DEVELOPMENT OF A WEB BASED PROJECT HUB

BY
SIDI SAMAILA AGYA
0219047000847

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, FACULTY OF NATURAL AND

APPLIED SCIENCE, NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI
NIGERIA.

OCTOBER, 2024

i
 DEVELOPMENT OF A WEB BASED PROJECT HUB

BY
SIDI SAMAILA AGYA
0219047000847

BEING A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER

SCIENCE, FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCE, NASARAWA
STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHEALOR OF SCIENCE (B.SC)
DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

OCTOBER, 2024

ii
 DECLARATION

I, Sidi Samaila Agya with matric number 0219047000847, hereby declare that this project

work was carried out by me as a partial fulfillment for the award of the requirement for the

award of Bachelor of computer science.

Signature Date

iii
 CERTIFICATION

This project titled “Development of a web based project hub” has been read and approved
as having met the regulation governing the award of a degree in Computer Science in the
Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

______________________ ____________________
Dr. Mrs E.S. Alu Date
Project Supervisor

_______________________ ____________________
Dr. Binyamin A. Ajayi Date
Head of Department

_______________________ ____________________
Prof. Ogwueleka Francisca Nonyelum Date
External Examiner

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 DEDICATION
This project is dedicated to God almighty for the successful completion of my BSc. in

Computer Science

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I give glory, honor, adoration and praise to Almighty God for His faithfulness towards me. I

sincerely thank Him for giving me the opportunity to go through this undergraduate

programme successfully.

My sincere appreciation goes to my supervisor, Dr. Mrs. E.S Alu whom despite her busy

schedules took time to go through this work and for her guidance and contributions towards

the completion of this project. My profound gratitude goes to my H.O.D Dr. B. A. Ajayi and

also my lectures, non-academic staffs of computer science department for their intellectual

contribution to my academic development throughout my programme.

My deepest appreciation goes to my father, Mr Sidi Joseph Agya and my loving mother Mrs

Sarayah Sidi who saw me from the beginning of this programme to the end, my deepest

gratitude for your endless love, advice encouragement and prayers towards my academic

success.

Lastly to all my friends and all members of my B.sc Computer Science class that have

contributed in one way or the other to the success of my program, I appreciate you all, may

the good God bless you all.

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ABSTRACT

The rapid advancement in digital technology has revolutionized various domains, including
academic project management. Traditional methods of managing academic projects, which
are often manual and paper-based, lead to inefficiencies, delays, and accessibility issues. This
study aims to address these challenges by developing the Web-based Project Hub, a digital
platform designed to streamline the process of academic project submission and management
within university systems. The proposed platform enhances communication between students
and supervisors, promotes knowledge sharing, and improves the overall efficiency,
accessibility, and transparency of academic project management. By leveraging technologies
such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQLi, the Web-based Project Hub offers a
responsive and user-friendly interface for students and supervisors to manage project
submissions, approvals, and documentation effectively. The implementation of this platform
signifies a significant step towards modernizing academic practices and fostering a more
collaborative academic environment.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION

CERTIFICATION

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

1.4 Method of Achieving the Objectives

1.6 Significance of the Study

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Conceptual frame work

2.1.2 Overview of project hub functionality

2.1.3 Significance of technological tools

2.1.4 Integration of concepts and tools

2.2 Empirical review

2.2.1 Digital project management systems

2.2.1 Digital project management systems

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2.2.2 Benefits of web based platforms

2.2.3 Technological advancement in academic practices

2.3 Integration of project management in education institution

2.4 Analysis of Existing systems 12

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Information requirements

3.2 Software requirements specification

3.2.1 Fundamental requirments

3.2.2 Non functioanl requirements

3.2.3 Hardware and Software requirements

3.2.3.1 Software requirments for eproject hub web application

3.2.3.2 Hardware requirements

3.3 Tools and Techniques 16

3.4 Various Technologies 16

3.5 Choice of Programming Language 17

3.5.1 The PHP programming Language 17

3.5.2 HTML,CSS,bootraps and Javascript 18

3.6 System Design Models 18

3.6.1 Use case diagram 19

3.6.2 Sequence diagram 20

3.6.3 Flowcharts 22

3.6.4 Architectural diagram 23

3.7 Database Design 22

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 CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR: IMPLEMENTATION, RESULTS, AND DISCUSSION

4.2 System Implementation 26

4.2 System Implementation 26

4.2.2 Frontend Design 27

4.2.3 Backend Implementation 27

4.2.4 Database Design 28

4.3 Results 28

4.3.1 User Interface Testing 28

4.3.2 System Functionality 29

4.3.3 Performance Testing 29

4.4 Discussion 29

4.4.1 Addressing the Objectives 29

4.4.2 Comparison with Traditional Systems 30

4.4.4 Recommendations for Improvement 30

4.5 System Interfaces 31

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER FOUR: IMPLEMENTATION, RESULTS, AND DISCUSSION

5.1 Summary 37

5.2 Recommendations 38

5.3 Conclusion 39

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1 User’s table for project hub 24

