Prepared by

...,,.........................................................................,......................

ATTACHMENT DURATION:

27TH SEPTEMBER TO 27TH DECEMBER 2018

INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Industrial Supervisor:

ASSESSOR:

Industrial Attachment Coordinator:

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………… Iv

Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………….. V

Chapter 1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………… 1

1.1 Drive,space and restrictions…………………………………………………………… 1

1.2 Prospects and precints ……………………………………………………………………. 1
Chapter 2 Training, Research and Experience…………………………………… 8

2.1 Description of a Typical Work Day…………………………………………………. 8

2.2 ICT Service Desk…………………………………………………. 9
2.3 Network Administration…………………………………………………. 11
2.4 Business systems (projects) section…………………………………………………. 13
15
2.5 System Administration………………………………………………….
16
2.6 Devices………………………………………………….
17
Chapter 3 IMPACT OF THE INTERNSHIP………………………………………………….
22

Chapter 4 RECOMMENDATION AND

CONCLUTION………………………………………………….
References 25

ABSTRACT

This report is a compilation of the three months industrial attachment I had at Rongo
University, Information Communication Technology Section. It summarizes the work done
during this period, problems encountered and includes suggestions and recommendations
on how to counter the problems. It contains highlights of specific tasks performed, strong
 and weak points of the attachment as compared to the curriculum. My assessor Mr. Vitalis
Onyango requested the report on 30th November 2018.

ii.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This attachment was successful due to the cooperation and support of a number of people who
have enabled me gain much more than what the industrial training could have given me.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family members especially my parents for
their support both financially and advise wise.

Many thanks go to my uncle and my relatives who offered any assistance and financial support
during my practical training.

Thanks to my fellow classmates for and other friends for their invaluable support too.

I sincerely thank the Rongo university institute of primate research for their unwavering
support and for giving me a chance to be part of their family. Worth mentioning is the
invaluable support and guidance I constantly got throughout my training.

I express my deep gratitude to the information communication technology office staff at large
who despite their duties they agreed to lead my supervised training to be a success.

Thanks to the administration and all the staff of Rongo University for their unwavering support
during my stay at the institute.

My gratitude goes to my supervisor Mrs. Ben Calvins Odhiambo for her guidance, remarks, and
relevant suggestions throughout my training.

Above all, I thank the lord God almighty for the divine protection, guidance and the opportunity
of a memorable and fruitful period at Rongo University.
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter begins with explaining the purpose of the report; followed by its space and
Restrictions. It then goes on to give a brief introduction on the history of Rongo University.
This chapter also covers executive summary, organizational chart of Rongo University.
1.1Background Information of Rongo University

The history of Rongo University (RU), formerly Rongo University College, dates back
to the early 1970’s when it was established by members of the local community as a
craft apprenticeship training center known as Kitere Technical School.
In the early 1980’s the idea of having a public institution to carter for the growing
desire for technical and vocational training in the larger Southern Nyanza region was
felt. During this period, only one technical training institution was in existence known
as the Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) in Kisumu. Leaders
from leaders from the South
A lobby group, known as the Union of South Nyanza Welfare Association (USNWA),
comprising leaders from the Southern Nyanza region petitioned the then President
Daniel Arap Moi to elevate Kitere Technical to a public Institution and also give
consent that the newly created institute be named after him. President Moi agreed to
both requests and Moi Institute of Technology (MIT) was born in 1983.
In 2007, Moi University signed a memorandum of understanding with Moi Institute of
Technology to offer Diploma and Undergraduate programmes in the education,
business and human resource management at MIT as a satellite Campus. The first
batch of 100 students supported by Rongo Constituency Development Fund was
 admitted in January 2008.
Four years after signing of the MoU, the Government elevated Moi Institute of
Technology to Rongo University College, to operate as Constituent College of Moi
University. MIT was then officially handed over to the Council of Rongo University
College on 22nd June 2012.
On 7th October 2016, having been in operation for four years as a constituent College
of Moi University, H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the Charter elevating Rongo
University College into a full-fledged public University. The University is located 11
kilometers from Rongo Town and 2.5 kilometers off Rongo – Migori Highway. The
University currently has slightly over 6345 students, who are on both Government and
Self-Sponsorship programmes and a total staff complement of 458.
The mission of the University is to provide high quality education through teaching,
research, community service and nurturing innovative graduates.
The University is committed to developing and delivering quality, market driven
academic programs and undertaking research and extension activities. All these are
geared toward improvement of local and national socio-economic status and well-
being of the Kenyan people.
As Rongo University community, staff and students, we are highly delighted to be
associated with this great institution. We sincerely thank the current and former leaders
of the then South Nyanza District, the Kitere community, our University Council and
the Government of Kenya for the great foresight and continued support and
commitment to the institution.

