SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

Transcription

1 CHAPTER 6 SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION 6.0 Introduction This chapter discusses about the development and implementation process of EPUM web-based system. The process is based on the system design specified in the previous chapter. The development of EPUM web-based system is mapped and coordinated with the mechanisms in the EPUM framework as proposed in chapter 3 Methodology and Framework. 6.1 The Development Of EPUM The development of EPUM web-based system focused on its technical aspects such as the development package, the database system and the web server being used. This describes the implementation of the technical mechanism which is proposed in the EPUM framework Installing the Work Space Platform The process of developing EPUM web-based system started with installing EasyPHP1-8 software which is to set up a work space for the selected database 125

2 technology and web server to integrate easily. Figure 6.1 shows the screenshot of EasyPHP1-8 interface. Figure 6.1 Screenshot of EasyPHP1-8 interface EasyPHP1-8 software provides a platform which supports the implementation of a dynamic websites accomplished by the open source elements, the Apache web server, PHP server-side language and a database management system, MySQL. EasyPHP1-8 is not a development tool but it is represented as a management tool, therefore other suitable software is needed either to write the PHP scripts or manage the MySQL database. Apache web server and MySQL software are packaged together with EasyPHP1-8. The both software can work properly if the traffic light symbol provided in the EasyPHP1-8 interface is turned to green Building the Database Structure The development process is then preceded with setting and building the database structure for EPUM web-based system. It is another important process in developing EPUM web-based system as database system is needed to present the EPUM repository. EPUM repository is as proposed in the EPUM framework. User-friendly GUI software, phpmyadmin is used to manage and create the MySQL databases and tables on a remote server. A simple configuration is set for phpmyadmin to 126

3 work with MySQL database management through any browsers. The configuration setting includes few modifications on the installed directory such as changing the username and password setting. Figure 6.2 presents the screenshot of phpmyadmin interface. Figure 6.2 Screenshot of phpmyadmin interface A database named dbepum and its related tables based on ORM diagram specified in design phase is then created through phpmyadmin. Each table is fulfilled with the required information such as the field names, data type for each field names and its field size. Relevant record for particular table is also accomplished throughout the process. New record can be deleted or added to the tables later using manual updating or through functions in EPUM web-based system. Tables that have been created can be viewed from the following figure 6.3 which shows the database structure for EPUM web-based system. 127

4 Figure 6.3 Screenshot of database structure for EPUM in phpmyadmin The next step involves configuring the database connection to connect MySQL database to Dreamweaver MX. The configuration process is conducted by following the instructions of configuration setting provided in the Dreamweaver MX software. However, a PHP page needs to be created first in order to test the database connection. The testing process for data updating from the system will be done when the coding for database updating process has been completely developed in the next stage. Once the database connection is established, the process of developing the interface and functional parts of the system begin Creating the User Interface The user interface design for EPUM web-based system is created and integrated in Dreamweaver MX software. Graphic and images used in the system are first designed using Adobe Illustrator. Then, they are set in the appropriate place of the system s interface. The user interfaces for the system is developed into two 128

5 subsystem of EPUM web-based system which are EPUM Interface and EPUM management system, according to the proposed framework. Both subsystems have the same template of user interface except with few amendments to differentiate the functions. Under the EPUM Interface subsystem, there is a reader module while author module, editor module and reviewer module are the modules which reside within the EPUM management system. Each module is built to serve different societies who will use the EPUM web-based system. Menus, buttons and online form templates are also created to support the interactivity of the system. The EPUM Interface design which can also be referred to as Reader module is presented in the following figure 6.4. Figure 6.4 EPUM Interface/ Reader module The EPUM Interface plays the role as the main page to appear in the website environment. It will be the integral part of the online formal and informal scholarly 129

6 communication activities in University of Malaya. The other modules such as Author module, Editor module and Reviewer module are placed inside EPUM management system. Figure 6.5, figure 6.6 and figure 6.7 illustrate the user interface for the three modules mentioned. Figure 6.5 Author module interface As mentioned before, every module uses the same template of user interface design. However, for each module, the module s name is placed on top of the page to easily acknowledge particular users that they are viewing the right module. Every module consists of different functions. This is concurrent to the different use cases specified in analysis phase in chapter