Table 3.2 Project table for project hub 24

Table 3.3 Project suggestions table for project hub 25

Table 3.4 Feedback table for project hub 25

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3. 1: Student Use case diagram for web based Project hub 20
Figure 3. 2: Sequence diagram for web based Project hub 21
Figure 3. 3: flowchart for web based Project hub 22
Figure 3. 4: Architecural diagram for web based Project hub 23

Fig4.1 Landing page for web based Project Hub 32

Fig4.2 Account creation for web based Project Hub 32

Fig. 4.2 Login Interface for Web based Project Hub 33

Fig 4.3 The Student dashboard for web based Project hub 34

Fig 4.4 The project Suggestion interface for Web based Project Hub 35

Fig 4.5 Project approval feedback interface 36

References 40

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background to the Study

In modern academic times, the management of academic projects stands as a fundamental of

scholarly pursuits, streamlining the passing of knowledge and enhancing academic growth.

Traditionally, the process of submitting and managing academic projects has been

characterized by manual, paper-based methods, this often results in delays, damaged or

missing hard copy and also limited accessibility. Recognizing the need for a more efficient

and digitized method, the Web based project hub stands as a solution, aimed at

revolutionizing academic project management within the university system.

The Web based project hub represents a complete effort in using the power of technology in

addressing longstanding challenges in academic project management. In creating new ideas,

this web-based platform is developed to digitize academic project submissions, making

efficient the communication between the supervisor and student interaction, and it also tends

to contribute to the progress of togetherness in the aspect knowledge sharing among students

in the university system. By the advantage gained through the technology, the platform finds

to promote the efficiency, accessibility, and transparency of the project management process,

this achievement tends to enrich the academic experience for tertiary institution enhancing

flexibility for all individuals including supervisors and students.

The 21st century has witnessed a significant growth or increase in digitalization and

technological advancement across various areas, the school system is not exempted. In

clarification by Smith (2020), recent developments have underscored the importance of

integrating technology into academic practices to meet the evolving needs of students and

1
educators alike. The Web based project hub stands as a timely response to these imperatives,

creates a dynamic and user-friendly platform that redefines and transforms the process of

project management within the tertiary institution

The Web based project hub is basically focused on the ways of coming up with new and

better method to manage projects really well, it ensures that projects are handled in the best

way possible. The platform has simple tools that helps both supervisor and student to easily

and efficiently handle the process of submitting projects. Digital submission of project

proposal capabilities helps students to easily submit their project proposal for approval, this

process eliminates the need for paperwork and also eliminates the manual process.

Supervisory approval workflows facilitate fast communication and collaboration, creating a

supportive and interacting academic environment. Furthermore, the platform serves as a

storage for all academic projects, this will in turn enable students easily access their fellow

student work and also learn each other's work, thereby promoting collaboration and

knowledge sharing within the academic community, this can also help uploaded project on

this platform serve as guide to student that might be looking for how to write a good project

or probably looking for a project guide

In the digital age, characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting paradigms,

the Web based project hub stands as a beacon of innovation and progress in academic project

management. As highlighted by Smith (2019) in the Journal of Digital Innovations,

traditional paper-based systems are becoming old fashioned and are not being practiced

because of it inefficiencies and they have lot of draw backs. The web based project hub

signifies a better way on the management of project, moving from a slower and less efficient

method to a more faster and efficient method. This change is in line with leveraging on the

technology to digitalize the process of project submission.

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1.2 Statement of the problem:

In the academic realm, the traditional manual and paper-based methods for managing projects

is faced with common problems such as delays, damage or loss of project, and limited

accessibility can cause restrictions. To address these issues, the introduction of a Web-based

project hub aims to digitalize/computerized the traditional method academic project

management within universities. However, unsettled issues remain regarding lack of

efficiency, limited accessibility, technological advancement, efficiency, transparency, and

technological disparities. Addressing these challenges is crucial for maximizing the

effectiveness of the Web-based project hub in enhancing academic project management and

promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing within tertiary institution environment.

Despite the available technological advancements, project submission and approval in many

institutions remain manual, leading to inefficiencies such as delayed responses,

miscommunications, and lost/damaged documents which can result from misuse of hard copy

project, (Doe, 2020).

1.3 Aim and objectives of the study

Aim

The aim of the study is to design and implement a realtime webased system that will

automate the management of academic project.

Objectives

The objectives are to;

i. Design a responsive and user friendly application

ii. Desgin a database that will store all project and information submitted

iii. Implement the system

3
1.4 Method of Achieving the Objectives

To achieve our goals for the web based project hub, we will build a user-friendly web

application using HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, a little application of JavaScript, PHP, and

MySQLi. This platform will computerize/digitalize the submission and management of

academic projects, allowing students to easily submit project proposal and supervisors to go

through and approve their desired choice. The application will feature real-time project

tracking and robust security measures. By integrating these components seamlessly, we aim

to create an efficient, accessible, and transparent system for academic project management.

1.5 Significance of the study

This study is important because it aims to make it easier for students and lecturers to manage

academic projects. By creating this online platform called the web based project-hub, the

process of submitting, reviewing, and approving projects will become faster and simpler.