UNIVERSITY MISSION
To provide high quality education through teaching, research, community service and nurture
innovative graduates.
UNIVERSITY VISION
To be a world class technology driven University in learning and practice
UNIVERSITY CORE VALUES
 Integrity and Quality
 Professionalism
 Innovative and Adaptability
 Equity
 Teamwork
 Social Responsibility

1. 1.2 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

 INF
ORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
This is the main section in which I was attached to. It provides solutions to all areas of computer
applications which include hardware, software, and networking and common user application needs.
The main services offered includes: Mail configuration, Over the counter solutions e.g. how do I rotate a
scanned document?, Managing domain activities, Computer allocation, Hardware maintenance and
repair, Software installation, configuration, customization and troubleshooting, Backup of important
documents for users, Keeping the records of all computers in the depot, Internet configuration, Creating
new accounts for new employees in the domain, server configuration.
3.0 Description of the work station
This section outlines in details the kind of activities I engaged in during the whole of the attachment
period under the supervision of my senior.
3.1 Hardware section.
This part involved dealing with the computer and its peripherals. The activities are:

a) Installation of computers and its peripherals :

Here we were able to install the newly acquired machines to different departments in the institution.

b) Maintenance
This includes:
 Dust blowing-Due to the dust of people moving up and down in the institute, dust becomes a
challenge especially in the ICT section. Dust tends to settle on these equipment requiring that
they be blown after a short period of time hence the need for regular blowing of the dust.

c) Troubleshooting
Most computers tend to malfunction after sometime due to some factors. Some of The computer
problems we were able to deal with are:
 Booting problems: Some computers were unable to boot. First we check the error message to
determine what the problem is. For instance, boot manager is missing. This means that the
operating system is corrupt since the boot manager is not being detected; in this case, we
perform the operating system repair.
  Other peripherals not being detected: Check whether the devices themselves are
functioning, if not, replacement is done/troubleshooting.
 First check the port whether it’s working by interchanging the ports.
 Go to the device manager to check whether the drivers have been installed, if not, we installed
necessary drivers.
Most of the problems had to do with either of the above issues.
 Printer problems-The organization uses advanced and more sophisticated Hewlett Packard (HP)
printers that require technical monitoring and maintenance. The problems we encountered
include:
 Paper jam-This is caused by a malfunctioned toner, gears or papers manually pulled from the
printer while printing thus leaving some pieces inside. This was solved by checking any of the
above and relevant remedies conducted i.e. installation of the whole maintenance kit (gears,
toner etc.), opening and removal of any traces of papers.
 Worn out cartridges-This resulted into faint pages being printed thus requiring faster
replacement since the institute relies heavily on printing services.
Replacement was done with immediate speed.
Printer- Network problems
d) Replacing malfunctioned components of the computers e.g. mouse, RAM, DVD drives, keyboard,
printers, and hard disks.
3.2 Software section
a) Installation
Installation is done from the server where most of the institution software are stored for security and
easy access services. The following are the categories of software we installed:
 Operating systems-The instituons machines run on Microsoft operating systems. They include;
Windows XP, Windows vista, and Windows 7.some machines we upgraded to run on the latest
versions of Windows.
 Antivirus software-The institution is licensed by the Kaspersky Antivirus. This involved installing
on the new machines and subsequent run of the updates.
 SAP-this is ERP software that enables the institution’s wide range of activities to be coordinated.
The introduced system ERP-Enterprise Resource Planning is a system that integrates or at least
attempts to integrate all data and processes of company into a unified system. This means that
all the departments in the institution were to be swallowed up in one system called ERP.
  Common end user software-These includes software such as Adobe Reader, Adobe flash player,
WinZip, Microsoft office package.
b) Troubleshooting:
This involves analyzing the software that has a problem and coming up with various solutions to the
same depending on the type of the software. For instance, in Microsoft office applications, which are
mostly used, there may be a problem in its files after some, thus performing repairs to the software is
necessary.

c) User help solutions: Enabling the user in the efficient use of the installed software and
implementation of advanced features in software usage by the users.
d) Software configuration
This involved configuring of the software for first use. For instance, the SAP software the production
section, it requires entering of server address that is usually know n only by the ICT staff.
e) Software customization
This is done to suite various end users’ needs e.g. creating shortcuts, style of viewing mails in outlook,
preferred themes on the desktop, time taken for the computer to be on standby mode for windows
vista and windows 7 versions for specific users.
f) Partitioning and formatting of storage volumes
This involved formatting of corrupted hard drives /partitions .usually done during operating system
installation.
g) Upgrading the existing software
This involved upgrade of all categories of software to the latest versions. I.e. Windows XP to windows 7,
Adobe Reader 8.0 to Adobe Reader 10.0, Opera browser 10.0 to Opera browser 11.11 and so on.

