SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

TITLE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BY

NAME: XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

REG. NO: 22/0XXXX

SUBMISSION:

THIS PROJECT PROPOSAL IS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL

FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FINAL YEAR
PROJECT OF THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY DEGREE AT KCA UNIVERSITY

OR

THIS PROJECT PROPOSAL IS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL

FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FINAL YEAR
PROJECT OF THE DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AT
KCA UNIVERSITY.

DATE: SEPT 2024 – DEC 2024 OR SEPT 2024 – APRIL 2025

 DECLARATION

This is to declare that this project proposal is my original work that has not been presented to
any other university or institution of higher learning for examination.

Signed: ……………………………………

Date: ………………………………………

Student Name: ……………………………

Reg. No: ……………………………………

This is to declare that this proposal has been submitted for examination with my approval as the
university supervisor

Signature: ………………………

Date: ……………………………..

Name of Supervisor: ………………………

KCA University
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Note: The acknowledgement should be on its own page. See sample below

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my project supervisor, XXXXXXXXXX, for

their invaluable guidance and support throughout this project. I am also thankful to the
faculty of the School of Technology at KCA University for providing the resources and a
conducive learning environment. Special thanks go to my classmates and friends for their
encouragement, and to my family for their unwavering support and patience during this
journey.

Create your own acknowledgement based on the example above.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Note:

 Table of contents should be on its own page

 Inset automatic table of contents
 ABSTRACT

Note: The abstract should be on its own page, and less than 200 words. See sample below.

This project will focus on developing a cloud-based e-learning management system (LMS)
for KCA University, aimed at providing flexible and cost-effective online education. The
primary objective will be to create a platform that facilitates seamless interaction between
lecturers and students, allowing for the sharing of course materials, assignment submissions,
and assessments. The system will be hosted using a cloud service for scalability and storage,
with MySQL managing the database. Key features will include real-time communication,
automated grading, and secure user authentication. The LMS will be designed to improve
access to educational resources, enhance learning experiences, and reduce operational costs
for KCA University. Initial testing will indicate that the system is reliable and scalable,
making it suitable for broader educational applications and adaptable to various learning
environments.

Note that the above abstract is only 126 words

 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background (e.g., information about the institution you’re developing the system -
KCA University)

Overview of KCA University:

 Provide a brief history of the university, including its founding year and mission,
management, number of students, campuses, etc.
 Mention its status (e.g., private or public institution) and any significant milestones.

Vision and Mission:

 Summarize the university’s vision and mission statements to highlight its commitment
to education, innovation, and community service.

Academic Programs:

 Highlight the key programs and degrees offered by KCA University, particularly in
areas related to technology and business.
 Mention any specific programs that align with the leaning management system
project, such as courses in information technology or e-learning.

Current Technological Infrastructure (i.e., what system is in use currently @ KCAU?)

 Discuss the existing technological resources and infrastructure at KCA University,

including any current LMS or digital education tools used.
 Mention any initiatives or investments made by the university to enhance its online
learning capabilities.

Challenges and Opportunities of Current System:

 Identify any challenges KCA University faces in implementing effective e-learning

solutions. Adequate mention specific problems not general statements.
 Discuss opportunities for growth, such as lowering cost of education, increasing
enrolment in online courses or expanding access to education for non-traditional
students.

Note: The background in your case, can just be one page. But this does not limit you if you
have more information. Ensure the statements are concise and that they flow logically.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
See sample below:
KCA University is currently facing significant challenges in delivering effective online
education. The existing systems are outdated, leading to poor communication between
lecturers and students, confusion over assignment submissions, and difficulties in
accessing course materials. Students often struggle to track their progress, which affects
their engagement and motivation. Additionally, the reliance on traditional teaching
methods restricts the university's ability to offer flexible learning options, contributing to
increased dropout rates and dissatisfaction.

To address these issues, there is a pressing need for a modern, cloud-based E-Learning
Management System (LMS). This system will provide a centralized platform that
enhances communication, improves access to course materials, and streamlines
assignment processes. By implementing a user-friendly LMS, KCA University can better
meet the needs of its students and improve their overall learning experience.

