FACULTY OF BUSINESS

AND COMMUNICATION

DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

MOLINE BUS TICKET RESERVATION SYSTEM

STUDENT NAME: DAVIS KIMANI

ADMISSION NO: DBITNKR104722

SUPERVISOR: MADAM ROSELYN AKINYI

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DBIT DEPARTMENT

FOR PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF
DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AT
ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY.

APRIL, 2022

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 Declaration

I, Davis Kimani of REG DBITNKR104722 hereby declare that this is my original work
except where references have been made and has never been submitted for an award to this
institution, or any other institution of higher learning.

Researcher

Signature……………………………Date………. /………../………..

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 Approval

I have supervised this report and it’s now ready to be submitted for the award of a Diploma in
Business Information Technology.

Signature……………………………….

Date………../…………/…………..

Supervisor: Madam Roselyn

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 Dedication

I would like to dedicate this project report to the Father Almighty for giving me good health
and strength to work this project. Secondly, my family especially my parents for the financial
and emotional support they rendered me to allow me to pursue this course and also to enable
me to do my research smoothly.

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 Acknowledgement

I am grateful to all of those with whom I have had the pleasure to work with
during this and other related projects. I would like to appreciate Madam
Roselyn for her guidance.

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 Abstract
The utilization of transport voyage is an expansive developing business in cities and different
Nations, the manual utilization of Moline Bus Ticket Reservation System is very difficult,
furthermore devours a considerable measure of time by needing to remain focused in long
lines. For this reason, a framework is to be proposed in this project to ease the issue of
transport reservation amongst people inside the nation. The framework is a web –based
application that allows travelers to check transport accessibility, purchase and pay transport
ticket on by web (online). The proposed bus online reservation system will be created using
Structured Query Language (SQL), Java Script and other development applications.

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 Table of Contents
1 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION.................................................................................9
1.1 Background of study....................................................................................................9
1.2 Description of the current system..............................................................................10
1.2.1 Overview of the current system.........................................................................10
1.2.2 Problems associated with the current system....................................................10
1.2.3 Description of the Proposed System..................................................................11
1.2.4 Architecture of the Proposed System.................................................................11
1.3 Statement of problem................................................................................................12
1.3.1 Proposed solution...............................................................................................12
1.4 Objectives of study....................................................................................................12
1.5 Scope of the study.....................................................................................................13
1.5.1 Importance and Significant................................................................................13
1.5.2 Project Organization...........................................................................................13
2 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................14
2.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................14
2.1.1 Online reservation system..................................................................................14
Advantages of an Online Booking System............................................................................16
Disadvantages of an Online Booking System.......................................................................17
2.2 Existing systems........................................................................................................19
2.2.1 Mobile ticketing (M-ticketing)...........................................................................19
2.3 Summary....................................................................................................................20
3 CHAPTER 3: Introduction...............................................................................................21
3.1 Methodology..............................................................................................................21
3.1.1 System development methodology....................................................................21
3.2 System Analysis........................................................................................................24
3.3 Data collection approaches........................................................................................24
3.4 System requirements.................................................................................................25
3.4.1 Functional requirements....................................................................................25
3.4.2 Non-functional requirements.............................................................................25
3.5 System design............................................................................................................26
3.5.1 System modelling...............................................................................................27
3.6 Database design.........................................................................................................29

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 3.6.1 Entities................................................................................................................29
3.7 ERD Diagrams...........................................................................................................30
3.8 Logical design...........................................................................................................31
3.9 Data analysis tools techniques...................................................................................37
3.10 Feasibility study.........................................................................................................37
3.10.1 Social operational feasibility..............................................................................37
3.10.2 Legal feasibility..................................................................................................38
3.10.3 Economic feasibility...........................................................................................38
3.10.4 Technical feasibility...........................................................................................38
3.10.5 Schedule feasibility............................................................................................38
3.11 Development tools.....................................................................................................39
3.11.1 Programming tools.............................................................................................39
3.11.2 Database tools....................................................................................................39
3.11.3 System modelling tools......................................................................................39
3.12 Summary....................................................................................................................39
3.13 Budget........................................................................................................................40
3.14 Gant chart..................................................................................................................40
3.15 References.................................................................................................................41

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1 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

The prevalent view in various circles is threat that man is presently living in the age of
growth of information gathering, processing and dissemination, popularly known the
information age. For this reason, managers and other users of information especially in
transport industries are demanding more kinds of information to support management and
operations. They must therefore respond to the increasing requirement for information and
data management.(Oden, 2017)

Electronic tickets, or e-tickets, gives evidence that their holders have the permission to enter a
place of entertainment, use means of transport, or have access to some internet service. The
design of this online system will be beneficial to the company because it has not existed in
this bus company before.

