DOMINION UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE EXAMINATION SYSTEM

NII DARKU DARKU

2018

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 DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE EXAMINATION SYSTEM

BY

NII DARKU DARKU

A Dissertation Submitted
to the School of Science & Technology,
Dominion University College, Spintex, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
Higher National Diploma in ICT

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 DECLARATION

Candidate’s Declaration

I hereby declare that this project work is the result of my own original work and that no part of it

has been presented for another degree in this University or elsewhere.

Candidate’s Signature: ……………………… Date: …………………………………

Name: …………………………………………………………………………………

Supervisor’s Declaration

I hereby declare that the preparation and presentation of the dissertation were supervised in

accordance with the guidelines on supervision of dissertation laid down by the Dominion

University College.

Supervisor’s Signature: ………………………. Date: …………………………………

Name: ………………………………………………………………………………….
 ABSTRACT

Technology has supported online examinations successfully for a number of years and has

progressively enhanced the online examination process. However, some schools particularly

public tertiary institutions in developing countries are still involved in the conventional manual

system of writing examinations. The manual system of writing examinations has a lot of demerits.

The manual process of taking examinations is not only time-consuming and tedious, but

cumbersome, hence the need for a better, faster and more reliable means of examining students.

The objective of this paper is to provide a report on the implementation of a web-based

examination system. Through this system, student competencies can be determined more

effectively in cases such as distant-learning, in which some challenges are experienced frequently.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express a profound thanks and appreciation to my project supervisor, Mr. Frank

Banaseka for his immense guidance through the course of the project. My earnest thanks

additionally goes to Mr. Godfred Koi Akrofi, the Dean for School of Computing Science with

Management for his co-ordination in extending every possible support for the completion of this

project. I would like to thank all those who contributed towards the finish of this project.

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TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION............................................................................................................................ i

ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................... 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...........................................................................................................2

TABLE OF CONTENT................................................................................................................ 3

LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... 7

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................ 8

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 9

1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 9

1.2 Background of the Study ..................................................................................................... 10

1.3 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................................... 11

1.4 Objectives of the Study…....…………………………………………………………………11

1.5 Scope of the project………………………………………………………………………….11

1.6 Significance of the Study…………………………………………………………………….12

1.7 Delimitations of the Study…………………………………………………………………..12

1.8 Limitations of the Study……………………………………………………………………...12

1.9 Organization of the rest of the Study………………………………………………………...13

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ............................................... 14

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 2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 15

2.2 Background ......................................................................................................................... 15

2.3 Review of Existing System ................................................................................................. 16

2.3.1 SIETTE Online Examination System ........................................................................... 16

2.3.2 EMS .............................................................................................................................. 17

2.4 Strength and weaknesses ..................................................................................................... 20

2.4.1 Strengths ....................................................................................................................... 20

2.4.2 Weaknesses ............................................................................................................. 21

2.5 Characteristics of the proposed system ............................................................................... 21

2.6 Comparative study of the systems ....................................................................................... 21

2.7 Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 22

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................ 23

3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 23

3.1.3 Waterfall Model - Application ......................................................................................... 26

3.1.4 Waterfall Model - Advantages ......................................................................................... 26

3.1.5 Waterfall Model - Disadvantages ..................................................................................... 27

3.2 Planning and Analysis ......................................................................................................... 27

CHAPTER FOUR: DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING ................................ 29

4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 29

4.2 Principles of System Analysis ............................................................................................. 30

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 4.2.1 Software Requirements................................................................................................. 30

4.2.2 Hardware requirements................................................................................................. 30

4.3 Functional and Non-functional requirements:..................................................................... 31

4.3.1 Functional Requirements .............................................................................................. 31

4.3.2 Non – Functional Requirements ................................................................................... 31

4.3.3 Security Requirements ..................................................................................................... 32

4.3.4 Users Constraints.............................................................................................................. 32

4.3.5 Integrity Constraints ......................................................................................................... 32

4.3.6 Goals of the Proposed System .......................................................................................... 32

4.4 Data Flow-Diagram ............................................................................................................. 34

4.5 Entity – Relationship Diagram ............................................................................................ 36

4.6 Coding ................................................................................................................................. 38

4.6.1 Introduction to MySQL ................................................................................................ 38

4.6.2 PHP + MySQL ........................................................................................................ 38

4.7 Database Design .................................................................................................................. 39

4.7.1 Tables in MySql: ..................................................................................................... 41

4.8 Testing and Implementation ................................................................................................ 47

4.8.1 Unit Testing ...................................................................................................................... 48

4.8.2 Module Level Testing ................................................................................................... 48

4.8.3 Integration and System Testing .................................................................................... 48

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 4.8.4 Regression Testing ....................................................................................................... 49

4.9 Implementation.................................................................................................................... 49

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ................ 53

5.1 SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ 53

5.2 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................... 53

5.3 RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................................................... 54

REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………..55

APPENDIX………………………………………………………………………………………56

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 SIEETE sign up page................................................................................................... 17

Figure 2.2 EMS Sign up page ....................................................................................................... 19
Figure 2.3 EMS Log in page ......................................................................................................... 20
Figure 3.1 Waterfall Model Design .............................................................................................. 24
Figure 4.1 Data Flow Diagram .................................................................................................... 31
Figure 4.2 Context Flow Diagram……………………………………………………………….32

Figure 4.3 Entity Relationship Diagram ....................................................................................... 37

Figure 4.4 Homepage of my Online Examination System ........................................................... 49
Figure 4.5 Registration Page of my Online Examination System ................................................ 50
Figure 4.6 Administrative Log in Interface .................................................................................. 51

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Syntax .............................................................................................................................. 39

Table 2 MySql Tables ................................................................................................................... 41
Table 3. School Information ......................................................................................................... 42
Table 4 Courses Table .................................................................................................................. 43
Table 5 Events Table .................................................................................................................... 43
Table 6 Test Table ........................................................................................................................ 44
Table 7 Questions Table ............................................................................................................... 45
Table 8 Answer of Choices ........................................................................................................... 46

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 CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

As a result of the development of internet technology, online examination has become an effective

complement to traditional examination. It is common that students are extremely prone to cheating

under the traditional method which could affect the fairness of the examination. The pen and paper

method of writing examination which has been ongoing for decades, may not be pleasing for use

because of the problems usually associated including examination venue capacity constraints, lack

of comfort for examination candidates, delay in the release of results, examination malpractices,

cost implication of printing examination materials and human fault. The shift of examination as

well as examination administration procedures from paper-based to information technology based

processes necessitates substantial reorganization processes at universities. Administrative staff, IT

support staff, lecturers and examiners as well as students have to adapt and familiarize themselves

with new examination practices known as online examination. An online examination system is

an application that allows an institution conduct examination via the internet or intranet. Various

companies, institutions and organizations have opted for this method of conducting examinations

because it is quicker, easier and convenient. This system makes it easier for examiners to conduct

exams and collate results. The application provides facility to conduct online examination

anywhere and anytime. Today most institutions are conducting their exams online to eliminate the

bottlenecks associated with pen and paper type of examination. The remaining part of this project

work is divided into five chapters which are as follows: Chapter one which contains the

introduction of the project, chapter two contains the literature review of existing systems, their

features and limitations. Chapter three contains the analyses and design of the proposed system

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including the methodologies used while carrying out the research. Chapter four comprises of the

implementation using the appropriate programming language and chapter five contains the

summary, conclusions and recommendation.

1.2 Background of the Study

Traditionally, every student takes an exam in a classroom. They are happy to sit there and have

the teacher or the examiner during the exam. Examination questions are given to the students

printed on a paper and they are given a limited time to answer these questions on answer sheets

which they would be provided with. This could not solve the problem of examination malpractice,

delay in the release of result and errors due to human limitations. .

The Online Examination System was then introduced to change the manual procedure (pen and

Paper) of conducting examination in Educational Institutions. This system (Online Examination

System) will make use of multiple choice questions and answer sessions where a candidate must

specify the correct option to obtain a score. This project not only intends to improve the academic

standard of Educational Institutes but also intends to enlighten candidates in what is obtainable in

the society. This is also targeted at removing all the paper works in the examination process. Hours

spent by the lecturer in reading and checking of answers one after the other will be eradicated.

Some main features of this system will include the multiple choice questions, true or false. Easy

to sign in and sign up. Pictures and graphics can be included in this system. The Online

Examination System has a password based authentication system for students as well as the System

Administrator.

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1.3 Statement of the Problem

Online examinations, sometimes referred to as e-examinations, are examinations conducted

through the internet or in an intranet (within an organization). Most of the examinations declare

results as soon as the candidate finishes the exam. This happens when there is an answer processing

module included with the system. These online examination platforms can be used to efficiently

evaluate candidates thoroughly through a fully automated system. This does not only save a lot of

time but also produces faster results as compared to the manual system. Some of the problems

arising from manual examination systems are the delays occurred in result processing, filtering

of records just to mention a few. The probability of losing some records is high and record

searching is difficult. The online examination system reduces the hectic job of assessing answers

given by the candidates manually. Responses by the candidates will be checked automatically and

instantly. Being an integrated online examination system, it will reduce paperwork. The results

will be published immediately to the candidates to reduce anxiety. The system is designed for

educational institutes like schools, colleges, and private institutions to conduct tests for their

students on regular basis. Today many organizations are conducting online examinations

worldwide successfully and publish results online. Traditional exams are good but apparently,

online examination system will be needed in the fast processing of results after students have taken

their exams online. . In a traditional exam pattern, we may need to get our copies rechecked in the

case of any dispute, but we will never need this with an online examination process as the

probability of mistakes is very low.

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1.4 Objective

1.4.1 General Objectives

The general and global objective of this project is to make conduction and evaluation of

examination massive but simple, cost effective and faster.

1.4.2 Specific Objective

In order to achieve the main objective, they will include instances:

 To build a web based system to enable students write multiple choice questions.

 To construct a database that will keep records of student names and results

 To display results of candidates after examinations have been taken

 To generate periodic crystal reports for examinations, results and statistics

1.5 Scope of the Project

This project will include the design of an Online Examination System with a friendly interface.