This means less paperwork and more time for learning.

The platform will also help students share their work with each other more easily, which can

improve collaboration and understanding. Plus, it will make it fairer for everyone involved by

ensuring that everyone has the same access to information. Also, younger/junior student

looking for format of project to enhance academic learning will easily get projects on this

platform without necessary needing to be around school environment, this aids flexibility and

cuts cost and time wastage

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study include the developing and implementing of the web based project

hub is a platform designed to streamline the process of submitting and managing academic

4
projects within the institution. The study will focus on creating a user-friendly interface for

students and supervisors, digitizing project submissions.

5
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The web-based e-project Hub (WBPH) is saddled with the responsibility of managing an

online response to the submission of project topics for approval, submission of the final copy

after all necessary corrections have been and keeping this submitted, and also acting as an

archive or an online Library to keep and store students projects aiding better learning and

collaboration. Although the use of computer technology has advanced in various fields, the

manual process of managing students’ projects is being practiced almost everywhere. This

indicates the inadequacy of the existing technology to address the problem. With the

increasing demand for centralized matching systems for students to submit topics for

approval without necessarily meeting with the supervisor, and also reducing the use of so

much paperwork, there is a need for an efficient software package that eliminates or

minimizes the use of the manual process. The need to meet a supervisor physically might be

time-consuming due to their schedules, and a project title or shelf storage of completed

students’ project reports, consumes time and is prone to errors or records loss. In this paper, a

web-based platform called Web-Based Project Hub (WBPH) was developed.

Got it, you're looking to provide a comprehensive overview of all the concepts and tools

involved in your project within the conceptual framework. Here's a revised version:

KEY CONCEPTS

i. Academic Project Management: The process of overseeing and organizing academic

projects within an educational institution to facilitate learning and research.

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 ii. E-Project Hub: A web-based platform designed to streamline the submission, review,

and management of academic projects within an institution, enhancing efficiency and

collaboration.

iii. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The standard markup language used to create

web pages and structure content on the internet.

iv. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): A style sheet language used for describing the

presentation of a document written in HTML, enhancing its visual appeal and layout.

v. Bootstrap: A front-end framework used to design and customize responsive and

mobile-first websites, providing pre-designed templates and components.

vi. PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor): A server-side scripting language used for web

development to create dynamic web pages and manage database interactions.

vii. MySQLi (MySQL Improved): An extension of PHP used to establish connections

with MySQL databases and execute SQL queries securely and efficiently.

2.1.2 Overview of eProject Hub Functionality:

 Digital Submission: Allows students to submit project topics digitally through the

platform, eliminating the need for physical paperwork.

 Supervisory Approval Workflows: Enables supervisors to review and approve

project submissions, facilitating efficient communication and feedback.

 Final Project Distribution: Provides a mechanism for distributing final project

materials to relevant stakeholders, ensuring accessibility and transparency.

2.1.3 Significance of Technological Tools:

 HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap: Essential tools for designing the user interface and

layout of the eProject Hub platform, ensuring an intuitive and visually appealing

user experience.

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  PHP and MySQLi: Backend technologies responsible for the dynamic functionality

and database management of the platform, enabling seamless interaction between

users and data.

2.1.4 Integration of Concepts and Tools:

 The E-Project Hub leverages HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, PHP, and MySQLI to create a

user-friendly and efficient platform for managing academic project

2.2 EMPIRICAL REVIEW

The application of technological advancements in academic workflows has been an area of

increasing interest. This chapter will explore the literature review in the context of the e-

Project web-based application, bringing together a range of sources and viewpoints on this

very important subject.

The e-Project web-based app’s primary function - facilitating electronic submission - is a

direct response to the increased digitization of educational institutions (Johnson, 2019). In his

study, Johnson posits that mounting student numbers, combined with time constraints, make

it increasingly crucial for schools to adopt digital project submission systems, thereby

reducing paperwork and streamlining processes (Johnson, 2019). The Role of Electronic

Project Submission in Modern Education. Educational Technology Journal. Supervisor

approval workflows, another key feature of the Web-Based Project Hub, reportedly improve

allocation and feedback processes between students and supervisors (Smith, 2020).

Furthermore, Smith's study highlights that this closer engagement with mentors positively

affects students' academic outcomes (Smith, 2020). Mentor-Student Interaction and Digital

Platforms: A Progressive Outlook. Academic Dialogues.

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Regarding knowledge sharing, Matthews (2018) notes that the move to digital environments

is significant because it facilitates easier knowledge sharing and collaboration. These benefits

can enrich the learning environment for students in both their individual and collective

studies (Matthews, 2018). Knowledge Sharing in the Digital Age. Learning and Technology

Review. Available at: In support of the modernization of project management, Turner's

(2017) paper points out that, when used appropriately, digital project submission platforms

can significantly enhance the general student learning experience and simplify project

handling processes. (Turner, 2017). The Evolution of Project Management within

Educational Institutions.

In terms of user experience, Rahman (2021) asserts the importance of user-friendly interfaces

in educational institutions' digital platforms. They are critical in ensuring that these systems

not only fulfill their function but are also conducive for users of varying technological

proficiency levels (Rahman, 2021). User Experience (UX) in Educational Technology: An

Overview. Technological Development Journal.

One of the primary advantages of digital platforms such as the e-Project web-based

application is their ability to streamline project submission and approval processes. By

digitizing project submissions, these platforms eliminate the need for cumbersome paperwork

and manual administrative tasks, thereby saving time and enhancing efficiency (Adams &

White, 2017; Johnson, 2019). Moreover, digital platforms provide users with greater

accessibility to project-related information, enabling seamless collaboration between students

and supervisors (Brown & Davis, 2018; Patel, 2020).

The e-project web-based application also facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing

among students. By serving as a centralized repository for academic projects, the platform

enables students to access and learn from each other's work, fostering a culture of

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collaboration and innovation (Smith & Jones, 2016; Wilson, 2022). This collaborative

environment not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the broader

academic community by promoting the exchange of ideas and best practices (Lee et al., 2019;

Thompson, 2021).

The adoption of digital platforms like the eProject Hub represents a broader trend towards

digital transformation in academia. Institutions worldwide are increasingly leveraging

technology to improve various aspects of academic life, including project management

(Johnson & Patel, 2018; Adams, 2020). These platforms play a crucial role in enhancing the

efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of academic processes, ultimately contributing to

the overall success of academic institutions (Brown, 2017; Wilson & Lee, 2021).

In conclusion, digital platforms such as the eProject Hub Submission Portal offer significant

benefits for academic project management. By digitizing project submissions, promoting

collaboration, and facilitating knowledge sharing, these platforms have the potential to

revolutionize the way academic projects are managed and executed. As technology continues

to evolve, academic institutions must embrace digital solutions to enhance their

competitiveness and ensure the success of their students and faculty, and also the above-

mentioned studies testify to the positive impact of features integral to the e-project web-based

application. These benefits underline the system’s relevance in modern academia, thereby

making it a timely topic for further examination. This review also emphasizes the vast

potential of the system in enhancing the academic experience for all parties involved.

2.2.1 Digital Project Management Systems

Digital project management systems have gained prominence across various sectors for their

ability to streamline processes and improve productivity (Doe, 2019). Within academia, the

adoption of such systems offers numerous benefits, including enhanced organization,

10
efficient tracking of project progress, and simplified communication between students and

faculty (Brown, 2020). The project Hub Submission Portal represents a significant

advancement in this regard, providing a centralized platform for submitting, and reviewing

project topics submitted by students for approval and managing academic projects.

2.2.2 Benefits of Web-Based Platforms

The integration of web-based platforms in educational settings has transformed traditional

administrative practices (Johnson, 2017). By offering a user-friendly interface and real-time

collaboration tools, platforms like the e-Project web-based application facilitate seamless

communication between students and supervisors (Williams, 2018). Moreover, the platform

serves as a digital repository for academic projects, fostering collaboration and knowledge

sharing among students and faculty members (Taylor, 2019). Through its accessibility and

transparency, the platform enhances the academic experience and promotes a culture of

innovation within the institution.

2.2.3 Technological Advancements in Academic Practices

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, educational institutions must

adapt to meet the evolving needs of students and educators (Clark, 2020). The eProject Hub

Submission Portal represents a timely response to these demands, leveraging technology to

digitize the project submission process (Adams, 2017). By providing students and faculty

with a user-friendly platform, the portal enhances accessibility, efficiency, and transparency

in project management (Roberts, 2021). Furthermore, the platform promotes collaboration

and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the academic community (Wilson,

2019).

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2.3 Integration of Project Management in Educational Institutions

The integration of project management systems in educational institutions is essential for

fostering positive student relationships and creating a conducive learning environment

(Miller, 2018). Drawing on principles of relationship marketing and customer satisfaction

theory, the eProject Hub Submission Portal prioritizes stakeholder engagement and

personalized interactions (Garcia, 2020). By implementing effective service recovery

strategies and promoting transparent communication, the platform strengthens relationships

between students and faculty members, ultimately enhancing the academic experience for all

stakeholders (Harris, 2016).

2.4 Analysis of Existing Systems

A critical examination of existing project management systems reveals both their strengths

and limitations (Lee, 2020). While digital platforms offer significant advantages in terms of

efficiency and accessibility, challenges such as data security, feedback from users and user

interface design persist (Anderson, 2018). By leveraging insights from existing literature and

best practices, the e-Project web-based application can address these challenges and optimize

its functionality to meet the unique needs of academic institutions (White, 2019). Through

continuous evaluation and improvement, the platform remains at the forefront of innovation

in academic project management (Jackson, 2021).

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In this chapter, the research methodology for developing the eProject Submission Portal is

described. This includes the research method used, data collection methods, system analysis,

and the software and hardware requirements, followed by the system design.

3.1 Information Requirements

This research project aims to develop a web-based application that enables users such as

students, supervisors (academic administrators) to efficiently manage, submit, and review

academic projects, thereby facilitating informed decision-making based on the provided

information.