Therefore, a viable investment owned by the state government or individual whose primary
objectives is to spread comfort and hospitality to passengers away from their home, to make
profit, will definite appreciate a system which can automate its manual operations in the area
of bus ticket reservation in order to meet customers increasing demand during peak and off-
peak seasons. The ultimate expectation is to inspire feasibility study aimed at providing
proper guidance and awareness to any future potential investors, particularly those in the bus
industry to consider utilising transport as a gateway to the fertile soil of unlimited
opportunities in Kenya.

Currently, staff at the bus ticket counter are using an internal system to sell tickets at the
counter. Sometimes, customers have to queue up a long line to buy bus tickets and ask for
information and this brings a lot of inconveniences to customers.(Oden, 2017)

However, online bus tickets reservation system enables the customer to buy tickets make
payment and ask for information online easily. Furthermore staff can sell bus tickets
reservation system after checking up the bus ticket availability for the customer and print the
bus ticket to the customer.

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1.2 Description of the current system
1.2.1 Overview of the current system
Currently, Moline bus ticket reservation system does not have a particular developed system
for enhancing the online booking of Bus Company. This implies that there is lack of any kind
of interaction between the bus company and the customers. In most of time, anyone wishing
to do ticket booking has to choose from any of the following three options in order to secure a
space for service:

i. Visiting the premises of the bus company to make the necessary inquiries
upon which booking is done.
ii. Contacting the manager in the bus company through a communication channel
in order to inquire about the bus company and how booking can be done.
iii. Performing consultation from anyone who has ever produced with Moline bus
ticket reservation system or has the knowledge or any relevant information
about the bus company.

1.2.2 Problems associated with the current system

The main challenge associated with the current system is that potential customers have travel
all the way to where the Moline bus offices are located. As a result, there is consumption of
time which would be avoided by having an automated system. Booking through a call can
limit the provision of enough information which might cause inconveniences of service
delivery. All these are both tedious and time consuming activities.

There is also problem of customers being unable to assess the progress of their projects not
unless they directly contact the manager which in turn consumes time in both parties.

In some cases, the interested customers may not know exactly where the bus company is
located, other than visiting it. This problem is clearly solved by the new system which
provides all relevant information about the bus company such as its geographical location,
contacts and others.

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1.2.3 Description of the Proposed System

The system is very simple in design and to implement. It requires very low system resources
and the system will work in almost all configurations. It has got the following features:

• It will ensure data accuracy.

• Records will be efficiently maintained by DBMS.
• Availability of seats can be enquired easily.
• Minimum time needed for the various processing.
• It will provide better Service.

1.2.4 Architecture of the Proposed System

This process supports existing infrastructure requirements and provides specific

recommendations for hardware and network solutions based on existing and projected user
needs. Application requirements, data resources, and people within an organization are all
important in determining the optimum hardware solution. It is represented using a three-tier
architecture that comprises of user interface, process management and Database Management
System (DBMS). It shows the components of the system, the services they provide and the
way they communicate to bring about the system functionality

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1.3 Statement of problem
Currently, the type of system being used at the counter is an internal system which is
manually used in selling the bus tickets. The problems facing the company are that customers
have to go to the counter to buy bus tickets or ask for bus schedule. Customers will also have
to queue up for a long time in order to secure a bus ticket and will also need to pay cash when
they buy the bus ticket.

1.3.1 Proposed solution

The solution to this problem is to create an online portal for buying bus ticket system.

Customer can buy the bus ticket over the Internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the bus

ticket can't be lost, stolen or left behind.

In addition, the online system lets the customers check the availability of the bus ticket before

they buy bus ticket.

1.4 Objectives of study

The purpose of this study is to automate the manual procedures of reserving a bus ticket for
any journey made through Moline Transport Company. This system is an automatic system
and customers can select seats by themselves.

Specific, objectives;

I. Providing web-based bus ticket reservation function where a customer can buy bus
tickets without need to queue at the counter to purchase a bus ticket.
II. Enabling customers to check availability and type’s busses online and customers can
also check the time for every company bus through the system.
III. Easing bus ticket payment by using mobile money features.
IV. Ability of customers to cancel their reservation
V. Increasing the security of company data e.g. employee data, customer data, company
busses, by being able to back them up in offshore severs.

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1.5 Scope of the study
This study covers the computerised transport management information system of the Moline
bus company which will be able to allow online booking, keep customer records, provide bus
routes and schedule, their prices, payment method and also a reserve area dedicated to
customer queries and replies.

