Class 12 Project Proposal - Rene Bartosh
Background
For many years my family has owned a share in a small private ski lodge (40 shareholders) in the town of Ohakune. For many of those years my parents have been the "booking officers" for the lodge. This has involved members telephoning to book and us recording their bookings on a paper-based system. They also have to telephone us again on a Thursday night to confirm bookings and check if any amendmants have been made. As dad works on a Thursday night, I often have to take or confirm these bookings.
About a year ago we were asked if we could take bookings via e-mail, but as this is an ineffective and unsuitable system to use for this purpose, we said this would not be possible. I then figured that the only way to make this work would be if it was web-based, with members being able to make the bookings themselves and us as the booking officers able to confirm these and re-shuffle if needed. At the same time, we could eliminate the confusing system of people filling out a form for payment. With a fully automated electronic system, we could generate invoices automatically and send them via e-mail, minimising costs.
Practical
Goals:
- To create a web-based booking and billing system for a small private ski lodge my family are members in.
- To gain the skills required to undertake goal 1, including but not limited to application design, planning and project management, database design (MySQL), web programming (PHP) and basic web design (XHTML/CSS)
At this stage I plan to implement to following features in the booking system:
Core features:
* Bookings based on room number, dates and member name
* Record number of members and guests staying (seperately, as per tax requirements)
* User/pass-based authentication system, or it could be based on access key code if that is easier. The same ID can be used as a reference for electronic payments
* Keep member database/addressbook up-to-date electronically, this is tied into authentication data in the database table
Finance features:
* On a set day of the week generate invoices from all bookings for that week and e-mail them to members. Record invoice in database against member
* Ability to check-off payments against member from internet banking, cheque etc.
* Block bookings from members with outstanding payments
Theoretical
- An account of the process undertaken for my practical component
- Background history on the Internet, the World Wide web and associated techonologies
- A look at how these "disruptive" technologies have changed our lives and the way we entertain and inform ourselves, communicate, manage our lives and conduct business.
- My predictions on what emerging technologies will have a significant inpact in the next 10 years
Steps Already Taken
- I have attended the AGM for the ski lodge and they have acknowledged my proposal to investigate an electronic booking and billing system.
- Talked with Mr. Stonehouse, he has agreed to be my supervisor.
- Discussed the project with two friends of mine, Daniel Faulknor (student from Taradale High School who is starting a Bachelor of Computing Systems at EIT next year) and Steven Gilberd (an ex-student from Raphael House). They have both designed and built web applications using the methods I wish to utilise and have agreed to assist me with my project. It is good to have an ex-Steiner student (Steve) to help me as he has an understanding of the Class 12 project having completed one himself.
- Started a blog (online journal) to keep a track of my progress, for both me and those assisting me.
Next Steps
- Find an advisor, a local professional in the web application developement field, who is prepared to help me with designing and planning my developement project, and to assist me along the way
- To buy or borrow books on the topics I need to learn (PHP, MySQL, project management and planning etc)
- To begin to plan and design the application with Steve, Dan and my advisors help
- To extend on my limited existing knowlege by beginning to work on my practical.