3.2 Software Requirement Specification (Functional and Non-Functional Requirements)

for the Proposed System

3.2.1 Functional Requirements

The functional requirements ensure that the system supports all necessary tasks for users. The

following functional requirements were identified for the web-based project application:

i. User Authentication and Access Control: The system should allow users to log in to

access the functionalities permitted to their role.

ii. Data Manipulation Authorization: Only authorized users should be able to manipulate

data in the database.

iii. User Role Differentiation: The system should support different user levels, including

administrators, students, and supervisors.

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 iv. Project Submission and Approval Workflow: The system should enable students to

submit projects and supervisors to review and approve them.

v. Session Management: Users should remain logged in for a session duration of one

hour for security reasons.

vi. Database Management: The system should store all submitted data in a database for

easy access and historical reference.

3.2.2 Non-Functional Requirements

The non-functional requirements highlight the quality and performance attributes of the

system. The web-based project hub must exhibit the following:

i. Usability: The system must be user-friendly and intuitive, ensuring ease of use for all

users. The "user-centered design" concept should be employed to achieve this.

ii. Scalability: The system must be scalable to accommodate an increasing number of

users and data.

iii. Security: Security is paramount. The system should include authentication to verify

user identities, authorization to control user access, and validation to prevent

malicious activities such as database intrusion or injection.

iv. Reliability/Availability: The system must be reliably available whenever users need to

access it.

v. Modularit: The system should be modular, allowing for components to be reused in

other applications. This includes using functions for repeated processes and separating

the user interface, backend server, and database.

vi. Data Integrity: The data stored in the system should be accurate, timely, and valid.

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3.2.3 Hardware and Software Requirements

3.2.3.1 Software Requirements for eProject Hub Web Application

While software is a crucial component for any system, the eProject Hub focuses on user-

friendliness and accessibility. Here are the key software requirements to ensure a smooth and

efficient platform:

i. Platform: Web-based (Accessible from any device with a web browser)

ii. Technology Stack:

a. Front-End: HTML, CSS, Javascript

b. Back-End: A server-side scripting language like PHP

c. Database: MySQL (or a relational database management system) to store user

data, project information, and uploaded documents.

iii. Development Tools:

a. Version control system (e.g., Git) to track code changes and enable

collaboration.

b. Code editor (e.g., VS Code) for efficient developmen

3.2.3.2 Hardware requirements:

 Processing Power: At the heart of the system lies a modern processor (think Intel Core

i3 or equivalent). This ensures smooth operation, handling user requests and database

interactions efficiently, even during peak usage.

 Memory Muscle: To provide a responsive experience for all users, a minimum of

4GB RAM is recommended. This allows the application to function without lags,

especially when managing multiple concurrent users.

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  Storage Capacity: The eProject Hub will reside on a storage device, ideally an SSD

for faster data access. The exact storage space needed depends on the volume of

uploaded project files. We recommend planning for future growth to accommodate an

increasing number of projects.

3.3 Tools and Techniques

The purpose of this research work is to explore by qualitative method, how a proper complain

processing system can effectively help the academic sector become more efficient in its

service. Usually, the research methodology of a project deals with the various techniques

needed to conduct a successful research work. Such research could be quantitative – focused

on the numbers and statistics, or qualitative – focused on the concepts and experiences. In

this research, the qualitative technique is employed as it relates to human lives.

3.4 Various Technologies used

i. PhpStorm: This is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for PHP

programming languages designed to maximize developer productivity. It does routine

and repetitive tasks for you by providing clever code completion, static code analysis,

and refactoring, and lets you focus on the bright side of software development,

making it not only productive but also an enjoyable experience. It is the IDE used by

the researcher to develop the back-end part of the software.

ii. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): This is a streamlined text editor with support for

development operations like debugging, task running, and version control. It aims to

provide just the tool a developer needs for a quick code build-debug cycle. It is the

editor used by the researcher to develop the front-end part of the software.

iii. Vue JS: This is a progressive framework for building user interfaces, unlike another

monolithic framework, Vue is designed from the ground up to be incrementally

16
 adoptable. Vue’s core library is focused on the view layer only and is easy to pick up

and integrate with other libraries or existing projects. On the other hand, Vue is also

perfectly capable of powering sophisticated Single-Page Applications (SPA) when

used in combination with modern tooling and supporting libraries. The Vue JS

framework is used by the researcher to develop the front-end part of this project. One

major advantage of the Vue JS framework that inspired its usage for this project is the

fact that it makes applications faster when in use by clients.

iv. MySQL database is the database adopted and used by the researcher for this project.

MySQL is developed as open-source

v.

vi. software and as a relational database, it provides an SQL (Structured Query

Language) interface for accessing data. It is fast, scalable, and robust, with a rich

ecosystem of storage engines, plugins, and many other tools which make it very

versatile for a wide variety of use cases.

3.5 Choice of Programming Language

3.5.1 The PHP programming language

PHP is a popular choice for developing web-based applications. Here's why:

1. Server-Side Processing: PHP is a server-side scripting language, meaning it runs on

the web server before the content is sent to the client's browser. This makes it well-

suited for handling project suggestion,approval,declining, project storage etc.

2. Database Integration: PHP has excellent support for connecting to databases,

allowing you to store and retrieve product information, customer details, and order

data. You can use PHP's database extensions, like MySQL or PDO, to interact with

17
 popular database management systems and perform necessary operations such as

querying, inserting, updating, and deleting data.

3. Extensive Frameworks and Libraries: PHP has a vast ecosystem of frameworks

and libraries that can streamline the development of shopping cart applications.

Frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter provide pre-built components,

database abstraction layers, and routing mechanisms that simplify the development

process and ensure better code organization.

4. Community and Resources: PHP has a large and active developer community,

which means you can find plenty of resources, tutorials, and support when developing

a project submission platform application. The extensive documentation, forums, and

open-source projects can help you overcome challenges and learn best practices.

3.5.2 HTML, CSS, Bootsrap, and JavaScript

They are the languages used to develop the front end of the system. The front end is the user

interface (UI) that the users see and interact with. HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup

Language; it is the standard markup language for creating web pages. It consists of a series of

elements used for structuring a web page stands for Cascading Style Sheets, it is the language

used to describe how HTML elements are to be displayed. It gives style to a web page.

JavaScript is the programming language for the web, it can update and change both HTML

and CSS, and also calculate, manipulate, and validate data thereby making a static web page

responsive.

3.6 System Design Models

Several UML models were used to specify the design of the system and structure its overall

architecture. These models provided graphical representations of the interactions between

several users of the system and the system, the hierarchy of activities in the system and the

18
flow of control between these activities, and the overall architecture of the system. These

graphical representations are illustrated in the following parts of this section

3.6.1 Use case diagrams

The use case diagram illustrates the relationship between several users and the system. There

are two types of users of the proposed software. They are the students having their personal

dasboards and also lecturers/supervisors also having their on personal dashboards too which

is only accessible using their login details .

Their roles are described in the following parts of this section.

i. Student – The student primarily make use of the software to make project topic

proposal, and also upload a final corrected copy to the platform after all necessary

corrections have been made and also corrections has been acknowledeged by the

supervisor. The other activities they can perform include edit profiles, view their

project topic proposal and make another proposal if previous topics where rejected by

the supervisor.

ii. Supervisor/Lecturer – The Supervisor get project topic proposal from all student

attached to him/her only. He can either approve or reject topic proposal if he is not

satisfied by it and also give reasons for declining topic proposal. He gets to see the

final copy from student assigned to him/her to make sure all corrections are effected

then approves it before before it can drop on the plafrom for storage, making it

accessible to student for collaborative learning.

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Fig. 3.1 Use case diagram for Web based project hub

3.6.2 Sequence diagram

The sequence diagram illustrates the sequence of activities that usually happens in the

system. The sequence of activities in the proposed system is illustrated in figure 3.3 below.

The diagram graphically represents several sequences of activities that occur within the

proposed system i.e., user’s login into the system via an interface in the software, the

application logic (responsive code) checks if the email and password conform with the

standard email and password nomenclature, and the system checks if that user exists. If it

does, the user is redirected to the navigation flow he’s authorized to access, and if it is not, he

is informed that the email and/or password doesn’t exist and that he should try again. It also

shows the sequence of activities that occur when the students and supervisors use the

software

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Fig 3.2 Sequence diagram for Web based project hub

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3.6.3 Flowcharts

A flowchart is a visual tool that shows the steps in a process using symbols like ovals

(start/end), rectangles (tasks), and diamonds (decisions), connected by arrows.

Fig 3.3 FlowChart for Web based project hub

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3.6.4 Architectural diagram

An architectural diagram is a visual representation that outlines the structure and components

of a system, including how they interact and are organized. It typically shows the

relationships between software modules, hardware, networks, or services in a system, helping

stakeholders understand the design, data flow, and interactions within a project.

Fig 3.4 Architectural diagram for Web based project hub

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3.7. Database Design

A database is similar to a warehouse where data is stored. A database serves as the repository

for the system's information. MySQL was selected as the database system for its ability to

handle and organize vast quantities of data. In order to ensure uniformity throughout the

system, data models were established to define the procedures for creating users and storing

complaints.

Table 3.1 User’s Table

Table 3.2 Projects Table

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Table 3.3 Project Suggestions Table

Table 3.4 Feedback Table

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 CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR: IMPLEMENTATION, RESULTS, AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the implementation process, the results obtained from the web-based

project hub system, and a detailed discussion of the system's functionality and effectiveness.

The implementation phase involves the development of the platform, utilizing technologies

such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, PHP, and MySQLi. The results section

demonstrates how the system achieves the objectives set in the previous chapters, while the

discussion elaborates on how the developed system improves upon traditional project

submission and management methods.

4.2 System Implementation

The implementation of the web-based project hub follows a modular and systematic

approach. This section details the key components of the system, from user interface design

to database integration and system testing.