Our case study is Dominion University College. This system is limited to multiple choice

questions. Students can use this system to answer multiple choice questions and answer the

subjective questions on a paper in class. Students will be able to check their results instantly after

exam. The system administrator will be able to generate some reports.

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1.6 Significance of the Study

This project is of great importance because it seeks to evaluate the knowledge of students and their

skills through an online web based examination system. Also to enable students take exams

wherever they are. It will keep a database of all students and exams that has been taken. To provide

an easy, secure log in and friendly user interface.

1.7 Delimitations of the Study

In this project, online examination can be conducted for emote candidates and evaluation of

answers can be fully automated for multiple choice questions. Online examination can be

conducted at any time and does not incur higher costs.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Current system provides only multiple choice but single correct answer selection. Incase questions

and answers need to be in graphics, current system has no provision. Unregistered users can only

access the home page and nothing else.

1.9 Organization of the rest of the Study

This chapter comprises of the introduction to the main subject matter and overview.

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Chapter two will comprise of literature review on online examination systems which would

constitute the foundation of this project.

Chapter three consists of how the pre-existing system works and construction of the proposed

system. This includes the analysis of the system, the context level diagrams, flowcharts, data flow

diagrams, etc.

In chapter four, we will look at testing and implementation of the system

Chapter tree will consist of summary, conclusion and recommendation.

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 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction

In this chapter, we will visit and analyze a few online examination systems to gain understanding

in common features and how they are managed. We will focus particularly on their strength and

challenges to gain much insight and knowledge about pros and cons on how to conduct and manage

an online examination system.

2.2 Background

The rapid development of computer and network technology makes profound changes to human

beings in the fields of study, work and way of life. With the enriched and renewed equipment in

the teaching and training institutions, the establishment of multi-media and computer-aid

education (Du Ploov 2008), the methods of examination which is used to check the quality of

teaching, assess the students learning and identify skills have been changed greatly. The primary

motivation for the development and implementation of online examination in a large course was

the elimination of the high costs of grading assignments and exams in a large class. Large courses

force instructors to carefully consider how assignments and examinations will be administered,

since grading can be time consuming or expensive. For this reason, the use of multiple choice

questions is penetrating in colleges with large enrollments, but may be inferior to essay questions

that require critical thinking, evaluation or assessment (Bracey; Haney and Madaus; and Borcher

et al). The use of online examination can enhance and extend computer technology by having

students select answers to multiple choice questions on a computer connected to the internet. A

computer then grades examinations and a score is sent to both the lecturer and the student.

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2.3 Review of Existing System

2.3.1 SIETTE Online Examination System

Gunzman and Conejo (2005) proposed an online examination system called System of Intelligent

Evaluation using tests for Tele-education (SIETTE). SIETTE is a web based environment to

generate and construct adaptive tests. It can be used for instructional objectives, via combining

adaptive student self-assessment test questions with hints and feedback. SIETTE supports secure

login and portability features.

Features of SIETTE

 Easy, Secure Log in and Sign up – Participants get to log into their examinations by using

their username and password in order to access the relevant pages for completion of the

test at the specified time. Once the test has begun, the user gets to complete it before the

given time expires.

 Time Reminder – As the time for submitting the exam grows near, the participants will be

reminded by some alter audio that they need to submit the examination within the given

period of time.

 Random Question Selection – During the build of an exam, questions are selected from the

question tier of a database. Random selection of questions is a feature performed for more

secure and time saving exam building operation. This randomizes the pattern of the set of

questions selected for an exam.

The screen below (Figure 2.1) displays the sign up page of SIETTE Examination System.

This includes the personal information (name, date of birth et al) log in information of the

user.

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Figure 2.1 SIEETE sign up page

2.3.2 EMS

Rashad et. Al. (2010) proposed a web-based online examination called Exam Management System

(EMS). EMS manages the examination and auto-grading for student exam. It supports conducting

of exams, collects the answers, auto marks the submissions and produces reports for the test. It

employs special authentication protocols to ensure transactions between the examinations server

and students.

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 Features of EMS

 Portability- This feature means that the online examination system can run on cross

platform (in any operating system and hardware). The online examination system consists

of a server part and a client part. The server part is where the exams are created and assigned

while the client part is where the examinees take the exam. These part of online

examination system could be constructed as web-based or application based.

 Secure Login- This feature means that login operation to access the system could not be

done without any authorization check. Furthermore, users should be registered for having

authorization access. The authorization data to be checked are user name and password that

is specified for each user. Some systems use authorization check such as test access

restrictions by groups and internet protocol (IP) addresses, student name and ID.

 Random Choices Distribution- To ensure security and robustness against cheat attempts

during the exam, random choice distribution within each question must be performed. In

other words, this feature means randomizing the order of choices within the same question

received by a different student. Thus, if two students get the same question, the choices of

this question are randomly sorted and differed from each other in the order of choices.

The screen beneath (Figure 2.2) displays the sign up and log in page of EMS. The sign up

page requires information such as name, date of birth, country, email address and contact

number to be filled appropriately before a user can proceed to the next step.

