Web Based Cruise Booking System

Cosmic Campus, Bhadurabad

2013
The proposal is to replace all the paperwork and manual computer data entry using generic software. A web-based computerized booking system will be used. It will allow travelers to make their bookings online using a secured booking website.

Cosmic Campus, Bhadurabad

Computer Studies Paper 3

Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Table of Contents
Overview - The system life cycle ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Description of the existing system .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Description of the proposed computer based system ........................................................................................................... 6 Manual System Example ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Questions and Answers........................................................................................................................................................... 8 Screen Layouts ...................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Data Flow Diagram ................................................................................................................................................................ 22 System Flow Chart ................................................................................................................................................................ 23

Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Overview - The system life cycle
Systems analysis The stages of the system life cycle are: fact finding feasibility study analysis design implementation (building) testing documentation implementation (changeover) evaluation maintenance. Fact nding Fact-finding methods that the systems analyst uses to collect information about the current system are: observation of current procedures interviews questionnaires inspection of documents. Feasibility study A feasibility study is a preliminary investigation of a problem and should have enough information to allow the analyst and the client to make a sensible decision to either carry on with the project or to abandon it. It includes: a description of the existing system the existing systems problems and costs success criteria for a new system possible solutions including a proposed solution a development plan a cost/benefit analysis. Analysis Analysis involves: using fact-finding methods to collect further information summarizing this information using: o data flow diagrams o system flowcharts writing a requirements or objectives specification. Design This involves: selection of soft ware drawing of output forms and reports drawing of data collection and input forms

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Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

specification of: o any automatic data capture methods o validation and verification checks o data storage o processing o command buttons and menus for navigation and processing o hardware o test strategy and test plan, including: the sorts of testing to be performed use of real and test data chosen to include: normal data extreme data abnormal (erroneous) data

Building and testing One or more programmers use the designs to build and document the software. The appropriate hardware and software is installed. The solution is tested according to the test plan, with test results in the form of before and after screenshots and comments. In the case of printed output, the actual output should be included as the after evidence. Documentation Technical documentation The purpose of this documentation is to provide technical personnel with: a detailed explanation of how the system works information to assist them in: o routine hardware, software or file maintenance tasks o corrective maintenance o adaptive maintenance o perfective maintenance o future development of a replacement system Its contents include: the purpose of the system the limitations of the system (things it does not do) hardware and software requirements system flowchart processing file types and structures validation and verification checks User documentation The purpose of this documentation, known as the user guide or manual, is to tell people who use the system: what the system does how to use the system not how the system does what it does.

Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Its contents include: the purpose of the system the limitations of the system (things it does not do) hardware and software requirements comprehensive instructions on how to use the system sample runs error messages troubleshooting guide frequently asked questions.

Implementation (changeover) This involves: installing and commissioning new hardware, software and data fi les training new or existing staff members how to use the new system choosing the method of implementation from: o direct o phased o pilot o parallel running. Evaluation After installing a new system, it is necessary to evaluate it to find out whether it is effective in fulfilling the clients requirements. An evaluation of the new system is carried out by documenting: a comparison of the facilities of the new system with the requirements and objectives specification a comparison of the test results from the new system with the expected results and with results from the previous system a comparison of the performance of the new system with the requirements and objectives specification users responses to the new system any expected or unexpected limitations in the facilities or performance of the system a description and prioritization of any necessary improvements. Maintenance The technical documentation should support three forms of maintenance: corrective adaptive perfective.

Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Description of the existing system
Cruise Company has several cruise liners. When potential travelers visit the traveling agent/cruise office to book an itinerary they are given a booking form. Either traveler fills a form or agent/booking officer fills it. The booking form requires following details: Travelers information: o Full name o Date of birth o Address o Phone number o Email o Roommates (spouse, partner, children others sharing accommodation): Name Date of Birth Trip information: o Cruise (ship) name o Destination o Traveling dates o Cabin/stateroom type (inside, balcony, ocean view, suite) o Departure city

Staff at the cruise liner office checks the booking files to ensure that the potential traveler is registered with the company and if not then register them. Staff looks to find the requested cruises available cabins (staterooms) for those mentioned dates and destinations in the booking file. Staff then offers the traveler a date and time for the booking. If this is agreed then the travelers name is written in the booking file for that desired cruise, date and other details, a ticket is then generated after payment is made, printed and handed over to the traveler. At the start of everyday, cruise office staff prepare a booking list for each of the cruises travelling for that day. The list contains travelers ticket number, name, details and allotted cabin (stateroom) numbers. When the travelers arrive at the cruise line door for their journey, they present their tickets to the boarding staff. The boarding staff checks their tickets against pre-printed booking list and after necessary boarding procedure travelers are then escorted to their cabins.

Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Description of the proposed computer based system
The proposal is to replace all the paperwork and manual computer data entry using generic software (spreadsheet, word processor etc.). A web-based computerized booking system will be used. This online system will contain all the information described above. It will allow travelers to make their bookings online using a secured booking website page present on a web server. The web server is attached to the companys intranet, which is used as an extranet. In the new system, both traveler and staff use the offices website to make a booking. Booking must be made at least one week before the departure date. For travelers to access the secure website the cruise line company will provide each traveler with a login ID and the traveler must choose a password. If travelers come in person for a booking then travel agent/staff will make appointments using a touch screen in office. Cruise line management too would have access to the online booking database using their own computers in various places. The cruise line office will use a wireless LAN. Each staff will have access to the personal computer and a printer. These all devices in office will communicate over the LAN. Staff can display and print a list of bookings and sales report for any period of time i.e. date to date, weekly, monthly or yearly etc. A systems analyst is to be employed to review the existing manual method. The analyst will be responsible for drawing up an action plan for the new web-based computerized system. This will then be designed, built, tested and implemented. Technical and user documentation will be produced. Six months after the introduction of the new system, a full evaluation of its performance will be made.

Tips to be remembered: a selection of available cruises/dates/cabins/stateroom/births is listed on the screen. the traveler chose the available slot they want, the staff/traveler clicks/touches on the selection using a mouse/finger, all the information about the selection is displayed on the screen, at the company, the booking is made, the number of available booking slots for the selected cruise is automatically checked and updated to the online database, ticket is printed and handed over or e-mailed to the traveler, the value of the received daily payments is also automatically updated, at the end of the day following reports are printed: o Total booking details (may be daily, weekly and monthly etc.) o Total daily payments received.

Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Manual System Example

Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Questions and Answers
1. Tools for analyst to draw up an action plan and ensure that the project is completed on time and to budget.

1) Gantt Chart: Progress versus expected time to do work. How task are linked together. Allow sharing of task via Email/Internet. Allow use of PERT Charts. Description for Gantt e.g. o show all stages o tasks to be done o show the critical path o show key project milestones o progress of tasks as % completed o number of days to do a task 2) PERT Chart: Program Evaluation and Review Technique used for critical path analysis used for complex problems with multiple tasks 3) Project Management Software/Spreadsheet Allows progress to be tracked allows easy production and updating of Gantt

Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

2. Methods that the analyst could use to gather information about the existing manual system. Questionnaires o put questions to sales people and filing clerk o each questionnaire guides the user through his/her particular area o no need for analyst to be present so it is efficient Interviewing o ask employees questions face to face o questions can be tailored to the individual o an interviewer is required so it is time consuming and relatively expensive Examination of manual documents o gather information from existing paperwork o allows procedures to be studied first hand o allows close scrutiny of all paperwork/files Observation o watch workers doing their day-to-day tasks o gain first-hand knowledge of how the system works o needs close supervision so that nothing is missed

3. State items of hardware that would be needed to connect computers to the wireless LAN of the Booking office and to connect web server to Internet. Justify your choice for each item. LAN Wireless adapter o to allow a computer to access the LAN (from anywhere within the booking office) Wireless Access Point (WAP) o to extend the reach of the LAN incase booking office size increases. Switch o to enable computers in the booking office to connect to the wired LAN Host computer/Server o to manage the LAN

Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

WAN / Internet: (Wireless) router/(Wireless) hub o to enable computers in the booking office to connect to the LAN/.to relay signals to the computers on the LAN Web Server o to host the website/to interact with the traveling agent & online customers Firewall o to controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic o to secure against hacking/viruses.

