Project Proposal

Computerized
Examination System

Executive Summary
This proposal outlines a comprehensive plan for conducting secure and efficient online
examinations using the Moodle Learning Management System. The implementation will ensure
academic integrity while providing a user-friendly experience for both students and faculty.

Project Scope
The scope of this project encompasses the technical implementation of Moodle LMS for
conducting online examinations, including server setup, infrastructure deployment, system
configuration, and integration of Safe Exam Browser. We will provide complete system
configuration for examination settings, user roles, grade book, and reporting systems, along with
administrator training and technical support setup. The project includes comprehensive testing,
security validation, and production deployment. However, all content-related aspects, including
question bank development, course content creation, and academic policies, remain the client's
responsibility. Hardware procurement, content maintenance, and academic performance analysis
are also outside the project scope. Our focus is solely on delivering a robust, secure technical
platform ready for the client to implement their examination content and processes.
1. Technical Infrastructure Requirements

1.1 Server Requirements (BASIC)

 Dedicated server with minimum specifications:
 12 GB RAM
 Quad-core processor
 500GB storage
 100Mbps network connection
 Regular backup system
 Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)

1.2 Client Requirements

 Student devices with:
 Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
 Stable internet connection (minimum 2Mbps)
 Webcam for proctoring
 Updated operating system
2. Examination Setup

2.1 Question Bank Development

Question Types and Grading Methods:
1. Automatically Graded Questions:
a) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
 Fully automatic grading
 System matches selected answer(s) against correct answer(s)
 Scoring options:
 Single correct answer: Full marks or zero
 Multiple correct answers:
- All or nothing
- Partial credit per correct option
- Negative marking for wrong options
b) True/False Questions
 100% automatic grading
 Binary scoring (correct/incorrect)
 Can include automatic feedback for each choice
c) Matching Questions
 Automatic grading based on correct pairs
 Scoring options
 All or nothing
 Partial credit per correct match
 Percentage-based scoring
d) Numerical Questions
 Automatic grading with flexible matching:
 Exact match
 Within accepted range (e.g., 5.0 ± 0.1)
 Multiple accepted answers
 Unit handling (optional)
e) Short Answer Questions (Basic)
 Can be automatic for exact text matching
 Options for case sensitivity
 Multiple accepted answers possible
 Works best with:
 Single word answers
 Specific terms
 Simple phrases
 Codes or formulas

2. Manually Graded Questions:

a) Essay Questions
 Always requires manual grading
 Grading support features:
 Rubric integration
 Marking guide
 Feedback templates
 Annotation tools
 No automatic grading capability
b) File Upload Questions
 Manual grading required
 Supports:
 Document review
 Project submissions
 Portfolio assessment
 Media file evaluation
c) Complex Short Answer Questions
 Manual grading needed for:
 Explanations
 Descriptions
 Interpretations
 Partial answers
3. Hybrid Grading Options:
a) Calculated Questions
 Basic calculations: Automatic grading
 Complex problem-solving: May need manual verification
 Formula-based questions:
 Automatic: Simple mathematical operations
 Manual: Working/steps verification

b) Drag and Drop Questions

 Simple matching: Automatic grading
 Complex arrangements: May need manual verification
 Types:
 Text to text: Automatic
 Images to text: Automatic
 Complex patterns: Manual review
4. Best Practices for Mixed Question Types:
a) Exam Structure Recommendation:
 70-80%: Automatically graded questions
 MCQs
 True/False
 Basic matching
 Simple numerical
 20-30%: Manually graded questions
 Essays
 Complex explanations
 Project submissions
 b) Time Management for Manual Grading:
Estimate grading time:
 Essay (250 words): ~5-10 minutes
 Short answer: ~2-3 minutes
 Complex solution review: ~5 minutes
5. Grading Workflow Management:
a) Automatic Grading:
 Immediate results
 System-generated feedback
 Statistical analysis
 Grade book integration
b) Manual Grading:
 Question-by-question approach
 Rubric application
 Feedback documentation
 Grade review process
c) Mixed Assessment Strategy:
 Release automatic grades immediately
 Notify about pending manual grades
 Final grade compilation
 Comprehensive feedback release
 answers

