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Database and Web Search Application for Disabled Adults and Children. Faculty Advisor: Manimaran Govindarasu Client: Iowa Department of Human Services Dec06-05 Kyle Curran Seth Gillespie Carlos Ortiz Ryan Wiegel Presented On: November 9, 2006. Acknowledgements. Marion Kresse
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Database and Web Search Application for Disabled Adults and Children Faculty Advisor: Manimaran Govindarasu Client: Iowa Department of Human Services Dec06-05 Kyle Curran Seth Gillespie Carlos Ortiz Ryan Wiegel Presented On: November 9, 2006
Acknowledgements Marion Kresse Professor Manimaran Govindarasu
Problem Description Definitions Approaches Considered Detailed design Resource and Schedules Project Evaluation Closing Summary Presentation Outline
Problem Description • Lack of a centralized source of information on various services offered by aid agencies within Iowa • Many people do not know that programs exist to offer them aid • Too many programs for one person to keep track • Iowa COMPASS database can overwhelm users • Existing search site is not user friendly
General Approach • Web application with backend databases • XML database to store services that are searchable • Interface with Iowa Compass database to get service contact information • Management software to add/remove/edit services • Map of results for which user might be eligible
Definitions • ASP.NET – Active Server Pages • BOBBY - A specification for web sites that are easily accessible by people with disabilities • HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act* • PHP - A scripting language used for creating web applications • SQL - Scripted Query Language • GIS - Geographical Information System • Iowa COMPASS – Referral service for people in Iowa with disabilities. • IDHS – IowaDepartment of Human Services • Taxonomy - Collection of database entries that offer similar services • WIC/Head Start – Two taxonomies included in initial web application
Intended Users • Employees of IDHS and Iowa COMPASS • Employees of other public assistance services • People with disabilities in search of services • Families or friends of people with disabilities • Administrators of the Iowa COMPASS website
Intended Uses • To find services for which a person might be eligible • To locate general and support services • To locate services based on location • Add/Remove/Edit services in the XML database
Assumptions • The users are assumed to possess basic internet navigation skills. • The user will be able to read at a middle school level. • The user will have access to a computer with internet access. • The list of survey questions will be provided.
Limitations • The end product must be BOBBY compliant. • The web page must be HIPAA compliant. • The initial version will include 18 different services.
End product and other deliverables • Software Application • ASP.NET files • XML Schema files • Website Documentation • User’s Manual • Link on website
Present accomplishments • Software application complete • Creation of web forms • Creation/Implementation of XML database • Integration with Iowa COMPASS database • Alpha Testing • Website Documentation • Completed • User Manual • Completed
PHP Advantages: Open Source Cross Platform Disadvantages: Very little support for connecting to SQL server databases ASP.NET Advantages Microsoft Product Good libraries to connect to SQL server databases Disadvantages Only runs in Windows Development Technology Considerations Selection: ASP.NET
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2005 Advantages Native support for ASP.Net Includes support for VC++, C#, etc. Disadvantages Only runs in Windows Eclipse Advantages Open Source Disadvantages Needs plug-in for ASP.Net No support for open source plug-ins IDE Considerations • Selection: Visual Studio .NET 2005
Google Maps API Advantages Dynamic Maps Allows Navigation Disadvantages Beta service Google reserves right to advertise or cancel service Mapzoom Advantages No remote connection No advertisement or service cancellation risks Disadvantages Uses Static Maps which need to be updated GIS Software Considerations Selection: Google Maps API
Visual C++ Advantages Team was very familiar with C++ Disadvantages Not many examples or documentation available for reference C# Advantages Lots of examples and documentation available for reference Disadvantages Team had no experience with the language Programming Language Considerations • Selection: C#
Project Definition Activities • Met with client • Redefined the project definition • Discussed additional features to add complexity • Finalized project definition and additional features
Research Activities • Made list of possible technologies • Researched listed technologies • Compared pros and cons • Made technology selections
Design Constraints Locally Stored Information Services in database will be in the state of Iowa Questions are provided by client Web pages must be BOBBY compliant
Design Constraints (cont’d) Initially implement 18 programs Phase Implementation Phase I: Questionnaire forms and Administration application Phase II: Google Map API Implementation
Screen Flow Diagrams Page flow of end user general use Page flow for administration console
End User Web Forms • Personal Information Page • Income • Age • Size of household • Zip Code and County • Dynamic Questionnaire • Based on personal information • Formed from the database
Administration Functions • Add Program • Enter valid program id and name • Create new personal information tables • Maximum income per number of people in house • Select from a list of questions • Create new questions • Build solutions • Based on information tables and questions
Administration Functions (cont) • Remove Program • Select from a list of existing programs • Delete program XML file • Able to de-activate and activate programs
Administration Functions (cont) • Edit Program • Select from a list of existing programs • Add/remove/edit personal information tables • Add/remove questions • Add/remove/edit solutions
Implementation Activities • Database schema that we received was incomplete • Had to make changes to support taxonomies • A taxonomy is a collection of entries that offer similar services. Ex. Head Start, WIC • Had to make changes to support multiple service entries • Many services have multiple locations that only service their immediate area
Testing and Modification Activities • Unit Testing • Black-Box Testing • Regression Testing • Integration Testing • Alpha-Testing on local test server
Testing and Modification Activities Cont’d • Initial Client Feedback • Teleconference with Iowa Compass Contact, Jane Gay • Implemented on client’s server for site testing
Project evaluation • Software package is completed • Compiling of all team documentation and help screens for software is done • Software will be implemented within Iowa Compass’s new web site and released to the public along with the release of the web site by site developer • Successful Project
Commercialization • No commercialization has been planned as the software is specifically designed to work with the customized setup at Iowa Compass • Product meets the specific goals of the client and is suited to be upgraded for the clients needs in the future
Recommendations for Additional Work • Additional functionalities could be added to the system if the client would desire it in the future • These functionalities could be implemented by either a private sector programming firm or a future senior design team
Lessons Learned • Create more specific individual goals • Increase accountability • ASP.NET/C# development • Client interaction • Solidified overall software development skills
Possible Risks • Loss of important data such as source code or user data • Loss of a team member to unforeseen circumstances • Lack of expertise when related to implementation of elements of the project • Missed deadlines
Risk Management • Source code and documentation backups stored in multiple locations • Each team member was required to understand the whole of the project • Thorough research • Stay ahead of schedule • Allow for flexibility within deadlines
Closing Summary • Currently it is difficult for persons with disabilities to find information on available services • Creation of a web application to determine possible services for which a person may be eligible will facilitate location of information • The team has successfully created a web application that meets the client specifications