4.2.1 Development Environment

The system was developed using the following technologies:

 Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap (for a responsive and interactive user

interface)

 Backend: PHP (for server-side scripting)

 Database: MySQLi (for data storage and management)

 Framework: Bootstrap (to ensure responsiveness and a user-friendly layout)

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4.2.2 Frontend Design

The user interface was designed to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for both

students and supervisors. Key features include:

Homepage: A clean and easy-to-navigate homepage where users can log in to access their

accounts.

Student Dashboard: Students can view their project submission status, upload their projects,

and view feedback from supervisors.

Supervisor Dashboard: Supervisors can review submitted projects, provide comments, and

approve/reject submissions. Supervisors also have access to the project repository, where

they can view supervisor feedbackprevious projects.

Real-time Notifications: The system includes real-time notification features to alert students

about project status changes or feedback from supervisors.

4.2.3 Backend Implementation

The backend was developed using PHP, which facilitates interactions between the user

interface and the database. The following backend functionalities were implemented:

i. User Authentication: A secure login system for students and supervisors, ensuring the

confidentiality of project submissions and reviews.

ii. Project Submission Workflow: Students can upload their projects in various formats

(PDF, Word, etc.). Once submitted, projects are stored in the MySQL database.

iii. Approval and Feedback Mechanism: Supervisors can review submitted projects,

provide comments, and approve or request revisions.

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 iv. Project Repository: The system allows students to access past projects for reference,

promoting knowledge sharing.

4.2.4 Database Design

The MySQL database was designed to store and manage project-related data securely. The

key tables include:

 Users: Stores user information (students and supervisors), including login

credentials.

 Projects: Stores project details, including the title, description, status (pending,

approved, or rejected), and submission date.

 Feedback: Tracks comments and feedback provided by supervisors for each

project.

 Project Repository: A collection of all approved projects, accessible by students

for future reference.

4.3 Results

The developed system was tested using sample data to validate its functionality. The

following results were observed during the testing phase:

4.3.1 User Interface Testing

Responsiveness: The platform displayed a high level of responsiveness across different

devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones, owing to the Bootstrap framework.

Ease of Use: Both students and supervisors found the interface easy to navigate. Users were

able to upload, view, and approve projects with minimal effort.

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4.3.2 System Functionality

Real-time Project Submission: Students could submit projects efficiently through the

platform. The projects were immediately stored in the database, with real-time confirmation

messages displayed to the students.

Approval Workflow: Supervisors were able to review and approve or request revisions on

projects. The feedback provided by supervisors was instantly communicated to students

through the platform’s notification system.

Project Repository: The repository feature worked seamlessly, allowing students to search

and view previous projects based on keywords, departments, or submission years.

4.3.3 Performance Testing

Server Response Time: The platform demonstrated fast response times, even when multiple

users were submitting and reviewing projects simultaneously.

Data Storage: The MySQL database effectively handled multiple project submissions

without any loss or corruption of data.

4.4 Discussion

4.4.1 Addressing the Objectives

The results from the implementation phase confirm that the web-based project hub effectively

meets the objectives of the study:

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 1. User-Friendly Application: The platform's interface is intuitive, allowing students

and supervisors to interact with the system with ease. The use of Bootstrap ensures

the application is responsive across different devices.

2. Database Automation: The MySQL database automates the entire project

submission and management process, ensuring that students can submit their

projects digitally, while supervisors can review and provide feedback efficiently.

3. Real-Time Tracking: The platform allows students to track the progress of their

submissions, providing transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

4.4.2 Comparison with Traditional Systems

Compared to traditional paper-based project submission systems, the web-based project hub

provides numerous advantages:

Efficiency: The platform eliminates delays caused by manual submissions, lost documents,

and human error. Students can submit projects from any location, while supervisors can

review them at their convenience.

Accessibility: Both students and supervisors have 24/7 access to the platform, ensuring that

project management is not limited to physical locations or office hours.

Collaboration: The project repository allows students to learn from their peers' previous

work, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration within the academic community.

4.4.4 Recommendations for Improvement

Enhanced Security: While the platform employs basic encryption for login credentials, future

updates could incorporate multi-factor authentication (MFA) to further enhance security.

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Mobile Application: Developing a mobile app version of the platform would increase

accessibility, particularly for students and supervisors in regions with limited internet access.

The system has proven to be a significant improvement over traditional methods, offering

efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. The discussion highlighted the platform's

strengths, including its user-friendly design and real-time features, while also identifying

areas for future improvement. Overall, the web-based project hub successfully meets the

objectives of the study, demonstrating the potential to revolutionize academic project

management in universities.

4.5 System Interfaces

The landing page: the landing of the web-based project hub provides an overview of the

platform, designed to simplify academic project management. It includes a Home section that

introduces the platform's purpose of digitizing project submissions and tracking, and an

About section that highlights its benefits, such as improving communication between

students and supervisors and promoting collaboration. The projects section serves as a

repository of past projects, offering valuable reference materials for students. There’s also a

Guide that explains how to sign up, navigate, and use the platform easily. Finally, the page

features Login and Signup buttons for users to either access their accounts or register as new

users. This layout ensures a seamless and user-friendly experience.