2.2 Exam Settings

1. Time Management:
 Overall time limits
 Section-wise timing
 Grace periods
 Time remaining displays
 Options include:
 Fixed duration (e.g., 2 hours)
 Flexible windows (24-hour access period)
 Timed sections
 Auto-submit on time expiry
2. Navigation Restrictions:
 Sequential navigation
 Free navigation
 Question attempt tracking
 Settings examples:
 Sequential Only: Must complete questions in order
 Free Navigation: Can move between questions
 Hybrid: Sequential sections with free navigation within sections
3. Question Selection Rules:
 Random selection parameters:
 Number of questions per category
 Difficulty distribution
 Topic coverage requirements
 Mandatory questions
 Question pooling strategies
 Different versions for different time slots
4. Answer Option Randomization:
 MCQ option shuffling
 Match question shuffling
 Calculated question variable ranges
 Prevention of pattern recognition
5. Scoring Configuration:
 Marks per question type
 Negative marking options
 Partial credit rules
 Scoring formula examples:
 Standard: Each question equals 1 mark
 Weighted: Different marks for different difficulties
 Negative: -0.25 for incorrect MCQs
 Partial: Percentage-based for partial answers
6. Auto-grading Settings:
 Objective questions auto-grading
 Pattern matching for short answers
 Formula evaluation for numerical
 Rubric-based scoring guides
 Grade calculation methods:
 Raw score
 Percentage
 Letter grades
 Custom grading scales
7. Review Options:
 Immediate feedback settings
 Delayed review options
 Answer key visibility
 Performance statistics
 Review timing options:
  During attempt
 Immediately after attempt
 Later, while still open
 After closing
8. Additional Settings:
 Question behavior:
 Adaptive mode
 Deferred feedback
 Immediate feedback
 Attempt restrictions:
 Number of allowed attempts
 Grade calculation method
 Question display:
 One question per page
 All questions on single page
 Custom grouping

3. Security Measures
The following measures need to be taken in order to ensure security.

Network Security Measures

Physical network isolation:

 Network cables connecting switches to WiFi routers must remain unplugged until exam
time
 Technical staff must verify network isolation before exam commencement

System Access Controls

Client Machine Configuration:

 Each examination machine must have exactly one LMS user account
 Access credentials must be split between two authorized personnel:
 First authorized person holds first half of the password
 Second authorized person holds second half of the password
 LMS login requires simultaneous presence of both authorized personnel
 All unnecessary applications and services must be disabled

Examination Content Management

Paper Upload Protocol:

 Examination papers may be uploaded at any time prior to the examination

 Upload access is restricted to authorized examination coordinators
 All uploads must be logged and verified by a second administrator and backup should be
taken on a secure hard drive

System Redundancy

Server Infrastructure:

 Primary and replica servers must be maintained

 Replica server must mirror primary server configuration
 Examination paper must be uploaded on both servers
 Manual failover protocol must be established and tested regularly

4. Implementation Timeline
Phase 1: Setup and Configuration (2 weeks)

 Server setup
 LMS installation
 Security configurations
 Plugin installations

Phase 2: Content Development (4 weeks)

 Faculty training
 Question bank creation
 Gradebook setup
 Custom Reports Development
 Mock exam setup
 Testing and validation

Phase 3: Pilot Testing (1 weeks)

 Small-scale trial
 Feedback collection
 System optimization
 Issue resolution

Phase 4: Full Implementation (2 weeks)

 Student orientation
 Full-scale deployment
  Monitoring and support

5. Training and Support Framework

Our training and support strategy ensures all stakeholders can effectively utilize the examination
system.
Faculty Training Program: Comprehensive training for faculty members covers all aspects of
examination management. Sessions include hands-on workshops for question bank development,
examination setup, and result analysis. Advanced training addresses special features like rubric
development and advanced scoring methods. Regular refresher sessions keep faculty updated on
system enhancements.
Student Preparation: Students receive structured orientation through online modules and live
sessions. Training covers system navigation, technical requirements, and examination protocols.
Practice examinations familiarize students with various question types and system features. Clear
guidelines regarding academic integrity and examination rules are provided.

6. Costing
The project involves system setup/configuration and customization that requires specific
technical expertise, Question bank development support and content migration services and
training material development and documentation creation.
7. Risk Management
Our risk management strategy addresses potential challenges across technical, operational, and
academic dimensions.

7.1 Technical Risk Mitigation

System Failures: Primary servers maintain 99.9% uptime through redundant systems and
automatic failover mechanisms. Backup power systems ensure continuous operation during
power disruptions. Regular disaster recovery drills validate system restoration procedures.

Data Security: Encryption protocols protect examination content and student data. Regular
security audits identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Access controls prevent
unauthorized system modifications.

7.2 Operational Risk Management

Staff Preparedness: Comprehensive training programs ensure staff competency. Documentation

covers standard procedures and emergency protocols. Regular updates maintain staff knowledge
of system changes.

Student Support: Practice sessions familiarize students with the system. Technical support
remains available during examinations. Alternative assessment methods exist for students facing
technical difficulties.

7.3 Academic Integrity

Anti-Cheating Measures: Advanced proctoring combines automated and human supervision.

Question randomization prevents answer sharing. Time limits and access restrictions reduce
unauthorized collaboration opportunities.

Content Security: Question banks employ version control and access logging. Regular content
audits ensure question quality and security. Systematic review processes validate examination
integrity.