CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Online Help Desk is a web application for holding discussion and posting user
generated comments. Internet form is also commonly referred to as web ‘Help Desk’ or
discussion forum or simply forum. The term Help Desk may refer to the entire
community or a specific sub-forum dealing with distinct topic. Message, within the sub-
forum are then displayed either in chronological order or as threaded discussion.
Online Help Desk, The Department of Computer Studies as a case study, is a useful
educational tool for student interaction, peer guidance and active learning in school.
Active learning requires structured educational activities that allow student to develop
their skills in a peer driven environment guided by an instructor or a moderator.
This project is that of developing a web application where individual or student can share
problem and find the solution to it among them by posting a discussion. The web
application can be run on the Localhost Server and be accessible suing an internet
browser as well.
It will also be a cross platform sign it is an internet based system that required only
browser on the client systems. The system will be user-oriented rather than computer
staff oriented system.
It is like a resource, centre where user get access to tips and tricks of how to solve certain
problem covered by the discussion forum.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The major problem faced by student in the department with the manual method
helping each other either in their courses i.e. teaching themselves a particular topic or the
other is by sitting down in face to face and explained to each other. Sometime the student
that knows the course may not be available and it will be so difficult for them to learn.
Now since it is Online Help Desk; what the student need is to just login into the website
directory and post the problem in which some other student members who knows
solution to the problem can then reply back.

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1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY
The online Help Desk serves as educational tool, for student interaction, peer guidance
and active learning in the classroom. Active learning requires structured educational
activities that allow student to development this skill in a peer driven environment guided
by a teacher or instructor.

1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVE

Aim of this project is to ‘Develop an Online Help Desk’ through which students can
interact after lectures. The objectives are:
1. Create a medium for knowledge sharing amongst the student of The Polytechnic,
Ibadan, Oyo State. Nigeria thereby creating an interdepartmental/school relationship
student of various departments.
2. provide an avenue for interaction amongst student where every valid student can
login and either make contribution to the solution of the problem of an individual or
seek for solution to his/her own problem by posting it on the forum for other to
proffer possible solution.
3. Creating an active learning environment that provides a unique forum of
communication that complicate classroom discussion and lesson and also create an
intellectual space is both interactive and reflective.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

This project is designed to cover area like courses taught in the school, social events,
students association and sports. This project focuses on the development of Online Help
Desk.

1.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.

In the course of gathering data, I interviewed various students from different department
to gather necessary information in order to design effective system. Also I observed the
system personally to note the shortcomings of the system.

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1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Internet: is interconnection of various networks
2. Web Application: is an application that is accessed via web over a network such as
the internet or intranet (i.e. it runs on a web browser).
3. Forum may refers to the entire community or a specific sub-forum dealing with
distinct topic
4. Internet forum is a web application for holding discussion and posting user generated
content
5. Online forum is a web application for holding discussion and posting user generated
contact. Internet forum are also commonly referred to as web forum, message boards
discussion board, discussion forum.
6. Forum administrator typically has the ability to edit, delete, move or otherwise modify
a thread on the forum.
7. Moderators, have a subject of the power of an administrator, which may include
editing, deleting and moving threads, mass pruning, warming members for offences
and changing minor forum details.
8. A thread is an electronic discussion in a hierarchy by topic.
9. Network: Network is a collection of computer network and devices, connected by
communication channel that facilitates communication among user resources with
other users.
10. Website: (by the AP books). Website is a collection of related webpage, images,
video or other digital asset that are addressed relative to a common uniform resource
URL, often consisting of only the domain name or the IP address and the root path in
an internet protocol base network.

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 CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
The internet is often described as a whole bunch of cables running around the
entire globes connecting millions of computer to each other. The net (as it is also called)
was originally conserved and established as the ARPA (Advanced Research Project
Agency) by U.S defense department in 1967 to aid researches to share each other’s
computer facilities over long distance.
The development of communication protocol called Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP) and an addressing protocol called Internet Protocol; (IP) in 1975 which
later become the dominant standard for connecting computer network allowed the
internet to grow from the original four host computer (the central computer in network) in
1969 to over 3,000,000 host bytes and of 1990 and a growth rate 2,000 percent in
10years. (Askew et al. 1998).
Net surfing is becoming the most modern, easiest and widest form of acquiring
information globally. There is no limitation to the kind of information that can be
obtained from the web, may it be; news, employment opportunities, almost anything can
be obtained through the web. This great advantage of the internet makes it possible to
share interest and ideas with people around the globe, for commercial reasons, the web
among things therefore enhance access ability, improve tangibility and grant globe
endurance of over 50million users.