h) Performing backup services

Backups of important documents is done by performing a backup on the server on the server and other
removable media such as flash disks, external hard drives. The backup on the server remains the best
option since the user can easily access them anywhere within the institutions domain structure in all
Pump Stations.
i) Providing support services for the users.
 3.3 Networking section.
Rongo University primarily depends on the network infrastructure for almost all of its activities. All
computers in the institutions have been networked to ease communication within the organization.
Most of the departments rely on the network to process documents and forward them to relevant staff.
This is normally facilitated by the SAP software and email programs. The main internet provider is
Safaricom and KDN as the backup in case there is a failure in the Safaricom link thus enabling constant
and reliable communication in the institute.

Domain
All the staff in the institute remotely login directly to the server through the various domains in different
pump stations. The network administrator facilitates the creation of an account in the domain for new
users. The layered infrastructure of the domain is as in the next page.
Internet configuration
The main Internet service provider is Safaricom Kenya while the backup service provider is Kenya Data
Networks. I was familiarized to the remote Internet configurations to enable users to access the
internet. With the help of my supervisor, I was able to be well versed with all internet configurations.
3.4 Others
Providing of end user support. How do I rotate an image?
Service desk issues.
Allocation of new ICT devices to staff. This involves considering the factors on who should acquire the
machines first. For instance, company managerial position e.g. Depot manager should be considered
first before other staff members are analyzed.
Requisition of relevant ICT equipment through the procurement section.
Keeping record of all ICT devices within the institution. This entails request for the ICT equipment that
are needed for the department.
Issue of privileges/rights to ICT devices usage e.g. printer. Determining who should use the printer
within the institution.
Disposition of old machines.ie to determine which machines are obsolete for usage due to technology
reasons.
Chapter 2

TRAINING, RESEARCH AND EXPERIENCE

Most of the time spent during the attachment was for training and research, followed by the
implementation. This chapter will cover the training and exploratory research I carried first,
followed by the results of the implementation.
2.1 Description of a Typical Work Day
My normal workday began at 8.00 a.m. which is the reporting time for all institution employees.
My day had a break once that is 12.40p.m for lunch break. Like any other organization, office
hours ended at 5.00p.m except Fridays where offices were closed at 4.30p.m.

For the days where I worked with different supervisor from the ICT service desk, I would report
to them for the day’s tasks. For sections such as the Business Systems and Network
Administration, I would accompany my supervisor to the field that is server room where we
would carry out the various ICT services. In summary, a typical work day involved walking
around the institution premises working on different systems, setting up computers and installing
different applications for the users.

Mentoring Situation
At the beginning of the attachment, I received a letter that briefed me on the terms and conditions
for the attachment contract starting from the reporting time, way of conduct and the dress code.

Every administrator at the institute helped in my mentoring based on what I worked on with
them. My supervisors especially those at the service desk guided me through my tasks and
ensured I performed them correctly. They all answered my questions in instances where I did not
understand and even correct me whenever I made a mistake. With this; I was able to attend to
user problems without their assistance.

2.1 ICT Service Desk

Their duty is to provide technical hardware and software support for the institute. The Service
desk team carries out periodic maintenance of the institution’s equipment’s (PCs & servers),
handles software related problems, user support and training, keeping inventory of the
institution’s computer stock and their peripherals handling computer accessory issues, carries out
regular visual inspection of the system and review of traffic reports.

The Service desk team is located close to the ICT main office and is alerted of problems by users
through phone calls or e-mails. On receiving such hardware / or software related calls, the help
desk staff responds to the calls and if not, the call escalates to the next authority for further
consultations.

I was therefore involves in various tasks in the institute. Some of the tasks I was personally
engaged with under this department include:

i. Weekly maintenance of the computers in the institute.

Since for proper functioning of the computers, computers need to be maintained, during this
process I gained a lot in the hardware parts of the computer and their tasks in the computer.

Some of the hardware include, CMOS battery that store power that helps in updating BIOS
(basic input output system)

Expansion slots that helps in inserting other cards e.g. video and audio cards.

ii. Clearing of the blue screen.