1.5.1 Importance and Significant

Moline bus reservation so far brought about many advantages. With online bus reservation
system, you can get the seat of your choice and book the ticket before anyone else has booked
for it, reservation helps you not to stand in a queue to the ticket, this helps in reduction of
physical and mental stress that comes with every time visiting the stations and standing too
long just to get your ticket.

1.5.2 Project Organization.

This project is organized in five steps. The first is about the background of the study, aim and
objectives, scope, and limitation. Chapter two is the review of literatures related to the topic.
Chapter three talks about the project methodology, data collection, the system analysis and
design.

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2 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 Online reservation system

An online reservation system is a system software you can use for managing reservations for
your services. Be it a pool, fitness centre, gym or a park &recreational centre an online
reservation system allows all kinds of service business to accept bookings and appointments
online and manage their phone and in person booking with ease.

Basically, an online reservation system allows potential customers to book and pay for a
service directly through a website. That means that from the moment a customer decides they
want to book a slot for your services (be it an in house class or online appointment) to
choosing a date, picking a time and paying for the booking, membership management,
everything is handled online. It greatly reduces the workload on your staff and removes the
opportunity for double bookings.

We now live in a world where almost everything is practically inseparable from the internet,
business topping the list. It is now crucial that every business has a recognisable online
presence, no matter its sector. Not only does modern technology help business get found
online, but it also helps them easily convert visits into revenue through an online reservation
system.(What Is an Online Reservation System and Why Do You Need It?)

Here are the reason why we consider putting an online booking system:

i. It increases bookings

One of the most significant benefits of an online reservation system is that they are always
open for business. We can be able to accept bookings 24/7, so our customers don’t have to
wait until the next day to make a reservation or even worse, turn to one of our competitors.
Clients have the convenience to book when it is right for them and you collect bookings
while you sleep. Plus booking can be made in their own convenient time at the comfort of
their home. Eliminate the need to call up the facility to ask for details or go to one and
struggle to find a suitable slot to book. Our business can keeps its calendars full throughout
the year.

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 ii. It saves time
Online reservation system helps you do more with less by delegating the booking related task
to an online platform. A reservation systems enables you to automate notifications to your
clients. Once you have your business set up on the platform, you won’t have to go call your
guest for reminders or send follow up emails, which means a drastic reduction of no shows
and you don’t lose out on your income. All of this runs in the background, so you and your
staff can focus on providing the best experience to your clients.

iii. It increase efficiency of operations

Customers today expect instant gratification and an online reservation system can help you
provide it. Nobody in this time and age has patients to wait at the front desk. Booking
software can help you manage your wait list. That means no more long queues at front desks.
Avoid confusion that comes with bookings and automate everything with booking software
with a waitlist management feature.

iv. Expand business scope

If there is anything we have learnt in the year 2020, a physical facility should not stop one
from running a business. With everything going online, business too have shifted. An online
booking system provides the ability to integrate with video conferencing apps such as zoom
and google meet.

v. It gets smarter insights to your business

A booking software keeps track of each reservation and every detail that goes with it. You
can use reports to find what kind of bookings are making you the most money, get better at
understanding of who your typical customer is and have accurate insights into your cash
flow. An online booking software gives you the ability to make data driven decisions and
grow your business.(What Is an Online Reservation System and Why Do You Need It?)

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 Advantages of an Online Booking System
i. Your business is always available for reservations.

You're closed for the day. Does that mean clients have to wait until the next day to book a tee
time?

Online booking systems mean your business is open week. In other words, your customers
can make a reservation whenever it fits into their schedule (without you or your employees
having to be there). Over $450 billion was spent by consumers online in 2017, and that
number will only go up. Additionally, studies have shown that immediate availability when
shopping for products or services dramatically increases the number of purchases or
appointments.

With online booking, you'll capture more of the people looking to schedule an appointment or
tee time.

ii. An online booking system will reduce no-shows.

Customers who made a financial commitment by booking their own reservations are more
likely to show up, resulting in significantly fewer no-show tee times.

In the event a customer does need to cancel, their spot automatically becomes available again
so someone else can book it.

iii. Online booking means faster payments.

If you currently do not have an online tee sheet, you have to wait for players to show up
before you can collect payment for events or tee times. An online booking systems allow you
to capture that new revenue as soon as players schedule with your course.

iv. Less phone time.

With an online booking system in place, all the info players need to schedule with your
course is right on the screen. Because there is no need to call in to your course, you're able
to spend more time managing your business and the customers in your store, and less time
worrying about missed phone calls or phone tag.

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 v. You get valuable insight about your business.

Online booking systems come with a dashboard of analytics that help you quickly determine
your most popular sellers. With at-a-glance data that is simple to understand, you're able
to focus on creating offers your customers want the most–and grow your business by doing
so.

