a scalable knowledge-based student registration …

91
A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION AND EXAMINATION RESULTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AN ACADEMIC INSTITUTION. A CASE STUDY CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY UGANDA BY MUTIGERWA RACHEL BBC/20008/82/DF A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENT OF THE AWARD OF BACHELOR DEGREE OF BUSINESS COMPUTING AT KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY NOVEMBER 2011

Upload: others

Post on 16-Mar-2022

1 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION

AND EXAMINATION RESULTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

FOR AN ACADEMIC INSTITUTION. A CASE

STUDY CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY

UGANDA

BY

MUTIGERWA RACHEL

BBC/20008/82/DF

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

FOR THE REQUIREMENT OF THE A WARD OF BACHELOR

DEGREE OF BUSINESS COMPUTING AT KAMPALA

INTERNATIONAL

UNIVERSITY

NOVEMBER 2011

Page 2: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

DECRALATION

I MUTIGERWA RACHEL hereby declare that, the work presented in this report is my own

Contribution. To the best of my knowledge, this same work has never been presented or

submitted to any other universities or institutions of higher learning for the award of any degree.

We therefore declare that, this work is my own contribution for the partial fulfillment of the

award of the degree of Bachelor of Business Computer at KIU.

MUTIGERWA RACHEL

Reg No: BCC/20008/82/DF

Signature:-~ ~

Date l0.~\~)-2,,J.L

Page 3: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

APPROVAL

This research report on "A scalable knowledge-based student registration and examination

results management system for an academic institution" has been submitted for examination with

the approval of the following Supervisor:

::.::Eiz=~~ I c/h lh.A1lt1_8 f ~ :l

Date: ............. ~-'··· J ······ #

ii

Page 4: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

DEDICATION

To the Almighty Lord,

To my dearest Parents,

To our dearest Brother and Sister,

To all my Friends and Knowledge,

To all of those who are working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation,

seek justice and bear witness to the good news of the kingdom of God.

iii

Page 5: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I express my gratitude to those who suppo1t at the completion of this research work.

I am deeply indebted to the Academic staff of the Depmtment of Computer studies, Kampala

International University for providing a progrmn that allows students to cmTy out the research

project in the final yem· of academic studies.

My sincere thm1ks to:

Mr. Kasawuli Fail my guide in this project, for his constm1t suppo1t through! the course and

providing nesessary facilities to cmTy out this project work.

Mr. Balirwe Moses for his guidance, insight, patience m1d suppmt

Mr. Ssegawa James Dean of computer studies Department

Mr. Musafiri Olivier for his help in this research project work

My sincere thm1ks to CUU staff for they help in order to accomplish this research project

Thanks to several fom1er lectures that broadened our knowledge and technical skills to folfill the

requirement to this project.

I m11 also gratefol to my Family members I mem1 my Dad RURAMIRA N. TITO AND my Mum

NYIRAGAZURA ANGELIQUE, BUDEDERI BONIFACE m1d his wife, my sister

UMUGWANEZA MAGGY m1d her husbm1d m1d my brother MPIRWA ALEXIS, friends like

MAKAU PETER classmates LIKE OJO OLIA SOJI SAM m1d others for their help m1d prayers.

May Almighty God bless you all!

iv

Page 6: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECRALATION .............................................................................................................................. i

APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................ iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................ v

LIST OFT ABLES ......................................................................................................................... .ix

LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................................... x

LIST OF ABREVIATION AND ACCRONYMS ......................................................................... xi

ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................ xiii

CHAPTER ONE .............................................................................................................................. !

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background of the study ............................................................................................................ !

1.2 Statement of the problem ........................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Objectives ................................................................................................................................ .4

1.3.1 General objectives ................................................................................................................. .4

1.3.2 Specific objectives ................................................................................................................. -4

1.4 Hypothesis of the Project.. ......................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Project scope and outputs .......................................................................................................... 5

1.6 Structure of the Works ............................................................................................................... 6

CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................................. 7

EXISTING STSYTEM OF REGISTRATION AND TRANSCRIPT MANAGEMENT .............. 7

2.1 Inh·oduction ............................................................................................................................... 7

2.2 The description of Cavendish University Uganda ..................................................................... 7

2.2.1 History of Cavendish University Uganda ............................................................................... 7

V

Page 7: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

2.2.2 THE VISION .......................................................................................................................... 7

2.2.3 THE MISSION ....................................................................................................................... 7

2.2.4 THE VALUE STATEMENTS: .............................................................................................. 8

2.2.5Programs .................................................................................................................................. 8

2.3 Existing system problems .......................................................................................................... 9

2.4. Solution to the problems ........................................................................................................... 9

CHAPTER THREE ....................................................................................................................... 11

3. I Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 11

3. I. I Methodology and technical .................................................................................................. 11

3 .1.2 Requirements Analysis ......................................................................................................... 12

3 .1.3 Steps of Building the Model of Data .................................................................................... 13

3.1.4 Modules Specification .......................................................................................................... 13

3.1.4.1 Student Basic infom1ation management ............................................................................ 13

3.1.4.2 Registration & Emollment. ................................................................................................ 13

3.1.4.3 Student Transcripts Management ...................................................................................... 13

3.1.3.4 School Fees Payment Management ................................................................................... 14

3.1.4.5 Reports ............................................................................................................................... 15

3.2. Data flow diagram .................................................................................................................. 16

3.2.1. Steps for Developing DFDs: ................................................................................................ 16

3 .2.1.1 Requirements determination .............................................................................................. 16

3.2.1.3 Model Separated Activities ............................................................................................... 17

3.2. l .4Construct preliminary context diagram .............................................................................. 17

3.2.1.5 Construct preliminary level O diagrams ............................................................................. 17

3.2.1.6 Deepen into preliminary level n diagrams ......................................................................... 17

3.2.1.7 Combine and adjust level 0-n diagrams ............................................................................ 17

vi

Page 8: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

3.2. I .8 Combine level 0 diagrams into a definitive diagram ......................................................... 17

3.2.1.9 Completion ........................................................................................................................ 18

3.2.2. Some DFD rules .................................................................................................................. 18

3 .3 Components of data flows diagram ......................................................................................... 19

3.3.1 Registration process: ............................................................................................................. 20

3.4. Data modeling ......................................................................................................................... 27

3.4.1 Conceptnal Model of Data (CMD) ....................................................................................... 28

3.4.2 Basic concepts of conceptual model of data ......................................................................... 28

3.5. Logical model of data (LMD) ................................................................................................ 31

3.6. Physical model of data ............................................................................................................ 32

3.7 Conceptual model of processes (CMP) ................................................................................... 19

3. 7.1 Assembling the process decomposition diagram .................................................................. 44

3.8 Organization model of processes (OMP) ................................................................................ 44

CHAPTER FOUR: ........................................................................................................................ 51

4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 51

4.2 Overview of technologies used to develop CSRTM© software system ................................. 51

4.2.1 Microsoft Visual Stndio.net.. ................................................................................................ 51

4.2.2 Microsoft Visual C#.Net 2008 .............................................................................................. 52

4.2.3 Microsoft SQL Server 2005 ................................................................................................. 52

4.2.4 Crystal Reports ..................................................................................................................... 53

4.3 Features of crystal reports for visual studio ............................................................................. 53

4.4 Test ofCSRTM© software ...................................................................................................... 54

4.5 Features ofCSRTM© software system ................................................................................... 60

4.6 The CSRTM© software system windows interface ................................................................ 60

4.7 Presentation ofCSRTM© software ......................................................................................... 61

4.8 Software/hardware compatibility requirements ....................................................................... 63

vii

Page 9: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

4.9 Results found ........................................................................................................................... 64

CHAPTER FIVE ............................................................................................. 65

CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 65

RECOMMENDATION ................................................................................................................. 66

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY ...................................................................................... 67

APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................... 69

APPENDIX A. ............................................................................................................................... 69

APPENDIX C ................................................................................................................................ 72

AN INTERVIEW TO THE STUDENTS ...................................................................................... 72

APPENDIX D ................................................................................................................................ 74

COST AND PHASES .................................................................................................................. 74

viii

Page 10: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

LIST OF TABLES

Table I: Data Dictionary ............................................................................................................... 35

Table 2: Organization Model ofprocesses .................................................................................... 50

ix

Page 11: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: drawing of data flows ..................................................................................................... 20

Figure 2: Data flow diagram for school fees or admission fees Payments at bank ....................... 20

Figure 3: Data flow diagram for school fees and registration fees Payments at campus .............. 21

Figure 4: Data flow diagram of new student's registration ........................................................... 22

Figure 5: Data flow diagram for admitted Students ...................................................................... 24

Figure 6: Data flow diagram for reaching a student.. .................................................................... 25

Figure 7: Data flow diagram for Transcript Management.. ........................................................... 26

Figure 8: Global Conceptual Model of Data ................................................................................. 30

Figure 9: Logical Model of Data ................................................................................................... 32

Figure 10: Physical Model ofData ................................................................................................ 34

Figure 1 I: drawing of Conceptual Model of Processes ................................................................. 39

Figure 12: CMP for New Student Registration ............................................................................. 41

'igure 13: CMP School fees and admission fees payments .......................................................... 41

'igure 14: Process of admitted Students Registration ................................................................... 43

1igure 15: MCP for Transcript managements .............................................................................. .43

'igure 16: Assembling the process decomposition diagram ........................................................ .44

'igure 17: Stages ofTesting .......................................................................................................... 59

'igure 18: Welcome Page .............................................................................................................. 62

igure 19: Login admin Page ........................................................................................................ 62

igure 20: Admin interface ............................................................................................................ 63

igure 21: asking for admission Form ........................................................................................... 63

gure 22: Students Authentication Form ..................................................................................... 63

X

Page 12: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

LIST OF ABREVIATION AND ACCRONYMS

CUU: Cavendish University Uganda

CETE: Center of Technical studies of the Equipment

CMD: Conceptual Model of Data

CMP: Conceptual Model of process

CPU: Central Processing Unit

CSRTM: Compute1ized Software for Student Registration and Transcript Management

CTI: Technical Center of Data Processing

DFD: Data flow Diagram

ER: Entity-Relationship

ERD: Entity-Relationship Diagram

FK: Foreign Key

GO: Giga Octet

GUI: Graphical User Interface

HDD: Hard Disk

HTML: Hypertext Markup Language

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol

ICT: Infonnation Communication Technology

IDE: Integrated Development Environment

LMD: Logical Model of Data

xi

Page 13: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

MERISE: Methode d'Etude et de Realisation Infonnatique pour Jes Systemes

OMP: Organization Model of Process

PK: Primary Key

RAM: Read Only Memory

RDBMS: Relational Data Base Management System

SQL: Structured Query Language

SSMSE: Sq!Server Management Studio Express

WWW: world Wide Web

xii

Page 14: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

ABSTRACT

In today's world, the introduction of advanced computer based information technologies in all

sectors of activity turns out as one of the most effective means to lead to sustainable

development. In this perspective, we have made a research work to assess how Cavendish

University Uganda (CUU) can take advantages from these technologies to increase its

productivity and maintain the best lever of competitiveness.

