Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computing
Undergraduate Final Year Project
PROJECT PROPOSAL
Online Bakery E-Commerce Platform with Integrated Order Management
System
Nhan Khánh Đình
001436005
Table of Contents
Overview .................................................................................................................... 3
Key Technologies and Definitions............................................................................. 3
Aim ............................................................................................................................ 4
Objectives .................................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Initial Investigation .......................................................................................... 4
3.2 System Analysis ............................................................................................... 4
3.3 Front-end Development ................................................................................... 4
3.4 Back-end Development .................................................................................... 5
3.5 Testing and Quality Assurance ........................................................................ 5
3.6 Deployment and Documentation ..................................................................... 5
4 - Legal, Social, Ethical, and Professional Issues (LSEPI) Assessment .................. 8
Legal Issues ............................................................................................................ 8
Social Issues ........................................................................................................... 9
Ethical Issues ......................................................................................................... 9
Professional Issues ................................................................................................. 9
Planning ..................................................................................................................... 9
Initial References ..................................................................................................... 10
Appendix A – Schedule of Work ................................................................................. 11
Overview
The Moonwalker Cake Shop (MCS) is a comprehensive e-commerce web application
designed for a homemade bakery business, featuring order management, customer
relationship management, and an administrative dashboard. The system was
developed to modernize traditional bakery operations by providing an online platform
that streamlines order processing, inventory management, and customer engagement
while maintaining the personal touch of a homemade bakery business.
The application is built using the Flask framework with a MySQL database, following
a hybrid between two architecture patterns: Monolithic and Layered; also, it
implements RESTful web services for seamless client-server communication. This
technology stack was chosen for its lightweight nature, rapid development
capabilities, extensive community support, and the ability to create a scalable,
maintainable application that can grow with the business while keeping development
costs minimal.
Key Technologies and Definitions
• Flask: A lightweight Python web framework that provides tools, libraries, and
patterns for building web applications. It follows a minimalist approach while
offering flexibility and extensibility.
• MySQL: An open-source relational database management system that uses
SQL (Structured Query Language) for managing and organizing data in tables
with defined relationships.
• Monolithic Architecture: an architectural pattern where all components of an
application are packaged and deployed as a single, unified unit; meaning
everything is tightly coupled within a single codebase and runtime
environment.
• Layered Architecture: an architectural pattern that organizes an application
into distinct, horizontal layers, each with a specific role and responsibility,
promoting modularity, scalability, and maintainability.
• REST (Representational State Transfer): An architectural style for designing
networked applications, where resources are identified by URLs and can be
manipulated using standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).
• Jinja2: A modern and designer-friendly templating engine for Python that
allows dynamic HTML generation by embedding Python-like expressions and
logic within HTML templates.
• CRUD Operations: Create, Read, Update, Delete - the four basic operations
performed on database records, implemented through various routes and
functions in the application.
• Session Management: A way to store user-specific information across multiple
requests, implemented using Flask's session functionality for maintaining user
login states and cart data.
• Authentication and Authorization: Security mechanisms where Authentication
verifies user identity through login credentials, while Authorization
determines what authenticated users can access based on their roles
(admin/customer).
• Responsive Design: A web design approach that makes web pages render well
on different devices and window/screen sizes, implemented using CSS media
queries and flexible grid layouts.
Aim
The primary aim of this project is to develop a user-friendly e-commerce platform
that digitalizes traditional bakery operations while maintaining personalized customer
service through an intuitive web interface. The system seeks to streamline order
management, inventory control, and customer relationship management through an
integrated dashboard that serves both administrators and customers. Additionally, the
project aims to enhance the customer experience by providing secure payment
processing, real-time order tracking, and responsive design that ensures accessibility
across various devices.
Objectives
This project can be broken down into six different parts:
3.1 Initial Investigation
The goal is to complete comprehensive market research, requirements gathering, and
technical assessment documentation for the e-commerce bakery platform within 30
days, delivering three main components: market analysis, requirements specification,
and technical feasibility assessment.
The goal will be achieved through systematic research and documentation. A team
will spend 12 days conducting market analysis, examining competing platforms and
documenting market trends with specific metrics. Stakeholder interviews will be
conducted over 10 days, gathering quantifiable requirements and process analyses.
The final 8 days will focus on technical evaluation, producing a detailed assessment
of technology options, infrastructure requirements, and integration possibilities, with
clear recommendations for each aspect.
3.2 System Analysis
The goal is to develop complete system specifications and architectural design
documents within 45 days, including functional requirements, technical
specifications, and a detailed project plan with measurable milestones.
To catch up with the deadline, the team will allocate 15 days to create comprehensive
requirements documentation, including user stories and use case diagrams. Following
this, 20 days will be dedicated to architectural design, producing detailed database
schemas and interface specifications. The final 10 days will focus on project planning,
creating risk matrices, resource allocation plans, and a detailed project timeline with
specific deliverables and deadlines.
3.3 Front-end Development
The goal is to deliver a fully functional, responsive user interface with integrated
client-side features within 75 days (October 11 to December 24, 2024), meeting all
specified design requirements and achieving 100% feature completion.