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Fig4.1 Landing page for web based Project Hub

Account Ccreation interface

The account creation interface is essential for secure access to the platform. Both students

and supervisors must create accounts to access their dashboards, which provide role-specific

features. For students, this means submitting and tracking projects, while supervisors can

manage and review submissions. This system ensures secure, streamlined collaboration, and

role-based access, and enhances overall efficiency in project management.

Fig4.2 Account creation for web based Project Hub

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Login Interface

The User Login Page allows students and supervisors to securely access the platform with

their username and password. It ensures that only authorized users can submit or review

projects, protecting user data and maintaining role-specific access.

Fig. 4.2 Login Interface for Web based Project Hub

Student’sDashboard

The Student Dashboard is the main screen that a student sees after logging in. It displays

key features such as project submission status, notifications, and feedback from supervisors.

This page helps students manage their projects efficiently. Here, they can see if their project

has been submitted successfully, if it has been approved, or if they need to make corrections

based on feedback. The dashboard is designed to be user-friendly, with clear sections for

different actions, making it easy for students to navigate. Think of it like a control center

where students can check the progress of their work and make sure everything is in order.

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Fig 4.3 The Student dashboard for web based Project hub

Project Suggestion Interface

The Project Suggestion Interface allows students to select their supervisor's name and submit

three project topic proposals for approval. This feature is essential for initiating the project

process, as it fosters clear communication between students and supervisors.

Once a student selects their supervisor and submits their topics, they can easily track the

approval status. This interface simplifies the process of topic selection and ensures that

students receive guidance from their supervisors, helping to align their project ideas with

academic expectations. By providing a structured format for topic proposals, it enhances

organization and clarity, facilitating a smoother start to the project journey.

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Fig 4.4 The project Suggestion interface for Web based Project Hub

Project Approval interface

The Approval Interface allows students to check the status of their submitted project topics. If

a topic is approved by the supervisor, the student can proceed to work on the project. If the

topic is rejected, the student can make another suggestion and submit new topics for review.

This interface provides real-time updates, ensuring clear communication between students

and supervisors. It streamlines the approval process, making it easy for students to stay

informed and take timely action based on their project's status.

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Fig 4.5 Project approval feedback interface

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 CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Summary

This project aimed to solve the problems with traditional paper-based project management in

schools by creating a Web-Based Project Hub (WBPH). The main goal was to build a digital

system to make it easier to submit, review, and manage academic projects, making the

process faster and more accessible.

Background: Traditional project management often relies on paper, which can cause delays,

loss, or damage to documents, and makes it hard to access information quickly. This project

identified these issues as major problems in managing academic projects at universities.

Objectives: The goal was to design a web-based system that would:

 Allow digital submission and approval of projects.

 Provide a central place for storing and accessing projects.

 Improve communication between students and their supervisors.

Methodology:The WBPH was built using HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, PHP, and MySQLi. It

includes features like user login, project submission, approval workflows, and secure data

management. The design focuses on being user-friendly to ensure everyone can use it easily.

Key Findings:

1. Improved Efficiency: The WBPH reduces the need for physical paperwork, speeds up

submission and approval processes, and cuts down on delays from manual handling.

2. Better Collaboration: The platform acts as a central place for projects, making it easier for

students to share and collaborate on their work.

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3. Increased Accessibility: Users can access project submissions and approvals in real time,

overcoming the limits of traditional methods.

5.2 Recommendations

Based on what we learned, here are some suggestions to improve the Web-Based Project Hub

and similar systems:

1. Ongoing Training and Support: Schools should offer regular training and support to

students and supervisors to help them use the platform effectively. This should include

system navigation, solving common problems, and using advanced features.

2. Regular Updates and Maintenance: Keep the system updated and maintained to fix

technical issues and add new features based on user feedback. This will help keep the system

useful and up-to-date.

3. Enhanced Data Security Improve security measures to protect user data and prevent

unauthorized access. This can include features like multi-factor authentication and regular

security checks.

4. Scalability: Make sure the system can handle more users and projects as it grows. This

means upgrading server capacity and optimizing the database to manage increased use

efficiently.

5. Integration with Other Systems: Consider connecting the WBPH with other school

systems, like student information and learning management systems, to create a more

integrated academic environment.

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6. Feedback Collection: Set up a system to gather user feedback. This will help identify areas

for improvement and ensure the platform meets users’ needs.

5.3 Conclusion

The Web-Based Project Hub is a major step forward in managing academic projects at

educational institutions. By using digital technology, the platform addresses the problems of

traditional paper-based methods, offering a faster, more accessible, and transparent solution.

The WBPH simplifies the project submission and approval process, and encourages better

collaboration among students. Its user-friendly design and strong features make managing

academic projects more effective.

In conclusion, the success of the Web-Based Project Hub shows how digital platforms can

improve academic practices. As schools continue to use new technology, systems like WBPH

will be important for increasing efficiency and supporting academic success. Future work

should focus on refining these systems, adding new features, and keeping them relevant in the

fast-changing digital world.

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