This thesis will also serve me in the fulfillment of the requirements to obtain a Bachelor's

Degree in Business Computing at Kampala International University.

The automation of registration and transcript management system is one of the means to lead to

an effective and sustainable development. With the integration of the language barrier-free

software in the management of registration and transcript, Cavendish University Uganda will

notice significant improvement. The design and the development of a software capable to deal

with difficulties encountered by Registration and Examination office in their daily activities has

been carried out in order to provide a better solution to the problems said before.

This product is important for development and maintaining a best level of success in Academic

activities by providing the result as: Help the academic affairs (Registration and Examination

office) workers to improve the processing of Registration and Transcript management, used to

allow the access to the fonn of registration, follow up and monitoring of all CUUAcademic

affairs activities. In addition the infonnation recorded will be used in generation of dynamic

reports required at time.

Also the main objective of this research work was to model a system that could provide solutions

to the problems of the manual system that we have stated before. Our objective has been

achieved because we have developed and tested the CSR TM© software system with sample data

with successful results (outputs).

To reach our objectives, the methods of interview and the documentary helped us to really

understand how the existing system is working. MERISE method helped us also in the analysis,

conception and development of the new system. The main objective of this scientific academic

xiii

Page 15: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

research was to design, implement an interactive Automation of Registration and Transcript

Management System that lead to provide a solution to the problem encountered in Cavendish

University Uganda by migrating the inefficient system to modem system with the integration of

the language barrier-free software and tree tier Architecture. This will contribute positively to

mission and Vision, to become a Centre of excellence in the region.

This Academic research has been successfully achieved with a practical solution using different

technologies model such as the Contextual model as well as the Conceptual model of the process

and data security feature imbedded.

xiv

Page 16: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

xv

Page 17: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

As the size and complexity of today's modem science and technology increase many countries

have opted for economy diversity through science and technology especially in the field of

infonnation and technology. This project goes with the aims to consolidate and coordinate the

state's information technology resources in order to realize the larger road map for the country

into the future.

It is in this framework that we found much better the fact of making The Cavendish University

Uganda (CUU) one of among higher institution of education in Uganda which has data to store

for their student but till now it's difficult to access those data; for example if someone want to

get access on student's records only one possibility is to be in touch with the office in charge.

CUU as on organization it's a franchise university affiliated to cavendish college London, it's

started in 2008 at Wandegeya ar1d Muyenga was a study centre for post graduate. Now it shifted

to Nsambya opposite the American embassy. Approximately CUU has 1500 students with over

110 teaching staff. CUU is always thirsty for improving the quality of academic activities

through the computerization of registration system ar1d academic statements of results. The

customers always need to be served quickly with quality of services.

Hence the solution we are proposing "Software for mat1aging the information about student

registration at1d !rat1script management" will contribute highly positively to the chat1ges which

CUU wish to achieve in the Academic purpose. The CUU has mat1y department which include

academics affairs this one has registration at1d transcripts management under its responsibilities.

Is in this department where my work titled

"A scalable knowledge-based student registration and exarnination results mat1agement system

for an academic institution" has been done.

1

Page 18: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

For registration of students the following consideration need to be made:

• CUU is open to any student fulfilling the admission requirements the university give

admission to full time students, part time students, auditors and foreign students.

• To be admitted to a bachelor's degree program in CUU a student has to provide a valid

Uganda certificate of secondary education giving eligibility to higher education or any

other certificate deemed equivalent.

• No one can be admitted to courses and examination m the faculty if he/she 1s not

registered in CUU registrar's office.

Registration shall involve the following process:

► Student shall pay their fees by deposing the required amount into the university's

bank account. Such payment shall be made p1ior to the commencement of the

semester for which the fees are due and the bank slip produced for issuance of an

official Cavendish University Uganda receipt at the time of registration. No cash

payment shall be received at the university.

► The student shall be issued with a fee clearance slip signed by the person issuing

receipts. Such shall only be issued on payment of full fees for the semester in

question.

► Registration fees and other required fees shall be detennined every year by CUU

Board of Directors and made known to the public prior to the beginning of

registration.

► Expect with the written authority from the Rector a student who fails to register shall

not have access to any University activity facilities.

equired Documents (RD):

Ile registration for the full-time and part time students shall provide the following document:

I. One notaiized copy of the secondary and high school certificate or any other certificates

deemed equivalent;

2

Page 19: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

2. One copy of transcripts of the last secondary school year and/or higher education year

where necessary;

3. One copy of identity card or passport;

4. Four passpo1t size photographs;

5. Proof of payment of registration fee;

6. One plastic file

Required document for an auditor's registration are as follows:

I. Two copy of identity card or passpo1t;

2. Three passport size photographs;

3. Proof of payment of fees

For subsequent registration, the student shall provide:

I. Proof ofrequired fees and tuition payment;

2. Two passport size photographs.

The sh1dents shall also notify to the registrar's office of any change occun-ed for his/her file to be

updated.

Required documents shall be submitted to the registrar's office.

Cancellation of a student registration can occur at any time during the academic year after

noticing a false statement on the student's part during registration, or any serious violation of

registration regulations. Cancellation shall be declared by the Academic Vice-Rector on the

decision of the executive Council.

1.2 Statement of the problem

As the system of registration and management of transcripts is manual the different problems

come out:

3

Page 20: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

• Difficult to manage the data since they are not stored in appropriate manner

• Difficulty to recover a student's information in case of need

• The calculation of a student's average is some time erroneous

• Difficult to generate the repmts that must contain all details what takes a lot of time since

the infonnation are filed separately and that are often erroneous.

• Difficulties to generate the transcript,

• The big paper store of transcripts and Enrollment fonns

• The distribution of enrollment forms and the transcript takes a lot of time

• Difficult to give the general transcript to the students because the notes are saved on

different excel files.

• Difficult to serve a big number of students because the system is manual.

1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General objectives

The objective of this project is to design and implement an interactive Computerized Software

for Student Registration and Transcript Management of CUU that the academic affairs could use

to manage Students record and generate the Academic Transcript. The system will be able to

register a Student, updating its infonnation and managing the Academic Transcript day and time.

The system is a typical client-server application with a web-based front-end for the user and a

database backend.

1.3.2 Specific objectives

• To improve efficiency of Student registration and information management.

• To improve the processing of academic operation.

• To provide up-to-date information for enquiries.

• To help academic staffs for quick access Students' information.

• To reduce time and cost during registration process.

4

Page 21: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

• To rep01i on registration statistics and academic performance.

• Render the students the services fast and efficient at the time of the enrollment, the

management and the distribution of transcripts.

• To assure the security of data.

• To make available the fonn of enrollment and the transcript on line

1.4 Hypothesis of the Project

The hypothesis of this work is as follow: "In order to reach our objectives for facilitating

registration and transcript management, a" Student Registration and Transcript Management

Information System'' will help Cavendish University Uganda to maintain a best lever of success

in academic affairs".

1.5 Project scope and outputs

The computerized registration and transcript management software has the objective of carrying

out the access of registration fonn and transcript on line, follow up the changes on transcript and

registration.

The system will be an integrated web based solution having n-tiered software architecture with

relational database management system (RDBMS). The Graphical User Interface (GUI) has user

friendly and the rep01i engine should supp01t the generation of reports in which can be used by

generic applications like PDF.

The implementation of the registration and transc1ipt management software should result the

following outputs:

Provide infonnation about registration and transcript management:

✓ Providing the transcript

✓ Providing the form of registration at time

✓ Providing the general transcript

✓ Providing the list of the students ordered by the faculty

✓ Providing the list of all students

5

Page 22: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

✓ Providing the student having second sitting etc ..... .

It is extremely imp01iant that this system is very easy to use and provides useful feedback at all

times. Also errors should be avoided.

About geographical limitation, I orient my study at Cavendish University Uganda as a private

Institution legging to offer excellent quality in Education; the system will also have an ability to

be suppo1ied with all Internet browsers.

1.6 Structure of the Works

This research work contains four chapters. The first chapter gives the general description of the

work, the second chapter will be coming to highlight in details how the existing system of

registration and transcript management works. While passing there, we'll explain some details on

CUU academic affairs.

The third chapter will be coming to propose solutions to problems found in the existing system.

This means that it is in this chapter that methods and data collection techniques accompanied by

procedures are all used in solving problems that were found in the existing system. It is in the

same chapter that definitions of key words used in this project will be found. Then the fomih

chapter will come to highlight the implementation of the new conceived registration and

transcript management software which will be developed to uproot constraints found in the

existing system and to add more facilities for Requesting, bid analysis. It is after this chapter

that a Conclusion and recommendation related to results of the project will be drawn.

6

Page 23: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

CHAPTER TWO

EXISTING STSYTEM OF REGISTRATION AND TRANSCRIPT MANAGEMENT.

2.1 Introduction

Today's academics activities involve many competitors. Timely and wise decision based on the

accurate rep011s is the secret behind success in academics. However, it has been realized that it is

very hard and even nearly impossible to produce accurate repo11s without a computerized

registration and transcript management system.

2.2 The description of Cavendish University Uganda

2.2.1 History of Cavendish University Uganda

"CUU" was established in Uganda on 2008 at Wandegeya and Muyenga was a study centre for

post graduate students.It's is a franchise University affiliated to Cavendish College London. It

has others branches in different country like in Zambia, Tanzania.

CUU shifted at Bgaba road in 2010 opposity the American embassy. It's approximately 1500

students with over 110 teaching staff. It's has so many different courses and it's host different

student from diffirent country

The Academic office develops the Cavendish University Academic calendar, the university has

four Intakes, The January, April, July and September intakes.

2.2.2 THE VISION

To provide high quality tertiary British Education and Training to the post Secondary school, in­

service manpower, cmporate training and Consultancies, Research and development.

To enhance the human and ecological livelihoods for sustainable development.

2.2.3 THE MISSION

To be the leading quality provider of business/management education and training in Eastern,

Central and Southern Africa and Afiica generally.

7

Page 24: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Be the Harvard of Africa.

2.2.4 THE VALUE STATEMENTS:

To deliver the Vision and Mission we must embrace the following values.

Place the interests of CUU above our own and ensure it grows to be a strong and viable entity.

We seek to impart knowledge, reason and understanding in the markets we operate so that peace

and development is fostered for all humankind. Practice a high degree of professionalism

through the establishment of a meritocracy in the business and investment in CUU staff.

To value the diversity of skills, experience and cultural background of our customers and staff.

2.2.SPrograms

Postgraduate Courses (MIT, MSc, MBA, Post Graduate Diplomas) taught and by research,

including specialized management qualifications.

Taught postgraduate courses operate within the University's postgraduate modular schedule A

wide range of postgraduate programmers are available leading to masters, postgraduate degree,

postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate. Programmes normally begin in September

although we also have intakes in January and April.

While our programmers run for an average of 45 weeks, you could gain your postgraduate

degree in less than one year. We are currently working towards offering a PhD (Doctor of

Philosophy). For more infonnation please contact the the Admissions Office.

Undergraduate courses (BA and BSc) and International Foundation courses:

The 4 year Extended Degree is intended for applicants who left school or the fu1ther education

sector without the nonnal qualifications for entry to higher education, but whose work

experience and other attributes give the University confidence in their ability to complete

satisfactorily a programme of higher education.

Diploma and national diploma

8

Page 25: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

There are no entry requirements for the diploma courses, but you must be suitably prepared for

study at professional level. You are expected to have studied to at least HNC/HND level, or to

have had equivalent practical experience. Individual course desc1iptions will tell you more about

the requirements.

Are you a working adult and seeking for an opp01tunity to get promoted on the senior level or

moving onto a better position? Maybe you are an individual who is always pushed back only

because you don't have a higher education degree. Cavendish University can help you out!

2.3 Existing system problems

After analyzing the existing system, we have found some problems:

• Difficult to manage the data since they are not stored in appropriate manner

• Difficulty to recover a student's infonnation in case of need

• The calculation of a student's average is some time e1rnneous

• Difficult to generate the reports that must contain all details what talces a lot of time since

the infonnation are filed separately and that are often erroneous.

• Difficulties to generate the transcript,

• The big paper store transcripts and Enrollment forms

• The distribution of enrollment forms and the transcript talces a lot of time

• Difficult to give the general transcript to the students because the notes are saved on

different excel files.

• Difficult to serve a big number of students because the system is manual.

2.4. Solution to the problems

After detecting all those problems, we have seen that the use of software is necessary for

removing them and help the academic department workers to improve transaction processing of

9

Page 26: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Registration of Students and Transcript Management. That's why this software will help the

Students to access the fonn of registration and transcript online, follow up and monitoring of all

CUU academic activities. In addition the infonnation recorded will be used in generation of

dynamic repmis required at time.

10

Page 27: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

CHAPTER THREE

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF THE NEW SYSTEM

3.1 Introduction

Automation is considered as one of the best ways of meeting increased demand for better

service. It will create an integrated student registration and transcript management system to

enhance the quality of the service and productivity in general. The automatization of student

registration and transcript management system will be able to provide efficient and effective the

infonnation essential to carry out all the infonnation about student. This paii deals with

techniques applied in analysis, data modeling and normalization of student registration and

transcript management system.

Within this application a database will be indispensable and the entire project will be grounded

in this database. That is the main reason why we have to ai1alyze all processes that will take

place, how they will be processed and where the outcome will be stored in order to use this later.

3.1.1 Methodology and technical

In programming, methodology is defined as an organized documented set of procedures

and guidelines for one or more phases of the software life cycle, such as analysis or design. The

following techniques and methods were used in the "CSRTM" analysis and design:

a. Merise

MERISE is a method of design, development ai1d realization of data-processing projects. The

goal of this method is to conceive ai1 information system. MERISE method is based on the

separation of data ai1d processes to be carried out in several conceptual logical and physical

models.

MERISE method was created between 1978-1979, during a national consultation launched in

1977 by the ministry oflndustry with ai1 aim of choosing companies of data processing

consultant in order to define a method of design of infonnation systems. The two principal

compai1ies having developed this method is the CTI (Technical Center of Data processing)

11

Page 28: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

charged to manage the project, and the CETE (Center of Technical Studies m Equipment)

established in Aix-en-Provence, France.

b. Interview

The technique of interview is a formal meeting in person used to gather information or facts

about a specific subject. This technique has been helpful in tenns of infonnation gathering on

cuu.

c. Documentation

This was the main method used when collecting secondary data from rep01is, files and official

documents of CUU relevant to this work. Consulting documentations about registration and

transcript management activities in Uganda, news aiiicles on Internet, reading library and books

at1d different thesis related to the use of JCT in registration and trai1script maiiagement has been

one of the preferable techniques used to carry out this reseai·ch work.

d. Observation

Has also been a tool so importai1t in developing this reseai·ch as it is in a scientific research, one

cannot do anything without relying on observation as it is among the tools that help us in

mastering the existing system.

3.1.2 Requirements Analysis

The purposes of this are:

• To determine the data requirements of the database in te1ms of primitive objects

• To classify and describe the infonnation about these objects

• To identify and classify the relationships among the objects

• To determine the types of transactions that will be executed on the database and the

interactions between the data

• To identify rules governing the integlity of the data

12

Page 29: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

3.1.3 Steps of Building the Model of Data

There is no standard process for building model of data. That's why some methodologies, such

as MERISE, specify a bottom-up development process. The sequences used for this method are:

1. Identification of data objects and relationships

11. Drafting the initial ER diagram with entities and relationships

111. Refining the ER diagram

1v. Add key Attributes to the diagram

v. Adding non-key att1ibutes

v1. Diagramming Generalization Hierarchies

v11. Validating the model through normalization

v111. Adding business and integrity rules to the Model

3.1.4 Modules Specification

3.1.4.1 Student Basic information management

Student basic information Record, this section may contain the complete identification of a

student, it is a softcopy of the registration fonn i.e.: names, registration number, picture, etc

Other basic infonnation record (faculties, departments, courses, Teachers infonnation record ... )

Academic Student Progress Record of all student lifecycle including level progress, graduates

and dropped student. ..

3.1.4.2 Registration & Enrollment

This module manages the registration and admission process of both new and the old students.

Old and new students are automatically treated differently based on the pre provided

infonnation.

3.1.4.3 Student Transcripts Management

This module will help to automate the students' marks ently and storage centralized in the

Examination Officer. Academic ti·anscripts are the expected outcome of this module and also to

13

Page 30: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

be able to trace logical archives regarding students' marks. The system provides the following

types of transcript:

Semester Transcript

.HarksCar + JfarksE.rcun Averge = ----------, 100

.·Vumb2r of course~ 100

Providing only the average of student in a chosen semester and year

Annularly Transcript

.MarksCat + AfarksE:rarn Averge = ---------- • 100

Nu-mberofcourse;; 100

Providing only the average of student in a chosen year means the average of two semesters

General Transcript

Mo.rksCat + MarksExam Averge = ---------- , 100

.\!wnber of course< 100

Providing the accumulated average of student in different years.

Where the marks cat are the marks obtained in the cat

Where the marks exams are the marks obtained 111 the exam and Number of course 1s the

maximum course programmed in a given semester.

3.1.3.4 School Fees Payment Management

This module has to be flexible enough to accommodate the varying nature of fee payments of

CUU Students.

The module automatically calculates the pending fees, last fee payment details, deductions for

the selected student. In addition to the above, the modules have to manage groups' payment from

the various sponsors.

Amount Remiin!ng = Max to paid-Amount Paid

Where the Amount remaining is the amount rest to pay (the balance)

14

Page 31: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Max to be paid is the School fees required to pay

Amount paid is the amount deposit by student at a given bank.

3.1.4.5 Reports

The Repo1t Module is a vital module of Student Management Software which generates

numerous reports that includes fee details, student details, and many more.

This tool will be customized to the need of CUU, and reports are generated in a printable format

and also in an expmt format. The Repo1t Module includes the following printable reports;

Student Details: The student report displays the report regarding students. This section has the

following repo1ts:

Admitted list

Student by group (department, sponsor ... )

Gender Wise

Dropped list

Graduates list

Complete Student Details

Mark Sheet Repo1t:The mark sheet report displays the report regarding class wise mark sheet.

This section includes the following reports:

Academic Transcript

Class Wise

Data analysis Reports: for cross tab data presentation

Depaitment

Sponsors

Age

Sex

15

Page 32: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

3.2. Data flow diagram

Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) are a graphical/representation of systems and systems components.

They show the functional relationships of the values computed by a system, including input

values, output values, and internal data stores. It's a graph showing the flow of data values from

their sources in objects through processes/functions that transfo1111 them to their destinations in

other objects.

Some authors use a DFD to show control infonnation, others might not. A DFD can be seen as a

method of organizing data from its raw state.

3.2.1. Steps for Developing DFDs:

3.2.1.1 Requirements determination

This is the result of the preceding phases. Through different techniques, the analyst has obtained

all kinds of specifications in natural language. This phase never stops until the construction of

the DFD is completed. This is also a recursive phase. At this moment, he should filter the

infonnation valuable for the construction of the data flow diagram. He should order the different

data by Initial definition of:

Entities

Related activities

Data flows

Names

Constraints

Data stores

3.2.1.2 Divide Activities

Hereby, the analyst should separate the different activities, their entities and their required data.

The completeness per activity can be achieved by asking the infonnant the textual specification

with the lacking components in the activity.

16

Page 33: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

3.2.1.3 Model Separated Activities

The activities have to be combined with the necessary entities and data stores into a model where

input and output of an activity, as well the sequence of data flows can be distinguished. This

phase should give a preliminary view of what data is wanted from and given to whom.

3.2.1.4Construct preliminary context diagram

The orgm1ization-level context diagram is very useful to identify the different entities. It gives a

steady basis in entity distinction and name giving for the rest of the construction. From here on,

the analyst cm1 apply his top-down approach and start a structured decomposition. This is the

process of organizing the diagrams into a hierarchy of increasingly detailed views of processes.

3.2.1.5 Construct preliminary level O diagrams

The overview, or parent, data flow diagram shows only the main processes. It is the level 0

diagram. This diagram should give a 'readable' overview of the essential entities, activities and

data flows. An over-detailed level O diagram should generalize appropriate processes into a

single process.