To meet the expectations, the development stage will begin with 30 days of UI
implementation, creating responsive templates and components. The next 25 days will
focus on feature development, implementing user interactions and form validations.
The final 20 days will be dedicated to integration work, ensuring seamless connection
with backend APIs and implementing error handling, with regular testing throughout
the development process.
3.4 Back-end Development
The goal is to complete a secure, fully functional backend system with integrated
services within 90 days including database implementation, API development, and all
security features.
The strategy will be spending the first 40 days to focus on core development,
implementing database models and API endpoints. Security features will be
implemented over 25 days, including authentication and authorization systems. The
final 25 days will be dedicated to integrating external services, including payment
processing and email functionality, with thorough testing of each component.
3.5 Testing and Quality Assurance
The main focal point is completing comprehensive system testing and optimization
within 25 days, which must be at least 95% in test coverage to pass; besides all
critical and high-priority issues must be resolved.
For this phase, the first 15 days will be dedicated to systematic testing, including unit,
integration, and system testing, with detailed test reports and bug tracking. The
remaining 10 days will focus on performance optimization and security assessment,
conducting load tests and implementing necessary improvements based on test results.
3.6 Deployment and Documentation
The final goal is to successfully deploy the system to production and complete all
documentation within 12 days, ensuring zero critical issues during launch and
delivering comprehensive user and technical documentation.
To overcome this last hurdle, the first 7 days will focus on systematic deployment,
including environment setup and data migration, with specific checkpoints for
verification. The final 5 days will be dedicated to completing user guides, technical
documentation, and training materials, ensuring all documentation meets quality
standards and covers all system features and processes.
Here is the Work Breakdown Structure for easier navigation:
3.1 Initial Investigation [30 days]
Objectives:
1. Market Analysis
- Competitor feature analysis
- Market trends research
- Target audience identification
2. Requirements Gathering
- Stakeholder interviews
- User needs assessment
- Business process analysis
3. Technical Assessment
- Technology stack evaluation
- Infrastructure requirements
- Integration possibilities
Activities:
1.1 Market Analysis [12 days]
- Research competing bakery platforms [4 days]
- Analyse market trends and demands [4 days]
- Define target user segments [4 days]
1.2 Requirements Collection [10 days]
- Conduct stakeholder interviews [4 days]
- Document business requirements [3 days]
- Analyse current business processes [3 days]
1.3 Technical Evaluation [8 days]
- Evaluate technology options [3 days]
- Assess infrastructure needs [3 days]
- Document technical constraints [2 days]
3.2 System Analysis [45 days]
Objectives:
1. Functional Specification
- User requirements documentation
- System requirements documentation
- Use case modelling
2. Technical Specification
- System architecture
- Database design
- Interface design
3. Project Planning
- Resource allocation
- Risk assessment
- Timeline definition
Activities:
1.1 Requirements Documentation [15 days]
- Document user requirements [5 days]
- Create use case diagrams [5 days]
- Define system requirements [5 days]
1.2 Architecture Design [20 days]
- Design system architecture [7 days]
- Create database schema [7 days]
- Design system interfaces [6 days]
1.3 Project Planning [10 days]
- Create project timeline [3 days]
- Identify risks and mitigation [4 days]
- Plan resource allocation [3 days]
3.3 Front-end Development [75 days]
Objectives:
1. User Interface Development
- Layout implementation
- Component development
- Responsive design
2. Client-side Features
- Form validation
- User interactions
- Shopping cart functionality
3. Integration
- API integration
- Payment gateway integration
- Error handling
Activities:
1.1 UI Implementation [30 days]
- Develop base templates [10 days]
- Create responsive layouts [10 days]
- Implement UI components [10 days]
1.2 Feature Development [25 days]
- Implement user interactions [8 days]
- Create shopping cart [9 days]
- Add form validation [8 days]
1.3 Integration [20 days]
- Integrate with backend APIs [10 days]
- Implement payment UI [5 days]
- Add error handling [5 days]
3.4 Back-end Development [90 days]
Objectives:
1. Core System Development
- Database implementation
- API development
- Business logic
2. Security Implementation
- Authentication system
- Authorization rules
- Data protection
3. Integration Services
- Payment processing
- Email service
- Order management
Activities:
1.1 Core Development [40 days]
- Implement database models [15 days]
- Create API endpoints [15 days]
- Develop business logic [10 days]
1.2 Security Features [25 days]
- Implement authentication [10 days]
- Add authorization [8 days]
- Setup data protection [7 days]
1.3 Services Integration [25 days]
- Integrate payment system [10 days]
- Add email service [8 days]
- Implement order processing [7 days]
3.5 Testing and Quality Assurance [25 days]
Objectives:
1. Testing
- Unit testing
- Integration testing
- System testing
2. Performance
- Load testing
- Optimization
- Security testing
Activities:
1.1 Testing Implementation [15 days]
- Perform unit testing [5 days]
- Conduct integration testing [5 days]
- Execute system testing [5 days]
1.2 Optimization [10 days]
- Conduct performance testing [4 days]
- Optimize system [3 days]
- Security assessment [3 days]
3.6 Deployment and Documentation [12 days]
Objectives:
1. Deployment
- Production setup
- Data migration
- System launch
2. Documentation
- User documentation
- Technical documentation
- Training materials
Activities:
1.1 System Deployment [7 days]
- Setup production environment [3 days]
- Migrate data [2 days]
- Launch system [2 days]
1.2 Documentation [5 days]
- Create user guides [2 days]
- Write technical docs [2 days]
- Prepare training materials [1 day]
4 - Legal, Social, Ethical, and Professional Issues (LSEPI)
Assessment
Legal Issues
The regulatory landscape for e-commerce platforms differs significantly between the
UK and Vietnam, particularly in terms of data protection and business operations. In
the UK, stringent regulations under GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 mandate
comprehensive user privacy protection, requiring businesses to implement robust data
handling procedures and maintain transparent privacy policies. Additionally, the
Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides extensive protection for online purchasers,
establishing clear guidelines for e-commerce operations. Conversely, Vietnam's
regulatory framework, while less stringent in terms of data protection, imposes stricter
content control measures through its Law on E-transactions and Cybersecurity.
