PSZ 19:16 (Pind. 1/97)
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA
BORANG PENGESAHAN STATUS TESISi
JUDUL:
WEB-BASED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
SESI PENGAJIAN: 2005/2006 II
Saya
SAFURA ADEELA BINTI SUKIMAN
(HURUF BESAR)
N
mengaku membenarkan tesis (PSM/Sarjana/Doktor Falsafah)* ini disimpan di Perpustakaan Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia dengan syarat-syarat kegunaan berikut:
1. Tesis adalah hakmilik Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
2. Perpustakaan Universiti Teknologi Malaysia dibenarkan membuat salinan untuk tujuan pengajian
sahaja.
3. Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan tesis ini sebagai bahan pertukaran antara institusi pengajian
tinggi.
4. **Sila tandakan (¥ )
SULIT
TERHAD
(Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah keselamatan atau
kepentingan Malaysia seperti yang termaktub di dalam AKTA
RAHSIA RASMI 1972)
(Mengandungi maklumat TERHAD yang telah ditentukan
oleh organisasi/badan di mana penyelidikan dijalankan)
TIDAK TERHAD
—
Disahkan oleh
_____________________________
_____________________________
(TANDATANGAN PENULIS)
(TANDATANGAN PENYELIA)
Alamat Tetap:
NO. 11, JALAN BEREMBANG,
KG. DATO’ ABD. RAHMAN YASSIN,
86000 KLUANG, JOHOR
Tarikh:
CATATAN:
*
**
i
PM WARDAH ZAINAL ABIDIN
Tarikh:
Potong yang mana tidak berkenaan.
Jika tesis ini SULIT atau TERHAD, sila lampirkan surat daripada pihak
berkuasa/organisasi berkenaan dengan menyatakan sekali sebab dan tempoh tesis ini
perlu dikelaskan sebagai SULIT atau TERHAD.
Tesis dimaksudkan sebagai tesis bagi Ijazah Doktor Falsafah dan Sarjana secara
penyelidikan, atau disertasi bagi pengajian secara kerja kursus dan penyelidikan, atau
Laporan Projek Sarjana Muda (PSM).
SUPERVISOR’S DECLARATION
“We hereby declare that We have read this thesis and in our
opinion this thesis is sufficient in terms of scope and quality for the
award of the degree of Masters of Science (IT – Management)”
Signature
: ……………………………………..
Name of Supervisor I
: Associate Professor Wardah Zainal Abidin
Date
: ……………………………………..
Signature
: ……………………………………..
Name of Supervisor II
: Puan Suzana Abidin
Date
: ……………………………………..
i
WEB-BASED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
SAFURA ADEELA BINTI SUKIMAN
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of
Masters of Science (IT – Management)
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Systems
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
APRIL 2006
ii
DECLARATION
I declare that this thesis entitled “Web-based Property Management System” is the
result of my own research except as cited in the references. The thesis has not been
accepted for any degree and is not concurrently submitted in candidature of any
other degree.
Signature
: ……………………………………..
Name
: Safura Adeela binti Sukiman
Date
: ……………………………………..
iii
DEDICATION
To my beloved family and friends
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Firstly, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to both my project
supervisors, Associate Professor Wardah Zainal Abidin and Puan Suzana Abidin. As
the project supervisor, both of them are always available to guide me and provided
just the right mix of encouragement and careful critique.
Special thanks goes to internal staff of Henry Butcher Malaysia Kluang
branch especially its Manager, Tuan Haji Sukiman bin Kasmin, for all their materials
and motivational support towards the implementation of this project either directly or
indirectly. Apart from that, I would like to thank Miss Nor Hanani Hanapi for
providing such a valuable knowledge and information during system development
process.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my family members especially
Mr. Norul Azuan bin Basir for their continuous moral support and understanding
throughout the time.
Last but not least, a huge warm thanks to all my friends especially the third
batch students of Masters of Science (IT – Management) for their contributions
towards the successful completion of this thesis.
v
ABSTRACT
The thesis studies and analyzes the existing difficulty in Henry Butcher
Malaysia (HBM) Kluang branch primarily in relation to advertisement methods as
well as uncollected property valuation reports. The current advertisement methods
adopted by HBM Kluang branch is less effective since it covers small area but higher
costs are involved. On the other hand, since no deposit payment is collected for each
property valuation case, the clients have no immediate response to collect the
valuation report once it is finished. As a result, there exist bunches of uncollected
property valuation reports in the company. Consequently, the Web-based Property
Management System is duly proposed to serve as an electronic platform to assist
HBM Kluang branch in conducting its daily business operations.
The proposed Web-based Property Management System is a web-based
solution where Active Server Pages (ASP) serves as its main programming language,
while Unified Modeling Language (UML) approach is applied to model all related
system diagrams at design stage. Meanwhile, during system development process,
Object Oriented Methodology (OOM) is applied instead of using any structural or
procedural methodology. This is due to OOM features that promote simplicity,
reusability, reliability and increase the development speed.
The primary users for this web-based system are clients of HBM Kluang
branch and its internal staff. The Web-based Property Management System covers
four diverse modules which are property-for-sale, property-to-value, registration and
staff modules. Using the proposed Web-based Property Management System, clients
can search for properties, make online appointment with the staff, view their
property’s approximate market value and submit request to HBM Kluang branch to
conduct actual property valuation.
vi
ABSTRAK
Tesis ini mengkaji dan menganalisis masalah yang dihadapi oleh Henry
Butcher Malaysia (HBM) cawangan Kluang berkaitan dengan kaedah pengiklanan
dan masalah laporan penilaian hartanah yang tidak dituntut. Kaedah pengiklanan
yang dipraktikkan pada masa kini kurang efisyen kerana ia memerlukan kos yang
tinggi tetapi merangkumi skop kawasan yang kecil. Tambahan pula, memandangkan
tiada bayaran deposit yang diambil untuk setiap laporan penilaian hartanah, terdapat
segelintir daripada pihak klien yang enggan menuntut laporan tersebut setelah ia
disiapkan. Maka dengan itu, terdapat laporan hartanah yang tidak dituntut dalam
simpanan pihak syarikat. Oleh itu, Web-based Property Management System dibina
untuk bertindak sebagai platform elektronik untuk membantu HBM cawangan
Kluang dalam menjalankan operasi hariannya.
Web-based
Property
Management
System
yang
dicadangkan
ini
menggunakan Active Server Pages (ASP) sebagai bahasa pengaturcaraan utama
manakala pendekatan Unified Modeling Language (UML) diaplikasikan pada
peringkat reka bentuk sistem. Semasa proses pembangunan sistem dilakukan,
metodologi secara struktur atau prosedur tidak diaplikasikan, sebaliknya pendekatan
Object Oriented Methodology (OOM) diadaptasikan. Hal ini kerana ciri-ciri OOM
menjadikan proses pembangunan sistem bertambah mudah dan fleksibel.
Pengguna utama sistem ini ialah klien dan pekerja HBM cawangan Kluang.
Sistem ini merangkumi empat modul utama iaitu modul property-for-sale, modul
property-to-value, modul registration dan modul staff. Dengan menggunakan sistem
ini, klien boleh mencari hartanah, membuat temujanji secara online dengan pihak
pengurusan syarikat, melihat anggaran harga pasaran untuk hartanah yang diingini
dan meminta pihak syarikat untuk melakukan penilaian hartanah yang sebenar.