Ultimately, developing this LMS will not only enhance educational accessibility but also
enable KCA University to adapt to the evolving landscape of online learning. By creating
an integrated platform that supports interaction and collaboration, the university can
foster a more engaging and effective learning environment for all students.

Note: The above problem is realistic and not ChatGPT generated. ChatGPT provides general
problems, leaving the specific actual problems, and limiting your critical thinking skills. If
you understand your problem, it is easy to articulate the same.

1.3. Research Objectives

Note: State one general objective, and at least three specific objectives. Remember the
specific objectives must be SMART. Each letter stands for:

 Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish. Avoid vague or general
statements.
 Measurable: Set goals that can be quantified or measured to track progress and
determine success.
  Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic and within your capabilities.
 Relevant: Make sure your goals align with your overall objectives and contribute to
your success.
 Time-bound: Set a specific deadline for achieving your goals, creating urgency and
helping you stay focused.

General Objective
 To develop a cloud-based E-Learning Management System (LMS) for KCA
University that enhances online education by improving communication, accessibility,
and engagement among students and lecturers.

Specific Objectives
i. To create an easy-to-use platform for real-time interaction between lecturers and
students.
ii. To provide a single location for easy access to course materials and assignments.
iii. To enable students to monitor their academic performance and progress.
iv. To design the LMS to accommodate different learning styles for a more personalized
experience.

Note the objectives above:

 Not ChatGPT generated ChatGPT provides general objectives, but if you understand
your problem its easy to understand.
 Short , brief, concise and simple to understand
 They are not general statements. They are specific to system I intent to develop.
 Follow SMART rules.
 There no subheadings and explanations
 Have limited my objectives to two – general and specific

1.4. Significance of the Study

The development of a cloud-based E-Learning Management System (LMS) for KCA

University will significantly improve the quality of online education offered by the
institution. By addressing key challenges such as poor communication, difficulties in
accessing course materials, and confusion around assignment submissions, this system
will directly enhance the student experience and foster better engagement. Improved
tracking of academic progress will also help students stay motivated and perform better in
their studies. The system's ability to support flexible learning options will make education
 more accessible to a wider range of students, especially those who require online or
remote learning solutions.

For lecturers, the LMS will simplify the management of courses and interactions with
students, allowing for more effective teaching. The system will also help KCA University
reduce operational costs by optimizing digital resources and minimizing reliance on
traditional methods. Overall, this project aims to improve both the educational outcomes
of students and the efficiency of the university’s online teaching processes.

1.5. Justification of Study

The development of a cloud-based E-Learning Management System (LMS) is essential to

address the pressing challenges faced by KCA University in delivering effective online
education. The current systems are outdated and inefficient, limiting communication,
access to course materials, and the ability for students to track their progress. With the
increasing reliance on online education, particularly after recent global shifts, there is a
critical need for KCA University to modernize its digital infrastructure to stay relevant
and competitive.

This project is justified because it provides a long-term solution that will enhance the
learning experience for students and streamline the teaching process for lecturers. By
implementing a user-friendly and scalable LMS, KCA University will be able to offer
more flexible learning options, improve student engagement, and reduce dropout rates.
The system will also reduce operational costs by minimizing the need for physical
resources and enabling more efficient management of online courses. This investment
will help KCA University maintain its reputation for high-quality education while
adapting to the demands of modern learning environments.

Note: In some cases, project signification and project justification may be combined. But the
two serve different purposes.

 Significance focuses on the benefits and positive outcomes of the project.

 Justification focuses on the need for the project and why it is necessary to implement it.

1.6. Scope of the proposal

See sample below:

The scope of this proposal involves the full development of a cloud-based E-Learning
Management System (LMS) for KCA University. The system will be designed, developed,
tested, and deployed to address the university’s current challenges with online learning. Key
features of the LMS will include:

 Real-Time Communication: A messaging system that allows students and lecturers

to interact instantly, improving communication and feedback.

 Centralized Learning Material Access: A platform where all course materials,

including lecture notes, videos, and reading assignments, are stored for easy student
access.