Vietnamese businesses must also navigate specific local requirements under Decree
52/2013/ND-CP, which necessitates establishing a local presence and adhering to
national e-commerce regulations.
Social Issues
The social dynamics of e-commerce reveal distinct characteristics in both markets,
reflecting different consumer behaviours and expectations. British consumers exhibit
considerable confidence in digital transactions, demanding sophisticated, professional
e-commerce experiences complemented by robust customer support systems. There is
also a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and ethical business
practices in the UK market. In contrast, Vietnamese consumers demonstrate a strong
preference for mobile-centric shopping experiences, with purchasing decisions
heavily influenced by social media engagement and peer recommendations. Notably,
the Vietnamese marketplaces significant value on maintaining traditional business
relationships, necessitating a delicate balance between digital innovation and personal
connection in e-commerce operation.
Ethical Issues
The ethical dimensions of e-commerce operations present unique challenges in both
markets, albeit with different focal points. UK-based platforms must address
comprehensive ethical considerations encompassing data privacy, pricing
transparency, and fair business practices, with particular attention to protecting
vulnerable consumers and providing accurate product information. British consumers
increasingly demand clear commitments to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese businesses face the complex task of reconciling traditional
business ethics with modern e-commerce requirements, particularly concerning price
transparency and quality assurance. The preservation of cultural values and
community relationships remains paramount in the Vietnamese context, requiring
careful consideration in digital business operations.
Professional Issues
Professional practices in e-commerce demonstrate varying levels of maturity and
different priorities in the two markets. The UK's e-commerce sector maintains
exceptionally high professional standards through rigorous industry certifications and
regular security audits, complemented by strict adherence to international best
practices. British businesses are expected to deliver comprehensive customer support
and maintain transparent communication channels. In contrast, Vietnam's e-commerce
professional practices are undergoing rapid evolution, with increasing emphasis on
staff training and digital literacy development. While professional certification and
industry standards in Vietnam are becoming more stringent, they continue to differ
significantly from international benchmarks, creating unique challenges for
businesses operating in both markets.
Planning
The project will be managed using Agile methodology, with weekly sprints and
regular reviews. A Gantt chart will be used to track progress and ensure timely
completion of tasks.
The Gantt chart will be included in the Appendix A.
Initial References
Aggarwal, K. and Singh, Y. (2021) Software Engineering. 5th ed. New Delhi: New
Age International Publishers, pp. 145-167, 223-248.
Grinberg, M. (2018) Flask web development: developing web applications with
Python. 2nd ed. Sebastopol: O'Reilly Media, pp. 67-89, 156-178, 234-256.
Information Commissioner's Office (2024) Guide to the UK General Data Protection
Regulation (UK GDPR). Available at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-
data-protection/guide-to-the-uk-gdpr/ (Accessed: 29 March 2025).
Ministry of Information and Communications Vietnam (2023) Decree No.
13/2023/ND-CP on personal data protection. Hanoi: Government Publisher.
MySQL AB (2023) MySQL 8.0 reference manual. Available at:
https://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/8.0/en/ (Accessed: 29 March 2025).
Pressman, R.S. and Maxim, B.R. (2024) Software engineering: a practitioner's
approach. 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, pp. 201-234, 345-367, 456-
489.
Schwaber, K. and Sutherland, J. (2023) The scrum guide. Available at:
https://scrumguides.org/scrum-guide.html (Accessed: 29 March 2025).
Sommerville, I. (2021) Software engineering. 10th ed. London: Pearson Education
Limited, pp. 89-112, 234-256, 445-467.
UK Government (2018) Data Protection Act 2018. London: The Stationery Office.
Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (2023) Vietnam e-commerce
white book 2023. Hanoi: Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Appendix A – Schedule of Work
Because the Gantt chart was so big, it would be better to split it into two parts, as below:
