Internet-based Booking System for Tours of a Famous Author's House

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INTERNET-BASED BOOKING SYSTEM FOR TOURS OF A FAMOUS AUTHOR'S HOUSE

Zafar Ali Khan 0336 281-0241

[email protected]

P3 – 7010/0420 By: Zafar Ali Khan Page 1 of 30 0336 281-0241 [email protected]

O/A Level Computers Marathon Workshops '14 By: Zafar Ali Khan

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Table of Contents O/A Level Computers Marathon Workshops '14 ......................................................................................... 1

O/A Level Computers FREE Resources........................................................................................................ 1

Question & Answers.............................................................................................................................. 3

1: Tools for action plan making:.......................................................................................................... 3

2: Methods to gather information about the existing manual system. .................................................. 4

3: User-friendly screens for the web-based author’s house tour booking system and explanation of what

you did to make each screen user-friendly. ......................................................................................... 7

4: Hardware that would be needed to connect computers to the wireless LAN and to connect web

server to the internet with justification............................................................................................. 13

5: Steps to ensure that the intranet is secure. ................................................................................... 14

6: Information needed to decide on the hardware requirements: ...................................................... 14

7: Items of hardware, other than a computer recommended for this application with justification. ..... 14

8: System flowchart symbols and their purpose: ............................................................................... 15

09: Flowchart for the new web-based system. .................................................................................. 16

10: Reasons for using existing software (off the shelf) or to have new software (custom written,

bespoke) with justification. .............................................................................................................. 20

11: What to do before making system “live”: .................................................................................... 20

12: Test strategy for the new system. ............................................................................................... 21

13. Different test data and their justification:.................................................................................... 21

14: Design stage tasks:..................................................................................................................... 23

15: Items in the Technical Documentation and explanation: .............................................................. 23

16: Items needed in User Documentation ......................................................................................... 24

17: Methods to implement this new system...................................................................................... 24

18: Relative advantages and disadvantages of implementation methods. ........................................... 25

19: Evaluation/effectiveness of new system:..................................................................................... 26

20: Advantages of the new system over paper based system: ............................................................ 26

21: Advantages of web-based booking system: ................................................................................. 27

22: Illustrate how a firewall is implemented? .................................................................................... 28

23: Write an algorithm, using pseudocode or a flowchart: ................................................................. 29


Question & Answers.

1: Tools for action plan making:

(a) Gantt Chart

(b) PERT Chart

(c) Project Management Software or Spreadsheet

a) Gantt Chart:

1. Gantt charts are more ideal for small projects than large.

2. Gantt charts are easier to understand.

3. The Gantt chart can be used in status reporting to show how much of the plan has been

completed by displaying the progress of an activity.

4. How task are linked together.

5. Allow sharing of task via Email/Internet.

6. It has everything from listing goals to resource allotment.

7. Description for Gantt e.g.

• the Gantt chart provides optimum opportunity to present each stage of your project.

• tasks to be done

• show the critical path

• show key project milestones

• progress of tasks as % completed

• number of days to do a task

b) PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique ) Chart:

1. used for critical path analysis

2. used for complex problems with multiple tasks

3. a PERT based what-if analysis identifies possibilities and uncertainties related to project

activities.

4. PERT charts can be confusing & complicated to manage.

5. production of PERT charts can be expensive.

c) Project Management Software/Spreadsheet:

1. allows progress to be tracked

2. allows easy production and updating of Gantt, PERT charts

3. allow sharing of task via Email/Internet.

Answering techniques for handling variations in questions:

1. Only names (as a, b or c) to be mentioned if there are less marks/space is given. Like in May/June 2012 P3.


2. A question for pros and cons of Gantt/PERT Charts can be asked. Use following text to answer such:

When using a PERT chart, the relationship between the task at hand and the time allotted for said task

may not be as immediately obvious -- as say -- with a Gantt chart. PERT charts also tend to underestimate

actual risk inherent to your project. If used in tandem with the other tenets of project management system

analyst could find himself on the fast-track to project completion.