3.2.1.6 Deepen into preliminary level n diagrams

This step decomposes the level O diagrams. Each parent process is composed of more detailed

processes, called child processes. The most detailed processes, which cannot be subdivided any

further, are known as functional primitives. Process specifications are written for each of the

functional primitives in a process.

3.2.1.7 Combine and adjust level 0-n diagrams

During the structw-ed decomposition, the creation of the different processes m1d data flows most

often generate an overlap in names, data stores m1d others. Within this phase, the analyst should

attune the separate parent m1d child diagrams to each other into a standm·dized decomposition.

The external sources m1d destinations for a parent should also be included for the child processes.

3.2.1.8 Combine level O diagrams into a definitive diagram

The decomposition m1d adjustment of the leveled diagrams will most often affect the qum1tity

m1dnmne.

17

Page 34: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

3.2.1.9 Completion

The final stage consists of fanning a strnctured decomposition as a whole. The input and output

shown should be consistent from one level to the next.

The result of these steps, the global model, should therefore obey all the decomposition rules.

3.2.2. Some DFD rules

I. Know the prupose of the DFD. It detennines the level of detail to be included in the diagram.

2. Organize the DFD so that the main sequence of actions reads left to right and top to bottom.

3. Very complex or detailed DFD's should be leveled.

4. Identify all manual and computer processes (internal to the system) with rounded rectangles

or circles.

5. Label each process symbol with an active verb and the data involved.

6. A process is required for all data transformations and transfers. Therefore, never connect a

data store to a data source or destination or another data store with just a data flow arrow.

7. Do not indicate hardware or whether a process is manual or computerized.

8. Ignore control infonnation (it's, and's, or's).

9. Identify all data flows for each process step, except simple record retrievals.

I 0. Label data flows on each arrow.

11. Use data flow an·ows to indicate data movement, not non-data physical transfers.

12. Dot not indicates file types for data stores.

13. Draw data flows into data stores only if the data store will be changed.

14. Indicate external sources and destination of data, when known, with squares. 15. Number

each occurrence of repeated external entities.

15. Number each occurrence of repeated external entities.

16. Do not indicate persons or places as entity squares when the process is internal to the system.

Data flow diagram will support 4 main activities:

18

Page 35: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Analysis: DFD is used to determine requirements of users

Design: DFD is used to map out a plan and illustrate solutions to analysts andUsers while

designing a new system

Communication: one of the strength of DFD is its simplicity and to be understood by analysts

and users;

Documents: DFD is used to provide special description ofrequirements and system design.

DFD provide an overview of key functional components of the system but it does not provide

any detail on these components.

We have to use other tools like database dictionary to get an idea of which infonnation will be

exchanged and how it should be exchanged.

3.3 Components of data flows diagram

Process: A process transfonns incoming data flow into outgoing data flow.

Data store: Data store are repositories of data in the system. They are sometimes also referred to

as files.

Dataflow: data flow is a pipeline through which packets of infonnation flow.

External entity: external entities are objects outside the system, with which the system

communicates; external entities are sources and destinations of the system's inputs and outputs.

,.. -- - -- - ....... , '

' J , ' ... _____ _

: Process

: Data store

: Data flows

: External entity

19

Page 36: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Figure I: drawing of data flows

3.3.1 Registration process:

Data flow diagram for school fees or admission fees Payments at bank

-------, ,.,,. Student ' ' ' ------ ---•

,

' ' , ,

Bankslipj

1 1 I Cashier

Recording student info

' Stoking bank slip

2 I Cashier I I

Printingthe Slip

D~ BankSlip

Figure 2: Data flow diagram for school fees or admission fees Payments at bank

Each student asking for admission should pay the admission fees at given bank, the students

admitted to CUU campus must pay the maximwn of school fees and registration fees following

the above diagram the student admitted to the CUU should validate his registration each year by

accessing CUU registration and transcript management software in other to validate its

registration. The student that has finished validating its registration should pass to the accow1ting

office in other to check if he was paid the maximum of school fees required then he returns in

registrar's office to get a whack as shown below.

20

Page 37: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Data flow diagram for school fees and registration fees Payments at campus

~- .. ----- ... 1 ,,, Student ';.., ____ A_sk_f_o_rp_a_s_s_do_c_u_m_e_n_t--,

--- -- -- L ' I

A coo of oass ocument

1 I Accountancy Stokfng a cop• of bank sfip

Recording Bank Slip I Dll Bank Slip

I Pass documents I

Pass documents

• 2 I Registrar's office

Stoking a copy of a whack Printing pass document .,

I D2 Pass document

I Students with a whack

Figure 3: Data flow diagram for school fees and registration fees Payments at campus

Chef accounting should check if the maximwn of school fees has been deposit at the bank by

recording all bank slip infonnation then he gives a pass document to the student. After, the

student returns to the registrar's office to take his whack that allow him to attend all campus

activities.

The emolment process works as flow:

Students send an application form, the application fonn containing their Personal details and

their desired courses. The university checks that the course is available and that the students have

necessary academic qualifications. If the courses are available the student is emolled in the

course, and the university confirms enrollments by sending a confirmation fonn to the student. If

the course is unavailable or registration not confirm the student is sent a rejection fonn or letter.

21

Page 38: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

a) Registration for new students

Data flow diagram of new student's registration

------(,,.~ ... New student

, ... --- ---- -'

' ' , ,

AccessingRtuc web srte

1 !student

Filling the admission form

t

Ust of admrtted students

Checking admitted !!st sending the data to the rtuc server

2 I registrar's office

I 01 I lfst of admitted Checking new students

I documents

Admission letter and registration number/ adr tssion rejected

Figure 4: Data flow diagram of new student's registration

This diagram shows the process of new student registration. Means before accessmg CUU

student registration software you should be admitted at CUU campus. In other to be admitted to

CUU campus you are requested to submit all required documents as illustrate in chapter 2 of this

project.

After Registrar's decision the candidate should be admitted or rejected the list of admitted

student (candidates) with the registration Number will be available on the CUU Website the

admitted student has full access to the student registration and transcript management software

because they have a registration number and can print they admission letter.

b) Registration for Admitted Students

fhe students admitted to the CUU have a full access to the CUU online student registration and

ranscript management software to validate its registration. Each student admitted to the CUU

22

Page 39: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

has its own registration number that can be used as user name in other to access online student

registration management software.

In other to validate your registration flow the following steps:

Open CUU web site

Click on CUU online student registration link

Enter your user name and password if your user name and password are valid the new fonn is

opened then you fill the required information check if the courses programmed are in your field

depending to your semester, year studying and department

After that you may print the summary of your registration by clicking on the button called print

summary.

23

Page 40: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Data flow diagram for admitted Students

--Student

--- -- ---• -' ' , -

i pplication details

Application details

•• 1 I Identification Recording

Check user name and password

- ',.,:,; ~~i~~- I -

2 J Student

Check the course Available

~

course details

D l J Courses details

3 I Registrar Course enrollment details

Enrol Students

F egistration confinnedI 2 I student file

I --·· ,.,"'""" r Figure 5: Data flow diagram for admitted Students registration

System level O DFD

External entity: Students

Process: Check course available, Enroll Student, Check registration number and password

24

Page 41: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Data flow: application Fonn, Course Details, Course Enrolment Details, Students Details,

Confimmtion Rejected letter.

Data store: Courses and Students.

Student Registration Transactions

The registration transaction inquiry screen displays all transaction that affect a student's

registration including add, drops, withdrawals, and restriction ove!1'ides. When you specify the

student number, you will see all registration transactions for that student for the current qumier in

the order of transaction date/time.

Departmental Registration

The departmental registration screen (window) allows authorized academic personal to register

eligible student for any of the depmiment's courses,the screen (window) the first day of

registration period through the fifth day of the qumier. After date time passes, the student must

make a schedule changes through the registrar's office. The depmimental registration form

(screen) displays the student's eligibility status for registering the student's current schedule

(programme) and the status of courses offered by the department.

' ,_

-------Student

-----,------

search result

Search crttena l l Studentdetai!s

~--,----~--~~ 1 I Registrar/Dean

r---''-'-====::.:_---L---11

1 D1 I studentdetal!s: Searching student

I

I

Figure 6: Data flow diagrmn for reaching a student

In other to sem·ch student in CSRTM© Soft you may use a given criteria for exmnple ID Student

(registration number), nmne etc

25

Page 42: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

' '

Data flow diagram for Transcript Management

-------- -, , Teacher ' ' ' ' -, ---- ------.,

' 1 J Examination office

Student Doing an Exam

I M: rks returned to the students Exam/work corrected

2 I Teacher's Office n . ' -

Marks marking

'

Student

3 [ Examination office

Marking the marks in data base

Marks details 4 I Examination office

D Transcript Preparation of transcript

Transcript printed I

Figure 7: Data flow diagram for Transcript Management.

Each teacher of course should prepare the exam or works then he give it to the student, after the

exam or a work the copy of exam or booklet are returned to the Teacher of the course for

cmrnction.

After COJTection and marking the Notes are returned to the students in other to check if they are

satisfied by the marks before submit it to the examination office.

26

Page 43: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

The final notes are submitted to the examination office in other to record (save) it into the

database and prepare the academic transcript then the student may get their transcript in

examination office or in the CUU web site.

3.4. Data modeling

A model of data is a conceptual representation of data strnctures that are required by a database.

The data structures include the data objects, the association between data objects, and the rules

which govern operations on the objects.

As the name implies, the data model focuses on which data that is required and how it should be

organized rather than what operations will be perfonned on the data. To use a common analogy,

the data model is equivalent to an architect's building plans. A model of data is independent of

hardware or software constraints.

Rather than try to represent the data as a database would see it, the data model focuses on

representing the data as the user sees it in the "real world". It serves as a bridge between the

concepts that make up real-world events and processes and the physical representation of those

concepts in a database. Data modeling is probably the most intensive and time consuming pmt of

the development process.

An accepted saying among practitioners is that you should no more build a database without a

model, than you should build a house without blueprint. The goal of the data model is to make

sure that all data objects required by the business function are completely and accurately

represented. A poorly designed database will require more time in the long run. Without careful

plmming, you may create a database that omits data required to create critical reports, may

produce results that are incorrect or inconsistent, or is unable to accommodate changes in the

user's requirements.

The conceptual level

Two models are used on this level:

- The Conceptual Model of Data (CMD) which is a description of the data and relations, it is this

model which is used to model a data base.