2.1 WEB APPLICATION

A web application is an application that is accessed via web browser over a network such
as the internet or an intranet, (i.e. it runs on a browser supported by a server). In contrast,
web application dynamically generates a series of web documents in a standard format
supported by common browser such as HTML/XHTML. Client-side scripting in a
standard language such as hypertext employed to add dynamic element, to the user
interface.

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Generally, each individual web page is delivered to the client as a static document, but
the sequence of pages can provide an interactive experience, as user input is returned
through web browser interprets and display the page, and acts as the universal client for
any web application.

2.2 STRUCTURE OF WEB APPLICATION

A web application is commonly structured as a three-tiered application. In it’s most
common form. A web browser is the first tier, an engine using some dynamic web
content technology (Such as ASP, ASP, NET, CGI, Cold fusion, JSP/Java, PHP, Python
or ruby on rails) is the middle tier, and a database is the third tier. The web browser send
request to the middle tier, which services them by making queries and updates against the
database and generates a user interface.

Forum structure

A forum consists of a tree like directory structure containing at the lowest end topics
(commonly called threads) and inside them posts. Logically forums are organized into a
finite set of generic topics (usually with one main topic) driven and updated by a group
known as members, and governed by a group known as moderators. It can also have a
graph structure. All message boards will use one of three possible display formats. Each
of the three basic message board display formats: Non-Threaded/Semi-Threaded/Fully
Threaded, has its own advantages and disadvantages. If messages are not related to one
another at all a Non-Threaded format is best. If you have a message topic and multiple
replies to that message topic a semi-threaded format is best. If you have a message topic
and replies to that message topic, and replies to replies, then a fully threaded format is
best.

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User groups

Internally, Western-style forums organize visitors and logged in members into user
groups. Privileges and rights are given based on these groups. A user of the forum can
automatically be promoted to a more privileged user group based on criteria set by the
administrator. A person viewing a closed thread as a member will see a box saying he
does not have the right to submit messages there, but a moderator will likely see the same
box granting him access to more than just posting messages.

An unregistered user of the site is commonly known as a guest or visitor. Guests are
typically granted access to all functions that do not require database alterations or breach
privacy. A guest can usually view the contents of the forum or use such features as read
marking, but occasionally an administrator will disallow visitors to read their forum as an
incentive to become a registered member. A person who is a very frequent visitor of the
forum, a section or even a thread is referred to as a lurker and the habit is referred to as
lurking. Registered members often will refer to themselves as lurking in a particular
location, which is to say they have no intention of participating in that section but enjoy
reading the contributions to it.

Post

A post is a user-submitted message enclosed into a block containing the user's details and
the date and time it was submitted. Members are usually allowed to edit or delete their
own posts. Posts are contained in threads, where they appear as boxes one after another.
The first post starts the thread; this may be called the TS (thread starter) or OP (original
post). Posts that follow in the thread are meant to continue discussion about that post, or
respond to other replies; it is not uncommon for discussions to be derailed.

On Western forums, the classic way to show a member's own details (such as name and
avatar) has been on the left side of the post, in a narrow column of fixed width, with the
post controls located on the right, at the bottom of the main body, above the signature
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block. In more recent forum software implementations the Asian style of displaying the
members' details above the post has been copied.

Most forums keep track of a user's postcount. The postcount is a measurement of how
many posts a certain user has made. Users with higher postcounts are often considered
more reputable than users with lower postcounts. Some forums have disabled postcounts
in the hopes that doing so will reduce the emphasis on quantity over quality of
information.

Thread

A thread (sometimes called a topic) is a collection of posts, usually displayed from oldest
to latest, although this is typically configurable: options for newest to oldest and for a
threaded view (a tree-like view applying logical reply structure before chronological
order) can be available. A thread is defined by a title, an additional description that may
summarize the intended discussion, and an opening or original post (common
abbreviation OP, which can also mean original poster) which opens whatever dialogue or
makes whatever announcement the poster wished. A thread can contain any number of
posts, including multiple posts from the same members, even if they are one after the
other.

A thread is contained in a forum, and may have an associated date which is taken as the
date of the last post (options to order threads by other criteria are generally available).
When a member posts in a thread it will jump to the top since it is the latest updated
thread. Similarly, other threads will jump in front of it when they receive posts. When a
member posts in a thread for no reason but to have it go to the top, it is referred to as a
bump or bumping.

Internet Forums as New Means of Communication

An Internet forum is a web application for publishing user-generated content under the
form of a discussion. Usually, the term forum refers to the entire community of users.
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Discussions considering particular subjects are called topics or threads. Internet forums
(The Latin plural fora may also occasionally be used) are sometimes called web forums,
discussion boards, message boards, discussion groups, or bulletin boards. Internet forums
are not new to the network community. They are successors of tools such as Usenet
Newsgroups and Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) that were popular before the advent of
the World Wide Web. Messages posted to a forum can be displayed either
chronologically, or using threads of discussion. Most forums are limited to textual
messages with some multimedia content embedded (such as images or flash objects).
Internet forum systems also provide sophisticated search tools that allow users to search
for messages containing search criteria, to limit the search to particular threads or sub-
forums, to search for messages posted by a particular user, to search within the subject or
body of the post, etc.

2.3 MEMBERSHIP AND ANONYMITY

Anonymous forum may offer anonymity, allowing post without registration, catches, e-
mail anthem to caution, and trip codes are often used to prevent comment spam on such
forums. Registered members of forum, who are identified by unique user names, may
have additional privileges, such as the ability to edit their previous post, start new topics
and control the individual settings and profiles. The profile, tend to include graphical
avatar, and signature blocks which are appended to this future posts, sometime consisting
of a borate shout boxes. Member also have the ability to send personal messages to each
other in certain cases, members have been given ability to close this own topics, edit
previously posted comments, or edit post in topic, edit previously posted comments, or
edit post in topic they have started.

2.4 ADMINSTRATION AND MODERATORS OF INTERNET FORUM

A forum administration typically has the ability to edit, delete more or otherwise modify
any thread on the forum. Administrator also usually has the ability to close the board,
change major software item, change globe skins, and modify the board, and ban, delete or

8
members. Moderator have a subset of these power, which may include editing, deleting,
and moving thread, mass pruning, warning member for offence and changing minor
forum details. It is often possible for moderator privilege to be delegated to other forum
member. A board moderation system can include moderation of the moderator via a
meta-moderation system. The board software may also allow administrator to create word
fitter, automated script which strip undesirable text from user’s moderator and
administrator to cause significant thread to display at the top of the forum’s index.

2.5 FEATURES OF INTERNET FORUM

Forum software packages are widely available on the internet and are written in a variety
of programming language such as PHP, perl, Java and ASP. Then configuration and
records of posts can be stored in text files or in a database. Each packages offers different
feature from the most basic, providing text-only postings, to more advance packages
offering multimedia support and formally code (usually known as BB code) may package
can be integrated easily into an existing website to allow visitors to put comment on
article.
Several other web applications such as weblog software also incorporate forum features.
Word press comments at the bottom of a blog post allow for a single-threaded discussion
of any given blog post. Slash code, on the other hand, is far more complicated, allowing
fully threaded discussion and incorporating a robust moderation and meta-moderation
system as well as many of the profile features available to forum user.

2.6 COMPARSION WITH WEB APPLIACTION

One significant different forum and electronic mailing list, is that list automatically
deliver new message to the subscriber, while forums require the member to visit the
website and check for new post. Because members may miss replies in thread they are
interested in, many modern forum offer an e-mail notification feature whereby member
can choose to be notified of new post, using aggregator software. The main difference

9
between newsgroups and forum is that the newsgroup. Visiting and participating in forum
normally require no additional software beyond the web browser.