3. A question for differences between Gantt/PERT Charts can be asked. Use following text to answer such:

Project managers commonly use both Gantt and program evaluation and review technique, or PERT,

charts to display tasks required for task scheduling and project completion. A main difference between

Gantt Charts and PERT charts is that Gantt is a bar chart, while PERT is a flow chart. They are probably the

best-known project management charts.

4. Individual reasons for any of the above tool could also be asked. In such case use above numbered points

as is.

i.e. (Explain why the systems analyst has chosen to use a Gantt chart rather than a PERT chart to track the

progress of this project. Oct/Nov 2013)


N.B: These images are just example they are not supposed to be drawn in exam in any case.


2: Methods to gather information about the existing manual system.

1. questionnaires/survey • It's a quick method as data can be collected & analyzed fast, • produce series of questions to give to booking office staff, tourist, parents & students. • can leave questionnaires with booking office staff.

2. interviewing (not tourist/parents/students) • ask booking office management a number of face to face questions, • allows questions to be tailored to the individuals, • allows follow up questions to be asked, • It is easier to motivate interviewer to talk more about their issues.

3. document search • gather information from existing tour booking forms, • allows procedures to be studied first hand/ allows close scrutiny of all paperwork/files.

4. Observation • watch staff/filing clerk doing their day to day tasks, • gives firsthand knowledge of how system works etc., • inexpensive method, • reliable data collection while watching staff, • tourist/parents doing tour booking transactions.


Remember to distribute total given marks among the parts of question. Do not write beyond the available

lines limit. Always know that the number of lines is double then the marks allocated.

If the question is asked for the reason of use of a particular (given) method then still use the bullet points

mentioned above.

i.e.

( • A questionnaire for the parents

• An interview for the booking office staff

Explain why each of the methods used was appropriate for this manual system. Oct/Nov 2013)


3: User-friendly screens for the web-based author’s house tour booking system and explanation

of what you did to make each screen user-friendly.

Welcome Screen:


Points to be considered ONLY when asked to improve a given screen otherwise only draw it.

Seen on Screen

- increase size of font

- use a different font

- add suitable pictures

- add suitable heading

Explanation

- to improve readablity

- to improve make the screen

attactive/understandable

- so the user knows what this screen is for Login

Screen:


Login Screen:


Points to be considered ONLY when asked to improve a given screen otherwise only draw it.

Seen on Screen

- password entry to system

- move instructions

- change/lighten colour of box

- Register instructions

Explanation

- to improve security

- for a better start point

- to attract attention better - to make the action

clearer

Tour Detail Screen:

Features of the web site:

• Search facility - to view/find tours according to different criteria

• Login - for people who have used the site to book a tour before

• Secure credit card payment - to accept payment for deposit

• Virtual tours of tour locations - to give the idea of being there

• Testimonials from previous tourist/parents - to give an independent review of a tour

• Online forms - for completion of tour booking

• Multimedia e.g. sound, video clip etc. - to provide 'real' information about location and tours


Booking Form:

Features of the web site:

• Search facility - to view/find tours according to different criteria

• Login - for people who have used the site to book a tour before

• Secure credit card payment - to accept payment for deposit

• Virtual tours of tour locations - to give the idea of being there

• Testimonials from previous tourist/parents - to give an independent review of a tour

• Online forms - for completion of tour booking

• Multimedia e.g. sound, video clip etc. - to provide 'real' information about location and tours


4: Hardware that would be needed to connect computers to the wireless LAN and to connect web

server to the internet with justification.

LAN :

• Wireless adapter to allow a computer to access the LAN (from anywhere within the booking

office)

• Wireless Access Point (WAP) to extend the reach of the LAN incase booking office size

increases.

• Switch to enable computers in the booking office to connect to the wired LAN

• Host computer/Server to manage the LAN

WAN/Internet:

• (Wireless) router/(Wireless) hub

to enable computers in the booking office to connect to the LAN

to relay signals to the computers on the LAN

• DSL modem

to convert data for transmission over telephone (communication) lines or to connect to the

Internet/access tour booking website

• Web Server

to host the website

• Firewall

to controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic

to secure against hacking/viruses.


Name of the items for wireless/online connectivity along with the purpose of their use could be asked. In

such case use same hardware and definitions above.

For your answer following can also be used.