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Figure 2.2 EMS Sign up page

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Figure 2.3 displays the log in page of EMS. A user who has already signed up will be required to

log in, in order to gain access into the system.

Figure 2.3 EMS Log in page

2.4 STRENGTH AND WEAKNESSES

2.4.1 Strengths

 Exams can be conducted anywhere. All a student needs is a personal computer with internet

connection. A student does not need to travel a long distance to take exams as long as these

requirements are met. This also means that thousands of students can take the exams over

a wide spread of locations. Examiners do not have to bother with the laborious task of

marking exams as this is well taken off by the system.

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 On a statistical point of view, compared data can be stored over time. This means that

different comparative analysis can be done to analyze the outcomes of exams overtime.

2.4.2 Weaknesses

 Connectivity can be a serious weakness especially in the African environment where the

IT infrastructure is not strong. A student’s internet connection, either at home or school

can drop at any time for various reasons. In some cases, this could cause the student to lose

work or inadvertently submit tests that are incomplete.

2.5 Characteristics of the proposed system

- In comparison to the present system, the proposed system will be less time consuming and

more efficient

- Analysis will be very easy in proposed system as it is automated.

- Result will be very precise and accurate. It will be displayed right after students have taken

the exam.

- The proposed system is very secure and there will be no chances of leakage of question

paper as it is dependent on the administrator only.

2.6 Comparative study of the systems

Making a good comparison of the systems above, we can say both of them have some

features in common. They both have an easy and secure login or signup which makes it

easy for new users to register or sign in once they are about to take an exam. Both systems

are simple and user-friendly. It is also easy to navigate. Comparing SIETTE to EMS,

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 SIETTE has a time reminder feature which reminds students of the given period of time

they have to submit their exams whereas EMS lacks that feature.

2.7 Conclusion

In conclusion, both systems were efficiently designed for taking exams online but the

proposed system will be much enhanced. The proposed system will be less time

consuming, more efficient and results will be precise and accurate.

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 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter will explain the methodology of Online Examination System Project. This system

will use the system development life cycle. A software development process, also known as

software development life cycle (SDLC), is a structure imposed on the development of a software

product. It is often considered a subset of systems development cycle. There are several models

for such processes. These processes are the Waterfall model, Spiral model, V-model, Iterative

model and Big Bang model. This system will specifically be based on the waterfall model.. It aims

to be the standard that defines all the tasks required for developing and maintain software.

The Waterfall Model was the first Process Model to be introduced. It is also referred to as a linear-

sequential life cycle model. It is very simple to understand and use. In a waterfall model, each

phase must be completed before the next phase can begin and there is no overlapping in the phases.

The Waterfall model is the earliest SDLC approach that was used for software development.

The waterfall Model illustrates the software development process in a linear sequential flow.

This means that any phase in the development process begins only if the previous phase is

complete. In this waterfall model, the phases do not overlap.

3.1.2 Waterfall Model - Design

Waterfall approach was first SDLC Model to be used widely in Software Engineering to ensure

success of the project. In "The Waterfall" approach, the whole process of software development is

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divided into separate phases. In this Waterfall model, typically, the outcome of one phase acts as

the input for the next phase sequentially.

The following illustration in Figure 3.1 is a representation of the different phases of the Waterfall

Model.

Figure 3.1 Waterfall Model Design

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The sequential phases in Waterfall model are −

 Requirement Gathering and analysis − All possible requirements of the system to be

developed are captured in this phase and documented in a requirement specification

document.

 System Design −The requirement specifications from first phase are studied in this phase

and the system design is prepared. This system design helps in specifying hardware and

system requirements and helps in defining the overall system architecture.

 Implementation −With inputs from the system design, the system is first developed in

small programs called units, which are integrated in the next phase. Each unit is developed

and tested for its functionality, which is referred to as Unit Testing.

 Integration and Testing − All the units developed in the implementation phase are

integrated into a system after testing of each unit. Checks the entire system for any faults,

errors, bugs, failures and inter-operability.

 Deployment of system − Once the functional and non-functional testing is done; the

product is deployed in the customer environment or released into the market.

 Maintenance − There are some issues which come up in the client environment. To fix

those issues, patches are released. Also to enhance the product some better versions are

released. Maintenance is done to deliver these changes in the customer environment.

All these phases are cascaded to each other in which progress is seen as flowing steadily

downwards (like a waterfall) through the phases. The next phase is started only after the defined

set of goals are achieved for previous phase and it is signed off, so the name "Waterfall Model".

In this model, phases do not overlap.

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3.1.3 Waterfall Model - Application

Every software developed is different and requires a suitable SDLC approach to be followed based

on the internal and external factors. Some situations where the use of Waterfall model is most

appropriate are −

 Requirements are very well documented, clear and fixed.

 Product definition is stable.

 Technology is understood and is not dynamic.

 There are no ambiguous requirements.

 Ample resources with required expertise are available to support the product.

 The project is short.