2.7 ONLINE STUDENT FORUM

This eradicate every problem encountered by students or representatives during the
normal forum because there is no problem of space or time and it does not required
limited amount of representative of each department but every registered member of the
school have access to have information from the web application of the forum and also
have to say about issued posted on wall i.e. Homepage and also lodge complaint about
what he/she think it not right or think it good for the department.

MEMBERSHIP
E-mail authentication and tripods are often used to prevent comment span and also have
matriculation number. The registered of the forum are identified with the user name and
there matriculation number.
2.8 APPROACH TO BE USED IN THIS STUDY
The data required for the design of this new website will be collected using
various facts findings methods such as personal interview, transcription from records,
direct observation and searching the internet.

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 CHAPTER THREE
SYSTEM INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS
3.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON CASE STUDY

The department of computer science, the polytechnic Ibadan offers course leading

to the award of national diploma (ND) and higher national diploma (HND) in computer

science at full-time and part time mold of study programmers.

In 1997/1998 academic session part-time certificate course in computer science

was introduce. The full time ND and HND programmers last for a minimum of two

academic years and maximum of four academic years of each of the programmers; while

part time ND and HND last for a minimum of three academic years and a maximum of

six years. For each of the programmers is of one academic session.

Some academic staff in computer science unit are listed below:

S/N Name Rank

1. Mrs. F.M Babalola HOD /SNR LECTURER

2. Mr. G.G.O Egbedokun SNR. LECTURER

3. Mrs. Adelodun SNR. LECTURER

3.2 OPERATION OF EXISTING SYSTEM

This system has not been in existence before in the history of computer study department

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3.3 SYSTEM ANALYSIS
A system s a set of interrelated object or component that works to perform a task
in order to achieve a set goal.
Analysis is the crucial observation of an object of consideration under area such as
objectives, behavoiur and response to different situation.
System analysis is a method that involves the application of systematic approaches to
collect facts about existing system with the aim improving it or replacing it with more
efficient system within the context of the available resources. Analysis of the full
description of the manual or existing system with objectives of the proposed system
usually led to full specification of the usual requirement. Requirement determination is
the first step in developing a reliable system if carried out perfectly. The analysis consists
of two sub-phases namely planning and requirement definition
Planning: It involve all activities leading to the formulation of objective or goals and
deciding upon mean of meeting them.
Requirement Definition: It plays an important role in developing a satisfactory
requirement. It as a result of through investigation of how the current or the existing
system works using the fact, gathered at the preliminary investigation that lead to
focusing on the possibility of replacing the existing system. This task involves two basic
activities: Data collection and Data analysis

Data Collection
The manner in which information were gathered involves sensitively, common sense and
a knowledge of what and whom to gather and what channel to use in securing
information. Based on experience, survey and understanding of the traditional way of
discussion group in the school, information that interest various categories of student
were gathered.

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Data Analysis
This is a stage that involves the critical analysis of both data and information
collection. Having obtained some of the information needed, the next step is to
systematically itemize the data in order to achieve the intended goal.

3.3.1 INPUT TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM

The input data of the existing system are:
Topic, Full Name, Location, Telephone, E-Mail, Date, Time, Matriculation Number,
Password, id

3.3.2 OUTPUT FROM THE EXISTING SYSTEM

Output data from the existing system are:
Matriculation Number, location, Telephone, E- Mail, Full Name, Topic, Details

3.3.3 PROCESSING TASK CARRIED OUT BY THE SYSTEM:

A form consisting all the list of input above will be given to a particular member to filled
the form will be submitted back for record keeping.

ONLINE HELP DESK, COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

THE POLYTECHNIC IBADAN AS A CASE STUDY
Is a useful education tools for student interaction, peer guidance and active learning in
school. Active learning requires structured educational activities that allow student to
develop their skills in educational peer driven environment guided by the instructor or a
moderator.
Online student forum create a medium for knowledge sharing amongst the student of
university of Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, thereby creating an interdepartmental school
relationship amongst student of various department.
To provide an avenue for interaction amongst student where every valid student can login
and either makes contribution to the solution of the problem of an individual or seek for
solution to his/her own problem by posting it on the forum for other possible solution.