• laptop - to use Wi-Fi to connect to a wireless LAN/Wi-Fi hotspot or connect to the

Internet/access tour website

• printer - to print out tickets, confirmation, details of tour, email

• mouse/touch screen - for selection of tour and dates

• tablet - alternative to a pc/ to connect to the Internet/access tour website

• mobile/smart phone - alternative to a pc/ connect to the Internet/to access tour website

• credit/debit card reader - to make payments using magnetic strip or chip and pin


5: Steps to ensure that the intranet is secure.

(The systems analyst wants to ensure that the school intranet is secure from unauthorised use.

Explain what steps the systems analyst needs to take. Oct/Nov 2013)

• Encrypt the data

• Use anti-virus/anti-spyware software

• Vet any staff who have access to the data

• Make use of firewalls

• Make use of passwords

• Make use of access rights

• Provision of secure protocol e.g. HTTPS

• Physical lock & key

6: Information needed to decide on the hardware requirements:

• Amount & frequency of printing

• Data storage requirements (e.g. for files)

• Size and resolution of monitors/touchscreen (e.g. enough to accommodate finger touch)

• Input and output requirements (e.g. printers, mouse, etc.)

• Portability requirements (Do we need to take system around the booking office)

• Will disabled people be using the hardware?

• Will system be available online?

• Will system be able to print wirelessly?

• Do output and input devices be required wirelessly?

• Will database be available online?

• How tourist/parents/students/booking office management will be using the online system?

• Frequency of daily hits on web-server.

7: Items of hardware, other than a computer recommended for this application with

justification.

1. High resolution/large/good quality screen sometimes to show complete detail of available tours

and locations.

2. Hard disk storage on server.

3. Printer (wireless)

(To print out invoices/tickets, daily takings report and daily booking details.)

4. Pointing devices/touch screen (to choose menu options or selection of tours and dates etc.)

5. Wireless router

6. Firewall hardware

7. Wireless LAN cards.


8: System flowchart symbols and their purpose:


09: Flowchart for the new web-based system.

Include in your systems flowchart:

• Checking for booking availability

• Completing the booking form

• Making a payment

• Reporting


Download Jpeg of this SFC: http://goo.gl/wSGj01


Download Jpeg of this SFC: http://goo.gl/Z976nj


Description of the System Flowcharts above:

1. Tourist login the website with given ID and Password.

2. Login credential check if match access is provided otherwise tourist is asked to register.

3. Tourist selects the author’s house to visit.

4. Related information is displayed on screen such as visit timing, fee, events etc.

5. Tourist chose a date to visit and enter number of companion.

6. Booking availability is checked against that date if available tourists proceed with further detail of

booking form otherwise asked to select the other date.

7. Tourist made the payment if 100% then a confirmation email is sent to him otherwise reminder for

outstanding amount is dispatched.

8. At the end of the day “daily taking” report and “list of booking" is printed for management.


10: Reasons for using existing software (off the shelf) or to have new software (custom written,

bespoke) with justification.

Existing software chosen for the following reasons:

• readily available

• already fully tested and de-bugged

• usually less expensive to buy

• technical support online/by phone

• usually compatible with other existing software

Bespoke software chosen for the following reasons:

• can be tailored to meet the exact requirements of the web-based tour booking system.

• in contact with the actual programmers if there is a problem

• software can develop as it is used

• doesn't contain unwanted features


Only choose one and its reasons.

11: What to do before making system “live”:

• produce user documentation and technical documentation

• install hardware and software

• fully test the new system

• train the staff to use the new system


12: Test strategy for the new system.

(Describe a test strategy for the new web-based school trip booking and payment system. Oct/Nov 2013)

• Use of test data sets

1. normal test data has known outcomes

2. extreme test data checks validation rules

3. abnormal test data should produce error messages

• Types of testing:

1. Black box: Different values can be input for variables to determine whether the program can

cope with them.

2. White box: White box testing is testing the program to determine whether all the possible

paths through the program produce the desired results.

3. Alpha: When you have finished your project you will be expected to test whether or not it

works, this is alpha testing.

5. Beta: Testing done by end user.

6. User acceptance: End users who will be using the applications test the application before

‘accepting’ the application.

7. Other

High transaction days.

