Designing a UK-Aligned Student Information System: A Design-Science Prototype for a Hypothetical Institute (NKA)

Abstract—Positioning: This paper presents a prototype student information system (SIS) for a hypothetical higher education institute, Negombo Knowledge Academy (NKA), to assess thefeasibility of embedding UK academic frameworks within Sri Lankan contexts. Method: Using a design-science methodology, we develop and evaluate a Laravel-based system that supports FHEQ/RQF-aligned structures (programmes, levels, academic modules, exit awards) with multi-guard role-based access control. The architecture follows a three-layer pattern with Redis-backed caching and containerised deployment. Results: The prototype satisfies representative functional and non-functional requirements. Experiments indicate substantial reductions in median latency once caching is enabled, though tail latencies remain a future optimisation target. Security controls (CSRF, hashing, throttling, least-privilege RBAC) conform to recognised baselines. Contribution: We contribute (i) a reference architecture and data model encoding UK HE structures; (ii) a reusable Laravel/Livewire implementation pattern (two-card CRUD layout, RBAC, caching, containers); (iii) an evaluation approach based on requirement coverage, security conformance, and performance snapshots; and (iv) guidance for generalisation to private and public HE providers in developing contexts. Version 1.1 – Metadata correction Changes:• Standardised author citation name to "Bernard, R."• Updated PDF title page to match citation metadata• Updated LaTeX source package No changes to research content. This preprint is accompanied by its LaTeX source package for transparency and reproducibility. Please cite using the DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17075061.