Disadvantages of an Online Booking System

i. You need internet access.

Reliable internet access is required to check reservations and add bookings that are made over
the phone. However, services like fore UP can be run on mobile internet connections. Given
the industry's transition to online tools, it's a good idea to invest in the best internet service
possible for your region.

ii. You need to be ready for an influx of new customers.

More and more people prefer doing business online these days, so web-based booking
software is a great way to attract new customers. If you're running a small operation and have
no means of quickly hiring more staff members or expanding your resources, the unexpected
growth can pose a challenge to your operations.

iii. Not all online booking systems are created equal.

Choosing an online booking software that doesn't meet your needs can be a real detriment to
your business. It's important to do your due diligence upfront. Fortunately, a little bit of
research now will save you immeasurable time & frustration in the future.(foreUP.)

About 50% of existing travel recommender system is designed for mobile devices. The
mobile application grouping accessible in the travel industry as mentioned, there are four
main mobile travel application categories “online booking” category. These application allow
a travellers to make online reservation for different services (e.g. bus travel, car rental, hotel,
airline ticket booking). Usually the travellers demand application from this category before
the trip. Online purchase of flight tickets represented 32% of overall online purchase
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business, hotel and tours represent 26 percent and event management tickets sold represents
20 percent global online purchases. Approximately 79 percent of United States mobile
phones uses the device for online shopping convinces and needs. Consumers depend on their
applications for more commercial dealings, social corresponding and community interaction.
Results derived from these surveys show that airline, bus liners, and travel agents, being the
goods and service provider, should expand the ticketing services through mobile shopping. In
addition, when the customers delivers the service indecently through the use of technology
will simplify and increase efficiency of service delivery, this technology called self-service
technology (SST). Self-service technology replacing the traditional service encounter which
in the process, there is a communication between customer and employee become the
customer deliver the service by themselves. (Yang & Park, 2011)Moreover, the customer
unnecessary to visit a firm office to ask about office transaction, ticket information and bill
payment, through this service firms give simplicity for the customer to fulfil their needs, and
customer can reduce money, time and effort to fulfil their needs. Second purpose of providing
self-service technologies is transacted, this technology enables the customer to make a
transaction, buy, pay or order stuff from the internet without direct interaction with an
employee.

The third purpose of self-service technologies is to self-help. Through these SSTs, enable the
customer to learn, receive information, train them and provide their own services.
Furthermore, self-service technologies indeed have a benefit for both companies and
customers. SSTS are cost effective to escalate the benefit of accessibility, pervasive
attainability and time and money savings and reduce anxiety. Nowadays electronic ticketing
systems (e-ticket systems) are particularly famous for the traveller in the whole world.
Electronic ticketing system is a shift from traditional ticketing system because a lot of
advantages which customer can get from e-ticketing system for example avoid queueing in
ticket box. Electronic ticketing system begins in accordance with the development of the
internet, before electronic ticketing system begins there is several ticketing system have the
advantage and disadvantage and clearly classify the advantage and disadvantage of several
kinds of ticketing system.

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2.2 Existing systems
2.2.1 Mobile ticketing (M-ticketing)
Also known as cellular ticketing, mobile ticketing is a feature that allows consumers to
purchase, pay for, and obtain tickets for different events by means of a mobile phone.

Considered an example of the ongoing development of

horizontal telecommunication convergence, this type of ticketing strategy is helpful for
ordering or booking tickets quickly, managing the payment for the ticket from a designated
account, and even delivering an order confirmation or an electronic copy of the ticket to the
consumer. An alternative application of mobile ticketing is used by law enforcement officials
to generate traffic tickets electronically.
In order to enjoy the benefits of mobile ticketing, consumers must own a mobile device that
is capable of connecting with the Internet. This allows the user to visit the vendor’s web site,
place the order, manage the payment process, and receive confirmation that the transaction is
complete. Typically, a confirmation of the order is sent to the user’s
designated email address, making retrieval of the electronic document relatively simple. In
some cases, the vendor may require the downloading of a specific mobile application in order
to use this particular ticket ordering process.
With retail applications, mobile ticketing makes it possible for consumers to use
electronic commerce to order and pay for tickets to theatre productions, rail travel, and even
in the process of booking airline reservations among other departments. Depending on the
application, the process may make it possible to receive an electronic copy of the ticket that
can be printed for use later. Another approach involves providing a confirmation that includes
the details of the purchase along with a confirmation number that can be tendered at the time
the consumer reaches the transportation terminal. With the latter approach, the need for hard
copies is eliminated altogether, providing an environmentally friendly way to reduce the
amount of paper used in these types of transactions in the Moline transport company.
(What Is Mobile Ticketing?)
Not only does mobile ticketing create a solution for payments, but it creates a solution for
planning trips.
According to Pew Research Centre as of 2016, 72% of adults in the U.S. report owning a
smartphone. This does not even include other mobile devices. As these members continue to
grow each year and technology makes us more interconnected, this is reflected in how we
move around our cities.
Take the apps like Uber and Lyft, for example. These rider sharing apps have flipped the taxi
industry upside down and as their popularity continues to skyrocket, they are teaming up with
public transportation agencies to further improve the rider experience. Agencies that utilize
mobile ticketing technology can now incorporate these rider sharing options within their own
apps to give additional transportation options to users.
This improved interconnectivity makes the definition of mobile ticketing a little broader.
Mobile ticketing has already become more than just new method of fare payments.