Volume testing

Failure in the event of hacking or virus attack.

13. Different test data and their justification:


Field

Tour Date

Author Name

NoInGroup

TotalAmount

Normal Test Data

24/10/2013

Zafar Ali Khan

15

40000

Abnormal Test Data

24th/10/2013

12Zafar Ali Khan

-15

Four Thousand

TourDate

Value: 24/10/2013

Reason chosen: this checks that system processes appropriate inputs

Value: 24/Oct/2013

Reason chosen: this checks that system reject inappropriate inputs and error message produce


14: Design stage tasks:

• design online data capture web page for author’s house tour booking

• design screen layouts/GUI

• design output forms/layouts e.g. daily taking

• produce systems flowcharts and/or pseudo code

• design validation rules

• select most appropriate data verification method

• select hardware requirements

• select software requirements

• produce algorithms/program flowcharts

• design testing strategy

15: Items in the Technical Documentation and explanation:

(State four items that should be included in the technical documentation supplied with this new system. For each

one explain why it should be included. Oct/Nov 2013)

• Program listing/coding: so alterations can be made

• Programming language used: so the application can be recompiled

• System flowchart: overview of whole system

• Flowchart/algorithm/pseudocode: so that the logic can be altered if required

• Hardware requirements: for testing any alterations

• Software requirements: for testing any alterations

• Known "bugs" in the system: so they can be removed

• List of variables used (and their meaning/description): so that alterations to code don't spawn new

errors

• File structures/data model: so that files and file sizes can be checked

• Sample runs (with results and actual test data used): so that test can be re -run when alterations are

made

• Validation rules: so that any extra inputs can be subject to similar validation

• purpose of system/program/package

• input formats

• minimum memory requirements

• output formats

• verification techniques


16: Items needed in User Documentation

• how to log on/log out

• how to book a tour

• how to do a search

• how to sort data

• how to take printouts

• how to add/delete/amend records

• purpose of system/program/package

• (input) web page layouts

• (output) print layouts

• hardware requirements

• software requirements

• sample runs (with results)

• error handling/meaning of errors/FAQs

17: Methods to implement this new system.

(Which method should the systems analyst use to provide the software for the new web-based system?

Explain with reasons which method the systems analyst should choose. Oct/Nov 2013)

(a) Direct changeover:

• no need to run two systems side by side

• immediate benefits from new system

• less disruptive for staff

• more likely to work since it will have been fully tested first

(b) Parallel implementation:

• good for training of staff since both systems can be compared

• if new system fails have old manual system as a back up

(c) Phased implementation:

• part of system (may be booking only and no payment section)introduced initially for trials

• if it is OK, gradually introduce other parts (credit card payment system)of the new system

• if a problem occurs, can stop using it any stage

• allows staff/tourist to gain confidence in its operation

(d) Pilot implementation:

• adopt new system at just one of the booking office.


• makes sure system fully works before adopting at other booking offices.

• can revert to old system as still in operation at other booking office.


Arguments must relate to the case study by using few words from the content.

18: Relative advantages and disadvantages of implementation methods.

Advantages and disadvantages of changeover techniques:

Direct

- disastrous if new system

fails

- immediate benefits felt -

reduced costs (only one

system used)

- less likelihood of failure

since fully tested

Parallel

- more expensive than

direct since two systems in

operation at the same

time

- more time consuming - still

have old system if

new system fails

- can gradually train staff

while both systems are

running together

Pilot

- if new system fails can

easily go back to point

where system failed - less

expensive than

parallel

- can train booking office

staff

while system being

introduced in stages - can

ensure system

works before expanding

Phased

- if new system fails can

easily go back to point

where system failed - less

expensive than

parallel

- can train booking office staff

while system being introduced

in stages - can ensure system

works before expanding


19: Evaluation/effectiveness of new system:

(State three ways to evaluate the new web-based school trip booking and payment system. Oct/Nov 2013)

Points must relate to the case study.