13
It also create an active learning environment in that it provide a unique forum of
communication that compliment classroom discussion and lesson and also create
intellectual space in both interactive and reflective.
Online Help Desk, Computer Science Department as a case study is design to cover area
like course taught in the school, social event, student association and sports. It focuses on
the development of university of Ibadan.

3.4 PROBLEM INDENTIFIED FROM EXISTING SYSTEM

 The traditional way of having a group discussion takes time for the student to coverage
to exchange idea.
 The aim of the discussion might not be achieved due to argument and disagreement
between the students.
 Involves a lot of patience because some student might not have good manner of
approach.
 There is no balance amongst the student academically since the shy and reserved one
won’t discuss their problem.

3.5 SUGGESTED SOLUTION TO PROBLEM IDENTIFIED

This is the outline of the solution to the entire identified problem under consideration.
The solutions are then presented in a definite in order in which it will then be
implemented for the best result.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 SYSTEM DESIGN

4.1 OUTPUT DESIGN

This is the crucial step in the development of a new system because the entire new system
will be judged by the output obtained from the system.
Computer output may take different forms, it may include print out, paper tape, visual
display (VDU), punched card etc. in the new system only two have been considered, that
is print out and on-screen display. The output design required from the website site is the
output of Customer registration online filled form.

a). REPORT TO BE GENERATED

Given below are the reports to be generated by the program;
i. Membership Registration Report
b). SCREEN FORMS OF REPORT

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4.2 INPUT DESIGN
Input can be referred to as raw materials which come into the system from the
organization. The input design is the format design to accept input for further processing
depending on the data entered.

a) LIST OF INPUT ITEM REQUIRED

The following are the set of input item that are required by the system
S/N FIELD NAME
1. Full Name
2. sex
3. Matric No
4. Email address
5. Time posted
6. Topic of the article
7. Details of the article
8. Level
9. Area of specialization

b). DATA CAPTURE SCREEN FORMS OF INPUT

Membership registration

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Area of Specialization

User Login Page

17
Forum Webpage

C. FILE USE TO RETAIN INPUT

The files used to retain input are the files that are create in the database for the purpose of
holding the information entered into the system. However, the files used to retain input
are:
Tblregistration.sql
Tblposting.sql
Tblreply.sql

4.2 PROCESSING DESIGN

Here are the lists of all the necessary steps to be taken

a) LIST ALL PROGRAMMING ACTIVITIES NECESSARY
STEP1: The Online student forum Homepage which entails all the content that the website was
made up of; Home, About Us, membership registration , Posting a topic and reply a posted topic.
STEP 2: The next web page that will display the information about the forum, title, “About Us”

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STEP 3: The next web page that will display a registration form for the new members as this is a
major prerequisite to become a member.
STEP 4: The next web page include the Posting/Reply a topic, which is design for the purpose of
posting and replying a topic for the existing members alone.

b) IDENTIFY PROGRAM MODULES TO BE DEVELOPED

The modules of the Website developed are below:
 Home Page
 About Us
 Membership Registration
 Posting Message
 Forum page
 Home page module: This is the module that serves as the mother of all modules,
it contains graphics and information about the website, and also it contains links to any
other modules in the program.
 About Us Module: This is the module that tells much about the forum, in case of
some people that may want to join the forum; or know much about the forum, they
may visit the module to know much about the forum.
 Membership Registration Module: This is the module that design to capture the
information of the new members, it store the information into the database in case of
reference.
 Posting Message: This is the module that is design for the existing member to
post a topic to the other members to comment/discus on it.
 Forum Page: This module is meant for the purpose of replying a topic posted by
one member by other members.

c). Visual Table of content (VTOC)

This is the diagrammatic representation, structure chart or a short graphical models
description of the content of the project that shows steps taken in solving how data or

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information moves from one process to another in a system. It represents the flow of data
in pictorial form to assist the user in understanding the flow of the data in the system.

VISUAL TABLE OF CONTENT

ONLINE HELP DESK

HOME PAGE

HOME REGISTRATION FORUM ABOUT STUDENT FORUM

Report of registration

4.4 STORAGE DESIGN

These are the devices used to store the table created in the database used and the
description are as below;

a) DESCRIPTION OF DATABASE USED

The database used for the website is Mysql database which was used along with the PHP
package.

b) DESCRIPTION OF FILES USED

The files used for the storage are three tables which were created for the storage of the
membership record, topic post by the members and the reply made by the members.
The files are named
Tblregistration.sql
Tblarea.sql

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Tblmessage.sql
The files are link with the webpage that contains the content of such table for proper
storing of the information.

c) RECORD STRUCTURE OF ALL FILES.