4. Steps to ensure that the intranet is secure against use from outside the booking office. login/password use of firewall checking of MAC addresses/station ids Wired Equivalent Privacy/WEP/wireless security/encryption Network name NOT broadcast/hidden anti-spyware/ anti-virus software

5. What information would a systems analyst need to gather to decide on what hardware is required for a new computerized system? 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 customer/travelling agents will be using the online system? Frequency of daily hits on web-server.

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Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

6. Items of hardware, other than a computer, that the analyst should recommend for this application. Justify your choice. High resolution/large/good quality screen sometimes to show complete detail of available cruise and booking slots. Hard disk storage on server. Printer (wireless) (To printout traveler Tickets and sales report and daily booking details.) Pointing devices/touch screen (to choose menu options or selection of cruise/stateroom type etc.) Wireless router Firewall hardware Wireless LAN cards.

7. Would it be better to use existing software or arrange to have new software written for this application? Justify your answer. existing software o already fully tested and debugged o usually less expensive to buy o large backup technical help desk o usually compatible with other existing soft ware bespoke software o can be tailored to the specific task o in contact with the actual programmers if there is a problem o software can develop as it is used o doesnt contain unwanted features

8. What would need to be done before the new web-based system became live and working? 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 Changeover from old to new system

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Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

9. Describe a test strategy for the new web-based cruise booking system. use of test data sets o normal test data has known outcomes o extreme test data checks validation rules o abnormal test data should produce error messages Types of testing: o Black box o White box o System o Alpha o Beta o User acceptance Other o Testing that the cruise booking system meets the requirements for the cruise line company. o High transaction days. o Volume testing

10. Give three examples of test data that could be used. Justify your choice for each example. The following are examples only, there are many correct answers. Traveler booking no e.g. 102 o this checks only whole no are accepted. Traveler name e.g. John Smith o this checks that system can accept appropriate inputs Stateroom charges e.g. -1450 o checks that negative prices are rejected amount of daily taking e.g. 50 o checks that file updated correctly a valid/invalid date. o check that normal data is accepted/ invalid data is rejected e.g. date before current date.

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Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

11. Name tasks that would be carried out at the DESIGN stage in systems analysis. Design stage tasks: design online data capture web page for cruise booking design screen layouts/GUI design output forms/layouts e.g. traveler tickets, daily taking etc. 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 12. State items that should be included in the Technical Documentation supplied for maintenance of this system. For each one explain why it should be included. 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/pseudo code: 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 dont 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

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Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

13. What items need to be included in the USER GUIDE of newly developed computerized system? Items needed in User Documentation: how to log on/log out how to make booking how to do a search how to sort data how to do 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 14. State methods that could be used to implement this new system. Explain why each method could be chosen. Arguments must relate to the case study Direct changeover: o no need to run 2 systems side by side o immediate benefits from new system o less disruptive for sales/filing staff o more likely to work since it will have been fully tested first Parallel implementation: o good for training staff since both systems can be compared o if new system fails have old manual system as a back up Phased implementation: o part of system (e.g. activity/accounts/ database) introduced initially for trials o if it is OK, gradually introduce other parts of the new system o if a problem occurs, can stop using it any stage o allows staff to gain confidence in its operation Pilot implementation: o adopt new system at just one of the camp/activity site. o makes sure system fully works before adopting at another Camp site o can revert to old system as still in operation at other camp site

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Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

15. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of changeover methods.

