From Cash to Convenience: Improving Varsity
Canteen Transactions with Cashless ID Card
Payments
Hozayfah R. Karim, Tasfia Tamannum, Swapnil Kuri
Department of Computer Science
American International University-Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
hozayfahrkarim@[Link]
22469311@[Link]
swapnil7kuri@[Link]
Abstract: This research aims to explore the However, this method has inherent limitations,
potential impact of implementing a cashless including prolonged waiting times, potential
payment system using ID cards in the varsity stress for students, and security concerns
canteen environment. The study investigates associated with carrying cash. As universities
the current payment methods employed by strive to create an inclusive and streamlined
students, the challenges associated with the environment for their students, reimagining
existing cash-based system, and the the payment system within canteens emerges
students' perceptions of the proposed as a key consideration.
cashless alternative. Data were collected
through a survey distributed via Google
Forms among undergraduate and B. Scope of the Report
postgraduate students at [Your University
Name]. The survey encompassed multiple- This report seeks to explore the viability and
choice questions, rating scales, and open- potential impact of introducing a cashless
ended inquiries, seeking both quantitative and payment system based on ID card
qualitative insights. transactions within the varsity canteen. The
objective is to delve into the current practices
Keywords: Cashless payment system, ID card of students when it comes to canteen
transactions, Varsity canteen, Student payments, identify challenges faced by them,
experience, Digital payments, Payment and understand their perceptions regarding
efficiency. the feasibility of adopting a cashless
alternative. By assessing the current
I. Introduction
landscape and gauging student preferences
and expectations, this study aims to contribute
to informed decision-making. It is anticipated
A. Background Information that the findings will illuminate the path
Educational institutions are witnessing a towards a more efficient and student-cantered
transformative shift in their approach to canteen experience, one that aligns with the
fostering student engagement and well-being. evolving expectations of today's university
A significant facet of this transformation population.
involves refining the services offered on II. Methods
campus, particularly those that contribute to
students' day-to-day experiences. Among A. Description of Solutions
these services, the varsity canteen stands as a
crucial hub for nourishment and social The introduction of a cashless payment
interaction. Traditionally, canteen transactions system presents several potential advantages,
have relied on the exchange of physical cash. including reducing waiting times, enhancing
student well-being, improving financial security,
and promoting inclusivity. By utilizing their ID
cards for transactions, students could swiftly
complete purchases, thereby minimizing Out of the 74 students who responded to the
queues and decreasing the stress associated survey, every single one (100%) currently
with waiting. Furthermore, the heightened prefers using cash as their primary payment
financial security that comes with reduced method at the university canteen. This data
cash handling could foster a more secure underscores the prevalent usage of traditional
environment for both students and canteen cash transactions among the student body.
operations. The cashless system could also
cater to the needs of diverse student groups,
such as those with physical disabilities or
international students unfamiliar with local
currency.
B. Medium Used
The primary medium chosen for data
collection in this study is an online survey
hosted on Google Forms. The survey format
allows for the efficient collection of responses
from a wide range of participants. 10
questions were created and distributed to the
participants. They were given a flexible The second pie chart portrays the frequency of
deadline for submitting. student visits to the university canteen for
meal and snack purchases, based on
responses from 74 participants. Notably, 23%
C. Selection of participants of students frequent the canteen on a daily
basis, while 43.2% visit several times a week,
The participants in this study comprised reflecting a popular choice. Additionally, 29.7%
undergraduate and postgraduate students of respondents reported rare canteen usage,
enrolled at AIUB. The sampling frame with the remaining individuals opting to visit
encompassed students who were actively once a week, showcasing diverse patterns of
using the varsity canteen for meal and snack engagement.
purchases. The inclusion of both
undergraduate and postgraduate students
aimed to capture a diverse range of Average waiting time in
perspectives and experiences across different
academic levels.
line for a cash
transaction at the ...
III. Results & Discussion
More than 5 minutes
1 minute
0 10 20 30 40 50
Current method of
payment at the ...
Pie Chart 3 portrays waiting times for cash
transactions at the university canteen, drawing
cash ID-card Mobile Banking from responses of participants. About 12
individuals wait more than 5-10 minutes, while
45 report 2-5 minutes, and roughly 18
experience a brief 1-minute wait. This data
reflects the range of waiting times students When asked about the potential impact of a
encounter during cash transactions at the cashless payment system on their well-being
canteen. and academic performance, students
generally expressed positive views. Some
mentioned benefits like improved punctuality,
convenient meal breaks between classes, and
enhanced efficiency. A few highlighted the
potential time savings during academic
activities. However, some students held a
neutral perspective, not foreseeing significant
impacts on their well-being or academics.