Each file is structure in such a way that will be able to accept more data to be inputted,
and be able to print out any information stored into the database.

MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
File Name: registration.sql
Location: Hard Disk
Input media: Keyboard,
Output media: VDU, Printer
Purpose: For storing and retrieving of member’s record
S/N FIELD NAME DATA TYPE LENGHT INDEX
1 Surname Varchar 20 yes
2 Other Name Varchar 20 No
3 Sex Varchar 10 No
4 Email address Varchar 20 No
5 Matric number Varchar 20 No
6 Phone Number Varchar 20 No
7 Picture Varchar 10 No

AREA OF SPECIALIZATION
File Name: tbltarea.sql
Location: Hard Disk
Input media: Keyboard,
Output media: VDU, Printer
Purpose: For storing and retrieving of members area of specialization
S/N FIELD NAME DATA TYPE LENGHT INDEX
1 Faculty Varchar 30 No

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 2 Department Varchar 30 No
3 Level Varchar 20 No
4 Area of Specialization Varchar 30 No

MAKING A REPLY
File Name: tblmessage.sql
Location: Hard Disk
Input media: Keyboard,
Output media: VDU, Printer
Purpose: For storing and retrieving of message
S/N FIELD NAME DATA TYPE LENGHT INDEX
1 Topic Varchar 50 No
2 Name Varchar 30 No
3 Message Varchar 1000 No
4 Time Posted Varchar 10 No

4.5 DESIGN SUMMARY

a). SYSTEM FLOWCHART
This is the graphical representation that shows the processing procedure designed.

START

Display Home Page

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Main menu
Home
Registration
 About
Exit

Select option

Is option=1? Yes View Home Page

No

Is option =2? Yes Do Registration

No

Is option 3? Yes Enter Forum

No

Is option 4? Yes View about Us

No

Is option 5? No

Yes

STOP

b). HIERARCHY INPUT-PROCESS OUTPUT (HIPO) CHART

It is a tool for program design and documentation. It consists of the visual table of
content, an overview and a detailed diagram for each of the modules.

HIERARCHY INPUT-PROCESS OUTPUT (HIPO) CHART

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

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 Login to the forum Registration
website New Member Details

Create a Topic

Send a Reply Topic created and

reply sending
Data
Collection

About the Forum

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

This involves a written description of any system design and a complete guide on

how best to use the system. It becomes necessary to give a detailed narrative on how to

24
operate the system in order to achieve the documentation of the system so that interested

user can know what the whole system entails.

5.1 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

a). PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE USED

The programming language used for the database system is SQL Software on the

macromedia dream weaver platform for the creation of the website. The reason why we

used this are stated as follow:

1. It has the graphic user interface that is attractive

2. Its flexibility will allow for modification for further expansion.

b) ENVIRONMENT USED FOR DEVELOPMENT

The environment used in the development of the website is DreamWaver

environment with SQL Server environment.

The environment entails Graphic picture to make more of the main menu more attractive

c). SOURCE CODE

This entails the codes used in the development of the website and the codes used

in storing the table created. The source code is attach to the APPENDIX of the write-up.

5.2 PROGRAM TESTING

The aspect of program testing in this project work is:

i. Error free of the inputs for production of output

ii. Ability to store

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iii. Ability to easy access of web pages

iv. Easy Online student Registration

a). CODING PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED

Some problems were encountered during the coding of this program. The problems are

identified below:

1. Syntax Error: it occurs in a situation that I declared something to the integer and

later in the running aspect inputted text like names.

b). USE OF SAMPLE DATA

The sample data are created for easy inputting of student details to the order and easy

viewing of the web Pages.

Easy online student forum

Easy sending and receiving of information between the members.