• discuss with booking office staff whether or not new system works

• discuss with booking office staff whether or not system was easy to use

• consider if objectives of new system have been met

• look at results from tests

• look at printouts etc. to see if system produced the correct outcomes

• compare final solution with original requirements

• identify any limitations in the system

• identify any necessary improvements that need to be made

• compare test results from new system with results from old system

• compare performance of new system with performance of old system

• effectiveness of the hardware

• effectiveness of the software

• bandwidth of Internet

20: Advantages of the new system over paper based system:

• Easier/faster to search for available tours, author houses and time slots.

• improved booking and accounts system

• automatic reporting is possible

• less space taken up in filing system

• less expensive (fewer staff, etc.)

• no need to tell about the location and the charges on phone.

• able to offer services on the internet

• online virtual tour.

• more flexible booking: tourist/parents/students can book from anywhere in the world

• less likelihood for information to be lost as no paper lists that are needed to be kept at booking

office reception

• fewer staff are now required, tourist/parents/students do their own booking not the booking office

staff

• fewer queues: more terminals available for tourist/parents/students to book the tour

• less storage space required booking forms stored electronically


21: Advantages of web-based booking system:

The Web Based tour Booking System has many advantages over the old paper based or localized system such as:

Always available:- The Internet is always available for tourist/parents/students to use, 24 hours a day, 7 days a

week, 365 days a year. They don't have to wait for booking office to open or wait for someone to make it

available. It is just there, when they need it and for whatever they need.

Cost effective: - Usually need less staff with an online business so large savings

Increased convenience: - Tourist/Parents can fill the booking form and can make the payment online through

Credit/Debit card from anywhere in the world.

Customer reviews: - Tourist can submit their reviews about booking they have made and subsequent tours,

increasing others confidence.

Enable Deals, Bargains, Coupons, and Group Buying: - Though there are physical equivalents to deals, bargains,

coupons, and group buying, online booking makes it much more convenient.

Increase Visibility through Search Engine Marketing: - Expanded customer base, gain new customers with

search engine searches.

Reduce Advertising Costs: - Print advertising can get expensive as there may be a need to update regularly,

which requires new work be planned and generated whereas it is much quicker and more cost effective to

update and maintain a website.

Inline marketing through social media:

It is carried out to target only connected/interested potential customer through social media web sites. This

costs much less than physical (print media), TV and wasted work (as it doesn't always reach interested

customer) costs. There is always a chance of viral approach to potential customers.


22: Illustrate how a firewall is implemented?


23: Write an algorithm, using pseudocode or a flowchart:

a) A group of 20 is planning to visit a famous author house. Calculate amount of their tour cost and compare

with amount paid by the group. If paid in full then exit otherwise output the outstanding amount and

appropriate prompt and message.

Children=0, Adult=0, AmountPaid=0, TotalCost=0, AmountStanding=0

For Count=1 to 20

Print “Enter Name and Age”

Input Name, Age

If age<18

Then

Children=Children+1

Else

Adult=Adult+1

EndIf

Next Count

Input AmountPaid

TotalCost=(Children*25)+(Adult*50)

AmountOutstanding=TotalCost - AmountPaid

If AmountOutstanding > 0

Then

Print “Kindly clear your dues to confirm your booking”

BookingConfirmation=”No”

Else

Print “Your booking has been confirmed”

BookingConfirmation=”Yes”

Exit

EndIf

While BookingConfrimation=”No”

Input Dues

AmountPaid=AmountPaid+Dues

If AmountPaid=TotalCost

Then

BookingConfirmation=”Yes”

Else

BookingConfirmation=”No”

EndIf

Endwhile


b) 25 groups visited a famous author’s house today. Each group comprised on adults and children. Enter size of

each group and calculate how many adults and children are there. Calculate and output cost of each group, no

of children, no of adults and the total cost of 25 groups.

Children=0, Adult=0, NoinGroup=0, GroupCost=0, TotalCost=0 For Count=1 to 25

Input NoinGroup For Count2=1 to NoinGroup

Print “Enter Name and Age” Input Name, Age If age<18

Then Children=Children+1

Else Adult=Adult+1 EndIf

Next Count2 GroupCost=(Children*25)+(Adult*50) TotalCost = TotalCost + GroupCost Print GroupCost, Children, Adult

Next Count Print TotalCost

N.B: Do not write all points given in this guess paper answers rather write according to marks allocated.

Internet-based Booking System for Tours of a Famous Author's House

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