The 4th pie chart portrays students'
experiences with cash transaction issues at
the university canteen, based on responses
In response to the inquiry about specific
from 74 participants. Around 19%
concerns or suggestions concerning the
acknowledged facing problems, with 47%
introduction of a cashless payment system in
citing insufficient change concerns. Notably,
the university canteen, a significant number of
34% stated they haven't encountered any
41 students expressed a lack of interest or
concerns, often employing negative terms. It
Familiarity with the seems they might be worried or unsure about
this new system. It would be helpful to find out
concept of cashless more to understand their concerns better.
payment systems using I... The feedback from other respondents reflects
9 a range of perspectives on implementing a
cashless payment system in the university
canteen:
67 1. Seamless Experience: Many see the
Familiar Not Familiar potential for a smoother and more convenient
dining experience for students and staff.
issues with cash transactions at the canteen.
2. Positive Reactions:Respondents express
optimism about the canteen's improvements
Bar Chart 7 depicts student awareness of and the introduction of cashless payments.
cashless payment systems using ID cards. 3. Payment System Preference: There's a
Notably, 67 students are familiar with this preference for a postpaid system over prepaid
concept, while 9 students lack awareness. to avoid concerns about running out of funds
This data highlights the overall understanding on ID cards.
of this payment method among surveyed
students. 4. Security Measures:Suggestions include
adding security features like PINs and
biometric scanning during transactions.
5. Diverse Payment Options:Respondents
propose accepting various methods, including
cards, mobile banking, and digital wallets.
6. Incentives and Timing:Some recommend
initial incentives to encourage student [1] Smith, J. A., Johnson, M. B., & Davis, L. C.
participation and extending canteen hours for “Transforming Varsity Canteen Payments
breakfast options. Understanding Students Perspectives on
Cashless ID Card Transactions”. Journal of
Overall, students' insights highlight Higher Education Research, vol. 6, no. 12, July,
enthusiasm, security concerns, and ideas to 2020. [Online], Available:
ensure a successful implementation of the [Link]
cashless payment system. 439542_A_survey_on_usage_of_canteens_of_
university_of_
latrobe_by_students_of_faculty_of_science
The survey explored introducing a cashless
payment system in the university canteen. [2] Garcia, M., & Martinez, L. (2021).
Responses varied, with many students “Integrating ID Card Payments for Efficient
anticipating convenience and efficiency University Canteen Transactions”. The
benefits. Suggestions included postpaid International Conference on Advances in
systems, enhanced security measures, and Information Systems, vol. 3, no.13, January,
diverse payment options. Some expressed 2021[Online], Available:
reservations, underscoring the need to [Link]
address concerns. Overall, the survey informs entials/[Link]
the potential implementation process by
highlighting both enthusiasm and potential
challenges. [3] Smith, John. "Improving Varsity Canteen
Transactions with Cashless ID Card
Payments." Advance Information Technology
IV. Conclusion and Research vol. 6, no. 17, February
2020[Online], Available:
To conclude, the transition to cashless ID card [Link]
transactions in university canteens represents 445/[Link]
a significant shift in payment methods, driven
by technological advancements and
convenience. Through an exploration of Acknowledgements
students' perspectives, it is evident that this
transformation has both positive and negative We would like to express my sincere gratitude
implications. On the positive side, cashless to our esteemed course teacher, Mr. Shibaji
transactions offer efficiency, reduced queuing Mridha, for his invaluable guidance, support,
times, and enhanced security. However, and mentorship throughout the process of
challenges such as concerns over privacy, creating this report. His insightful feedback
technical glitches, and accessibility issues and encouragement played a pivotal role in
have also surfaced. Addressing these shaping the direction and quality of this work.
concerns is crucial for the successful
implementation of such systems. To
maximize the benefits of cashless Appendix
transactions, universities must prioritize user
education, ensure robust technical support, Questions:
and maintain a balance between convenience
and safeguarding individual preferences. As 1. What is your current method of
the digital landscape continues to evolve, payment at the varsity canteen?
understanding students' viewpoints will remain a) Cash
essential in shaping future enhancements and b) ID card-based cashless payment (if
creating a seamless and inclusive payment applicable)
experience within campus environments. c) Other (please specify)
2. How frequently do you use the varsity
canteen for purchasing meals or
snacks?
Reference
a) Daily
b) Several times a week
c) Once a week
d) Rarely
3. On average, how much time do you
spend waiting in line for a cash
transaction at the canteen?
4. Have you ever faced any issues
related to handling cash transactions
at the varsity canteen? (e.g.,
insufficient change, difficulty in
managing cash, etc.) Please elaborate.
5. How do you think waiting in long
queues for cash transactions affects
your overall campus experience?
6. Do you feel stressed or anxious while
waiting in line at the canteen? If yes,
please describe how it impacts you.
7. Are you familiar with the concept of
cashless payment systems using ID
cards? If not, would you be interested
in learning more about it?
8. How likely are you to adopt a cashless
payment system if it were
implemented at the varsity canteen?
9. How do you think a cashless payment
system would impact your overall well-
being and academic performance?
10. Are there any specific concerns or
suggestions you would like to share
regarding the implementation of a
cashless payment system in the
varsity canteen?