It’s becoming the new way to connect our cities.

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Generally, the mobile ticketing process can be defined in the following steps:

 Registration: Online ticketing requires a company to register with all the business and

services information.

 Provisioning: Allow mobile phone application to interact with customers, allowing

the purchase to take place.

 Validation: Validating and legitimate the ticket via electronic validation system

between the company and the customer.

 Ticket check: Controller to verify and accept the sales and display of the mobile

ticket as a valid ticket for the passenger, according to the terms displayed on the

ticket.

2.3 Summary
Indeed, mobile bus ticketing system (MBTS) is the most noteworthy prospects in the world

transport system to reduce expenditures and increase traveler's accessibility. This project will

reduce ticket processing flow, reduce usage of paper and allows greater conveniences and

flexibility to the traveler in cities and allow travel agent to make alterations to the journey.

There are other important issues from the use of this technique such as the mobile ticket

cannot be lost or stolen on the contrary of sending the ticket by mail also there is a probably

of sending it to the wrong address. MBTS will make customers' lives easier, and can get the

service by himself in anytime, anywhere and by use of any device.

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 3 CHAPTER 3: Introduction

3.1 Methodology
It is important to fulfil the planning of the implementation phase. This can only be done if

proper methodology is selected. Methodology is important to make sure all project life cycle

activities are being carried out without any shortcuts. Methodology helps the system

developers to take one step at a time towards accomplishing the full system. The following

section discusses on the choice of methodology towards the implementation of Online Bus

Ticketing System for Moline Bus Company.

3.1.1 System development methodology

This system underwent all the stages of system development lifecycle (SDLC). According to
the nature of this system and the data collected, a waterfall methodology was used to develop
this system. This methodology included the following stages: feasibility study, requirement
analysis and specification design, coding, testing, integration then maintenance. Each phase
required a different amount of effort and every phase had a well-defined starting and point.
Every phase had to be completed before beginning the next stage

Feasibility
study

Requirement
analysis and
specification

Design

Coding

Testing

Integration

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The phases of the waterfall model can be described as;

i. Requirement analysis − All possible requirements of the system are developed in this
phase and documented in a requirement specification documents.
ii. System Design − the requirement specifications from first phase are studied in this
phase and the system design is prepared. This system design helps in specifying
hardware and system requirements and helps in defining the overall system
architecture
iii. Implementation − with inputs from the system design, the system is first developed in
small programs called units, which are integrated in the next phase. Each unit is
developed and tested for its functionality, which is referred to as Unit Testing.
iv. Testing and validation. − All the units developed in the implementation phase are
integrated into a system after testing each unit. Post integration the entire system is tested
for any faults and failure.
v. Deployment of system − Once the functional and non-functional testing is done; the
product is deployed in the customer environment or released into the market
vi. Maintenance. There are some issues which come up in the client environment. To fix
those issues, patches are released. Also to enhance the product some better versions
are released. Maintenance is done to deliver these changes in the customer
environment.

All these phases are cascaded to each other in which progress is seen as flowing steadily
downwards (like a waterfall) through the phases. The next phase is started only after the
defined set of goals are achieved for previous phase and it is signed off, so the name
"Waterfall Model". In this model, phases do not overlap

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Advantages of waterfall model

i. The structure of the work

The waterfall model focuses on a precise and defined set of phases, resulting in a clear work
structure. Teams must complete an entire phase before moving on to the next one. So if there
are obstacles to completion they are immediately visible.

ii. Simplifying follow up

This method allows you to visualize the progression of the project in a clear and intuitive
way. This also means that no certification or specific training is required at the project
management level.

iii. Clarifying objectives

The clear determination of goals to be achieved from the begging is one of the characteristics
of the waterfall model. This provides clarity to teams and allow them to work in a focused
manner, with the end goal in mind at all times.

iv. Improving communication traceability

The waterfall approach is by definition methodical. This means that it is based on

standardised processes that promote efficient and accurate communication of information.

