Project Plan for HTML Forms
Linked to a Faculty Database
Version 0.1, 1/16/2012
By Lewis P. Keller, Jr.
Project Plan for HTML Form Linked to a
Faculty Database
T his plan serves as both a coordinating tool and planning aid for me to help myself in
identifying what goals and objectives I must achieve not only to get this form to
link to and work with an Access Database, but to also convince other people who
need to use it of how it can work for them as well.
1.0 Project Description
By the time I get done with these forms, it should automatically add entries to a faculty
database once somebody inputs the proper data into the correct fields. Given that it’s
going to be in HTML, it should be connectable via the Internet, but yet have a strong
level of security to guard the data.
The purpose behind this project is that every time somebody wants to enter or change
data, they shouldn’t have to go directly into the database to do so. With these forms,
they won’t have to.
2.0 Goals and Objectives
By April 2012, these forms should be up and running, connected to the proper database,
have a strong level of security, and be used by the proper person/people.
3.0 Intended User
These are meant to be used by the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Academic
Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
4.0 Products to be created
I will produce a 15-minute video that explains the project and shows how it works.
5.0 Services to be provided
I will make myself available for questions from the intended user, and will try to answer
their questions as thoroughly as possible.
Project Plan for HTML Forms Linked To a Faculty Database 2
6.0 Methods
I will research and take notes on the intended user’s needs and concerns with this
project. I will then take these notes into consideration when I design the forms. Then, I
will connect the forms to the database, and test everything out. If there happens to be a
bug somewhere, I will take the proper time needed to fix it. I will then see if they can be
connected to the internet, and have security put on them. Finally, I will then present the
form to the intended user.
7.0 Anticipated Phases, Milestones, and Schedule
By January 31st, I should have already talked to the intended user and start on creating
the forms. By February 15th/16th, I should be putting the finishing touches on the form
design. By February 29th, I should have some sort of connection between the forms and
the database. By March 15th, most kinks/bugs should be gone, and I should be
implementing security. By March 31st / April 1st, everything should be finalized.
8.0 Potential Partners or Collaborators
I do anticipate joining forces with a few professors who teach in my major (the C.I.S.T.
major) out at Pitt-Bradford. First is Don Lewicki, who is the head of the C.I.S.T. major.
Don was my boss back when I was working on the database. Second, is Bob Ellison, who
works at C.T.M. Bob has helped me through some of the trouble I experienced with the
database, and he also made it so that the intended user could have access (to the
database) when needed. Third, is Steve Ellison, who (like his brother) also works at
C.T.M. Steve had previously taught me how important it is to keep important things on a
computer secure, so that they won’t be affected by anything.
9.0 Sources of Information and Expertise
I will be using Google a lot for this project, among several other websites that are
related to what I’m trying to do. However, I will also be talking to the aforementioned
professors about questions or issues that I may have concerning the forms.
10.0 Required Systems and Equipment
For this project, I will need a computer with Windows Vista/7 as its operating system.
For software, I will need Expression Web 4.0 (for creating the forms), and Office 2010
(because the database runs off of the latest version of Access, which is included in Office
2010).
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11.0 Tools, Templates, and Conventions to be used
On the forms, I intend on using an easy-to-read typeface for everything. The background
design should reflect a high level of professionalism, yet not be boring at the same time
(so I might use a web template for that).
12.0 Evaluation Processes
Every so often, throughout this project, I will do test runs to see how everything is going.
If I think something needs to be improved, then I will try to improve it as best as I can. I
will indeed collect information regarding how my objectives are being carried out, and
how well I’m serving the intended user throughout the next few months. As for outside
evaluators, I think it would be a good idea if I had one available to help me when
needed.
13.0 Review and Approval Processes
Don will review and approve each phase of the project. Comments can be incorporated
and addressed on my blog (http://www.lpkcapstoneblog.blogspot.com) for me to see.
14.0 Method for Managing Changes and Derivatives
As of right now, there’s no expected life cycle. However, once everything’s done, the
forms should remain in their current state until it’s otherwise necessary to change or
update them.
15.0 Project Responsibilities and Dependencies
Since I will be the only person working on this project, I will be pretty much doing
everything (creating the forms, making sure that they work, etc.). Don will supervise me
as much as he can, and I’ll have to supervise myself for the rest of it.
16.0 Risks to be managed
Given that as I’m still a college student, timing will be of the essence for me. To
mitigate the risk of losing time, I’ll work on the project for at least a couple of hours per
day. Given that I have most, if not all, of the resources I need, funding shouldn’t be too
much of a problem. If this project ended early, it wouldn’t cause much social hardship,
but it would be reflected poorly on me. To mitigate this risk, I’ll be sure to stay on
Project Plan for HTML Forms Linked To a Faculty Database 4
schedule as best as I can, meet my goals before or on their deadlines, and make
corrections along the way.
17.0 Open Issues and Questions
How will I be able to navigate back and forth between each form? Each form will have its
tab or page.
How will I be able to have the data go into the database? If I can, I’ll have a button set
up with a command to take everything to its proper place in the database.
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