27

Page 44: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

- The Conceptual Model of Processes ( CMP) is the description of the dynamic part of the

infonnation system and described the actions to be carried out on the data, and expresses the

translation of the mies of management composing the activity of the company. The

organizational or logical level

The choices of organization are taken into account in this level:

-The distribution of the processes between the people and the machine

- Operating mode (real or differed time)

- The assignment of data and processes

Two models are associated in this level:

- The Logical Model of Data (LMD) takes again the formalism used in the CMD, but which

takes account of other constraints (rights of access, site, etc)

- The Organizational Model of the Processes (OMP) represents by procedure the phases and the

tasks catTied out by each working station

Operational or physical level

The physical level in this level, the choices of the technical tools is defined.

3.4.1 Conceptual Model of Data (CMD)

The CMD is the model of MERISE method which enables to obtain a diagram of a database. The

aim is to describe the infonnation used by an orgat1ization in a way which is not governed by

implementation-lever issues and details. To catry out a good CMD makes it possible to be

ensured of the quality of a data base: logic, redundat1cy, etc.

3.4.2 Basic concepts of conceptual model of data

-Entity: an entity is an object with a clean existence which the orgat1ization has to deal with.

- Attribute: Attributes are pieces of infonnation about entities. Means the items of infonnation

which characte1ize at1d describe entities. Attributes will give rise to recorded items of data in the

database.

28

Page 45: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

-Relationship: a relationship between entities is an association perceived in reality between two

or several occnrrences of entities.

-Cardinalities: The cardinalities of an association make it possible to specify the number of

occmTences of the object which are in relationship with the occurrences of another object.

One indicates in first the minimal cardinality and seconds the maximal cardinality.

-Occurrence: An occnrrence is an individualized object of that specific object.

-Identifier: it is a particular property of the entity such as to each value of the prope11y

corresponds one and only one occurrence of the entity.

Legend

Entities:

Relation Between entities: J

Cardinalities of an association: 1, n

29

Page 46: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

I I FacultyName I I StudentPassword bank name 1, r 1, 1 1, 1 -

AmountDepsosit I Maxtobe_paid

1,1 Log Pay AmountRemaining

Have Observation

1, n 1, n Reason

' STUDENTS Have I ' Table Register <, H DEPARTMENENT Teach l I

ldstudent Academic year LastName ldDepartment 1, n RtucRegNumber FirstName Studv Namedepartment Sector Dob 1, 1 n District Place_ ofbirthSector

Teachers Province Place_ ofbirthDistrict Study Status Place_ ofbi rthProvince

Code Teacher Sponsor Place_ ofbirthCountry I, n Name Teacher PhoneNumber Marital_Status Surname Work_experience Idea rd_or _passportld ' PhoneNumber MARKS Section Sconda ry _studies COURS level_Teacher Fm::ail Section_or combination

Totalcredit Domanin ' - 1, n ldCours NumDiploma_or_Certificate

MarksCat Accacth_Degree PointObtained

MarksExam ldsemester Picture University_study

Total_Cat_Exam I, n Year_study Decision_and_comments

Observation NameofCourse 1, n Picture Credit ' Attache_document MaxCat

Nationality MaxExam Teach

Sex Tnt::al l,n Email RP.ainnirn,VP::ir

Figure 8: Global Conceptual Model of Data

30

Page 47: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

3.5. Logical model of data (LMD)

At this level, the data modeler attempts to desc1ibe the data in as much detail as possible, without

regard to how they will be physically implemented in the database. In data warehousing, it is

common for the Conceptual model of data and the logical model of data to be combined into a

single step.

The steps for designing the logical model of data are as follows:

Identify all entities.

Specify primary keys for all entities.

Find the relationships between different entities.

Find all attributes for each entity.

Resolve many-to-many relationships.

In this model, an entity is represented by a table, attributes or properties are called fields and the

identifier is the primary key.

ACCOUNTING (FeesID, Jc!.s.!l!c!.ep!#, DatePayment, bank_name, AmountDepsosit,

Maxtobe_paid, AmountRemaining, Observation, Reason)

COURS (IdDepartment#, IdCours, Idsemester, Year study, NameofCourse, Credit, MaxCat,

MaxExam, Total)

DEPARTMENTS (IdDepartment, Namedepaiiment, FE~l!l!YJc:!lt)

LogStudent (Accademic Year#, RtucRegNumber#, StudentPassword)

MARKS (Idstudent#, IdCours#, Idsemester#, Year study#, Totalcredit, MarksCat, MarksExam,

Total_ Cat_ Exam, Observation)

31

Page 48: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

STUDENTS (Idstudent, LastName, FirstName, Dob, Place_ofbi1ihSector, Place_ofbi1ihDistrict,

Place_ ofbirthProvince,

Scondary _ studies,

Place_ ofbi1ihCountry, Marital_ Status, Idcard _ or _passp01iid,

Section_ or_ combination,NumDiploma _ or_ Certificate,PointObtained, University study,

Decision_and_comments, Picture, Attache_document, Nationality, Sex, I.9p_epi\1:!121~Qtt/, Email,

Begi1ming Year).

Table Classes (Classeid, ClassName, IdDegmiment#)

Table_ Register (Accademic Year, RtucRegNumber, Classeid#~ ClnssName#, Idstudent#, Sector,

District, Province, Status, Sponsor, PhoneNumber, Work_experience, Section, Email)

TEACHERS (CodeTeacher, Name, Surname, PhoneNumber, level_Teacher, Domain,

Accacth Degree, Picture)

TEACH (CodeTeacher#, IdCours#, Idsemesten't, Year study#)

TEACH2 (IdDegartment#, CodeTeacher#J

Table Faculties (Facultyid, FacultyName)

Figure 9: Logical Model of Data

3.6. Physical model of data

The Physical Model of Data is used to design the internal schema of a database, depicting the

data tables (derived from the logical data entries), the data columns of those tables (derived from

the entity attributes), @d the relationships between the tables (derived from the entity

relationships).

The features of the physical model of data include:

Specification of all the tables @d colunms

Foreign keys are used to identify relationship between tables.

32

Page 49: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Physical considerations may cause the physical model of data to be quite different from the

logical model of data.

At this level, the data modeler will specify how the logical data model will be implemented in

the database schema.

The steps for physical data model design are as follows:

Convert entities into tables.

Conve1i attributes into columns.

Modify the physical model of data based on physical constraints.

33

Page 50: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

- i i ,i ,4,4-.) l""I .. , po=v .. i;: ""

I

,na -nruna .. oc iH H'J t H p : d

Page 51: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Table l: Data Dictionary

FIELD TYPE OBSERVATION CONSTRAINT

JNTING FeeslD nvarchar (20) identification of fees PK

Id student nvarchar (20) representing the student FK

Date Payment nvarchar (20) differentiation of date not null

Bank_name nvarchar (SO) identifying the bank not null

AmountDeposit numeric (18, 2) amount deposited by a student not null

Maxtobe_paid numeric (18, 2) maximum fees to be paid null

AmountRemaining numeric (18, 2) amount remaining null

Observation nvarchar (40) observation null

Reason nvarchar (Max) reason of payment null

ldDepartment nvarchar (20) representation of department FK

ldCours nvarchar (20) identifying course from another PK

ldsemester nvarchar (20) identifying the semester PK

Year_study nvarchar (20) identifying year of study PK

NameofCourse nva rcha r ( MAX) name of course not null

Credit nvarchar (20) number of credit null

MaxCat float maximum marks of cat not null

MaxExam float maximum marks of exam null

Total float Total marks of cat and exam not null

~ENTS ldDepartment nvarchar (20) identifying the department PK

Nameaepartment nvarchar \"VJ name ot department not nu11

Facultyld nvarchar (20) represent the faculty FK

35

Page 52: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

tudent AccademicYear int !identifying the year of registration FK

RtucRegNumber nvarchar (SO) Rtuc registration number PK

StudentPassword varchar (10) password used to log PK

!KS ldstudent nvarchar (20) Pin number of student FK

ldCours nvarchar (50) Code of Course FK

ldsemester nvarchar (20) Semester identification FK

Year_study nvarchar (20) identifying the studying year FK

Totalcredit nvarchar (20) Total creadit of each course null

MarksCat decimal (18, 2) Marks of obtained in Cat not null

MarksExam decimal (18, 2) Marks obtained in Exam not null

Total_Cat_Exam decimal (18, 2) Total marks at exam and cat not null

uoservat,ons char\b/ uoservat1on at marKs not null

NTS ldstudent nvarchar (20) Identifying student to another PK

LastName nvarchar (SO) Last name or student not null

FirstName nvarcnar (SO) First name at student not null

Dab nvarchar (SO) Date of birth of student null

Place_ ofbirthSector nvarchar (SO) Sector of birth not null

Place_ofbirthDistrict nvarchar (50) District of birth not null

Place_ ofbirthProvince nvarchar (SO) Province birth not null

Place_ ofbirthCountry nvarchar (SO) Country of birth not null

Marital_Status nchar (10) Status of Student not null

Jdcard_ or _passportld nvarchar (SO) Number of your ID card/Passport not null

Scondary _studies nvarchar (Max) Secondary school 3 last year null

Section_or_combination nvarchar (20) option/Combination null

NumDiploma_or_Certificate nchar (20) Number of Diploma/certificate not null

36

Page 53: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

PointObtained float National Exam Marks obtained null

University_study nvarchar (MAX) University study before RTUC null

Decision_and_comments nvarchar (MAX) Registrar's Decision not null

Picture image Students Picture not null

Attache_document image Student's Document not null

Nationality nvarchar (20) Student's Nationality null

~ex cnar \l) ~tuaent s ~ex null

ldDepartment nvarchar (20) Student's Chosen Department not null

Email nvarchar (50) Student's Email null

BeginningYear nvarchar (20) Year of Beginning not null

~ttribuer_Cours ldstudent nvarchar (20) Student pin Number not null

CourslD nvarchar (20) Course Code not null

Course nvarchar (50) Course Name not null

~emester nvarcnar \LU) ~emester stuaymg not null

uepartment nvarcnar \LU) uepartment not nu11

YearStudy nvarcnar {20) Year ot Study not nu11

:lasses Classeld nvarchar (20) Class identification PK

ClassName nvarchar (20) Class Name PK

ldDepartment nvarchar (20) Student's Department FK

acuities Facultyld nvarchar (20) Faculty identification PK

FacultyName nvarchar (50) Faculty Name not null

egister AccademicYear nva rcha r (20) identifying the year of studying PK

RtucRegNumber nvarcnar \20) laenti,ying tne stuaent in RTUC PK

Classeld nvarchar (20) Class identification FK

ClassName nvarchar {20) Class Name FK

ldstudent nvarchar {20) Student's Pin Number FK

Sector nvarchar (50) Residence Sector not null

37

Page 54: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

District nvarchar (50) Residence District not null

Province nvarchar (50) Residence Province not null

Status chars (10) Status student/not not null

Sponsor nvarchar (50) Student's Sponsor not null

PnoneNumaer ncnar \15) Students Pnone Numaer null

Work_experience nvarchar (MAX) Student's Experience null

section ncnar \WJ I section day/evening not null

Email nvarchar (MAX) Student's Email null

RS Code Teacher nvarchar (20) identifying each teacher PK

Namel nvarchar (SO) First Name of Teacher not null

Surname nvarchar (SO) last Name of Teacher not null

PnoneNumoer ncnar \20) Teacner s Pnone Number nu11

Level_Teacher nchar (10) Teacher's Level null

Domain ncnar \LU/ I eacner s Domain nu11

1 Accactn_uegree rmage -, eacner's aocuments not nulr

Picture image Teacher's Picture not null

Code Teacher nvarchar (20) identifying each teacher FK

ldCours nvarchar (20) Course Code FK

ldsemester nvarchar (20) Semester FK

Year_study nvarchar (20) Year of Study FK

idDepartment nvarchar (20) Department code PK, FK

Code Teacher nvarchar (20) identifying each teacher PK, FK

38

Page 55: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

3.7 Conceptual model of processes (CMP)

The conceptual model of processes allows the dynamic processes of the information system,