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER
1
2
TITLE
PAGE
PROJECT OVERVIEW
1
1.1 Introduction
1
1.2 Background of Problem
2
1.3 Statement of the Problem
4
1.4 Project Objective
5
1.5 Project Scope
6
1.6 Importance of Project
12
1.7 Chapter Summary
13
LITERATURE REVIEW
14
2.1 Introduction
14
2.2 Web-Based System
15
2.2.1 Definition and Descriptions on
Web-Based System
15
2.2.2 Web-Based System versus Client-Server
System
17
2.2.3 Client-Server Architecture
19
2.2.4 Web-Based Architecture
20
2.2.5 Hypertext Web-Based System
21
2.3 Selling Property Using Paper-based Solution
22
2.4 Expert System
24
2.4.1 The Building Blocks of Expert System
25
2.4.2 Acquire Expert System Shell
26
2.4.3 Expert System Shell in Prolog
27
vii
CHAPTER
TITLE
2.5 Electronic Payment Options
PAGE
29
2.5.1 Online Checks
29
2.5.2 Debit Cards
30
2.5.3 E-wallets
30
2.5.4 Person-to-Person Email Payments
31
2.5.5 Credit Card Payments
32
2.5.6 Electronic Fund Transfer
34
2.6 Henry Butcher Malaysia and its Competitors
2.6.1 Henry Butcher Malaysia (HBM)
37
37
2.6.2 Government Sector – Real Estate and
Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia
(REHDA)
39
2.6.3 Private Sector – CH Williams Talhar and
Wong (WTW International)
2.7 Real Estate Industry in Malaysia
41
45
2.8 Property Statistics in Henry Butcher Malaysia,
Kluang Branch (Property-to-Value)
2.9 Chapter Summary
3
46
49
METHODOLOGY
51
3.1 Introduction
51
3.2 Project Methodology
52
3.3 System Development Methodology
53
3.4 Process Involved Under Property-for-Sale in
the Web-Based Property Management System
57
3.5 Project Schedule
60
3.6 Chapter Summary
63
viii
CHAPTER
4
TITLE
PAGE
SYSTEM DESIGN
64
4.1 Organizational Analysis
64
4.2 Current Business Process and Data Model
69
4.2.1 Property-for-Sale
69
4.2.1.1 Use Case Diagram
69
4.2.1.2 Activity Diagram
70
4.2.2 Property-to-Value
72
4.2.2.1 Use Case Diagram
72
4.2.2.2 Activity Diagram
73
4.2.3 System Architecture for Current Business
Process
4.3 User Requirements
75
76
4.3.1 Client Registration Form
76
4.3.2 Staff Registration Form
77
4.3.3 Property-for-Sale Module
77
4.3.3.1 Search Engine
78
4.3.3.2 Online Appointment Form
78
4.3.4 Property-to-Value Module
4.3.4.1 Online Property Valuation Form
78
79
4.3.5 Staff Module
79
4.4 Conceptual Design
80
4.4.1 Business Process and Data Model
81
4.4.1.1 Use Case Diagram
81
4.4.1.2 Use Case Descriptions
82
4.4.1.3 Sequence Diagram
91
4.4.1.4 Activity Diagram
93
4.4.2 System Architecture (Conceptual Design)
101
4.4.3 Process Framework for Proposed System
103
4.5 Physical Design
104
4.5.1 Database Design
104
4.5.2 Program (Structure) Chart
106
4.5.3 Interface Chart
106
ix
CHAPTER
5
TITLE
4.5.4 Detailed Modules/Features
111
4.6
Hardware Requirements
113
4.7
Test Plan
114
4.8
Chapter Summary
118
DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING
119
5.1
Coding Approach
119
5.1.1 Snapshot of Critical Programming Codes
123
Test Result / System Evaluation
131
5.2.1 User Acceptance Test
136
5.3
User Manual for Administrator
137
5.4
Chapter Summary
142
5.2
6
ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY
143
6.1
Rollout Strategy
143
6.2
Change Management
145
6.3
Data Migration Plan
146
6.4
Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
147
6.5
Expected Competitive Advantage Gain from
6.6
7
PAGE
the Proposed System
147
Chapter Summary
151
DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION
153
7.1
Achievements
153
7.2
Constraints and Challenges
154
7.3
Lessons Learned
156
7.4
Aspirations
157
7.4
Chapter Summary
158
x
CHAPTER
TITLE
PAGE
References
159
Appendix A
160
Appendix B
163
Appendix C
173
Appendix D
194
xi
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO.
2.1
TITLE
Comparison between Client-Server System
and Web-Based System
2.2
PAGE
18
Comparisons between HBM’s Website and
its Competitors’ Website
44
2.3
Sales Transaction for Residential Properties
45
2.4
Valued Property Type Listing of Henry
Butcher Malaysia, Kluang Branch
2.5
Type of Residential House Listing of Henry
Butcher Malaysia, Kluang Branch
4.1
48
Database Design for the Web-based Property
Management System
4.2
46
108
Proposed Hardware Requirements for the
Web-based Property Management System
117
4.3
Test Plan Based on Client’s Perspectives
118
4.4
Test Plan According to Staff’s Perspective
121
5.1
System Functionalities Evaluation for Clients
of HBM Kluang Branch
5.2
System Functionalities Evaluation for Staff of
HBM Kluang Branch
6.1
131
134
Approximate Value of Paper-based
Advertisement Expenses of HBM Kluang branch
149
xii
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO.
TITLE
PAGE
2.1
Two Tiers Architecture
19
2.2
Three Tiers Architecture
20
2.3
Web-Based Architecture
20
2.4
Process Flow Involved in Selling a Property
Using the Paper-based Solution
23
2.5
Working Process of Prolog
28
2.6
Process Flow of Online Credit Card Payment
32
2.7
Bar Graph Showing the Valued Property Type
Listing of Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang
Branch
2.8
47
Bar Graph Showing the Type of Residential
House Listing of Henry Butcher Malaysia,
Kluang Branch
3.1
48
Processes Involved in the Web-based Property
Management System under Property-for-Sale
58
4.1
Use Case Diagram for As-Is Property-for-Sale
70
4.2
Activity Diagram for As-Is Property-for-Sale
71
4.3
Use Case Diagram for As-Is Property-to-Value
72
4.4
Activity Diagram for As-Is Property-to-Value
74
4.5
System Architecture for Current Business Process
of HBM Kluang branch
4.6
4.7
75
Use Case Diagram for the Web-based Property
Management System
81
Sequence Diagram for Client User
82
xiii
FIGURE NO.
TITLE
PAGE
4.8
Sequence Diagram for Staff User
84
4.9
Activity Diagram – Client Registration
86
4.10
Activity Diagram – Staff Registration
88
4.11
Activity Diagram – Property-for-Sale Module
90
4.12
Activity Diagram – Property-to-Value Module
91
4.13
Activity Diagram – Staff Module
92
4.14
Conceptual Design of the Web-based Property
Management System
4.15
93
Process Framework for the Proposed Web-based
Property Management System
94
5.1
IIS Management Console
120
5.2
ASP Coding to Set Up the ODBC Connection
123
5.3
ASP Coding for Search Engine
124
5.4
ASP Coding to Display the Search Results
125
5.5
ASP Coding to Sort the Search Results According
to Project or Property Name
5.6
ASP Coding to Set the Header Information of
the Appointment Calendar
5.7
127
ASP Coding to Place All Appointments into the
Specific Date Column in the Calendar
5.8
126
128
ASP Coding to Edit the Existing Appointments
and Place the Updated Appointments on the
Calendar
5.9
129
ASP Coding to Delete the Selected Appointments
and Show the Results on the Calendar
130
5.10
Administrative Tools Window
138
5.11
Default Web Site Properties Window
139
5.12
Administrative Tools Window
140
5.13
Create New Data Source Window
141
5.14
ODBC Microsoft Access Setup Window
141
xiv
FIGURE NO.
6.1
TITLE
PAGE
Bar Graph Showing Approximate Value of the
Paper-based Advertisement Expenses of HBM
Kluang branch
6.2
149
Expanses Comparisons between Paper-based
Advertisement Methods and Web-based
Advertisement Approach
151
xv
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ASP
Active Server Pages
ATM
Automated Teller Machine
CD-R
Compact Disk-Recordable
EFT
Electronic Fund Transfer
FIABCI
International Real Estate Federation
IE
Internet Explorer
IIS
Internet Information Service
ISM
Institutions of Surveyors Malaysia
HBM
Henry Butcher Malaysia
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language
OLTP
On Line Transaction Processing
OOM
Object Oriented Methodology
OS
Operating System
PC
Personal Computer
PIN
Personal Identification Number
PHP
PHP Hypertext Pre-processor
REHDA
Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia
SQL
Structured Query Language
UML
Unified Modeling Language
WTW
Williams Talhar and Wong
xvi
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX
A
TITLE
PAGE
User Acceptance Test for Web-based Property
Management System – Staff of HBM Kluang
Branch
B
Installation Procedure for Macromedia Dream
Weaver with Active Server Pages (ASP)
C
163
Installation Procedure for Acquire Expert
System Engine
D
160
173
Installation Procedure for Internet Information
Services (IIS)
194
CHAPTER 1
PROJECT OVERVIEW
1.1
Introduction
Malaysia has 3,413 registered Internet users per 10,000 people, thus, making
it the second most frequent users of the Internet among South East-Asians according
to statistics compiled by the Malaysians Communications and Multimedia
Commission (The Star, 2005). Consciously, this figure will positively increase from
time to time. Since Internet is being extensively adopted nowadays, many see its
potential to serve as an enabling tool to implement Information Technology-based
solution. Companies and individuals are able to view the importance of Internet in
making their business easier, smarter and strategic especially when Internet has
become a norm among the Malaysian society.
Leveraging on this technology, a Web-based Property Management System is
proposed for Henry Butcher Malaysia (HBM), one of the skillful real estate
companies available in Malaysia. HBM has 20 branches in strategic locations
throughout Peninsular and East Malaysia which are Kuala Lumpur, Ampang,
Subang, Petaling Jaya, Damansara Intan, Alor Setar, Kulim, Penang, Butterworth,
Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Seremban, Melaka, Muar, Johor Bahru, Kluang,
Kuching, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau. However, for this project the
Kluang branch is chosen.
2
The Web-based Property Management System will serve as an electronic
platform to enhance the paper-based business operations currently implemented at
HBM, Kluang branch. By employing this web-based solution, HBM Kluang branch
is expected to become more competitive and strategic as it is likely to diminish the
yearly expenses that primarily involves bundle of papers, stationeries and printing
materials as well as providing convenience to its clients.
1.2
Background of Problem
Henry Butcher Malaysia (HBM) was formerly known as Henry Butcher Lim
and Long Sdn Bhd and involves in various field of real estate industry that includes
property valuation, agency, property auction and machinery. The headquarters is
located in Kuala Lumpur and it has branches all over Malaysia such as Seremban,
Melaka, Muar and Miri. However for illustration purpose, this project is only
concentrating on the Kluang branch.
Even though as a whole HBM involves in various field of real estate industry,
HBM Kluang branch is more focusing on buying and selling the property, property
valuation and property auction. Property here is typically consists of residential
property. Each of these operations will produce an end report which is signed by the
registered valuer or auctioneer. In order to become a registered valuer, the candidate
must have a recognized degree, two years working experience under a registered
valuer and pass a test of professional competent. Then only the respective candidate
will be registered under the Board of Valuer, Appraisers and Estate Agency Act.
On the other hand, to become a registered auctioneer, the candidate should
posses an experience working under an auctioneer of that particular state and pass
interview conducted by the state secretary. The auction license is issued by the state
of authority. Meaning, if a candidate obtains the auction license from Johor, the
candidate can only conduct property auctions in Johor. The candidate is not allowed
to conduct the auction in Selangor.
3
Currently, HBM Kluang branch is fully utilizing the paper-based solutions in
conducting its daily business operations. In the context of buying and selling the
property, the property owner will consult with HBM Kluang on the current price of
their property if it is sold at that specific time. If the owner agrees with the sold price
identified by the company, then only HBM Kluang branch advertises that property to
the public. However, using the paper-based solution, HBM Kluang branch usually
takes longer time to sell the property. This is most likely due to ineffective
advertising method and spread of news. As a result, the company is not able to pull
more potential buyers for the advertised property.
On the other hand, a property must be valued if the owner wants to get the
bank loan, to pay for stamp tax or for asset management. Once the property valuation
finished, an end property valuation report is distributed to the property owner. The
report will be signed by the registered valuer to certify that the price valued by the
real estate company is aligned with the current market value. Then, the property
report must be collected by the owner and sufficient payments should be made. The
current problem that exists in HBM Kluang branch is that some clients neglect to
collect the property report. The clients do not have the initiative to collect the report
since they have not made any payment in advance for that report. They tend to think
that it is fine not to collect the property report since they have yet pay for that
valuation service. When the property report is not collected, HBM Kluang gets
nothing for its valuation service and there exists bunch of uncollected property
reports. Therefore, the company would like to have an electronic property
management platform, which is customized to HBM Kluang branch environment and
raising issues to help their business grows stronger.
The next section 1.3 – statement of the problem will further explain the
circumstances currently exist at HBM Kluang branch.
4
1.3
Statement of the Problem
As mentioned briefly in section 1.2 – background of the problem, the
problems faced by HBM Kluang branch can be further listed as below:
ƒThe spread of news on property for sale is less effective since it circulates only in
Kluang town. As a result, more time is consumed to find the right buyer since the
potential candidates are very limited.
ƒThe company found out that it is tedious to advertise the properties to be sold
using the conventional methods; banners, telephone calls and flyers as it involves
more time, cost and energy to implement.
ƒThe clients feel frustrated when they were told that the officer in charge is not
around when they want to discuss and get additional information on any property
that they have in mind.
ƒThe company found out that there exist uncollected complete property valuation
reports and therefore, the company receives nothing for payment.
ƒIn some cases, the clients feel shock and not satisfied with the price of their
property valued by HBM Kluang branch. When this happens, the property
valuation price need to be justified by the court and thus, leaves a rather bad
perception of the company.
Seeing such obstacles exist in HBM Kluang branch, it motivates the author to
develop a Web-based Property Management System so that the business operations
may run more smoothly.
According to HBM Kluang branch manager, none of HBM branch has
applied such system to support their daily business operations. The headquarters in
Kuala Lumpur once had asked a software house to develop such system.
Unfortunately, due to some technical problems faced by the software house, the
initial plan to develop such system is not being able to carry out. For that reason, the
full adoption of this web-based system is expected to resolve HBM Kluang branch’s
obstacles mentioned above.
5
1.4
Project Objective
The objectives of the Web-based Property Management System are listed as
follows:
ƒTo study HBM Kluang branch’s existing manual property management system
that mainly uses paper-based solution in relation to:
i)
difficulties in managing the property advertisement in areas other than
Kluang town.
ii)
uncollected complete property valuation reports by the clients.
ƒTo analyze, design and develop a web-based property management system that is
able to:
i)
facilitate property advertisement without restriction by the locality of the
property.
ii)
assist the clients in getting in touch with the officers for further
information on the advertised property.
iii)
accomplish online payment transaction paid by the clients once their
request to value a property is submitted to HBM Kluang branch.
iv)
provide a pre-valuation process on the selected property so that, clients
can have a brief knowledge on the approximate value of the property.
This uses an expert system engine.
ƒTo formulate organizational strategies in implementing the proposed Web-based
Property Management System.
6
1.5
Scope
The proposed Web-based Property Management System is developed based
on HBM Kluang branch circumstances and environment. In general, the proposed
system is decomposed into four different modules as illustrated below.
ƒRegistration Module
a) The registration module is divided into two categories which are client
registration and staff registration.
b) For client registration, any Internet user who is interested in becoming one of
the HBM Kluang branch’s client is the focus people for the client registration
module.
c) The Internet user needs to fill in all their particulars in the client registration
form and submit it to HBM Kluang branch.
d) In return, HBM Kluang offers free two months property bulletin and
information on the latest available property once the Internet user has
successfully become one of its clients.
e) The free two months property bulletin will be sent to the respective clients
through post.
f) Meanwhile, information on the latest available property that matches the
clients’ interest as specified in the client registration form will be sent to their
email.
g) On the other hand, for staff registration, internal staff of HBM Kluang branch
is the focus people for the staff registration module.
h) The staff must fill in all their details in the staff registration form in order to
gain access to the staff module.
i) The staff is allowed to indicate their preferred username and password in the
staff registration form.
7
ƒProperty-for-Sale
a) The primary user for this module is clients of HBM Kluang branch who
would like to buy a property.
b) A search engine is available in this module. With this search engine, clients
of HBM Kluang branch can look for any type of property that meets their
needs and requirements. The search is conducted based on type of property,
location, state or price range.
c) The outcome of the property search will list out all the available property that
matches closely with the keywords entered earlier together with all its related
descriptions.
d) The outcome of the property search involves only the listed properties with
HBM Kluang branch. The system will not return results concerning
properties listed with other real estate company.
e) The property descriptions will only display the general image of the property
mainly the front view of the property together with all related information on
the property such as the property ID, provision land area, number of bedroom
and bathroom, tenure and most important the listing price.
f) It will not cover any 3D images of the property. Therefore, the clients are not
able to explore the property using the web browser as if they are walking into
the real property.
g) The clients can save and print the property descriptions for their future
reference.
h) In addition, this module allows the clients to compare two different properties
side by side. Therefore, it facilitates the clients in making smarter decision as
buying a property involves a large amount of money.
i) This module includes an online appointment form where the clients will set
the tentative date and time to meet the officer in charge for further
discussions on the selected property.
j) The officer in charge will confirm the meeting through email.
k) This module will guide the clients in buying a property through its “Home
Buying Guide” page.
8
ƒProperty-to-Value
a) The main user for this module is clients of HBM Kluang branch who wants
the company to value their property.
b) A property pre-valuation section is provided in this module where the clients
can view their property’s preliminary market value.
c) The preliminary market value of the intended property is conducted based on
five basic characteristics of the property which are:
ƒthe storey of the property either single storey or double storey.
ƒthe type of property.
ƒthe provision land area of the property.
ƒthe location of the property.
ƒthe number of bedroom available in the property.
ƒeither the property has any extension or not.
d) For further property valuation process, the clients can submit their request to
HBM Kluang branch using the online property valuation form.
e) The online property valuation form includes an online payment that enables
the clients to pay the deposit money or make an advance payment to HBM
Kluang branch.
f) HBM Kluang branch will start executing the request only when it has
received the deposit payment from the respective clients.
g) A notification from HBM Kluang branch will be sent to the clients using
email once the company received the online property valuation form together
with the deposit payment.
h) The email will state that the client’s property will be valued by HBM Kluang
branch and please allow several days to complete the valuation process.
9
ƒStaff Module
a) The primary user for this module is the internal staff of HBM Kluang branch.
b) An appointment section is provided where the staff will be able to view or
check their daily appointments with the respective clients.
c) In addition, the staff can add new appointments and edit the details of
existing appointments as there might be a situation where the tentative
appointment is changed to another date and time.
d) Besides, the staff is allowed to delete any canceled appointment.
e) For each property cases that a particular staff handles, the property cases can
be registered in this module.
f) Similar to the appointment section, the staff may edit the details of the
registered property cases whenever needed.
g) The staff can mark the completed property cases to be inserted to the
completed case section where the cases are kept for future reference.
h) For security reason, this module allows the staff to change their current
password.