3.1.4 Waterfall Model - Advantages

The advantages of waterfall development are that it allows for departmentalization and control. A

schedule can be set with deadlines for each stage of development and a product can proceed

through the development process model phase one by one. Development moves from concept,

through design, implementation, testing, installation, troubleshooting, and ends up at operation

and maintenance. Each phase of development proceeds in strict order.

Some of the major advantages of the Waterfall Model are as follows −

 Simple and easy to understand and use

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  Easy to manage due to the rigidity of the model. Each phase has specific deliverables and

a review process.

 Phases are processed and completed one at a time.

 Works well for smaller projects where requirements are very well understood.

3.1.5 Waterfall Model - Disadvantages

The disadvantage of waterfall development is that it does not allow much reflection or revision.

Once an application is in the testing stage, it is very difficult to go back and change something that

was not well-documented or thought upon in the concept stage.

The major disadvantages of the Waterfall Model are as follows −

 No working software is produced until late during the life cycle.

 High amounts of risk and uncertainty.

 Not a good model for complex and object-oriented projects.

 Poor model for long and ongoing projects.

3.2 Planning and Analysis

Planning is an objective of each and every activity, where we want to discover things that

belong to the project. An important task in creating a software program is extracting the

requirement analysis. Once the general requirements are gathered from the client, analysis

of the scope of the development should be determined and clearly stated. Customers

typically have an abstract idea of what they want as an end result, but do not know what

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software to use. Skilled and experienced software engineers recognize incomplete,

ambiguous or even contradictory requirements at this point. Frequently demonstrating live

code may help reduce the risk that the requirements are incorrect. In the planning phase of

the online exam system, it was decided that the system should be able to conduct online

tests which can be added by the authorized user. The system will have an administrator

which allows authorized entry of users who register on site and can view activities of added

users. The admin can add or delete at any given time. Students will be able to give the test

at the available time of the test and view score immediately after submitting the test.

Students will be able to view the number of questions answered.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

SYSTEM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING

4.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the design and analysis of the proposed system – loans and investment

portfolio, as well as explanations on some basic requirement analysis of the system; the analysis

will include the data flow diagram, context diagram and flow charts of the proposed system.

Three-tier architecture is a client–server architecture in which the user interface, functional

process logic ("business rules"), computer data storage and data access are developed and

maintained as independent modules, most often on separate platforms. The three-tier model is

a software architecture pattern.

Three-tier architecture has the following three tiers:

Presentation tier

This is the topmost level of the application.. It communicates with other tiers by outputting results

to the browser/client tier and all other tiers in the network. (In simple terms it's a layer which users

can access directly such as a web page, or an operating systems GUI)

Application tier (business logic, logic tier, data access tier, or middle tier)

The logical tier is pulled out from the presentation tier and, as its own layer, it controls an

application’s functionality by performing detailed processing.

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Data tier

This tier consists of database servers. Here information is stored and retrieved. This proposed

system data storage layer will be MySQL database. It will record all information required by the

Logic and User Interface Layer. This data will include details of students, scores of students and

administrator user information.

Within the Data Storage Layer a collection of SQL Queries will provide access to the data in a

meaningful way.

4.2 Principles of System Analysis

1. Understand the problem before you begin to create the analysis model.

2. Develop prototypes that enable a user to understand how human machine interaction will

occur.

3. Record the origin of and the reason for every requirement.

4. Use multiple views of requirements like building data, function and behavioral models.

5. Work to eliminate ambiguity.

4.2.1 Software Requirements

The users’ systems must have web browsers available on its planned hardware environment before

the proposed system can be accessed.

4.2.2 Hardware requirements

The proposed system will need computer system and network connection in order to function. The

minimum hardware requirements of the computer system are:

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 The system was developed on windows operating system. It can run on Windows XP,

Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

 A memory of 64 Megabytes RAM.

 233 MHz processor speed.

 Least capacity of 4 Gigabytes hard disk drive.

 There would also be the need for a printer to enable the print out of necessary reports or

documents.

4.3 Functional and Non-functional requirements:

4.3.1 Functional Requirements

 To provide the functionality to students to appear for the exam online.

 To provide login interface through which only authorized user can pass through.

 This system should handle multiple exam at the same time.

 The system should generate a form of report which can either be daily, monthly or yearly.

4.3.2 Non – Functional Requirements

 The system should be reliable and robust

 The system should be user friendly. The system graphical user interface is expected to be

simple and clear in order to make it easy to understand

 The system should be completely consistent and secure.

 The proposed system is expected to authenticate users and only allow users to their

appropriate parts or functions of the system.

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4.3.3 Security Requirements

The proposed system is expected to provide security features to protect information. The security

features will include authentication, traditional confidentiality, integrity, accountability and

availability. Security feature are a requisite in most applications.

4.3.4 Users Constraints

Graphical User Interface of the proposed system will only be in English. The Login username and

password will be used for identification of customers and administrators.

4.3.5 Integrity Constraints

The database shall allow only authorized users to have administrative control over the system.

4.3.6 Goals of the Proposed System

• Planned approach towards work: The proposed system will make exams in educational

institutions to be well planned and organized. The data will be stored properly in data

stores, which will help in retrieval of information as well as its storage.