which is to say operations that are achieved according to events. This model permits to represent

in a schematic way the activity of a system of infonnation without making reference to the

organizational choices. It permits to define what must be made merely, but it doesn't say when,

how nor where this was carried out.

Internal event

Processes

Synchronization

External event ,

I

' ',

V ------

-----Figure 11: drawing of Conceptual Model of Processes

Clarifications

- Event: an event can be external or internal according to whether it comes from the external or

the system itself.

- Synchronization: The synchronization of an event defines a Boolean condition on the

contributive events having to trigger an operation. It is about events governed by a logical

condition dete1mined by these operators: Or, and, and none.

Processes: it is set of actions executed by the system following an event or to a conjunction of

events.

CMP: Process of new student Registration

39

Page 56: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

, ' '

-------------- -------Student Registration '\ , "' Registration

, ' ... __ -------------- ' document ', ------

Internet Checking

OK OK

Admission form Not accessible

' ' I , ,

--- -- - -- - - - ----------Printer available Form completed

------------

Checking student's Document

Always

Admission letter and

Registration Number

40

' I ,

Page 57: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Figure 12: CMP for New Student Registration

CMP: Process of School fees and admission fees payments

, {

------------ ----Student Registration

, ' , ' {

/ I , ' --------------

And

Check Bank Slip

Maximum Half Paid

Paid

Pass document

--------- --Date of payment of

remaining

-------------

Date of payment

' ' ' { ,. ,

-- --- --- - ----- ... , ' Half accepted ',

I /

-------------And

Chip/jetton printing

Always

Jetton/chip

Figure 13: CMP School fees and admission fees payments

41

Page 58: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

MCP: Process of admitted Students Registration

, (

'

-------------Form filled ' ' --- ------- ------------------------- -- - - - -- - - --- ---

STUDENTS REGISTRATION Students Details

--- -------------------- .... _____________ ...

And

Check Course Available

Always

... -- - - - -- - - -,

Course Details , " Course selected \

-----------

Enroll Students

Always

' \ , ,

' l ,

--------------Course Enrolment

Details

And

,, ',

Students Details ..... ____________ _

Registration of student

OK

Confirmation

document

42

OK

Rejection

message

', l ,

Page 59: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Figure 14: Process of admitted Students Registration

MCP: Process for Transcript managements

-------Preparation of ' ' I

I

, I

'

---------Student details

Exam/work done

Always

Booklet I

And

, , , -----

Student

details

------

Exam/work corrected

Always

-------

' ' I ,

' ' ' I ,

/

, , Marks Marked ' ' ' --- ---------I

' ' ,, ,

, ' Printer available -,,

I , Marks Details .... _____ --- -- ---- - - - -----

Transcript printing

------ ..... Students ' I

I ' , ', , .. _____ ...

Preparation of Transcript

Transcript

Printed

Figure 15: MCP for Transcript managements

43

Page 60: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

3. 7.1 Assembling the process decomposition diagram

Figure 16: Assembling the process decomposition diagram

3.8 Organization model of processes (OMP)

The diagram shown is there to represent Organizational Model of Processes that is to be done in

the system. It is there for describing properties of untreated data of processes that had not been

treated by the Conceptual Model of Processes.

Concept and the Symbols Used

C: Computerize

M: manual worker

44

Page 61: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

PERIOD TASKS NATURE MORK STATION

Place Actors Resources

At the

... -= --...... ---·-----------/,,.,,,. Student ',, ✓,,,,, ... Dateofpayment ....... \

\ Registration~, ',, ofremaining ,,' ... ... ... ... ... __________ ... ... ____________ _

~1/ Check Bank Slip CA counter accountant hand+ Check

Beginning Max paid !Half Paid

of year -----1 ~ Pass document Date of payment

\_ ,,--~:~f~ccepted------,;

\l----- ____ , ~~~1/ ---------

After bank Chip/jetton printing BA Accountancy I accountant computer+

Slip checked Always

.! office printer+paper

Jetton/chip

45

Page 62: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

PERIOD TASKS NATURE MORK STATION

Place Actors Resources ---- ----- --- -- ' - ' -✓ - Student Registration ' ✓ ' \ ' Registration ' \ ' ' ,' I

I ' ---__________ --( ,J ',, document _ ,' .. ----------At the ~1/ C Registrar's Student Computer+

Internet Checking Beginnin office Forms

OK I OK

OfSemes er

1 ~cNot accessible Admission form

--------------<\)--,;;; ;;-~;,;;,;----, .,,.. .... ' ✓ ,' Printer available ~ , _____________ _,

'---------------~ ~

After Checking student's Document M Registrar' Registrar Check

Always Admissio

\..,. Office

Admission letter and

Reeistration Number

46

Page 63: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

PERIOD TASKS NATURE WORK STATION

Place Actors Resources -------,,,.-- - ... ', Form filled ~

------------:---- ---:=-------,✓-- STUDENTS ':~ 1'' Students ',, I / I ', REGISTRATION ,/ ",, Details ,,'

',,_ --- ll -----------------

At beginning ~ny

M Registrar Students Check Check Course Available

Of each Always

Semester ( -------,, , '

Course ~ w"'~ ; :~l~~t~~ _, _,, Details

After course ~n1/ C Registrar Students Computer

Checked Enroll Students

Always

;

47

Page 64: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

After

Enrolment

Course

Enrolment

And

,

' ------

Students _______ ....

Registration of student

OK

Confirmation

document

OK

Rejection

message

' ' I ,,

C

48

Registrar' Registrar Computer

Office

Page 65: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

PERIOD PROCESS NATURE WORK STATION

PLACE ACTORS RESOURSES ----------... -------- ... /' ... Preparation of ... \ /,,. Student ... \

I\ 1

',,, :~a~!~~:k~-; ;-~~t~i~s- __ _,, I

~1/ At examination Exam/work done M examination Supervisor Student

Period Always

Room of exam

'""" ~ ,:--;,~;;;,~;~,;;-:, '')- - - - - -----

~1/ Exam/work corrected

After correctirn M Teacher' office Teacher Teacher Always

;

49

Page 66: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

After Marking

Marks

Details

, --, ' / Marks \ .. ----- .... \ "..... ...., \-~~r~=~--\, Student ,'

• ~ f ------

~1/ Transcript printing

Always

; Transcript

Printed

Table 2: Organization Model of processes

C Examination

Office Examiner Computer

so

Page 67: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

CHAPTER FOUR:

ASSESSMENT OF RESULTS AND TESTS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter consists in highlighting the obtained results, tools and procedures used to value

these results in order to succeed unto findings. This chapter contains tools used for the

development of this application and means of test used in order to be sure with the accuracy of

its performance.

4.2 Overview of technologies used to develop CSRTM© software system

To develop the Procurement software, we used different tools to know:

Microsoft Visual C#.Net 2008 for the conception of the graphic interface allowing the users to

interact with the system;

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for the creation of the database;

Crystal Rep01ts for the generation of the reports.

HTML for inserting the links

4.2.1 Microsoft Visual Studio.net

Visual Studio is a complete set of development tools for building ASP.NET Web applications,

XML Web Services, desktop applications, and mobile applications. Visual Basic, Visual C++,

Visual C#, and Visual J# all use the same integrated development enviromnent (IDE), which

allows them to share tools and facilitates in the creation of mixed-language solutions. In addition,

these languages leverage the functionality of the .NET Framework, which provides access to key

technologies that simplify the development of ASP Web applications and XML Web Services.

51

Page 68: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

4.2.2 Microsoft Visual C#.Net 2008

Microsoft Visual C# 2005, pronounced C sharp, is a programmmg language designed for

building a wide range of applications that rnn on the .NET Framework. C# is simple, powerful,

type-safe, and object-oriented. With its many innovations, C# enables rapid application

development while retaining the expressiveness and elegance of C-style languages.

Visual Studio supports Visual C# with a full-featured Code Editor, project templates, designers,

code wizards, a powerful and easy-to-use debugger, and other tools. The .NET Framework class

library provides access to a wide range of operating system services and other useful, well­

designed classes that speed up the development cycle significantly.

4.2.3 Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Microsoft Visual Studio includes native suppo1i for data programming with Microsoft SQL

Server. It can be used to write and debug code to be executed by SQL CLR. It also includes a

data designer that can be used to graphically create, view or edit database schemas. Queries can

be created either visually or using code. SSMS 2008 onwards, provides intelligence for SQL

queries as well.

SOL Server Management Studio is a GUI tool included with SQL Server 2005 and later for

configuring, managing, and administering all components within Microsoft SQL Server. The tool

includes both script editors and graphical tools that work with objects and features of the server.

SQL Server Management Studio replaces Enterprise Manager as tl1e primary management

inte1face for Microsoft SQL Server since SQL Server 2005. A version of SQL Server

Management Studio is also available for SQL Server Express Edition, for which it is known as

SQL Server Management Studio Express (SSMSE).