Even though HBM Kluang branch conducts property auction, this operations
will not be implemented in this Web-based Property Management System. This is
due to the primary involvement of the court and legislative issues in dealing with the
property auction. Therefore, more time must be spent in order to fully understand the
actual business processes involved before developing the property auction system.
Since time is the major concern for this project, the author found out that it is
difficult to implement such system within the specific time frame.
All appropriate data on the properties that comprises of location, price range,
type of property and so forth will be compiled from HBM Kluang branch with the
help of its internal staff.
Meanwhile, in order to develop the Web-based Property Management
System, the most essential hardware that HBM Kluang branch requires is the
personal computer (PC). The PC will be fully utilized for the entire online operations
of the system, from property advertisement and online appointment to online
payment.
10
As for the software, the following list of software will be fully utilized in
developing the web-based system.
ƒOperating System
Microsoft Windows XP Professional is used as the main operating system (OS)
to run the proposed web-based system.
ƒServer
Internet Information Service (IIS) - IIS is a group of Internet servers with
additional capabilities for Microsoft's Windows NT and Windows 2000 Server
operating systems. Thus, it serves as a means to upload the design pages of Webbased Property Management System into the Internet.
ƒWeb Development
Active Server Pages (ASP) - ASP is an open, compile-free application
environment in which the author can combine HTML, scripts, and reusable
ActiveX server components to create a powerful web-based business solution for
HBM Kluang branch.
Macromedia Dream Weaver - It is an essential application primarily used to
design the interface of the Web-based Property Management System.
ƒDatabase
Microsoft Access – Microsoft Access serves as the systems database to keep all
the relevant information about the properties. Microsoft Access is a relational
database management system from Microsoft, packaged with Microsoft Office
Professional which combines the Jet relational database engine with a graphical
interface. The development environment provides productivity-enhancing
features for both advanced developers and beginning users.
ƒDocumentation and Presentation
Microsoft Visio - This software is used to draw all the UML diagrams needed
during the design process. The diagrams include use case diagram, sequence
diagram, activity diagram, collaboration diagram and etc.
11
Microsoft Word - The Word processor is required to assist the author in
completing the project documentation.
Microsoft Project - This application is mainly used to track the progress of the
proposed web-based system. With its Gantt chart, it guides the author in
completing the system without delay.
Microsoft Power Point - Microsoft PowerPoint is utilized to create professional
looking presentations and slide shows during the presentation session.
In developing the proposed system, web-based solution is identified as the
most appropriate platform due to its simplicity and low maintenance cost. Whereas,
the object oriented serves as its methodology that will be carry out through out the
system development process. For further explanations, the reader may refer to
chapter 3 – methodology.
A sequence of test will be done to ensure a quality and strategic system is
served to HBM Kluang branch and its clients. All the particular modules will be first
tested followed by the integration test, where two or more different units that have
already been tested are combined into a single component and the interface between
them is tested. Finally, a test performed by an end user or system owner is conducted
in order to verify whether or not the delivered system fulfills their needs and
requirements.
12
1.6
Importance of Project
The proposed system, Web-based Property Management System proves
benefits both to HBM Kluang branch and its clients.
Looking from the organizational context, HBM Kluang branch is able to
broaden its client’s network as the proposed web-based system will provide the
easiest, fastest and most efficient property advertising method. Throughout this
system, people around Malaysia are able to view the property advertisement at
anytime, anyplace and therefore, its probability to cover clients outside Kluang is
high. In addition, this system enables the reduction of advertisement cost as paperbased property advertisement is no longer serves as the core advertising method.
Furthermore, with the system’s online appointment form, it confirms the availability
of the officer in charge and thus, enhances the level of trust and ease of
communication between HBM Kluang branch and the clients.
In addition, with the advance payment function, it reduces the probability of
uncollected property valuation report by the clients. As a result, HBM Kluang branch
will be able to enlarge its profit as all their property valuation services are paid off.
On the other hand, with this proposed web-based system the clients will have
the control power at their fingertips. In seconds, they can have access to multiple
properties that matches their needs and requirements without physically go to HBM
Kluang branch to get additional information on the properties.
Furthermore, the proposed Web-based Property Management System offers
the most recent two months property bulletin for free to the clients of HBM Kluang
branch. To become one of the clients, Internet users need to register themselves first
to make them one of the clients and therefore eligible for the offer. This method is
used by HBM Kluang branch in order to grab as many as possible Internet users in
becoming its reliable clients and avoid them from choosing other real estate company
as their main property reference. Hence, the proposed system creates value both to
HBM Kluang branch and its clients.
13
1.7
Chapter Summary
This chapter briefly explained to the readers about the overview of the
proposed Web-based Property Management System that includes project objectives,
project scope and project importance. The proposed system is developed to resolve
the current circumstances of Henry Butcher Malaysia (HBM), Kluang branch
identified earlier by the author.
The proposed system is duly proposed to enhance the daily business
operations of HBM Kluang branch. As an electronic supporting tool, the system is
able to facilitate HBM Kluang branch to get in touch with multiple clients in multiple
places, other than Kluang town. In addition, HBM Kluang branch is able to increase
their earnings since it will receive deposit payment for each property valuation cases
through online payment made by its clients.
Web-based Property Management System fully utilizes the web-based model
as Internet has been widely adapted in most of today’s businesses. Consequently,
convenient access environment is created among the users as they are allowed to
search for related property and request HBM Kluang branch to value their property at
anytime, anywhere.
In general, the proposed Web-based Property Management System will serve
as a strategic electronic platform to assist HBM Kluang branch in enhancing their
property advertisement means instead of using the conventional way that primarily
involves papers. The clients may seek for brief information on the property without
physically go to HBM Kluang branch. Moreover, the communication between the
clients and staffs of HBM Kluang branch will improve as the clients will have an
additional choice to request for property valuation which is through the property-tovalue section.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
Introduction
The use of electronic platform as a supporting tool in performing daily
business operations is becoming a norm among the individuals and companies in
Malaysia. People see it as a more convenient, effective and giving faster response
compared to using only paper-based solutions. However, an appropriate study should
be conducted in order to increase the level of understanding before going to the
design and implementation process. This is to ensure that the electronic system will
resolve the circumstances faced by the respective individuals and companies.
Chapter two further explores the common paper-based process in selling the
intended property practiced by all real estate companies. Then, the author will
identify which part needs to be implemented electronically in order to assist HBM
Kluang branch in becoming a more successful real estate company in the future. For
a better illustration, the reader may refer to section 3.4 - process involved under
property-for-sale in the Web-Based Property Management System. Other than that,
this chapter also studies the concept of expert system and online payment as these
will become part of the proposed Web-based Property Management System. In
addition, comparisons between web-based and client-server platform, comparisons
between HBM Kluang and its competitors, potential of real estate industry in
Malaysia and property statistics in HBM Kluang branch are studied to justify the
usefulness of the proposed system both to HBM Kluang branch and its clients.
15
2.1
Web-Based System
2.1.1
Definition and Descriptions on Web-Based System
Web-based system is changing the landscape of today’s business
environment. Most enterprise-related applications such as supply chain management
has already utilized and adopted the web-based system in their daily operations to
take the advantage of the web browser’s ubiquitous presence and ease of use.
Web-based system can be defined as a system of Internet servers that support
especially the formatted documents. The documents are formatted in a markup
language called HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) that supports links to other
documents, as well as graphics, audio, and video files. There are several applications
called Web browsers that make it easy to access the web-based system; two of the
most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
The applications developed using the web-based technology requires only a
web-browser, security and access to the website for the user to connect and use the
products. The applications reside on the server, hence the applications do not require
any additional client/server companion products to set up and maintain the
applications.
Web-based system holds some benefits as described below:
a) Browser compatibility
Web-based system is capable to support web browser on any operating
systems. The supported operating systems are not limited to Windows and
Internet Explorer (IE), but also other operating systems such as Linux and
Netscape Navigator. Thus, the web-based system is used to provide
general access to libraries, encyclopedias, portals and etc.
b) Minimizes network traffic
Web-based system operates efficiently in network environment as it is
able to reduce the volume of transactions moving up and down the
network. It does not depends on the central point like any other systems
16
such as client-server systems, thus speed up the information transaction to
the end users.
c) Integration
Web-based system integrates well with any existing database such as
MySQL, Oracle, DB2 and SQL Server. Thus, it allows the developers to
have a lot of choices of database to be built based on the needs and
requirements of their to-be applications.
d) Lowers maintenance costs
New releases of any software or application are installed at the central
server, thus, eliminates the need to update each workstation. This
significantly reduces the on-going maintenance costs.
e) Easy to install
Web-based applications are installed centrally on a single server. In an
enterprise environment, this means saving tens of thousands of dollars
because there is no need to visit each users’ personal computer (PC) to
install the software.
17
2.1.2
Web-Based System versus Client-Server System
During the 1980s and 1990s, the client-server system is often promoted as the
best solutions for managing information within the organization. However, by the
end of 1990s, most organization realizes that there is a need to share information
with customers, suppliers and strategic partners that resides outside the organization.
Thus, the web-based system begins to replace the client-server system as it is able to
increase the level of productivity and efficiency and lower the implementation and
maintenance cost.