5.3 SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of the new website requires one to conduct a run data or program,

so as to ensure the system at achieve its defined objectives and purpose. The system

design that is the website must be subjected to trial running with test data consisting of

valid data so as to prove its error free.

a). SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The new system requirements are the hardware and software requirement.

b). TASK PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTATION

26
 The task that has to be implementing are basically the hardware and the software

requirement.

1) hardware/software requirement

i). HARDWARE REQUIREMENT

The absolute total implementation of the new system requires the following hardware in

order to ensure proper running of the program.

i. at least PENTIUM III computer

ii. 512GB SD RAM

iii. A hard disk of 60GB

iv. A Logitech Keyboard

v. Compact Disc

ii). SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT

The software required in the implementation of the new system for effective and efficient

operation are below:

i. Windows Operating system such as XP, Vista and Win 7.

ii. Microsoft Office 2003 and above

iii. Dream waver 8 or CS4

iv. Flash

v. Wamp Server 2.0 at least

vi. Disk maker software such as Nero, Asampoo

1. PROGRAM INSTALLATION

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 This involves how the designed website can be get installed and the steps are

below: if the institution can afford it, to get the program installed they have to host it and

assign a domain name to the site for easy accessing of the site from any part of the

world. If otherwise, it has to be hosted locally

Since the website was design by using PHP and dreamwaver, so to start with, the

WAMPSERVER Package will be install first before anything, after this, the design

website will then be copy inside the wampserver folder precisely in the www folder,

after this the icon of the wampserver will appear at the task bar of the system, this icon

will be clicked and select the local host inside the local host will the address of the

website be type like the www.index.php .

The simple install of the website on individual system is just copy and paste the

designed internet explorer so this will show on any system that has internet explorer.

The proper way of installing the website is by hosting it through the ISP Subscriber

through this, it will have a domain name and email address so that anybody can see it.

c). STAFF TRAINING

This is the training of the users to the new system, if it is to be operated correctly

and full benefit of new system to be obtained.

The association should functionally support to assist in the training of the members on

how to utilized the website effectively (Poly Students). By the time the system is ready to

be fully implemented all the personnel involved with the system should be competent to

operate the system effectively. They should be competent to operate the system

effectively. They should also have sufficient knowledge to access it effectively.

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d). CHANGING OVER

This is the process of changing from one system to another especially from existing

manual system to automated system.

There are four different method of changing from the existing system to a new system

and they are:

a. Direct Changeover:

This is the means that the system in use is discarded and removed with the new system,

this approach is risky since the old system will be no longer be available if the new

system , the merit of this method is non duplication of resources.

b. Parallel Changeover

This provide the old system and the new system to be use concurrently the old system is

then discontinue immediately the new system is satisfied to be working well. The

demerit is that it can be expensive in running the two together; there is also duplication

of resource since both are doing the same thing. The main merit of this method is that if

the new one fails, the old one will still e available as backup.

c. Phased Changeover: The new system is divided into phases, the first phase is

introduced, tested and made operational. If it is working well the next phase is made

operational.

The main disadvantage: is that it takes a long time before all the phases are fully

implemented.

It’s merit: is that there is avoidance of problems associated with too many changes.

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d. Pilot Changeover: The new system is implemented in a specific area of the

institution. It is brought into another area of the institution immediately it is successful

in the first area.

The project case study (i.e. The Polytechnic, Ibadan) is hereby advised to use direct

method of changeover while implementing the new system. When using the direct

method, the system currently being used will be discarded and the new system is replaced

immediately.

CHAPTER SIX

6.0 SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION

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 At this stage it becomes necessary to give a detailed narrative on how to access the

website since we have the system design objectives for the newly adopted system.

Though any institution may also use the new system as well as experts in computing field

but much cannot be achieved without having documentation of the system so that the

interested users can know what the whole website entails.

At this stage we can therefore define documentation is the means of conveying in

acceptable manner through media and the media entails: Report (Confirmation Note),

Web pages, Entry Flow chart and User manual

6.1 FUNCTION OF PROGRAM MODULES

This includes the web pages that made up the website.

1. Home Page: This is the first web page under the visual table of content and is

consist of sub-web pages

2. About Us: This includes the information about the case study (i.e. Computer

Science Department); there years of existence and d there various branches.

3. Registration: This is the web page that is design for the benefit of new members,

to register their bio-data and get their user name and password.