A central feature of SQL Server Management Studio is the Object Explorer, which allows the

user to browse, select, and act upon any of the objects within ilie server. It can be used to visually

observe and analyze query plans and optimize the database perfmmance, among others. SQL

Server Management Studio can also be used to create a new database, alter any existing database

schema by adding or modifying tables and indexes, or analyze perfonnance. It includes ilie query

windows which provide a GUI based interface to write and execute queries.

52

Page 69: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

4.2.4 Crystal Reports

Crystal Reports for Visual Studio is the custom version of Crystal Reports that is available as

pmt of the default installation in most versions of Microsoft Visual Studio.

If you upgrade to Crystal Repo1ts Developer, you have access to additional features and an

updated repmting component within Visual Studio.

Crystal Reports for Visual Studio .NET 2002 , 2003 , Crystal Repmts for Visual Studio 2005 m1d

Crystal Repmts for Visual Studio 2008 include mm1y of the features of Crystal Reports

Developer. These include the ability to create repo1ts, connect them to a C1ystalReportViewer

control, and progrmnmatically interact with these repmts using the Crystal Reports SDK.

4.3 Features of crystal reports for visual studio

Crystal Reports for Visual Studio 2008 comes with powerful features. For a list of features that

are new to Crystal Reports for Visual Studio 2008.

A common standard file fonnat allows for feature-rich reports that contain data retrieval criteria,

grouping, summary, parameter, m1d drill down, and sub repmt linking information.

An embedded Crystal Reports designer, assisted by wizards and expe1ts, builds complex report

files easily.

Data a11d .NET Dataset connections use the Database Expert to easily interact with a wide variety

of database protocols, as well as proxy data in the fonn of ADO.NET Datasets.

Dataset processing speed has been significa11tly improved in Crystal Reports IO m1d Crystal

Reports for Visual Studio 2005.

Repmt viewers display Crystal reports on fonns, in both Web and Windows applications.

A Crystal Reports SDK interacts with and modifies reports progrmnmatically. Use one of four

different object models, each with increasing levels of complexity and power.

An exporting feature exports data from the CrystalReportViewer control to Word, Excel, PDF,

a11d HTML, a11d Crystal Reports formats.

53

Page 70: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

The ability to print from the CrystalReportViewer control enables page-based report p1inting

from any Web or Windows application.

Prompts for missing parameters and database logons from the CrystalRepmtViewer control

allow reports, which have missing parameters or database information, to be easily cmrncted and

displayed.

Multilingual client support allows you to configure the CrystalRepmtViewer control so that other

languages can be displayed in the Tool Tips, determined by the client browser, the ASPX page,

or the environment settings for the machine.

Repmt Web Services, from an ASP.NET Web Service project, allow you to create a project, add

a Crystal Repo1t, and publish it as a Web service.

Cristal Services allows programmatic access to your reports through a web service.

Merge module deployment ensures the correct Crystal Reports' components and assemblies are

added to a Web or Windows application that is created in Crystal Reports for Visual Studio

2005.

Scalability is offered through optimizations that are available within Crystal Reports for Visual

Studio 2005, or by upgrading to another solution in the Crystal product family.

Seamless migration is possible from previous versions of Crystal Reports for Visual Studio 2005.

Projects created in previous versions of Crystal Reports for Visual Studio .NET is supported at

runtime without requiring design-time modifications.

4.4 Test of CSRTM© software

A test in programming is a manual or automatic process, which aims to establish that a system

verifies properties required by the specification, or to detect differences between results

generated by the system and those waited by the specification.

In order to minimize risks of bugs in programming and verify the confonnity of the intermediate

or final product with the manual of the application, many tools and methods have been created.

54

Page 71: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

The capacity of the product to resist different rises is also paii of the test engine that a solution

must pass to before being set up.

In general, tests are there in order to check out whether solutions awaited in order to improve the

existing system have been acquired in the new developed application.

A perfect software product is built when every step is taken with full consideration that 'A light

product is developed in a 1ight manner'.

'Software Verification & Validation' is one such model, which helps the system designers ai1d

test engineers to confinn that a right product is build right way throughout the development

process and improve the quality of the software product.

'Verification & Validation Model' makes it sure that, certain rules ai·e followed at the time of

development of a software product and also makes it sure that the product that is developed

fulfills the required specifications.

This reduces the risk associated with any software project up to ce1iain level by helping in

detection ai1d correction of e1rnrs and mistakes, which are unknowingly done during the

development process.

Verification

The stai1dard definition of Verification goes like this: "Are we building the product RIGHT?"

Verification is a process that makes it sure that the software product is developed in the right

way. The software should confinn to its predefined specifications, as the product development

goes through different stages, an analysis is done to ensure that all required specifications are

met.

Methods and teclmiques used in the Verification and Validation shall be designed carefully, the

plmming of which starts light from the beginning of the development process. The Ve1ification

part of 'Velification and Validation Model' comes before Validation, which incmporates

Software inspections, reviews, audits, walkthroughs, buddy checks etc. in each phase of

verification ( every phase of Velification is a phase of the Testing Life Cycle)

55

Page 72: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

During the Verification, the work product ( the ready paii of the Softwai·e being developed and

various documentations) is reviewed/examined personally by one or more persons in order to

find and point out the defects in it. This process helps in prevention of potential bugs, which may

cause in failure of the project.

Few tenns involved in Verification:

Inspection:

Inspection involves a team of peoples, led by a leader, which fonnally reviews the documents

and work product during various phases of the product development life cycle. The work product

and related documents are presented in front of the inspection team, the members of which can-y

different inte1pretations of the presentation. The bugs that are detected during the inspection are

communicated to the next level in order to take cai·e of them.

Walkthroughs:

Walkthrough can be considered same as inspection without fonnal preparation (of ai1y

presentation or documentations). During the walkthrough meeting, the presenter/author

introduces the material to all the participants in order to make them familiar with it. Even when

the walkthroughs can help in finding potential bugs, they are used for knowledge sharing or

communication pmpose.

Buddy Checks:

This is the simplest type of review activity used to find out bugs in a work product during the

ve1ification. In buddy check, one person goes through the documents prepared by another person

in order to find out if that person has made mistake( s) i.e. to find out bugs which the author

couldn't find previously.

The activities involved in Ve1ification process are: Requirement Specification verification,

Functional design ve1ification, internal/system design verification and code verification (these

phases can also subdivide further). Each activity makes it sure that the product is developed right

way and every requirement; eve1-y specification, design code etc. is verified!

56

Page 73: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Validation

Validation 1s a process of finding out if the product being built 1s right?

Whatever the software product is being developed, it should do what the user expects it to do.

The software product should functionally do what it is supposed to do; it should satisfy all the

functional requirements set by the user. Validation is done during or at the end of the

development process in order to determine whether the product satisfies specified requirements.

Validation and Verification processes go hand in hand, but visibly Validation process starts after

Verification process ends (after coding of the product ends).

Each Verification activity (such as Requirement Specification Verification, Functional design

Verification etc.) has its corresponding Validation activity (such as Functional

Validation/Testing, Code Validation/Testing, System/Integration Validation etc.).

All types of testing methods are basically canied out during the Validation process. Test plan,

test suits and test cases are developed, which are used during the various phases of Validation

process. The phases involved in Validation process are: Code Validation/Testing, Integration

Validation/Integration Testing, Functional Validation/Functional Testing, and System/User

Acceptance Testing/Validation.Tenns used in Validation process:

Code Validation/Testing:

Developers as well as testers do the code validation. Unit Code Validation or Unit Testing is a

type of testing, which the developers conduct in order to find out any bug in the code

unit/module developed by them. Code testing other than Unit Testing can be done by testers or

developers.

Integration Validation/Testing:

Integration testing is carried out in order to find out if different (two or more) units/modules co­

ordinate properly. This test helps in finding out if there is any defect in the interface between

different modules.

57

Page 74: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Functional Validation/Testing:

This type of testing is carried out in order to find if the system meets the functional requirements.

In this type of testing, the system is validated for its functional behavior. Functional testing does

not deal with internal coding of the project, instead, it checks if the system behaves as per the

expectations.

User Acceptance Testing or System Validation:

In this type of testing, the developed product is handed over to the user/paid testers in order to

test ii in real time scenario. The product is validated to find out if it works according to the

system specifications and satisfies all the user requirements. As the user/paid testers use the

software, it may happen that bugs that are yet undiscovered, come up, which are communicated

to the developers to be fixed. This helps in improvement of the final product.

58

Page 75: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Soitmre Verification & Valida!ion J,10,jel -t11 ln!roductwn

"'"~-~~-~~--~---------- . ''1

i Requlrrm~11t Spedfication gatheri112 J _ \'~rify

I '-----,---VeriliratiDn Validation

7 Funrtianal Derign

Verify functional Testing

'---------' ------- ----- - -----------f-----------1 Funrtional Del"ign

V~rifiration

i I Internal System Dt1ign Sperifira!ion I Verify t

Validation

/ Inugratfon forlng

'--------'! ....... J

fotmial Sy5trm l)f$i!II Sprdfirntion ! ~i ________ _j

foifo1i;n I I V.\lidation

\ ~7~--~·

Coding

Cod, I

Code Veriliration Validatfon

'---Verif·---~

'Verifita1ion & Vatida1iun MuJ~!'

Commencal use of images is slrtcfly prohibM @2000-2009. 2010 8uWe.com~ · PJI rtghls resmed.

Figure 17: Stages of Testing

http://www.buzzle.com/showimage.asp?image=2335

59

Page 76: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

4.5 Features of CSRTM© software system

The CSRTM© software system is designed to facilitate the Academics activities of the

registration office and the transcript management whose objectives include cairying out the

access to the form of registration, follow up; monitoring of all RTUC Academics activities, this

software will enable them to produce the report needed at any time or period.

The implementation of CSRTM© softwai·e requires the installation ai1d configuration of the

CSRTM© software .After installation; the rightful user can start using the system through the

interfaces provided by the system itself.

The CSRTM© software is a Client/Server system that can be accessed from any Workstation on

the network by simply Accessing RTUC web site on the client computer and setting up

connection to the server using the file that is provided by the program itself after its installation

or Configuration.

When are you connected to the system, you are automatically presented the page (interface)

depending to your 1ight and then you can start working with the system.

4.6 The CSRTM© software system windows interface

Windows fonns ai1d controls have been utilized to provide an interface for the CSRTM©

software system users. They serve whenever a user needs to enter data in the system, ret1ieve

some infonnation or cany out different commai1ds against the system.