The Blue Screen of Death (also known as a Stop Error, Blue Screen of Doom, or BSoD) is an
error screen displayed on a Microsoft Windows computer system after a fatal system error,
also known as a system crash: when the operating system reaches a condition where it can no
longer operate safely.

BSoDs can be caused by poorly written device drivers or malfunctioning hardware, such as
faulty memory, power supply issues, overheating of components, or hardware running
beyond its specification limits. In the Windows 9x era, incompatible DLLs or bugs in the
operating system kernel could also cause BSoDs.

iii. Discovering data from a computer

This was done using a discovery tool known as KNOPPIX, the knoppix is an operating
system based on debian designed to be run directly from a CD/DVD or flash drive.
 iv. In user support and help desk I was also tasked with printer configuration of a printer
over a network. Here you could install a printer in a host computer and configure it to
be used over a network. Due to unknown circumstances some printers could
disconnect from the network. In this case we could run the following command to
reset log

.2.2 Network Administration

This section is headed by the Network and Infrastructure Manager who handle all issues
concerned with networking within the institution and other departments outside the institution
premises. He is also involved in maintaining servers, network stations, lines, network switching
circuits, Uninterruptible power supplies, inspecting cables and connectors, Provision of Nortel
and IP phones to every section of the institution .
Within this department I was tasked to do and learn with the following activities:
1. Solving of IP conflict problem. The problem is normally caused by two or more
computers having the same IP address on the same LAN Network. This is because
normally computers/workstations are dynamically assigned the IP address by the
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server and there is a possibility that a
DHCP server assigns two or more workstations the same Ip address. .
2. I was tasked with terminating of network cables. They normally use Cat6 cables. I
learned of different network devices and the color coding. Cable termination was hand
when troubleshooting a network problem. Before terminating a cable I was to be sure that
it was faulty by using a Lan Tester.
3. Configuration and troubleshooting of network devices
This involved mounting and cascading of switches in various locations in the
MSC’s local area network within the confines of the Ethernet physical layer.
Since the company uses cables for its Local Area Connections, ports for network
transmission are laid everywhere. Due to constant failure, troubleshooting of both
the ports and the Ethernet cables is necessary.
Configuration I as well did includes setting up new computers into the company domain
so as to enable access to the institution’s server and internet access.
1. PERPAY (Personal Payroll)
This is a human resource application that is used by the HR department for purposes of
performance appraisal of employees.

2. SAP( System Application and Processor)

SAP (Systems Applications and Processes) is an Enterprise Resource Planning software
application that manages most of the institute sub software application and resources
within the organization. SAP designs systems that allow all departments to access a
institute-wide database to coordinate all financial, production, personnel, marketing,
order fulfillment and tracking, inventory, and all other institute processes. SAP is one of
the software which I have actually witnessed its implementation while I have been in
Sony. I was encouraged by the consultants from various parts of the world like
Zimbabwe and India to work hard on this area of Software Development.
3. CMS(Clinical Management System)
The software is used to record all patients’ information using their payroll and admission
number. It sources its information from Prepay which determines who is legible to
treatment and who is not. It deals with staff and their families.
4. SMS(School Management System)
This is system is used to manage the daily activities of the school. SMS manages the
examinations, analyses student performance and produces the timetable from the teachers
who are presently registered in the school.

2.3 System Administration

Responsibilities of the system administrator within the institute include:

 Monitors space available on the server for use and creates more space if there is
no space.
 Installing, supporting, and maintaining servers.
 Respond to service outages
 He is also involved in scripting, database management.
  Information systems and project management, supervision and training of
computer operators.
 Consultant for computer problems beyond the knowledge of technical support
staff.
 Monitoring and administering to systems and setting up users to access various
computer resources such as networked printers and corporate systems.

a. Computers

The institute uses HP and Dell (210L and GX550) computers with specification that lie in the
range of 3.0 GHZ processor speeds and 500giga bytes hard disk size.

For laptops, which are currently being distributed to different managers from different sections,
the institution uses HP Probook 4310S, 4320S and 4330S.

b. Printers
 Kyocera mono printer
 Epson printer
 HP laser jet.
c. Operating systems used
 Microsoft windows XP version 2002 (Edition service pack2, 3)
 Windows 7 Pro ultimate
 Windows server 2003 R2 version 2002(Edition enterprise service pack 2)
 Windows 8
 Chapter 3

IMPACT OF THE ATTACHMENT

Social conditions
My time at Rongo university was full of interaction and a friendly attitude from the different
office personnel I worked with .From the different departments in the school, I got to interact
with people of different characters and all went well thus made my work easier and ability to
learn more fruitful. My mentors, who were my supervisors, explained every concept to me so as
to ensure my understanding. Their constant encouragement and appreciation gave me the morale
to work and the urge to see another day at the institute.