• Accuracy: The level of accuracy in the proposed system will be higher. All operations will

be done correctly and it will ensure that all information is coming from the center database.

• Reliability: The reliability of the proposed system will be high due to the above stated

reasons. The reason for the increased reliability of the system is that now there will be

proper storage of information.

• No Redundancy: In the proposed system utmost care would be that no information is

repeated anywhere, in storage or otherwise. This would assure economic use of storage

space and consistency in the data stored.

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• Immediate Retrieval of Information: The main objective of proposed system is to

provide a quick and efficient retrieval of information. Any type of information would be

available whenever the user requires.

• Easy to Operate: The system should be easy to operate and should be such that it can be

developed within a short period of time.

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 4.1 Data Flow Diagram

Figure 4.1 Data Flow Diagram

34
4.2 Context Flow Diagram

Figure 4.2 Context Flow Diagram

35
4.5 Entity – Relationship Diagram

It is a graphical representation of entities and their relationships to each other, typically used in

computing in regard to the organization of data within databases or information systems. An entity

is a piece of data-an object or concept about which data is stored. A relationship is how the data is

shared between entities.

There are three types of relationships between entities:

i. One - to - one

ii. One - to - many

iii. Many - to - many

Figure 4.3 displays a graphical representation of entities and their relationships to each other.

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Figure 4.3 Entity Relationship Diagram

37
4.6 Coding

4.6.1 Introduction to MySQL

Many of the applications that a Web developer wants to use can be made easier by the use of a

standardized database to store, organize, and access information. SQL is the most popular language

for adding, accessing and managing content in a database. It is most noted for its quick processing,

proven reliability, ease and flexibility of use. MySQL is an essential part of almost every open

source PHP application.

4.6.2 PHP + MySQL

PHP combined with MySQL are cross-platform (you can develop in Windows and serve on a Unix

platform)

The things needed to run PHP scripts which access MySQL databases.

1. Webserver - This can either be on a computer of your own or on a web host. Any web

server software should work with PHP and MySQL but the best to use is Apache, which is

free

2. Installation - PHP also needs to be installed on the server. If it is not already installed you

can install it (or ask your web host to install it). It can be downloaded from PHP.net and is

also free.

3. MySQL – This is actual database software.

Open a Connection to the MySQL Server

Before we can access data in a database, we must open a connection to the MySQL server.

In PHP, this is done with the mysql_connect() function.

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Syntax:

mysql_connect(host,username,password,dbname);

Table 1 Syntax

Parameter Description

host Optional. Either a host name or an IP address

username Optional. The MySQL user name

4.7 password Optional. The password to log in with

dbname Optional. The default database to be used when performing

queries

Database Design

The overall objective in the development of database technology has been to treat data as an

organizational resource and as an integrated whole. DBMS allow data to be protected and

organized separately from other resources. Database is an integrated collection of data. The most

significant form of data as seen by the programmers is data as stored on the direct access storage

devices. This is the difference between logical and physical data.

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The organization of data in database aims to achieve three major objectives: -

• Data integration.

• Data integrity.

• Data independence.

The proposed system stores the information relevant for processing in the MySQL

SERVER DATABASE. This database contains tables, where each table corresponds to one

particular type of information. Each piece of information in table is called a field or column. A

table also contains records, which is a set of fields. All records in a table have the same set of fields

with different information. There are primary key fields that uniquely identify a record in a table.

There are also fields that contain primary key from another table called foreign keys.

Online exam system uses the following database structure for storing user data, test data, questions

data etc.

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4.7.1 Tables in MySql:

1. User –

Table 2 MySql Tables

Field Type Constraints

Id Int Primary Key

Username Varchar

Password Varchar

Security Question Varchar

Answer Varchar

Category Varchar

Approved Int

First Name Varchar

Last Name Varchar

Email Address Varchar

DOB Varchar

Country Varchar

City Varchar

Zip Varchar

Contact Number Varchar

Active Int

Gender Varchar

41
This table stores the information of user (admin, faculty and student) that is personal as well as

login information and primary key id which auto-increments every-time a new user registers.

Personal information includes First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Contact info etc.

Login Information includes username, password, Security Question etc.

One column named Category is introduced to recognize whether the user is Admin, faculty or

student. And another special column named Approved is used for authorized entry of users. i.e.

this column is set when admin adds the respective user.

1. School profile –

Table 3. School Information

Field Type Constraints

Id Int Primary Key

School Name Varchar

School Address Varchar

School Email Varchar

Country Varchar

City Varchar

Zip Varchar

Contact Number Varchar

This table stores the details of the institute which includes institute name, address, contact

information, email address, country, city etc.

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2. Courses –

Table 4 Courses Table

Field Type Constraints

PID Int Primary Key

Course Name Varchar

Course Description Varchar

id int Foreign Key

This table stores the courses added by admin i.e Course Name and Course Description and

one primary key ‘PID’ which auto-increments every-time a new course is added.

There is additional Foreign key ‘id’ which states which user (faculty) has added that course.