The traditional client-server system often refers to legacy or non web-based
system. It requires application-specific software to be installed and configured on all
the client computers. It is very obvious that the installation and configuration process
takes more time and costs, plus with expensive high bandwidth connections for each
client computer, this system is not that recommend to be implemented. Moreover, the
entire installation process needs to be performed al over again when the software
update is available.
In contrast, the web-based system offers much more benefits compared to
client-server system. The web-based system simplifies the operations, provides ease
of management, zero installation problems and greater functionalities. It allows the
users to respond more quickly through its web pages that may comprise of Hypertext
Markup Language (HTML), Active Server Pages (ASP), Java Applet and many
more. Properly designed web-based system provides good performance, even when it
is used over inexpensive dial-up connections.
18
Table 2.1 below summarizes the comparison between the client-server system
and web-based system:
Table 2.1 Comparison between Client-Server System and Web-Based System
Components
Reliability
Client-Server System
Less reliable due to:
Web-Based System
More reliable due to:
Changing and testing data is The business logic runs into
more difficult since each different
server
module comprise of many resulting
in
process
easier-to-
more interrelated language maintain programs.
statements.
Response Time
Faster especially with the Slower due to the execution
combination of web browser of business logic is mostly
and either Java applet or done only in a single server.
JavaScript.
Pattern of Network It shares the executable files The client runs the browser
Traffic
from the file server rather program that consists of
than
from
each
client’s HTML page, JavaScript or
computer local disks.
Java applet from the web
server.
Computer
Decentralized computing and Centralized
Architecture
does not easily take the away from the powering
advantage
of
new effect
of
technologies such as network computing.
computers,
Java.
Intranets
and
computing,
the
desktop
19
2.1.3
Client-Server Architecture
The client-server architecture uses a program that operates on a server to
provide services to the database that would normally be provided by the workstations
or clients in a desktop database system.
The client-server architecture processes a request made by a client at the
server level instead of at the client level as it does in the client-based architecture.
The standard implementation of this architecture is based on database servers that
use the Structured Query Language (SQL) to manipulate the data (e.g. MS SQL
Server, Oracle, Sybase SQL Server and Informix).
Figure 2.1 Two Tiers Architecture
Figure 2.1 depicts the two tiers architecture as it involves only two
components. This is the simplest implementation, where the client application
contains presentation services and business services whereas the server performs data
services. In this type of architecture, the client is often known as a fat client, because
it contains the majority of services.
An improved version of this architecture places the three different types of
services on separate tiers resulting in three-tier architecture as shown in Figure 2.2 on
page 20. The business services are provided by a transaction server.
20
Figure 2.2 Three Tiers Architecture
2.1.4
Web-Based Architecture
Recently, only Web applications were able to publish information to the Web.
Today, it is possible to create OLTP (On Line Transaction Processing) systems
through standard Web browsers. Using Server Side Scripting such as Active Server
Pages, it is possible to connect to other components of a distributed system in the
form of business objects on the Transaction Server and to send messages to the
Database Server as shown in Figure 2.3.
Figure 2.3 Web-Based Architecture
21
In addition, today’s browsers can manage far more than traditional HTML
(e.g. Java, VBScript, JavaScript, and ActiveX Documents). These popular flavors of
Client Side Scripting allow businesses to create more sophisticated Web-based
applications [1].
2.1.5
Hypertext Web-Based System
Hypertext web-based system is widely used in most of the search engines
available in the Internet. Another example is the Microsoft Windows Help that is
usually being attached to the Microsoft Windows package.
There are three different ways [2] in searching for information using this
approach as described below:
a) If the users know exactly the location or address of the information, they just need
to type the URL in the browser’s location field. Then, the users will be
immediately directed to the information base. With the existence of the
bookmark list, it helps the users to keep the entire URL that has been visited
before. Thus, the users do not need to retype the location of the information in
their next access.
b) If the users do not remember the precise location of the information, they can
always type the descriptions of the items they wish to explore. The modern type
of search engine will be able to return all the possible results that match the
descriptions provided by the users. The results are arranged based on the most
relevant items positioned on top of the list.
c)
Some websites provide whole listings of the information available in the web
pages. In most cases, the websites will divide the information in alphabetical
order; A, B, C and etc. When the users hit any of the alphabets, it will lists down
all the information available under that alphabet. This method seems to be time
consuming since the users need to browse through the long list of results.
22
However, this method is very practical if the users have zero idea on what they
actually are looking for or when they are just hoping to find some interesting
information from that long list.
Unfortunately, not all the search engines will return exactly what the users
want. This is probably due to too short or unspecific descriptions given by the users.
They do not describe in detail and precise, the items they are currently looking for.
As a result, frustrations occur when the returned results do not match with the users’
needs.
2.2
Selling Property Using Paper-based Solution
Selling property quickly is a high priority for some property sellers. A job
transfer can prompt the need to relocate on short notice. When trade-up buyers find
their dream property, they often need to sell their current property quickly in order to
complete the purchase of the new one.
Some sellers insist on marketing their property before it is ready. Rather than
complete the work that will make their property more salable, they offer to reduce
the sale price to compensate buyers for shoddy conditions. This approach works with
some buyers. However, most buyers lack the vision to imagine how a property will
look in its fixed-up condition. Many buyers, particularly first-time buyers, do not
have any experience fixing up the property. The entire process intimidates them.
Repeat buyers may have had too much experience with the process and vow to never
buy another property that needs work.
In general, selling the property using only paper-based solution involves
numbers of processes to be carried out by the respective real estate company. Figure
2.4 on page 23 further illustrates the occupied process flow in selling a property to
the respective client.
23
Property Information
Research
The real estate agent
will receive request
from the owner of the
property and conduct
in-office research on
the subject property
that includes tax
records and other
pertinent information
on the property
Property Visit
The officer-incharge will visit the
intended property to
estimate the market
value
Market Research
The officer-incharge will
conduct
comparative
market analysis
and prepare
custom reports
that include the
current market
statistics.
Tenant Screening
The interested tenant
will view the property
and made decision on
whether to buy/let the
listed property
Property
Advertisement
The intended
property is
advertised using
various marketing
channels such as
flyers, telephone
calls, banners and
etc
Property
Management
Agreement
Property
management
agreement is
prepared once the
owner of the
property agrees to
list the property
with the real
estate agent
Documentation
Preparation
As soon as the
application is approved
by the owner, the real
estate agent will
prepare a complete
documentation for the
owner and tenant
Payment
The tenant needs to
make some
payment to the
owner based on
what has been
agreed
Organization
Statement
The real estate
agent will update
their property
records
Figure 2.4 Process Flow Involved in Selling a Property Using the Paper-based
Solution
24
2.3
Expert System
Today's expert systems deal with domains of narrow specialization. The
primary goal of expert systems research is to make expertise available to decision
makers and technicians who need answers quickly. There is never enough expertise
to go around, thus it is certainly not always available at the right place and the right
time. Portable with computers loaded with in-depth knowledge of specific subjects
can bring decade’s worth of knowledge to a problem. The same systems can assist
supervisors and managers with situation assessment and long-range planning. Many
small systems now exist that bring a narrow slice of in-depth knowledge to a specific
problem, and these provide evidence that the broader goal is achievable [3].
Building an expert system therefore first involves extracting the relevant
knowledge from the human expert. Such knowledge is often heuristic in nature,
based on useful rules of thumb rather than absolute certainties. Extracting it from the
expert in a way that can be used by a computer is generally a difficult task, requiring
its own expertise. A knowledge engineer has the job of extracting this knowledge
and building the expert system knowledge base.
In developing the expert system, rule-based systems are being deployed in
order to ensure the data accuracy. The rule-based systems can be either goal driven
using backward chaining to test whether some hypothesis is true, or data driven,
using forward chaining to draw new conclusions from existing data. Expert systems
may use either or both strategies, but the most common is probably the goal
driven/backward chaining strategy. One reason for this is that normally an expert
system will have to collect information about the problem from the user by asking
them questions. Therefore, by using a goal driven strategy the knowledge engineer
can just ask questions that are relevant to a hypothesized solution.
The expert system can be implemented using various programming languages
similar to any other systems. However, the graphical outcomes might differ in terms
of its interface and report, though the data and hypothesis will still be the same.
25
2.3.1
The Building Blocks of Expert System
Every expert system comprises of two principal parts which are the
knowledge base and the reasoning or better known as inference engine.
The knowledge base of expert system contains both factual and heuristic
knowledge. Factual knowledge means the knowledge of the task domain that is
widely shared, typically found in textbooks or journals, and commonly agreed upon
by those knowledgeable in the particular field.
On the other hand, the heuristic knowledge is the less rigorous, more
experiential and more judgmental knowledge of performance. In contrast to factual
knowledge, heuristic knowledge is rarely discussed and is largely individualistic. It is
the knowledge of good practice, good judgment and plausible reasoning in the field.
It is the knowledge that underlies the art of good guessing.
