Project Management Tool Development

1. Executive Summary
This report outlines the development process of a project management tool
designed to assist teams in planning, executing, and monitoring projects
efficiently. The tool includes features for project creation, task management, time
tracking, resource allocation, budget management, and reporting. The project was
developed using PHP and follows best practices for software development to
ensure scalability, maintainability, and usability.

2. Introduction
2.1 Project Purpose

The purpose of this project was to develop a web-based project management tool
that enhances team collaboration, improves project visibility, and ensures efficient
resource utilization.

2.2 Objectives

· Develop a user-friendly interface for project and task management.

· Implement features for time tracking, resource allocation, and budget

management.

· Ensure data security and compliance with relevant regulations.

2.3 Scope

The project management tool targets small to medium-sized teams and includes
functionalities for project planning, task assignments, collaboration, and
reporting.

3. Methodology
3.1 Development Approach

The project was developed using the Agile methodology to ensure flexibility and
accommodate changes during the development process. Iterative cycles (sprints)
were used to develop and refine features based on user feedback.

3.2 Technologies Used

· Backend: PHP,

· Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript

· Database: MySQL

· Version Control: Git

4. System Design
4.1 Architecture

The system follows a three-tier architecture consisting of:

· Presentation Layer: User interface built with HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

· Application Layer: Business logic implemented in PHP.

· Data Layer: MySQL database for storing project, task, user, and resource
data.

4.2 Database Design

The database schema includes tables for users, projects, tasks, resources, time
entries, and expenses. Relationships between tables are defined to ensure data
integrity and support complex queries.

4.3 Modules

4.3.1. User Management: Handles user registration, authentication, and role-

based access control.

· Description: This module handles all user-related functionalities,

 ensuring secure access and proper permissions within the system.

· Features:

· User Registration: Allows new users to sign up for the platform.

· Authentication: Manages user login and logout, ensuring secure

access to the system.

· Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Assigns roles (e.g., Admin, Project

Manager, Team Member, Client) to users and controls their access to
various features based on their roles.

· Profile Management: Enables users to update their personal

information and change passwords.

· Password Recovery: Provides functionality for users to reset their

passwords if forgotten.

4.3.2. Project Management: Allows users to create, edit, and manage projects.

· Description: This module provides tools for creating, editing, and

managing projects, ensuring that all aspects of project planning and
execution are handled efficiently.

· Features:

· Project Creation: Allows users to initiate new projects with details

such as name, description, start date, end date, and status.

· Project Editing: Enables users to update project details as needed.

· Project Dashboard: Displays an overview of all projects, showing key

metrics and status indicators.

· Project Templates: Offers templates for common project types to

streamline the creation process.

· Milestones: Allows users to set and track project milestones.

4.3.2. Task Management: Facilitates task creation, assignment, and tracking.

· Description: This module supports the creation, assignment, and

tracking of tasks within projects, ensuring that all team members are
aware of their responsibilities.

· Features:

· Task Creation: Enables users to create tasks with details such as

name, description, priority, start date, due date, and assigned user.

· Task Assignment: Allows project managers to assign tasks to team

members.

· Task Tracking: Provides tools to monitor the progress and status of

tasks (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done).

· Subtasks: Allows users to break down tasks into smaller, manageable

subtasks.

· Task Dependencies: Enables users to define dependencies between

tasks, ensuring proper sequencing.

4.3.3. Time Tracking: Logs time spent on tasks and projects.

· Description: This module logs the time spent on tasks and projects,
helping to track productivity and ensure accurate billing and resource
allocation.

· Features:

· UTime Entries: Allows users to log hours worked on specific tasks.

· Timesheets: Provides a weekly or monthly view of logged time

entries for review and approval.

· Time Reports: Generates reports on time spent per task, project, or

user.
4.3.4.Resource Management: Manages resource allocation and utilization.

· Description: This module manages the allocation and utilization of

resources, ensuring that they are used efficiently and effectively across
projects.

· Features:

· Resource Allocation: Allows project managers to assign resources

(e.g., team members, equipment) to tasks.

5. Implementation
5.1 Feature Development

Features were developed incrementally, with each sprint focusing on a set of

related functionalities. Key features include:

· Dashboard: Provides an overview of all projects and upcoming deadlines.

· Project Creation: Allows users to create projects with details like name,
description, start and end dates, and assigned team members.

· Task Management: Enables task creation, prioritization, assignment, and

status updates.

· Time Tracking: Users can log time spent on tasks, and managers can
generate timesheets.

· Resource Allocation: Tracks resource assignments and availability.

· Budget Tracking: Monitors project expenses and budget utilization.

· Reporting: Offers customizable reports for project progress, resource

utilization, and financials.

5.2 User Interface

The user interface was designed for ease of use and accessibility. Wireframes and
prototypes were created and tested with users to ensure an intuitive layout.

5.3 Security

Security measures were implemented to protect user data and ensure compliance
with data protection regulations:

· Authentication: Secure login with password hashing.

· Authorization: Role-based access control to restrict access to sensitive data.

· Data Encryption: Encrypt data in transit using HTTPS and sensitive data at
rest.