3. Events –

Table 5 Events Table

Field Type Constraints

eid Int Primary Key

Event Name Varchar

Event Description Varchar

This table stores the events added by admin i.e Event Name and Event Description and one

primary key ‘eid’ which auto-increments every-time a new event is added.

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4. Test –

Table 6 Test Table

Field Type Constraints

tid Int Primary Key

Test Name Varchar

Test Instruction Varchar

TotalQ Double

MperQ Double

Timer Varchar

Total Double

Id Int Foreign key

PID Int Foreign Key

This table stores the details of tests added by any faculty which includes Test Name,

TestInstruction , Total Questions , Marks per question , Timer.

There is one primary key ‘tid’ which auto-increments every-time a new test is added by any

faculty.

There are two foreign keys ‘id’ and ‘PID’ which states which user (faculty) has added test in

which course.

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5. Questions –

Table 7 Questions Table

Field Type Constraints

qid Int Primary Key

Question Type Varchar

Question Varchar

Option1 Varchar

Option2 Varchar

Option3 Varchar

Option4 Varchar

CA Varchar

Answer Varchar

Explanation

Marks Double

Qnum Double

Columnnum Int

tid int Foreign Key

This table stores the details of questions added in test which includes serial number , question

, Type of Question , options , Correct Answer , Answer Explanation.

There is one primary key ‘qid’ which auto-increments every-time a new question is added in

any test.

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 There is foreign key ‘tid’ which states which question is added in which test.

6. Checkquestion –

Table 8 Answer of Choices

Field Type Constraints

cid Int Primary Key

id Int Foreign Key

qid Int Foreign Key

tid Int Foreign Key

QStatus Varchar

UserAnswer Varchar

CorrectAnswer Varchar

Marks Double

Serialnum Double

This table stores the answer choices of user and whether the student has answered/not answered

the particular question in a test.

46
4.8 Testing and Implementation

System testing is a critical aspect of Software Quality Assurance and represents the ultimate review

of specification, design and coding. Testing is a process of executing a program with the intent of

finding an error. A good test is one that has a probability of finding an as yet undiscovered error.

The purpose of testing is to identify and correct bugs in the developed system. Nothing is complete

without testing. Testing is the vital to the success of the system.

In the code testing the logic of the developed system is tested. For this every module of the program

is executed to find an error. To perform specification test, the examination of the specifications

stating what the program should do and how it should perform under various conditions.

Unit testing focuses first on the modules in the proposed system to locate errors. This enables to

detect errors in the coding and logic that are contained within that module alone. Those resulting

from the interaction between modules are initially avoided. In unit testing step each module has to

be checked separately.

System testing does not test the software as a whole, but rather than integration of each module in

the system. The primary concern is the compatibility of individual modules. One has to find areas

where modules have been designed with different specifications of data lengths, type and data

element name.

Testing and validation are the most important steps after the implementation of the developed

system. The system testing is performed to ensure that there are no errors in the implemented

system. The software must be executed several times in order to find out the errors in the different

modules of the system.

The validation phase reveals the failures and the bugs in the developed system. It will be come to

know about the practical difficulties the system faces when operated in the true environment.

47
By testing the code of the implemented software, the logic of the program can be examined. A

specification test is conducted to check whether the specifications stating the program are

performing under various conditions.

Testing may be done at 4 levels

• Unit Level

• Module Level

• Integration & System

• Regression

4.8.1 Unit Testing

A Unit corresponds to a screen /form in the package. Unit testing focuses on verification of the

corresponding class or Screen. This testing includes testing of control paths, interfaces, local data

structures, logical decisions, boundary conditions, and error handling.

4.8.2 Module Level Testing

Module Testing is done using the test cases prepared earlier. Module is defined during the time of

design.

4.8.3 Integration and System Testing

Integration testing is used to verify the combining of the software modules. Integration testing

addresses the issues associated with the dual problems of verification and program construction.

System testing is used to verify, whether the developed system meets the requirements.

48
4.8.4 Regression Testing

Each modification in software impacts unmodified areas, which results serious injuries to that

software. So the process of re-testing for rectification of errors due to modification is known as

regression testing.

4.9 Implementation

This is the home page for my Online Examination System Home Page. Here. Administrator or

Students can log in with their ID and password.

Figure 4.4 Homepage of my Online Examination System

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Registration Page

The screen beneath provides the new user or student with different fields to be filled when

signing up for the first time.

Figure 4.5 Registration Page of my Online Examination System

50
Administrative Log In Interface

The screen below displays the log in page of the administrator

Figure 4.6 Administrative Log in Interface

Test case For Log In:

Project : - Online Examination System.

Objective : - To check whether user name & Password is valid or invalid.

Prepared By: - Nii Darku Darku

Page : - Login Screen.

Test Data : - User=”Vames” and Password =”presbyterian”.

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Table 9

Sr Steps Data Excepted Data Actual Status

No. result

1 Enter user name, password Should navigate to quiz Pass

and press submit button page

2 Enter User name and press Should Display invalid Pass

submit button. username or password

3 Enter password and press Should Display invalid Pass

submit button username or password

4 Enter blank user name and Should display invalid Pass

blank password and press username or password

submit button.