The problem-solving model or paradigm organizes and controls the steps
taken to solve the problem. One common but powerful paradigm involves chaining
of IF-THEN rules to form a line of reasoning. If the chaining starts from a set of
conditions and moves toward some conclusion, the method is called forward
chaining. If the conclusion is known, for instance, a goal to be achieved, but the path
to that conclusion is not known, then reasoning backwards is called for, and the
method is known as backward chaining. These problem-solving methods are built
into program modules called inference engines or inference procedures that
manipulate and use knowledge in the knowledge base to form a line of reasoning [4].
In general, the most significant ingredient in any expert system is knowledge.
Therefore, the power of expert system resides in the specific and high-quality
knowledge it contains related to the task domains. However, the current method used
to acquire and gather all the relevant knowledge is slow and tedious. Hence, the
Artificial Intelligence researchers will continue to explore and add to the current
repertoire of knowledge representation and reasoning methods. It is predicted that
much of the future expert systems will be able to break the knowledge acquisition
bottleneck and in codifying and representing a large knowledge infrastructure.
26
2.4.2
Acquire Expert System Shell (www.aiinc.ca)
Acquire provides an advanced computing environment for domain experts to
develop and execute expert system applications. For developing applications,
Acquire has a knowledge acquisition system and an expert system shell. Developed
applications can be executed and delivered in the run time shell. The Knowledge
Acquisition System presents a new paradigm for acquiring knowledge.
The main goal of this system is to ease the knowledge acquisition bottleneck
by removing the need for a knowledge engineer. This is accomplished by an easy-touse interface and structured methodology for developing knowledge bases. The
expert system shell component provides debugging and what-if facilities that help
develop and test knowledge bases. Acquire has been successfully used to develop
knowledge bases in domains as diverse as combat intelligence, clinical
neurophysiology and equipment maintenance.
A knowledge acquisition methodology is developed to enable the experts to
explicate their knowledge in the form of an executable knowledge base. On the other
hand, the expert system shell component of Acquire provides the expert with a mean
to debug and refine knowledge bases. This component provides facilities such as
tracing, stepping and what-if analysis as a case being run. Other aids comprise of
detailed reports, graphical representations of the fired-rule network and ability to
inspect the contents of the entire knowledge base.
The benefits of using Acquire in developing the expert systems are further
explained below:
ƒA structured approach to acquiring knowledge that helps the expert to structure
knowledge into organized packages of relevant information that govern the focus
of attention through both knowledge capture and problem solution.
ƒA representation of knowledge based on pattern recognition which is easy for
people to comprehend because it focuses on the people’s natural cognitive ability
to recognize.
27
ƒA qualitative approach to resolving conflicts and handling uncertainty that is
based on people’s fundamental strength in making relative judgments and avoids
people’s weakness in making absolute assessments.
ƒComplete, consistent and self-documenting knowledge bases that avoid costly
debugging efforts and capture both what the expert knows and can know.
ƒAn integrated set of knowledge based development tools that provide an effective
and natural delegation of tasks between the human expert and the computer.
ƒA pragmatic approach to developing knowledge based applications.
As addition information, the author has been working with an integrated
expert system in automotive area for her office’s project. Acquire has been selected
to serve as the knowledge base for that expert system. Therefore, she has already
gained familiarity, hands-on experiences and knowledge on how to successfully
generate the production rules and reports required during the development process.
On the whole, Acquire is seen as a suitable application even for the nonprogrammers as less programming code is involved and it includes together all its
functions, production rules, tables and so forth into one robust shell or engine.
2.4.3 Expert System Shell in Prolog (www.amzi.com)
In the early 1970s another AI programming language was invented in France.
It is called Prolog that equals to PROgramming in LOGic.
Prolog is a tool that has a reasoning engine that takes as input formal logical
assertions of facts and relationships. Its knowledge representation is ideal for precise
sorts of relationships, such as those found in regulations and definitive business
rules. Figure 2.5 on page 28 illustrates how Prolog works.
28
Formal Logical
Assertions
Facts
Prolog Engine
Answers
Figure 2.5 Working Process of Prolog
Prolog logic can be compiled for fast execution, and the Prolog reasoning
engine is well suited for access from other applications, making it easy to access a
logic base in an application.
Prolog has the advantage over most tools in that it is an ISO standard
language with many vendors providing compatible implementations. While not as
widespread as Java or C++, many programmers have had some exposure to Prolog.
In addition, Prolog's strength lies in its ability to express real-world relationships in a
straightforward, natural manner and close to that of everyday language. It can be
used for language parsing, complex logical operations and surprisingly many of the
tasks associated with a relational database.
Unfortunately, Prolog's main weakness is in supporting certain general
programming needs, such as creating a graphical user interface (GUI). In addition,
Prolog programs are not sequential. As a result, it requires a different approach and a
different mind set during development process.
29
2.5
Electronic Payment Options
2.5.1
Online Checks
Online checks are also known as e-checks, can be defined as virtual checks
where it allows clients to settle payments by check through the Internet. In
consequence to that, the clients need to fill in a form that looks like a check on the
screen and click the “send” button. Once the “send” button is clicked, the clients’
details such as banking information, date and amount of payments are submitted
through the Internet.
Currently, there are two methods available to accept payment using online
checks [5]. Below describes both methods in more detail:
a) The “print and pay” method
This method obviously requires the clients to purchase particular software that
allows them to print the checks and deposit the checks at the respective bank. The
checks will be processed similar to regular checks. Due to that, the clients must
wait until the checks are cleared in order to receive their orders. Although this
method is less expensive, it is also time-consuming and labor-intensive. The
clients ought to ensure that the bank receives the checks before printing the
checks. Additionally, the clients have to find out whether or not special paper is
required for printing the checks on.
b) Transaction service
Using the transaction service, the clients should enter all their check information
on an online form. Then, the information will be encrypted and transmitted
directly to a clearing house. Generally, this process can be settled within 48
hours. The payments are introverted from the clients’ bank account and later
deposited into the respective merchant’s account. An online receipt is sent to the
clients to their email, whereas online report is available for the merchant.
Transaction service promotes faster tune-up compared to “print and pay” as it
does not involve with any printing. All the mandatory information is inputted by
the clients at the time of purchase.
30
2.5.2
Debit Cards
With payments via debit cards, the funds are straight away withdrawn from
the clients’ bank account. As a result, the sellers can avoid themselves from being
charged back in terms of check when there are insufficient funds in the clients’ bank
account. Whereas, the clients can have the benefit of getting shorter credit card
statement each month as the purchases they made are paid right away [6]. However,
debit cards are still not being widely used by the clients due to its less popularity.
Hence, any client who is interested in settling their payments using this method
should contact the merchant account provider. The purpose is to ask them whether or
not they accept debit card payments as part of their service.
2.5.3
E-wallets
E-wallet is also recognized as digital wallets. It can be divided into two broad
categories [7] according to their own capabilities as described below:
a) E-wallets that store card numbers
This category holds the concept of virtual wallets that are able to store credit card
and debit information, passwords, membership cards, health information and
other card numbers that are frequently get stuffed into a real wallet. Therefore, it
requires a unique software package such as Illium’s e-wallet and Microsoft’s
Passport. Using Illium’s e-wallet, the clients’ credit card numbers are copied
from the e-wallet and pasted onto the online order form. Whereas, Microsoft’s
Passport will automatically fill out the order forms that requires the clients’ credit
card numbers and contact information. Hence, Microsoft’s Passport avoids
resubmitting similar information on the online order form for the next purchase.
b) E-wallets that store card numbers and cash
The second concept needs the clients to keep digital cash that has been
transferred from a credit card, debit card or virtual check into their own e-wallets.
Digital cash is similar to having a virtual savings account where charges are
31
made for ongoing purchases. In most cases, the digital cash is available in small
payments ranging from $0.01 to $10. Therefore, this value is most suitable to be
used in accessing digital information such as newspaper articles and software.
Unfortunately, this concept requires both the clients and merchants to install
exactly the same software in order to be operated smoothly.
2.5.4
Person-to-Person Email Payments
Person-to-person email payments is quiet similar to sending a greeting card
over the Internet. It allows the clients to utilize their credit cards or bank accounts to
clear up payments via email. In consequence to that, the clients will send a particular
link that is able to redirect the funds to the clients’ credit card or bank account.
There are steps that should be considered for both sellers and clients in
conducting this P2P email payments [8]. To convey money from a bank through
email, the clients are required to perform these particular steps:
1) Logon to their respective financial institution’s online account.
2) Select payment through email.
3) Enter the sellers’ details such as name, address, amount and credit card number or
account where the money are to be taken from.
4) Additionally, the clients may submit personal note for the sellers.
Whereas, the sellers must follow these specific steps in order to collect
sufficient payments from their clients:
1) The sellers receive notification stating that the funds have been sent by the clients.
2) The sellers are provided with a unique hyperlink in order to accept the funds.
3) Then, the sellers decide whether the payments should be settled using credit card
or bank account.
32
P2P email payments offer a huge advantage where neither party needs to
reveal their account information to other party, nor is actual money transferred
through email. Additionally, it is less expensive compared to wiring funds bank-tobank. Thus, it is a good method in cases where the clients would like to pay for
services that are able to maintain their privacy.