 Assignment Submission and Tracking: A system that enables students to submit

assignments online, with automatic tracking of submission deadlines and
notifications.

 Automated Grading: Tools to automate grading for certain types of assignments

(e.g., quizzes and multiple-choice tests), allowing lecturers to save time and provide
faster feedback.

 Progress Tracking: A feature that lets students monitor their academic progress,
including grades, completed assignments, and upcoming deadlines.

 Secure User Login: A secure authentication system to protect student and lecturer
data, ensuring only authorized users can access the LMS.

 Scalability: Cloud-based infrastructure to allow the system to expand as the number

of users increases without affecting performance.

Generally, the project will focus on developing and implementing these functionalities, with
an emphasis on ease of use and reliability. However, long-term maintenance, future upgrades,
and training beyond the initial setup are outside the scope of this proposal.
 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

A literature review is a summary and analysis of existing research and studies related to a
specific topic. It involves looking at what other researchers have discovered about the
subject, such as e-learning management systems (LMS), cloud computing in education, and
online learning platforms. This section helps to establish a foundation for your project by
showing what is already known and identifying areas where further research is needed.

Importance of a Literature Review

 Provides Background: It gives context to your project by explaining how your work
fits into the larger field of study. For your LMS proposal, it shows how other systems
have been developed and used.

 Identifies Gaps: The literature review helps you find problems or areas that have not
been fully addressed in previous research. This is important for demonstrating why
your project is needed.

 Justifies your Project: By referencing existing research, you can explain why KCA
University needs a new LMS and how your solution can improve online education.

 Prevents Duplication: It ensures that you are not repeating what others have already
done, but rather building on their findings.

 Supports Design: The review connects your project to established theories and
practices, guiding the features and functions of your LMS.

 Enhances Credibility: A thorough literature review shows that you understand the
field and are informed about relevant developments, which strengthens your proposal.

Overall, a literature review is essential for laying the groundwork for your e-learning
management system project, ensuring it is relevant, innovative, and based on solid research.

Note:

 The source of literature review must be cited. This is because you will discussing
other people’s work elated to your work.
 In your case, you can cite at least three academic journals.

See sample below:

The transition to online education in Kenya has brought both opportunities and challenges,
particularly regarding the effectiveness of E-Learning Management Systems (LMS). A study
by Wekesa et al. (2020) examines the impact of LMS on student engagement in Kenyan
universities. The authors found that many existing systems are not user-friendly, leading to
frustration among students and poor communication with lecturers. This highlights the urgent
need for an updated LMS that fosters better interaction and engagement to improve academic
outcomes.

In another research effort, Nyaigotti-Chacha (2021) explores the role of cloud computing in
enhancing education in Kenya. The study suggests that cloud-based LMS platforms can
significantly improve access to learning resources for students, especially in remote areas
where traditional educational facilities are limited. By offering flexibility and ease of access,
a cloud-based system could address some of the challenges faced by KCA University
students regarding assignment submissions and course material access.

Additionally, a study by Atuma and Kanyari (2022) focuses on the importance of integrating
real-time feedback and progress tracking in LMS design. Their findings indicate that when
students receive immediate feedback on their performance, they are more likely to remain
motivated and engaged in their studies. This feature is crucial for addressing the current
issues of tracking academic progress and improving student satisfaction at KCA University.

In summary, research conducted in Kenya indicates that developing a modern, cloud-based

LMS can enhance communication, accessibility, and student engagement, ultimately
improving the online learning experience at KCA University.
 CHAPTER 3: SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY

The methodology for developing the E-Learning Management System (LMS) for KCA
University will follow a mixed methodology, integrating structured phases from the
Waterfall model with iterative practices from Agile. This approach encompasses the
following key phases:

1. Requirement Analysis: This initial phase will involve gathering requirements from
stakeholders, including students, lecturers, and administrative staff. Surveys,
interviews, and focus group discussions will be conducted to identify specific
challenges faced in the current system, desired features, and user expectations.

Tools: Google Forms or SurveyMonkey for surveys; Zoom or Microsoft Teams for
interviews and focus group discussions.