Responsibilities
1. User support on computer applications and other network devices together with customer
care.
2. Applications installation and updating
3. Preventive maintenance of Information Communication and Technology devices.
4. General networking and device configurations.
5. Troubleshooting of network devices including ports and switches.
6. Data entry and manipulation.
7. Fiber termination at various sections i.e. Training Centre.
8. Cisco switch configuration and flashing.

Evaluation of assigned Tasks

Every task assigned to me was through a supervisor. Once an issue was reported at the service
desk and required urgent attention, I would report to the administrators for guidance and way
forward before heading off to the user. In case of successful execution of my assignment, I
would report back to the supervisors and inform them of the progress before heading off to
another assignment.
Generally as attachés at the ICT department, our individual and team performance was reported
to the manager of ICT infrastructure and services Mr. Oguku. Our supervisors were expected to
assign us tasks so as to avoid idleness and provide the necessary employee success.

Skills and Qualifications Learnt

At the time of attachment, I got to learn a number of skills that would help develop my career in
Information Technology and they include: Collaboration of ICT with Business systems users so
as to identify and exploit opportunities for utilizing technology solutions to solve business
problems.

1. Prevention and maintenance of devices on a network.

2. User support and customer care especially on computer related issues.
3. How to troubleshoot, rebuild and repair computers based on their operating system and
model.
4. Team work: Each and every one of us had a unique abilities and qualities. I found out
that if these abilities are harnessed and everyone in an organization works towards
achieving the goal of the organization a lot can be achieved. It was easier working as a
team as opposed to each person working individually.

Implications for future study and career planning

From the attachment I gained experience that is necessary for my future career. Having worked
with Oracle database and learnt its functionalities, I realized that its knowledge would become an
added advantage at one point in my career. I also discovered that apart from my diploma, I
would have to undertake certificate courses such as those of SAP (System Application
Processes) for financial processes, CCNA for networking and oracle database administration.
Based on my practical bit in the field of both network engineering and telecommunications, I
realized that I have a passion for it and therefore would pursue my way into the career of a
network engineer or administration.

Apart from that, I also developed a liking for computer hardware which entails assembling and
dissembling of computers together with their maintenance
3.4. CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD.

My training experience has been quite good though I faced by some challenges before and as I
progressed with my training though they didn’t bring me down. Some of the challenges faced
include:

1. Problem of securing a place for attachment- getting a place to be attached was a

problem as many organizations would refuse to answer your letters and others fail to
answer the requests send to them.
2. Finance- during the period of searching the place to be attached, it requires money as
sometimes you have to travel to deliver your attachment requests. This leads too much
spending and the financing is very limited.

 Limited time period-the time for searching for a place to be attached was very limited as
there was delays in getting our attachment requirements from the university. This led too
much spending while seeking for a place to be attached which was in hurry as there was
no much time.

1. Lack of enough work

2. Also, during the training there is neither provision to pay interns nor any drafted
allowances, packages allowed so as to lease expenses during the training period and thus
catering for the daily expenses becomes a burden as financing may not be adequate.
3.5. HOW I OVERCOMED /SOLVED THE CHALLENGES.

Though the challenges faced me, they gave me an experience and taught me more. I acquired
skills in improving my confidence in solving problems and gain the confidence to interact with
different categories of people. The following are some ways I used in solving the challenges I
faced.

 I was able to cope with the limited time period I had and work tireless to see success in
the training, I adopted time management skills which enabled me catch up with the lost
time.
 Being proactive-there being no much work, I engaged myself in other productive projects
and activities relating to my career which enabled me gain much experience and
streamline my career.
 Some of my relatives aided in assisting me financially to the success of my training.
CHAPTER 4

Recommendations and conclusion

5.1 Recommendations

The whole of the attachment period comprised of various activities that made me gain a lot of
experience, however, I would recommend that ICT attaches be introduced to advanced features
of SAP software in order for them to gain more knowledge in software development and the
complexity to be overcome.

5.2 Conclusion.

In conclusion, I have to attest my supervisor Mr. Ben Calvins Odhiambo for the good job. I
really appreciate the way I have been guided through this attachment programme with Rongo
University, beginning from the opportunity to take the time I needed to refresh and expand my
knowledge in several issues concerning domain structure and its functionality, software
installation and implementation and hardware maintenance and repair, and finally earned the
confidence to deal with assignments myself. It is through him that I did enjoy my work every
day.

References

i. Daily log book

ii. www.rongoversity.ac.ke