2.5.5
Credit Card Payments
Credit card payment through Internet is said to conquer almost 90 percent of
all the available online payment methods. However, if the potential buyers have to
end surfing and free up their telephone lines, call in their orders, or even more timeconsuming, they need to hunt around for their checkbooks, envelopes and stamps,
they might get tired of all these messy and inconvenient method of payment. As a
result, they will stop buying through the Internet. Additionally, in most cases,
businesses are able to increase their sales by as much as 400 percent right after the
sellers provide the potential buyers this online credit card payment, a more
convenient way to settle their payment. This online credit card processing [9] is
conducted as shown in Figure 2.6 below.
Receive Card
Process Card
The website.
Expenses: SSL
certificate ,
programming to
integrate
connection to
processor.
The processor.
Takes the card
and validates it .
Moves fund to
the merchant
account. Incurs
fees.
Collect Funds
Merchant
account. The
sellers personal
account to accept
credit card
payments. Incurs
fees.
Figure 2.6 Process Flow of Online Credit Card Payment
a) The website
The credit card numbers are entered by the buyers. Therefore, the website needs
to have a SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate in order to ensure a secure credit
33
card acceptance. Additionally, it requires a professional programmer to integrate
the website with the credit card processor.
b) Credit card gateway processor.
The major principle of this processor is to permit collecting credit card payments
from the website and securely transfer them to the processing networks for
authentication and processing. Upon completing the verification, the funds will
be dumped into the sellers’ account that takes place usually in 3 to 5 days.
Additional fees involve in this process are set up fee and per transaction fee.
c) Merchant account.
The sellers are the merchants. Therefore, the merchant accounts are the seller’s
accounts, where the funds will do in to when a credit card is processed through
the website. In most cases, it involves three additional fees which are set up fee,
monthly fee and per transaction fee. The account can be obtained from several
places including banks and other merchant organizations.
Furthermore, the merchant account providers can be categorized into three
different categories described below:
a) Direct processors
Direct processors, such as banks, offer direct access to the credit card processing
centers. The completed order form is transmitted from the website through a
payment gateway. The payment gateway is known as a secure server that
captures the credit card information, and then passes it along to the bank.
Unfortunately, in most cases the banks are cautious about granting credit card
merchant status to any business that does not have large majority of transaction
slips personally signed by the cardholders. That is why many banks will charge a
hefty deposit of several thousand dollars in addition to a minimum monthly fee,
whether the merchants have any sales on that month or not.
34
b) Brokers
A broker acts as an intermediary between the merchants and direct processors.
The merchants are strongly recommended to use this broker service in order to
match their needs, requirements and situation to the right processors.
c) Third-party processors
Third-party processors send the credit card payments from the website's order
page to a direct processor. They often provide extra services beyond those
offered by direct processors and can be divided into two categories which are
fulfillment houses and service providers. A fulfillment house takes orders about
the properties, products or services through their toll-free number, where they
provide a live operator for the potential buyers, package the ordered goods and
then ship them. All of these are done while providing the merchant with a
complete online record of the transactions. Meanwhile, the service providers are
quiet popular with smaller online businesses, especially those just starting out.
When the merchants sign up with a service provider, the payments the buyers
make are actually being processed through the service provider's credit card
merchant account. Therefore, the merchants do not have to qualify for credit card
merchant status on their own since the service bureau is the legal retail seller and
the merchants act as the agent.
2.5.6
Electronic Fund Transfer
For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash
through an automated teller machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into
checking or savings account. But electronic banking now involves many different
types of transactions.
Electronic banking, also known as electronic fund transfer (EFT), uses
computer and electronic technology as a substitute for checks and other paper
transactions. EFTs are initiated through devices like cards or codes that let the
consumers, or those authorized, access their account. Many financial institutions use
35
ATM or debit cards and personal identification numbers (PINs) for this purpose.
Some use other forms of debit cards such as those that require a valid scanned
signature.
EFT offers several services that consumers mat find practical described
below:
a) Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) or 24-hour Tellers
Its concept is similar to electronic terminals that let the consumers bank almost
anytime. To withdraw cash, make deposits or transfer funds between accounts,
consumers generally insert an ATM card and enter their PIN. Some financial
institutions and ATM owners charge a fee, particularly to consumers who do not
have accounts with them or on transactions at remote locations. Generally, ATMs
must tell the consumers that they charge a fee and its amount on or at the
terminal screen before they complete the transaction.
b) Direct Deposit
Direct deposit lets the consumers authorize specific deposits such as paychecks to
their account on a regular basis. The consumers also may preauthorize direct
withdrawals so that recurring bills, such as insurance premiums, mortgages and
utility bills are paid automatically.
c) Pay-by-Phone Systems
This system permits the consumers to call their financial institution with
instructions to pay certain bills or to transfer funds between accounts. However,
to ensure a secured transaction, the consumers must have an agreement with the
institution to make such transfers.
d) Personal Computer (PC) Banking
PC banking is the most common approach among all the EFT services. It lets the
consumers handle many banking transactions via their personal computer (PC).
For instance, the consumers may use their PC to view their account balance,
request transfers between accounts and pay bills electronically.
36
e) Point-of-Sale Transfers
Point-of-Sale transfers let the consumers pay for purchases with a debit card,
which also may be their ATM card. The process is similar to using a credit card,
with some important exceptions. While the process is fast and easy, a debit card
purchase transfers money fairly quickly from the bank account to the relevant
store’s account. Therefore, it is important that the consumers have funds in their
account to cover all the purchases. In short, consumers need to keep accurate
records of the dates and amounts of their debit card purchases and ATM
withdrawals in addition to any checks they write. This is due to their liability for
unauthorized use and their rights for error resolution may differ with a debit card.
As there are no physical boundaries to prevent intruders from intercepting
data in the EFT, a robust communication security must be implemented in order to
protect the packets of data being transmitted. This is to ensure that only those for
whom they are intended can read them. This is accomplished through “secure
tunnels”. There is more than one way to create wireless tunnels. Below shows the
basic building blocks of creating a secure tunnel [10]:
ƒUser Authentication
It determines that the network users are who they claim to be. Authentication
allows access to users based on certain credentials and verifies that a third party
has not altered data sent between two users.
ƒEncryption
It encodes data before it is transmitted and delivering it in a way that can be
quickly deciphered by the authenticated receiver. Encryption allows sensitive
information to traverse a public network without compromising confidentiality.
ƒMessage Authentication
It proves that messages, encrypted or otherwise, have not been tampered with or
replayed (sent multiple times to cause havoc) between the sender and receiver.
37
ƒAccess Control
It blocks unwanted user access to an internal network or service. This restricts the
user to the tools that are designated only for them. Access control is typically
achieved through authentication.
Meanwhile, the benefits of EFT can be listed as below:
ƒReduction to the amount of paper in the office.
ƒFaster access to funds as many banks credit direct deposits faster than paper
checks.
ƒValuable time savings and avoidance of hassle associated with going to the bank
to deposit the relevant check.
ƒElimination of the risk of paper checks being lost or stolen in the mail.
2.6
Henry Butcher Malaysia and its Competitors
2.6.1
Henry Butcher Malaysia (HBM) - www.henrybutcher.com.my
Henry Butcher and Co. was established in 1800s in London. It is a worldwide
professional practice offering services in real estate. Currently, it is part of the
GoIndustry group and has spread its wings to all parts of the world covering Europe,
America, the Middle East and Asia.
In Malaysia, Henry Butcher and Co. is represented by Henry Butcher
Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Henry Butcher Malaysia was established in 1987 and currently
has a wide network of offices across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. It
offers comprehensive range of services in real estate from consultancy to brokerage
and valuation to asset management. Furthermore, its clientele comprises businesses
from diverse industries, financial institutions, private investors and foreign
companies.
38
Henry Butcher Malaysia strives to provide its clients with experienced staff,
skills and hands-on property knowledge to help them put their pulse on the market.
This includes assisting its clients in developing and implementing effective property
strategies in line with the clients’ broader corporate and investment goals. In
addition, Henry Butcher Malaysia is very committed in helping its clients find better
and more innovative ways of utilizing their property assets. It endeavors to keep
abreast of modern technology and methodology, and aim to achieve consistency and
excellence in its services.
Seeing Internet as an effective media to inform people about the existence of
this real estate company, Henry Butcher Malaysia develops its own website,
www.henrybutcher.com.my embedded with unique features and benefits. An
analysis has been conducted to discover the strengths and weaknesses of Henry
Butcher Malaysia’s website. Below explains the results of the analysis.
ƒStrength
a) The website provides a search engine in which the users are allowed to search
for any properties listed with Henry Butcher Malaysia. The property search
can be conducted based on user’s purpose, price range, area, property type
and features.
b) The website includes property advices using the frequently asked questions
approach. The advice is focusing more towards investing in commercial
properties and comprises of five different questions covering from payment
to rules where foreigners are the primary concern.
c) The website promotes two-way interaction as the users are allowed to contact
the company using email.
d) Act as an information provider as the website will announce any upcoming
events especially events that is related to property auction. In addition, the
website publicizes any current property amendments especially terms that
involved with the legislative aspects.