Disadvantages of the waterfall model

i. Difficult in making changes. The methodology, in its traditional form, almost never
leaves for unexpected changes or revisions. A sudden change in project parameters
could render much of the work you have done up to that point useless, resulting in a
delayed deadline.
ii. Customer or end user exclusion. Being an internal process, the waterfall methodology
has little focus on the end use or customer involved in a project. Customers often want
to be involved during a project, adding opinions and clarifying their needs and
expectations.
iii. Testing phase at the end of the project. Leaving the testing phase for it last is risky.
The project has probably taken a long time to complete, so large revision could cause
significant delay.

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3.2 System Analysis
System analysis can be defined as a process of investigation of a real or planned system to
determine the function of the system, identify the problems of the system, analysing and
synthesizing the various factors and determining a satisfactory solution. The purpose of the
system analysis is for an analyst to look carefully into the manual system and automate it into
computerized system. This research will be carried out on the existing system.

3.3 Data collection approaches

So as to collect data from Moline bus ticket booking system as well as its clients, appropriate
methods of collecting data were needed. These techniques included the following:

i. Observation
This involved the researcher going to the field of study, making direct watch on the way the
organization under study operates, identifying the possible drawbacks of the operating system
analysing the problems and developing a solution based on the observations made. This
technique was employed since it provides a first-hand information which is quite reliable and
accurate since the method provided a quick overview of the system. It is the most effective
technique.

ii. Interviews
This is a direct face to face conversation between the system analyst (interviewer) and the
users of the system. This was used where the respondents were few in order clarifying and
verifying gathered facts. This technique was important to use since some data could not be
collected by direct observation unless interviewed, hence it helped in enriching the data for
quality processing.

iii. Questionnaires
A questionnaire refers to a set of questions prepared by the person collecting data in a paper
which is issued to specific people who in turn respond to the questions privately without the
presence of the interviewer. Once the respondent is through, he/she will issue the answers
back to the person collecting the data. This technique was also important because some
interviewees were not confident enough to respond to the question at the interview panel
during the interview, and therefore a questionnaire best suited such people

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3.4 System requirements
So as to be in a position to automate the manual system at Moline bus ticket booking system,
an automated system was required. This system allows users to perform their booking while
in remote environments. Due to this, several requirements were thus required in order to
come up with a system that will allow this. Such requirements will be classified into three;
functional, non- functional and domain requirements.

3.4.1 Functional requirements

These requirements are those that enable the system to operate. These requirements focus
mainly on what the system should do. They include:

 Users have to register themselves by creating accounts to gain access to the

system’s services.
 User authentication by use of password.
 The system has two database views; the super administrator has more
privileges than the other users. The system shall validate users accessing data
in the system through use of password and username validation and
verification. A login dialog box will be used for these purposes.
 The categories of users allowed to access data in the system are:

I) Administrator,
ii) Customers (clients)
The super Admin will be responsible for making changes to the database while the members
will only be allowed to view the contents of the database.

3.4.2 Non-functional requirements

These requirements focus on how the system works or how the system should behave by
providing its quality attributes. These requirements include:
 The system should be able to handle an unlimited number of users at a time.
 Documentation: the system will be documented and PDF manuals will be
available for users when the system goes live.
 Recover-ability: the system will be regularly backed up so that it can be
recovered in case data is lost for some reason.
 Design constraints: The software will be developed with MySQL database
back end.

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  The system will not work in the absence of internet
 The system will only require the registered users to log in to the system.
 The system will only allow the super admin to change data on the database
and not any other user.

3.5 System design

This will show the application of system theory to product development by defining the
architecture, components, modules, interfaces and data for a system to satisfy specified
requirements. The goal of design phase is not just to produce a design for the system; instead
it is to find the best possible design within the limitations imposed by the requirements and
the physical as well as the social development in which the system is to operate. The system
design process are divided into logical, conceptual and physical design.

In Logical design; the logical model of the system is developed by indicating all the vital
steps the system development goes through. Here, the researcher uses case tools like flow
charts and data flow diagrams. Conceptual design is a description of the proposed system in
terms of a set of integrated ideas and concepts about what it should do, behave, and look like,
that will be understandable by the users in the manner intended. The Physical design is the
physical realization of logical design. Tables, forms and reports are created and relationships
defined among these tables and security constrains set during the physical design the
researcher translates the expected schemas into actual database structures. In here the
researcher achieves his third objective.

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3.5.1 System modelling
In this section, diagramming tools are used to help users understand the flow of data for the
existing system of operation at Moline bus ticket booking system. Since the system is a
manual one, below is a Data Flow Diagram on how data flows.