60

Page 77: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

4.7 Presentation of CSRTM© software

For beginning this software there is a home page interface you click on academic to start

CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY UGANDA

CA VEN DISH UNIVERSITY

UGANDA

Registration

CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY UGANDA

Title .:]

First name

Last name

Gender Ferrele .:]

Address

Town

Country

COMMENTS ACADEMICS REGISTER

61

Page 78: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Postcode

Intake

Tel

Email

' ' §_end I Beset j

Figure l 8: Welcome Page

Admin Authentification fonn

This is the form (interface) which helps to login in the system. Before using this program you

must be in the database as Administrator, users or students with your username and password.

First Name

Last Name

Login

Password

Confinn Password

Figure 19: Login admin Page

62

Page 79: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Administrator interface

This is the main form for administrator from which he can access the others forms.

It contains menu part from where you choose the form you want to access.

IFILE ►

Figure 20: Admin interface

Asking for admission form

User Name

Password

Cominn Password

I Create User j I Edit User j

I Remove User I

Figure 21: asking for admission Form

Student Authentication Form

Figure 22: Students Authentication Form

4.8 Software/hardware compatibility requirements

Client Machine

-Any Operating System

-CPU: Pentium III or superior version.

63

IREPORT ►

Page 80: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

-RAM: 512 MB or superior.

-HDD: the free space on Hard Disk must be at least 2 Go.

-Any internet browser and internet connection

Server

-The Operating System: the WINDOWS 2003 or other any operating system.

-Microsoft SQL Server 2005

-HDD: the free space on Hard Disk must be at least 4Go

-RAM: !GB or more.

-Any internet browser and internet connection

4.9 Results found

After having done the tests of the software, we valued the results got to verify if the software

answers the problems specified before. In the second chapter, we raised the problems that the

existing system meets and now we are going to explain the solutions that we put in place.

As solution to the problems, we automated all processes from request up to distribution while

using the computer. The user chooses the criteria of request done and he gets all information in

some microseconds. The systems indicates infonnation about Registration and transcript

management and provide same information in accounting office of School fees payments, Shows

In addition, to facilitate the follow up of purchase, while this is Web based application many

users must use this software so that all concerned can access the database simultaneously in

order to avoid the loss of time.

64

Page 81: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION

A scientific research work is always W01ih of conclusion and some recommendations. The

automation of registration and transcript management system is one of the means to lead to an

effective and sustainable development. With the integration of the language barrier-free software

in the management of registration and transcript, Cavendish University Uganda will notice

significant improvement. The design and the development of a software capable to deal with

difficulties encountered by Registration and Examination office in their daily activities has been

carried out in order to provide a better solution to the problems said before.

This product is imp01iant for development and maintaining a best level of success in Academic

activities by providing the result as: Help the academic affairs (Registration and Examination

office) workers to improve the processing of Registration and Transcript management, used tc

allow the access to the f01111 of registration, follow up and monitoring of all CUU Academic

affairs activities. In addition the information recorded will be used in generation of dynamic

reports required at time.

Also the main objective of this research work was to model a system that could provide solutions

to the problems of the manual system that we have stated before. Our objective has been

achieved because we have developed and tested the CSRTM© software system with sample data

with successful results (outputs).

To reach our objectives, the methods of interview and the documentary helped us to really

understand how the existing system is working. MERISE method helped us also in the analysis,

conception and development of the new system. The main objective of this scientific academic

research was to design, implement an interactive Automation of Registration and Transcript

Management System that lead to provide a solution to the problem encountered in Cavendish

University Uganda (CUU) by migrating the inefficient system to modem system with the

integration of the language banier-free software and tree tier Architecture. This will contribute

positively to mission and Vision, to become a centre of excellence in the region.

65

Page 82: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

This Academic research has been successfully achieved with a practical solution using different

teclmologies model such as the Contextual model as well as the Conceptual model of the process

and data security feature imbedded.

RECOMMENDATION

We have done an application of registration and transcript management that is going to facilitate

the activities of its users. However, we cannot say that this work is perfected and exhaustive. By

using this application all academic information will be always available or accessible at time

Thus, it will be possible to make a request and the CUU societies can give and get their

information needed in analysis using our application.

In order to reach a brighter future, it recommended:

► To the institution/ other academic organization

As technology processes and all operation styles are changing through use of lnfonnation

teclmology, there is a need to change the traditional models of practice in modem data

organizational to play a significant role, thus, infonnation technology today represents a

powerful means for growth, development, and modernization of Uganda Country.

► To the future researcher

For further research, we are suggesting to enhance this system by adding new features

which are coming out especially in networking and security field whereby Bank reconciliation is

mergmg.

► To the Community

The infonnation Technology 1s clearly considered as a key growth area in this century,

specifically, in a dynamic business organization, Academic institutions and highly competition

environment which requires utilizing advanced ICT to improve efficiency and effectiveness, and

to present high quality products and services; adopt it.

66

Page 83: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

ELECTRONIC REFERENCES

W3C (2003, May 14). Web Services Architecture. Available:

http://www.w3.org/TR/2003/WD-ws-arch-20030514/

Arsanjani, A. (2004, Nov 9). Service-oriented modeling and Architecture - how to identify,

specify, and realize services for your SOA. Available:

https://www.ibm.com/develope1works/library/ws-soa-designl

http://www.commentcamarche.net

http://msdn.microsoft.com

http://www.koening-solutions.com

http://www.developpez.com

http://www.webopedia.com

http://www.google.com

http://www.wvi.org

http://www.buzzle.com/showimage.asp?image=2335

BOOKS

A Graphical Database Design Aid using the Entity-Relationship Model, Edward P.F.Chan,

Frederick H.Lochovsky, ER!979

Cours Methodologies de conception de systeme d'infmmation, UAAC, Ngabo A.

SEBAHASHYI. (2006).

Cours Analyse des programmes et specification, Ngabo A. SEBAHASHYI. (2001-2002)

Course of data base management system, UAAC, NGEND NGEND LUCK. (2009).

67

Page 84: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

Course of software engineering, AUCA, NG END NGEND LUCK. (2009).

Data Management Infonnation System a project submitted in the folfillment of the requirements

of the award of bachelor's degree in information technology at UAAC, 2007, PRIZER ET

PATRICK.

MERISE an Information System Design and Development Methodology,

Arnold ROCHFELD, ER1986

Zimmermann, 0. (2004). Elements of Service-Oriented Analysis and Design, IBM Developer

works.

[!] 'Database System Concepts', Mc Graw Hill Publications, 4th Edition. By Silberschatz,

Korth, Sudarshan

[2] 'Fundamentals of Database Systems', Addisonwesley publishing company by Ramez

Elmas1i, Shamkant B. Navathe.

68

Page 85: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRES FOR UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS

I am MUTIGER WA RACHEL, a 3rd year student at Kampala International University pursuing

a degree in Business Computing. I am carrying out research on the scramble knowledge based

student registration and examination resultants management system for an academic institution.

The questionnaire is specifically for academic purposes and all information received shall be

kept confidential.

Tick (✓) where necessary and (x) cross where it is not applicable.

a) What is your marital status?

Single ( ) Married ( ) Divorced ( )

b) Sex: Male ( ) Female ( )

c) Age range; 15-20 ( ) 21 - 24 ( ) 25 -33 ( ) 33 & above ( )

d) Occupation: Employed ( ) Unemployed ( )

e) Level of education: Primary ( ) Secondary ( ) University ( ) none ( )

I. How relevant is the application of online student registration with newly emerging

technologies?

II. in your opinion, has the online registration enhanced the data processing capabilities of

Cavendish University?

69

Page 86: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

III. Create a comparative analysis of the levels of new software applications within the spectrum

of the lifecycle of the application process?

IV. What role does IT play universally in the general organization of the University? Does it

have a huge impact on the institutional capability?

Yes D No, D explain

V. Is there any role which is played by the institution to help improve the IT services and

especially the Cavendish University student registration process If there is state.

Yes D NO D , state

APPENDIXB

AN INTERVIEW TO THE ADMINISTRATORS, CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY

I. What could be the possible solutions towards the bulk process of managing data and how is it

effective in detennining the relevance of the institutions work?

2. From the doctrinal point of view, does the media influence the training of the university

students and the staff in the ways of managing and enhancing the online student registration

processes?

70

Page 87: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

3. How does the use of relevant software help to establish the important principles of developing

the approp1iate online registration pmial?

4. What is the approximate number of applications that can be effectively managed by the online

registration system without having the process getting errors?

5. In the previous years, how has the trend of managing the filing systems being evaluated by the

university?

6. Are the activities of the institution, as at your time framework and if yes, explain this in detail?

Explain these factors in details

71

Page 88: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

APPENDIXC

AN INTERVIEW TO THE STUDENTS

I. (a) State your academic level/status (b) Indicate your marital status .................... .

2. Indicate your position in the division ............................... .

3. Explain briefly the key mechanisms that the administration will apply in order to create an

automated system that will post results online in real time

4. How does the administration in the various departments delivery absolute system that is

devoid of eJTors yet it still give optimum results? If ware of any relevant method, then how do

they do this, if not then why?

5. Give your preferences about the relevant online strategies put in place to help give error free

results while at the same time minimizing costs and exploring specific occmTence rates?

72

Page 89: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

6. Do you have specialized mechanisms within the depaiiments which will give you a secured

application system? Does this system enhance the pe1fonnance expectations of the organization?

If yes, explain?

7. How has the rise in the application of student registration system enhanced the both academic

ai1d institutional perfonnance?

8. Are the student application services provided free or there is some sort of subscription from

the online system?

9. How has the government influenced the provision of online registration services to implement

the absolute registration process?

D Successfully D Unsuccessfully

73

Page 90: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

APPENDIXD

COST AND PHASES

The research will involve a lot of movements from one area to another. So as to gather adequate

information about the topic, following amount will be required;

Description/item Amount (USHS)

Transport 50000

Stationery 10000

Preparing questionnaires 85000

Printing 50000

Miscellaneous 10000

Total 205000

The research will be cmried out in four in four phases

TIME FRAME( 4 PHASES)

PHASES DURATION ACTIVITY

I st phase 2 weeks Data collection

2nd phase 2 weeks Data interpretation and analysis

3rd phase !week Compiling the rep01t

4th phase !week Presentation

74

Page 91: A SCALABLE KNOWLEDGE-BASED STUDENT REGISTRATION …

APPENDIXE

TIME SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Month and year Activities

June 2011-July 2011 Research proposal w1iting

July 2011 Questionnaire preparation and pre-testing

August 2011 Data-collection

September 2011 Compiling the data

October 2011 Write up dissertation

November 2011 Submit the dissertation

75