2. System Design: Based on the requirements gathered, a detailed design of the LMS
will be created. This will include user interface design, database schema design using
MySQL, and architecture for the cloud-based infrastructure. Prototyping tools may be
used to develop a visual representation of the system for user feedback.

3. Development: The LMS will be developed using appropriate programming languages

and frameworks, ensuring that key functionalities such as real-time communication,
automated grading, and secure user login are incorporated. Agile development
practices will be employed, allowing for iterative development and regular updates
based on user feedback.

 Languages:

i. Frontend: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (with frameworks like React or Angular)
for the user interface.
ii. Backend: PHP or Python (with frameworks like Laravel or Django) for server-
side logic.

 Database: MySQL for data management.

Tools: Visual Studio Code or IntelliJ IDEA as Integrated Development
Environments (IDEs); Git for version control.

4. Testing: The system will undergo rigorous testing to ensure functionality, usability,
and performance. This will include unit testing, integration testing, and user
 acceptance testing (UAT) with a group of end users to identify any issues or areas for
improvement.

5. Implementation: After successful testing, the LMS will be deployed in a live

environment at KCA University. Training sessions will be organized for students and
lecturers to familiarize them with the new system and its functionalities.

6. Evaluation and Maintenance: Post-implementation, the system will be continuously

monitored to evaluate its effectiveness in addressing the identified challenges.
Feedback will be collected from users to inform future updates and improvements.
Regular maintenance will ensure the system remains functional and secure.

This mixed methodology aims to create a user-centered, effective, and reliable LMS that
meets the educational needs of KCA University and enhances the overall learning experience.

Mixed Methodology Justification

The mixed methodology for developing the E-Learning Management System (LMS)
combines the structured phases of the Waterfall model with the flexibility of Agile practices.
This allows the project team to thoroughly understand user needs while making adjustments
based on feedback. By using this approach, the LMS can effectively enhance user
engagement and improve learning outcomes for KCA University.

Note: System development methodology must be stated clearly including tools and the
programming language you will use
BUDGET

Use a table to indicate the item and the cost. Note the difference between one off cost and
recuring costs


PROJECT SCHEDULE
You can use excel or project management software
List all the keys indicating clearly dependence between activities (i.e., which activity must be
completed, before the proceeding activity commences.
See sample below
REFERENCES

1. Wekesa, A., Makokha, G., & Aloo, K. (2020). Evaluating the Effectiveness of E-
Learning Management Systems in Kenyan Universities. Journal of Education and
Practice, 11(17), 56-64.
2. Nyaigotti-Chacha, C. (2021). The Role of Cloud Computing in the Advancement of
Education in Kenya. International Journal of Education and Development using
Information and Communication Technology, 17(2), 31-45.
3. Atuma, E., & Kanyari, J. (2022). Enhancing Student Engagement through Real-Time
Feedback in E-Learning Platforms: A Case Study of Kenyan Universities. Journal of
African Education Research, 5(1), 72-86.
4. KCAU, (2024). https://www.kcau.ac.ke/. KCA University website. Accessed on 12th
October, 2024.

Note:

 All citations in your discussion must be acknowledged (i.e., captured) under

references.
 Likewise you cant cite an author under references when the same has not been used in
your discussions.
DOCUMENT FORMATTING TIPS
 Title or first page – you don’t need to capture the writings in blue colour. It was used
just to guide you. For example, you don’t need to write NAME: , just type your name
only.
 Look at the consistency of this document in terms of spacing between paragraphs,
alignment of paragraphs, headings and subheadings
 Starting chapters/major headings on new page, and using bold and capital letters for
the same
 Numbeing of my objectives, and making them simple.
 Look for spelling mistakes and rectify

Why is document formatting important?

Just as we strive to present the best impression of ourselves, because image is

everything, when I meet you for the first time, the way you are dressed will send a
message to me, whether positive or negative. Before we engage, I will have already
formed an opinion about the kind of person you are. Similarly, a neatly formatted
document is likely to impress the examiners even before they read the content.

Never miss an opportunity to impress, especially when meeting someone for the first
time or during a scheduled appointment.