Issue form

Customer Customer
Customer arrival consultatio Attendant’s fills the
At attendant’s desk n information form

Customer details

Form file Manager

verifies
Verified details the form

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The activities that take place with the current system at Moline bus ticket booking when a
client is booking.

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3.6 Database design
Under this section, the various entities, their corresponding attributes and data types, as well
as the relationships among them are defined basing on the user requirements. It also involves
the construction of a suitable data model for the system.

3.6.1 Entities

a. Passenger (customer)
The person who is booking for purposes of travel

b. Bus detail
The bus to travel in

c. Journey details
The details of the planned destination

d. Ticket details

The details of the ticket

e. Schedule details
Details of the journey schedule

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3.7 ERD Diagrams
Passenger Staff

Passenger id Staff id
Passenger name
Staff name
Phone number
Seat number

Administrator

Username

Password
Route Payment method Bus
Route name
Bus id
Route id
Bus name
Route Price
Bus route

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3.8 Logical design
Logical design shows how data appear in the tables including the data types

Table: Ticket

Description; This stores the information on tickets

No Fieldname Data Type Size Constraint

1 Trans type Varchar 15 Primary key
2 Departure time Varchar 30 Nut null
3 Arrival time Varchar 30 Nut null
4 Departure station Varchar 30 Foreign key
5 Arrival station Varchar 30 Foreign key
6 Via station Varchar 30 Foreign key
7 Distance Varchar 5 Nut null
8 Rent Int - Foreign key

Table: Time table

Description; This table stores the route information of the ticket

No Fieldname Datatype Size Constraints

1 Route id Int 11 Foreign key
2 Departure Varchar 30 Foreign key
stations
3 Arrival stations Varchar 30 Foreign key
4 Via station Varchar 30 Foreign key
5 Distance Varchar 5 Foreign key
6 Departure time Varchar 30 Not null
7 Arrival time Varchar 30 Not null
8 Rent Int - Foreign key

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Description:This table show the activities both a customer and admin can perform once
logged in

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Table: route detail

Description; this table shows the route information of the ticket

No Fieldname Datatype Size Constraints

1 Route id Int 11 Primary key
2 Departure time Varchar 30 Not null
3 Arrival stations Varchar 30 Not null
4 Via stations Varchar 30 Not null
5 Distance Varchar 5 Not null
6 rent Int - Not null

Table: payment

Description; this table shows the information of the payment

No Fieldname Datatype Size Constraints

1 Customer id Int 6 Foreign key
2 Owner name varchar 50 Not null
3 Bank varchar 20 Not null
4 Trans type varchar 15 Not null
5 Ticket type varchar 20 Foreign key
6 Total rent Int - Not null

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Table: Password update

Description; this table shows the information of the changed passwords

No Fieldname Datatype Size Constraints

1 Id Int 6 Foreign key
2 Old password Varchar 30 Foreign key
3 New password Varchar 30 Not null
4 type Varchar 10 Not null

Table: contact us

Description; this table stores all contact person details

No Fieldname Datatype Size Constraints

1 Customer id Int 11 Foreign key
2 Username Varchar 11 Foreign key
3 Email Varchar 30 Null
4 message Text - Not null

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Description:This is a data flow diagram tha captures what a user does when searching for a
ticket from the website

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Table: customer

Description; this table stores the customer information

No Fieldname Datatype Size Constraints

1 Customer id Int 6 Primary key
2 Username varchar 30 Unique key
3 Password varchar 30 Not null
4 Address varchar 60 Not null
5 City varchar 30 Not null
6 Gender varchar 6 Not null
7 Date of birth varchar - Not null
8 Contact no date 10 Not null
9 email varchar 40 Null

Table: Book detail

Description; this table stores the information of the book detail

No Fieldname Datatype Size Constraints

1 Seat no Int 3 Primary key
2 Route id Int 11 Foreign key
3 Journey date Date - Not null
4 Booking date Date - Not null
5 Distance Int 5 Foreign key
6 Rent Int - Foreign key
7 Bus type Varchar 30 Foreign key
8 choice Varchar 15 Null

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3.9 Data analysis tools techniques
Data analysis is the process of evaluating data using analytical and logical reasoning to
examine each component of data provided. Data from various sources was analysed after
being gathered and reviewed so as to come up with conclusion. The current system was
evaluated using the gathered facts or information. These tools included be the following: Use
of tables and chart.

3.10Feasibility study
The feasibility study was intended to examine the current system and determine whether
there was need for a new system to replace it or not. It tended to check whether the current
system was viable. Basically, this was meant to analyse the feasibility of a new system
through cost-benefit analysis. It included: Legal feasibility, operational feasibility, economic
feasibility, technical feasibility and schedule feasibility.