Advantages and disadvantages of changeover techniques:

Direct - disastrous if new system fails

Parallel - more expensive than direct since two systems in operation at the same time - more time consuming

Pilot - if new system fails can easily go back to point where system failed - less expensive than parallel - can train 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 staff while system being introduced in stages - can ensure system works before expanding

- immediate benefits felt - reduced costs (only one system used)

- still have old system if new system fails

- less likelihood of failure since fully tested

- can gradually train staff while both systems are running together

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Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

16. Describe how the new system should be evaluated/effectiveness of a new system can be assessed. Points must relate to the case study. discuss with staff/travelers whether or not new system works discuss with staff/travelers 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 17. Discuss the advantages of the new computerized system when compared to the manual paperbased system. Advantages of the new system: Easier/faster to search for available cruise, destination, space 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 cruise schedule and cabin charges. able to offer services on the internet online virtual cruise tour. 18. The new web-based system is intended to be an improvement over the old system. Describe advantages of the new system. Use examples related to the cruise booking system. more flexible booking: traveler 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 cruise for boarding purposes fewer staff are now required, traveler do their own booking not the office staff fewer queues: more terminals available for traveler to book the cruise less storage space required booking forms stored electronically

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Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

19. What are the advantages of web-based booking system? The Web Based Cruise Booking System has many advantages over the old system such as: Always available: The Internet is always available for your travelers to use, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Travelers dont 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: Patients can fill the booking form and can make the payment online through Credit/Debit card from anywhere in the world. Customer reviews: Travelers can submit their reviews about Booking they have made and subsequent trips, increasing customer 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 doesnt always reach interested customer) costs. There is always a chance of viral approach to potential customers. 20. How a firewall can secure web-based booking system from potential online hazards? A firewall (program or hardware device) filters the information coming through the Internet connection into cruise line private network or computer system. If an incoming packet of information is flagged by the filters, it is not allowed through. Firewalls use one or more of three methods to control traffic flowing in and out of the network: Packet filtering - Packets (small chunks of data) are analyzed against a set of filters. Packets that make it through the filters are sent to the requesting system and all others are discarded. Proxy service - Information from the Internet is retrieved by the firewall and then sent to the requesting system and vice versa. Stateful inspection - A newer method that doesn't examine the contents of each packet but instead compares certain key parts of the packet to a database of trusted information. Information traveling from inside the firewall to the outside is monitored for specific defining characteristics, and then incoming information is compared to these characteristics. If the comparison yields a reasonable match, the information is allowed through. Otherwise it is discarded.

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Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Screen Layouts
1. The first two screens for the web-based course booking system are show below:

Screen 1

Screen 2

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Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Use the spaces below to re-design both the screens so that they are more user-friendly for the guests to use. Explain what changes you made to improve each screen and why you made them. Welcome Screen

Tips to be remembered: 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 readability - to make the screen understandable - to make the screen attractive - so the user knows what this screen is for

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Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Login Screen

Tips to be remembered: 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 - login button next to instruction Explanation - to improve security - for a better start point - to attract attention better - to make the action clearer

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Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

2. Cruise Booking Web Page.

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Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Data Flow Diagram

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Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

System Flow Chart
1. System Flow Chart Symbols:

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Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi

Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

2. Draw a System Flow Chart which shows the following: User Login and its Verification User Registration Selection of Cruise Select Cabin, Departure Date, Time and Destination Calculate Fare Payment through Credit Card and its Verification Display and Print Cruise Booking Confirmation Print Daily Bookings

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Web Based Cruise Booking System 2013

Start Start

Enter User ID & Password

Verify User ID & Password

User Database

Update User Database

Is User Verified? Yes Cruise Database Select Cruise

No

Display Error

Enter User Details

Select Cabin, Departure Date, Time & Destination

Process

Payments
Enter Credit Card Details Verify Credit Card Bank Database

Is Credit Card Verified? Yes Update Cruise, User & Booking File

No

Display Error

Booking Database

Display Confirmation

Process & Sort Daily Bookings

Print Confirmation Receipt

Print Daily Bookings

Stop

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Cosmic Campus, Bhaduarabad Minhas Rupsi