, processing time and accuracy recording forms, student score datasets, and a five-point Likert scale satisfaction questionnaire. The system was developed using memory-based Processing, Data Validation, Error Handling, Event-driven Processing, Excel Macro, and user-defined Function (UDF) techniques to improve processing efficiency and reduce data errors. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Two-way Repeated Measures ANOVA, Accuracy, Human Error Rate, and Automation Index. The results showed that the AAGMS significantly reduced processing time by an average of 18.06% (p < .05). The system achieved an accuracy rate of 99.82–99.92%, which was higher than that of traditional Excel (95.95–97.40%), and demonstrated a substantially lower human error rate. In addition, the system showed a high level of automation (AI = 0.82). Users reported high to very high levels of satisfaction. The real-world implementation over a three-year period also revealed that the GPA calculated by the system was fully consistent with the institutional grading system (Accuracy = 100%). In conclusion, the developed system improved efficiency, reduced errors, and was suitable for practical implementation in educational institutions.