5 Enter wrong user and Should display invalid Pass

password. username or password

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 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 SUMMARY

The main focus of this project is to design and implement a web based Online Examination System

available for students to take multiple choice exams online. In this documentation, the need for a

well- built online examination system was outlined and the purpose for which it is to serve. I

reviewed two existing Online Examination Systems to gain much insight and knowledge in

common features and how they manage their systems. In addition, I discussed the methodology

that was used in this project. Being in an evolutional world full of technology, it was advisable to

flow with the design science methodology which uses principles, practices and procedures required

to carry out such research. I made mention of how I became conscious of the problem at hand,

proposed a realistic solution to address the problem and specified how the solution was going to

be developed. Not to forget how the proposed system was going to be implemented to successfully

solve the problem at hand. Furthermore System Analysis and Design was regulated for the purpose

of studying a system in order to identify its objectives. In developing the “Online Examination

System”, I used Notepad ++ (PHP) and SQL which triggered me to easily create the system.

5.2 CONCLUSION

In this project, an online examination system has been designed and developed. Key features of

the system include an authentication interface to enable users to sign up and login into the system.

This is to ensure that the system is secure. Upon successful login, students can have access to

multiple choice questions and instructions on various courses of their departments. They are also

53
 able to check their results at the end each examination taken. The system administrator is able to

generate periodic reports on students, examination taken, results among other things.

5.3 RECOMMENDATION

The development of this project surely prompts many new areas of investigation. This project has

wide scope to implement it in any university or institution. This project covers all functionalities

related to Online Examination System. Hence it can be implemented anywhere else. In a nutshell,

it can be summarized that the future scope of the project circles around maintaining information

regarding:

 Integrate multiple load balancers to distribute the loads of the system

 Current system provides only multiple choices but single correct answer selection. Faculty

may wish to provide multiple choices multiple selection responses.

 Incase questions and/or answers need to be in graphics, current system has no provision.

 Unregistered users cannot answer test, they must belong to some group. This is a drawback

incase the faculty wants anyone even anonymous users to answer the test.

The above mentioned points are the enhancements which can be done to increase the applicability

and usage of this project. Here we can maintain the records of examination and students.

Enhancements can be done to maintain all the examination, students, marks, courses and sessions.

I have left all the options opened so that if there is any future requirement in the system by the user

for enhancement, it will be made possible. I hope this project will serve its purpose for which it is

developed there by underlining success of process.

54
 REFERENCES

1) Adijun A.A, Fagbola T.M & Oke A.O. (2013), “Computer-Based Test (CBT) System

for University academic enterprise examination”. International Journal of Scientific &

Technology Research volume 2.

2) Adebayo O. & Abdulhamid S. (2014), E-Exams System for Nigerian Universities with

Emphasis on Security and Result Integrity”, International Journal of the Computer, the

Internet and Management (IJCM) Volume 18.

3) A. Trivedi (2010), “A Relevant Online Examination System”, Proceedings of the 1st

IEEE International Conference on Technology for Education (IEEE T4E), Mumbai,

India, July 2010.

4) Alabi, A.T, Issa & A.O (2012). The Use of Computer Based Testing Method for the

Conduct of Examinations at the University of Ilorin, International Journal of Learning

& Development, Volume 2.

5) C. Xiangjun & W. Fangsheng (2010), “Web-based General Examination System

Development”, (ICCET), Chengdu, China, Vol 3, April 2010.

6) Gunzman & Conejo (2005) “International Journal of Computing Academic Research”,

Volume 4.

7) McCOrmac & C. Jones D. (1998) Building a Web-based education System, Wiley

Computer Publishing, New York, Usa.

8) S. Chao & Y.B Reddy (2008), “Online Examination”, Proceedings of the 5th IEEE

International Conference on Information Technology, April 2008.

55
APPENDIX.

SOURCE CODES

Registration Code for all users

<html>

<head>

<title>Adminstrative AreaOnline Quiz </title>

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">

<link href="../quiz.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">

</head>

<body>

<?php

include("header.php");

extract($_POST);

if(isset($submit))

include("../database.php");

$rs=mysql_query("select * from mst_admin where loginid='$loginid' and

pass='$pass'",$cn) or die(mysql_error());

if(mysql_num_rows($rs)<1)

echo "<BR><BR><BR><BR><div class=head1> Invalid User Name or

Password<div>";

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exit;

$_SESSION['alogin']="true";

else if(!isset($_SESSION[alogin]))

echo "<BR><BR><BR><BR><div class=head1> Your are not logged in<br> Please

<a href=index.php>Login</a><div>";

exit;

?>

<p class="head1">Welcome to Admistrative Area </p>

<div style="margin:auto;width:90%;height:500px;box-shadow:2px 1px 2px 2px

#CCCCCC;text-align:left">

<div style="margin-left:20%;padding-top:5%">

<p class="style7"><a href="subadd.php">Add Subject</a></p>

<p class="style7"><a href="testadd.php">Add Test</a></p>

<p class="style7"><a href="questionadd.php">Add Question </a></p>

<p align="center" class="head1">&nbsp;</p>

</div>

</div>

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</body>

</html>

58