3.10.1Social operational feasibility

This is a measure of how well a proposed system solves the problems, and takes advantage of
the opportunities identified during scope definition and how it satisfies the requirements
identified in the requirements analysis phase of system development. It dealt with the effect
of the system on the current society within the company.
The operational feasibility assessment focused on the degree to which the proposed
development projects fitted in with the existing business environment and objectives with
regard to development schedule, delivery date, corporate culture, and existing business
processes.

To ensure success, desired operational outcomes were imparted during design and
development. These included such design-dependent parameters such as reliability,
maintainability, supportability, usability, predictability, disposability, sustainability,
affordability and others. These parameters were considered at the early stages of design
where desired operational behaviors ere to be realized. A system design and development
required appropriate and timely application of engineering and management efforts to meet
the previously mentioned parameters. A system may serve its intended purpose most
effectively when its technical and operating characteristics are engineered into the design.
Therefore, operational feasibility is a critical aspect of systems engineering that needed to be

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an integral part of the early design phase. The Moline Bus Company ticket booking system
solutions was found reliable and adaptable therefore making it operationally feasible.

3.10.2Legal feasibility
This study was conducted to determine whether the proposed system conflicted with legal
requirements. These were data processing system must comply with the Local Data
Protection Acts. Any legal aspects associated with the new system were assessed and then
adequate measures taken to protect the interest of clients at Moline bus company ticket
booking system. The Moline bus company ticket booking system Solutions went through this
stage successfully and the system was found feasible.

3.10.3Economic feasibility
The purpose of the economic feasibility assessment was to determine the positive economic
benefits to the organization that the proposed system had to provide. It included
quantification and identification of all the benefits expected. This assessment typically
involved a Cost-Benefits Analysis (CBA). Undoubtedly the Moline Bus Company booking
system was found economically feasible and no possibility of it outliving its usefulness in the
near future.

3.10.4Technical feasibility
The assessment focused on gaining an understanding of the present technical resources of
ticket booking sector and their applicability in the proposed system. This was aimed at
evaluating both hardware and software required for the new system. It also determined
whether the current facilities were adequate for the new system implementation.

3.10.5Schedule feasibility
Schedule feasibility is a measure of how reasonable the project timetable is. The project
would fail if it took too long to be completed before it is useful. However, this means
estimating how long the system would take to develop, and if it can be completed in a given
time period using some methods like payback period. According to the time schedule of this
system, it was clear that the project would be scheduled feasible since it would take
approximately 3 months which was a relatively short period for such a system.

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3.11Development tools
3.11.1Programming tools
PHP and HTML were used for coding purposes as they served best during web based
applications. JAVA SCRIPT was also employed for scripting purposes while CSS was used
to format the web pages and creating appealing and user friendly interfaces of the system.
NOTEPAD++ editor was used to edit the code.

3.11.2Database tools
For database creation and connection purposes XAMPP was used which also has PHP
MYADMIN for database management and hosting.

3.11.3System modelling tools

Data flow diagrams, sequence diagrams and use case diagrams were some of the system
modelling tools that would be used to draw in the development process.

3.12Summary
From the discussed methodology, it is evident that every system must undergo through a
series of steps in a system development lifecycle. The methodology stated above was used
throughout the system development and this helped in coming up with a booking system that
would address the needs of Moline Bus Company and also its clients.

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 3.13Budget

Infrastructure Number of Cost per unit Total cost in

units Kshs Kshs
1 Desktop computers 3 45000 97700
Printers other stationaries 1 4000 2000
4 Output material e.g. 50 200 10000
Printing papers
6 Transport costs - - 3000
7 Miscellaneous costs - - 30000
8 Storage media 2 8000 10000

3.14Gant chart
Time schedule in weeks
ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1
3
Planning
Requirement
Analysis
Design
Coding
Testing
Implementation
Staff training
Documentation
Presentation 1
Day

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3.15References
foreUP, T. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an Online Booking System. Retrieved 19

April 2022, from https://blog.foreupgolf.com/advantages-disadvantages-online-

booking-system

Oden, C. (2017, September 6). Computerized Transport Management Information System.

Project Topics. https://www.projecttopics.org/transport-management-

information.html

What is an Online Reservation System and why do you need it? Retrieved 19 April 2022,

from https://www.getomnify.com/blog/one-reservation-system

What is Mobile Ticketing? (With picture). Retrieved 22 March 2022, from http://www.wise-

geek.com/what-is-mobile-ticketing.htm

Yang, M. G. (Mark), & Park, K. (2011). Self-Service Technologies (SSTs): Determinants of

adoption and its post-usage outcomes from a focal company perspective.

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 8, 305–321.

https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSOM.2011.038974

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