7 Figure 6.6 Editor module interface Figure 6.7 Reviewer module interface 131

8 6.1.4 Building the System Functionalities Functionalities for such online form, menus or button to perform accordingly are added to the system through the PHP codes. Different PHP scripts which are used for different functions are coded throughout the whole system structures and functions. The PHP codes or scripts which have been developed include codes for updating data into database through a button press, codes for login verification, codes for searching and browsing articles, codes for article submission process and more. The codes are tested whether it can function properly beginning from the early code development process. 6.2 The Implementation of EPUM In the implementation of EPUM web-based system, it has to reflect on the other three mechanisms of EPUM framework which is services, interactions and scenarios. Services and interactions are defined for this implementation of EPUM web-based system as the features and functions provided in the system. Scenarios represent the processes involved in EPUM web-based system The realization of EPUM The objective of EPUM framework is to provide a model for scholarly communication activities through the implementation of EPUM web-based system. It is achieved by applying the framework mechanism with the system requirements. The implementation of EPUM web-based system focused on the accomplishment of its system requirements covering both functional and non-functional requirements. 132

9 However, the implementation process is based on the mechanisms of EPUM s framework. Table 6.7 summarized how EPUM web-based system could be an effective scholarly communication model if its system structures are accomplished by considering on the proposed mechanisms in EPUM framework. The seven framework s mechanisms support the overall aspect of physical and logical support for EPUM web-based system implementation. Description in table 6.7 also describes the visible realization of the framework s theory and concept. The model which is produced by applying the EPUM framework s theory is effectively in supporting scholarly communication activities in higher learning institution especially in University of Malaya. It is effective in terms of cost, availabilities, times, enabling technology and functional support. It has indicated that integrating new media technology that is electronic publishing could facilitate the scholarly communication activities in an integrated academic and research environment. Table 6.1 Scholarly communication model for EPUM Mechanisms Societies and stream Scholarly Communication Model Realization/Accomplishment Implementation of four subsystems or modules which focus on reader module, author module, editor module and reviewer module Each module is implemented to different group of academic societies. 133

10 Table 6.1, continued Scholarly Communication Model Mechanisms Realization/Accomplishment Technical Client-server Web architecture is being used in the development and implementation. Open source software package consisting of Apache Web server, MySQL database system and PHP server-side scripting is chosen as the technology enabler regarding on cost beneficial characteristics. Services and interaction The services provided in EPUM web-based system focused on the ability to support: Formal scholarly communication through sharing and exchanging scholarly works such as journal articles. Informal scholarly communication through computer-mediated communication which is the controlled forum discussion facilities. Editorial management, article submission and peer review process Information and knowledge discovery through search and browse mechanism. Societies control through login mechanism. EPUM repository The objective is to establish the institutional repositories of scholarly works. MySQL database system created the scholarly repository for EPUM web-based system. 134

11 6.2.2 Services and Interaction Services and interaction mechanisms concerned on providing features and function which could facilitate the implementation of EPUM web-based system. Several features and functions which have been constructed for EPUM web-based system are as below: Login function Registration function Search function Forum function 1. Login function Based on the scholarly communication model for EPUM web-based system, login mechanism is to provide societies control. This is to provide privilege access to certain authorized users. Login function in EPUM web-based system is to allow authorized users to access and use the functions in the system. It provides two types of login which is a login function for reader and login in EPUM management system part. Figure 6.8 shows the login function in Reader module while figure 6.9 shows the login interface in EPUM management system. Figure 6.8 Login function in Reader module 135

12 The login function in Reader module requires users to enter their usernames and passwords. A reader has to register first before he or she will successfully login to the system. An authorized reader is allowed to view full content of articles published in EPUM web-based system. The login interface in EPUM management system is provided to restrict only particular users to access particular module. For example, author will only be allowed to access Author module. However, users need to type the specific URL if they want to view the login interface of the EPUM management system. It might be one of the weaknesses of EPUM web-based system. Figure 6.9 Login interface in EPUM Management System 136

13 2. Registration function Registration interface provides forms for users to register to the system. Only registered users are allowed to access full content of articles in EPUM web-based system in HTML format, download the article content in pdf format and print the articles online. Figure 6.10 Registration function interface Figure 6.10 shows interface for online registration form developed in EPUM webbased system. Users have to fill in the online form with the required data such as nickname (username) and password to register. The data is then sent to the database of the system after pressing the Submit button which represents the submit process. Once a user has finished the registration process, an account containing the 137

14 personal information of the user will be created. Then, the user will be redirected to his/her personal account interface (see figure 6.11). In the personal account interface, users can edit and add other required details. This interface allows registered users to modify their personal information at any time they want. All of the personal information is stored in the table user in the database. Figure 6.11 Personal account function interface 3. Search and browse function Information and knowledge discovery concept in EPUM web-based system is applied toward the implementation of search function mechanism. It is to allow users or readers to find articles which are published in EPUM web-based system. 138

15 This is the initial state to encourage the process of sharing and discovering knowledge in scholarly communication activities. Search mechanism which is implemented in EPUM web-based system is based on keyword, article s title and article s topic search. When readers enter a keyword to search, the search results will be displayed under the keyword search. This function is provided in the Reader module. Figure 6.12 shows the search mechanism which is implemented in EPUM web-based system. Figure 6.12 Search function interface Based on figure 6.12, the search result consists of article s title which is related to the keyword search, author s name and topic related to the articles. If readers click on one of the article s title retrieved by the search result, readers will be redirected to the article s content which is displayed in HTML format. 139

16 Figure 6.13 shows how article s content will be displayed to readers in EPUM Webbased system. Through the interface, readers are given some options such as links to other article related to the topics. Readers can also print the article s content or download the full article s content in pdf format. Providing access to article s journal in EPUM web-based system is one way of encouraging formal method of communicating knowledge as one of the key activities in scholarly communication process. Scholarly works and the findings are disseminated through this method. Figure 6.13 Article in HTML format interface 140

17 4. Forum function Forum function which is implemented in EPUM web-based system is to provide a platform for informal scholarly communication to occur within academician communities in University of Malaya. Certain knowledge, skill and expertise might be difficult to be communicated in formal way. Thus, forum function enables any individual readers to convey their ideas or opinion without being judged by others and attached to particular procedures. Figure 6.14 Forum discussion interface Based on figure 6.14, the forum discussion interface enables readers to issue a topic in the forum space to be discussed with other readers. They could either actively involved in the informal scholarly communication process by writing a replied opinion around the raised issues or just tracking the discussion by only viewing the posts. Functions which are provided in forum discussion interface are: 141

18 new topic which allows readers to create new topic of discussion. post reply which allows readers to reply to topic s issue. view previous topic which allows readers to view content of previous topic s issue. view next topic which allows readers to view content of next topic s issue. Activities in the forum function such as post a topic or reply to posted issues will be monitored by the EPUM system administration. The assigned administrator will filter the message posted by readers before it is allowed to be published in the forum topic. Any posted messages consists message that will irritate or provoke other readers, will be discarded and at the worst case, the readers will be banned from participating in the forum discussion. This is to prevent harmful or risky message posted by negative thinking readers Processes in EPUM This section discusses the processes which are supported by the implementation of EPUM web-based system. This explains the formal scholarly communication activities which should occur throughout the implementation of EPUM web-based system. 1. Article submission process Article submission function is provided in Author s module. As shown in figure 6.15, an author can submit an article through the provided online submission form. 142

19 Figure 6.15 Article submission interface in Author s module An author needs to fill in the form with some relevant information such as the article s title, topic related to the article s area of discussion, keyword, author s name and abstract description of the article. The author is also needed to include the full content of the article in pdf or Word document format. Once the submission process is successful, an acknowledgement message will be displayed to inform the authors about the submission status. The article which submitted by authors will be appeared in the editor list of new article submission. This can be seen by referring to figure 6.16 as shown below. 143

20 Figure 6.16 List of new articles submission interface in Editor s module. The new article s submission list shows title of the articles, author s name and the submission date. Editor will view the new article submission and checks the article contents. For the first stage of article acceptance, the editor will check the article according to particular checklists provided as shown in figure Then, editor will select and assign one to three reviewers to review the articles before it is accepted to be published in EPUM web-based system (see figure 6.18). The reviewer which has been assigned by the editor to review article will be notified through . The reviewer will then access the Reviewer module to view the assigned article(s). 144

21 Figure 6.17 Editor s checklist for new article in Editor module. Figure 6.18 Assigning reviewer to article interface 145

22 2. Peer review process The reviewer which has been assigned to review new article submission will decide either to accept or decline to handle the peer review process. If the reviewer agrees to review the assigned article, the reviewer is needs to provide a review report by filling the review s form as depicted in figure Particular information regarding on the evaluation of the articles is needed to be provided in the report form. To do the evaluation, the reviewer needs to rank article which he or she has reviewed according to the provided criteria. The article is evaluated under journal publication requirements, scientific significance and scientific qualities criteria. The ranking evaluation is based on Likert scale evaluation concept which range from rank 1 to 5. After that, the reviewer needs to suggest a recommendation for the article s status either to be published without revision, published with minor revision, published with major revision or rejected for publication in EPUM web-based system. The review report will be submitted to editor for next consideration of publication. Figure 6.19 Review report form in Reviewer s module 146

23 Figure 6.19, continued Although a notification mechanism is important as the medium of acknowledgement between the editors and the reviewers, however a kind of notification function is not included in this system development. This is due to the limitation of time and the developed system is only as a prototype of the fully complete EPUM web-based system. 6.4 Conclusion This chapter discusses the development process of EPUM web-based system which focuses on three parts; the system structures and user interface development, database system and web server configuration. The implementation parts present the accomplishment of system requirements which is coordinated with the proposed mechanisms in EPUM framework. It concern with the requirements to provide an electronic-based scholarly communication model in the University of Malaya. 147