4. Forum: This menu consist where you can send and receiving message within the

members

5. Message: This menu consists where you can send message across the forum

6. Reply: This menu consist of where you can reply the message sent into the forum

7. Final registration: This menu consists of the final registration of the student who

needs to use the forum

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 8. About us: This menu consist of information about the forum for the student

9. Index: This consist of the login page for every member or new user who want

have access to the forum

6.2 USERS MANUAL

This comprises of all descriptive materials necessary for the user to participate in

the running of operational system. They include principally instructions and schedule for

the collection and preparation of data, prior to submission of data processing operation.

The user documentation for this research entails the following:

STEP1:

Connect the computer cable with the source power then boot the system. By boot the

system we mean putting on the central processing unit (CPU) and screen monitor (VDU-

Visual Display Unit), also the printer must be put on before or after finish work because

the output.

STEP2:

After the system has been put on, the next thing is to watch out for some seconds till the

start menu bar appears, then hold the mouse and click on start button, there another

dialogue box will show up. So, click on any package you wish to work on e.g. Microsoft

Access, DreamWaver, Wampserver, macromedia flash, Microsoft word e.t.c. this will

display a new sheet or the environment of the particular you click on, where you can start

inputting or typing or designing or developing a software, after which you use a name to

save the document or file for future reference of continuity of the work.

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STEP3:

If the user has finished all the work, you can then choose to the close option and then

exist or use ALT+F4 Key to shut down the system after which it will display “It is now

safe to shut down the system” then finally turn off the system.

Having followed the above explanation, the user, whose consideration was in the mind of

the designer from the inception to the conclusion of this project, can start exploring the

use of the system.

CHAPTER SEVEN

7.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

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 Any project needs proper valuable feasibility study in order to achieve the desired

goal and objectives. All the stages of the system developed have been critically examined

and carefully stated in this project for Online Help Desk.

This project work titled web based information system is limited to Computer Studies

department, Main campus. I will propose that if this information system can network their

systems, it will bring more efficiency and perfection to its operation and other campuses

under the main campus can also makes use of it.

7.1 SUMMARY

This project explains and shows how possible the design and implementation of a

web based system for online student forum can be possible for the student particularly in

the polytechnic, Ibadan.

a. It makes communication more effective

b. It improve the level of interaction between the student

c. It enable the student to expose to their area of work

d. It covered everywhere there’s provision for internet facilities i.e. reaching

students on time.

e. The system requires less staff to run it.

7.2 CONCLUSION

At the end of this research, it is highly clarified that online student forum is efficient,

cheaper, easier and better to get potential members (students) on the internet.

Being connected online also paves room for another things to be done apart from sending

and receiving messages, so this online student forum improve the level of inter relation
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between the students and as well very essential for the task.

7.3 RECOMMENDATION

This project is hereby at this juncture recommended for Students in (Department of

Computer Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan), to incorporate the use of online Help Desk.

Because, the forum has provided all necessary and needed materials to run a perfect

discussion for student in a successful manner.

REFERENCES

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1. Askew M. John, S.B: Robert J. (1998): Transmission control protocol: Basic

networking Principle, October, pp. 3-6

2. ARPA (1967): Advance Research Project Agency, U.S defense department

3. Askew et al. (1998): The development of communication protocol called

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and an addressing protocol called

Internet Protocol; (IP)

4. Bates, A.W. (1995): Technology, Open learning and distance education, London

Routedge

5. Berge, J.A. (1992): “Distance student leaning-empirical finding and theoretical

deliberation”

6. Comstock & Fox (1998): Implementing Learning Technology: Best practice, Cardiff

University.

7. E-moderating: The key to teaching and learning online-Gilly salmon, Kogan Page

2000, ISBN 0-7494-4085-6

8. Front stage and back stage in hybrid e-learning face to face course by Kurthen

Hermann/International journal on E-learning.

9. Harasim et al (1995): Teaching and learning online. University of Aberden

10. Hiltz & Touroff (2005): Role of moderator. Springer- Verlag, pp79-96

11. Klem & Snell (1996): Collaborative learning. Montreal: Cheneliere/ McGraw.

12. The free online dictionary of computing.

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