39
ƒWeakness
a) Slower response time due to more graphical representations and flash images
are used in order to make the website more interactive and eye-catching.
b) Even though this website lists down all its clients and partners, the users are
not allowed to access sufficient information about them as links to their
website is not available. The users can only see the corporate logos as the lists
of clients and partners are pictured using their respective corporate logos.
2.6.2
Government Sector – Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association
Malaysia (REHDA) – www.rehda.com
REHDA is one of Henry Butcher Malaysia’s competitors in government
sector. REHDA was formerly known as Housing Developers’ Association (HDA)
and presently encompass of 13 pioneer members since its establishment on 21st May
1970 to represent and guide the private sector in property development in Malaysia.
Besides, REHDA boasts a membership of over 800 developers across the nation who
is responsible for 80% of the total real estate built.
Being the sole government representative body for property developers,
REHDA plays an essential role to ensure the developers’ opinions, problems and
suggestions are heard by the government agencies and relevant authorities. To prove
that, REHDA has been appointed as the leading voice for developers in all property
categories, from traditional housing projects to condominiums, townships, shopping
malls, towering commercial complexes, hospitals, industrial estates, theme parks and
etc.
Due to its large contributions, REHDA is highly respected by both the public
and private sectors for its commitment in building a better life style among the
Malaysian citizens. Its remarkable achievements reflect its growth from strong to
stronger, and this record is expected to continue well in the future.
40
Besides its paper-based operations, REHDA adopts the Internet as an
electronic medium to provide relevant and sufficient information on property to those
who are interested.
Below shows the analysis on the strength and weakness of REHDA’s
website:
ƒStrength
a) Act as the information center as the website provides various information
about real estate industry. Most of the articles are presented in free
downloadable version of Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Word and HTML pages.
The information is divided according to its type: monthly publication,
resources that include the economic data, guidelines and issues and
newsroom that display any latest news about amendments of acts, current
growth and trend in real estate industry and etc. The news is listed according
to the date.
b) The website provides links to other trade and professional bodies for further
information. Examples of the trade and professional bodies are Institute of
Bankers Malaysia, Association of Authorized Land Surveyors Malaysia,
Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (ISM) and International Real Estate
Federation (FIABCI) Malaysian Chapter.
c) Act as the backbone to all MAPEX activities through the ‘event’ column. The
column shows all the future MAPEX exhibitions together with all the details
about the exhibitions such as date, day and location of the exhibition.
ƒWeakness
a) The website conducts less online business in real estate. This shows that most
of REHDA’s operation still carried out in paper-based environment where
documents present everything.
41
b) Since the website focus more towards providing useful information in real
estate industry, less graphical representation is seen on each pages. Most of
the pages remain in white background and light blue for the top header.
c) There is only one way interaction exists when visiting REHDA’s website,
where REHDA acts as the information provider to the visitors. REHDA does
not get any feedback from the visitors on the website’s quality since it does
not provide any feedback form to gain responses from the visitors.
2.6.3 Private Sector – CH Williams Talhar and Wong (WTW International) –
www.wtw.com.my
CH Williams Talhar and Wong is another competitor involved in the private
sector. It is one of the real estate companies that have been operated for over 30
years. WTW International was established in 1974 in Kuala Lumpur after CH
Williams and Co. and Talhar and Co. agreed to merge in order to go beyond the
boundary. Earlier, both companies operate at two different locations. CH Williams
and Co. operates in Kuala Lumpur since 1960, whereas Talhar and Co. operates in
Johor Bahru formed in 1972. WTW International business operations continue to
grow upon its establishment throughout Peninsular Malaysia and also in Sabah and
Sarawak where it successfully open an operating office in Sabah in 1977 and in
Sarawak in 1975.
WTW International provides various professional services in real estate
including valuation, plant and machinery and chattel valuation, estate agency/project
marketing, investment consultancy, feasibility studies and market research,
development consultancy, project and construction management, property and asset
management, facilities management, auction and corporate real estate. Currently, it
has 24 branches in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
42
As a big organization that always finds ways to extend its client’s network,
WTW International sees Internet as the potential electronic medium that able to help
the organization achieve its goals. Its current web site address is wtw.com.my and an
analysis has been conducted to identify its strength and weakness as illustrated
below:
Strength
a) The website promotes different level of access as it divides the users into two
categories, which are member in which they are allowed to access the data
under the section: market report and CEO opinion survey. The other category
is non-member. This may prevent any information leakage on real estate
economic data because only members are allowed to view all the data in
detail.
b) Fragment of the website comprises of property search and property listing.
Therefore, it attached together all the related graphical representations of the
searched property to give the users clearer picture about the property.
c) The website promotes two-way interaction between WTW International and
the users. This is proven through the availability of survey, article rating and
enquiry form that includes comments and suggestions. With the input from
the users, WTW International can improve their website or operational
performance based on the feedbacks and responses given by the users.
d) The website provides links to its branches, associated offices and strategic
partner via ‘contact us’ section.
ƒWeakness
a) The response time is slower compared to Real Estate and Housing
Developers’ Association Malaysia’s (REHDA’s) website. This probably
because it attached multiple graphical representations to facilitate the users in
getting clearer view about the properties.
43
b) The website uses smaller font size in most of its pages. This is not that
practical since the users may miss any important information. Most readers
tend to only read through the contents if the contents are written in smaller
font size and longer paragraphs.
c) One of the features that the website provides is news. However, the website
only posts the current and latest news. It does not keep any previous news to
be accessed by the users when needed.
In a nutshell, Table 2.2 on page 44 summarizes comparisons between Henry
Butcher Malaysia’s website and its competitors’ website.
44
Table 2.2 Comparisons between HBM’s Website and its Competitors’ Website
Characteristic
HBM
REHDA
WTW
International
Free downloadable information on real estate
¥
industry
Links to other professional bodies or
branches and associated offices or finished
¥
¥
¥
projects
Attached together related graphical
¥
¥
representations for better viewing purpose
Interaction with the viewers
ƒone way interaction as it offers static
¥
website and only provides news and
information to the viewers
ƒtwo way interaction as the website
¥
¥
includes comments and suggestions from
the viewers to the company
Allows different level of user access in order
¥
to secure information in the website
Provides a search engine where the viewers
are able to search for any properties available
¥
¥
in the company’s property listings
Faster response time due to less graphical
representation attached
¥
45
2.7
Real Estate Industry in Malaysia
Since its infancy about 35 years ago, the real estate industry in Malaysia has
progressed and developed from conservative into a more modern and advanced
economic sector. This is proven through the movement from traditional housing
projects to commercial buildings such as townships, condominiums, shopping malls,
state-of-the-art golf courses and etc.
It is found that the real estate market for 2002 is more active compared to the
previous year. The sales transaction increase approximately 58 percent giving the
number of property transactions recorded was RM 249,227 in 2002 against RM
176,208 in 2001 [11].
Table 2.3 below shows an increasing rate in property’s sales from 2000 to
2002 [12].
Table 2.3 Sales Transaction for Residential Properties
Period
Sales Transaction
Units
Values (RM mil)
2000
179, 932
21,939.31
2001
176,208
22,199.24
2002
249,227
35,142.47
Unfortunately, in 2003, the sales performance was flat in the first half of the
year due to the Iraq war and the SARS outbreak. However, it quickly regained in the
second half of the year after a few special incentives such as tax relief and stamp
duty waiver are conducted [13].
In 2004, the general real estate industry seems to be fully recovered. This is
proven based on the housing price index that showed an impressive growth rate of
5.6 percent nationwide, with Kuala Lumpur leading the pack with 13 per cent rise.
This figure was verified by the National Property Information Centre’s (Napic) 2004
Property Market Status Report.
46
Currently (year 2005), the real estate industry is predicted to continue the
healthy economic growth carried by the year 2004. More projects were launched
giving the Malaysians variety of choices to be selected. Terraced houses and
apartments continue to dominate this area as they offers lower prices, making them
affordable to the intermediate level of people.
2.8
Property Statistics in Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang Branch
(Property-to-Value)
Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang branch handles property valuation on
various types of properties. Hence, all the properties are recorded properly using a
specific form and keep for further valuation if the clients request. The template of the
form is shown in the appendix section. The valued properties can be divided into four
big categories, which are residential house, agricultural land, factory and shop house.
Table 2.4 below shows the number of valued properties associated with their type,
handled by Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang branch from 2003 until present.
Table 2.4 Valued Property Type Listing of Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang Branch
Year
2003
2004
2005
(units)
(units)
(January – 18 May)
Property Type
(units)
Residential House
266
298
107
Agricultural Land
89
101
27
Factory
7
2
1
Shop House
27
34
17
Total
389
435
152
Based on the table above, a bar graph is plotted as shown in Figure 2.7 on
page 47. According to the graph, residential house shows the company’s major
concern in property valuation. This can be seen through its highest number of cases
each year. In the other hand, the agricultural land is listed as the second highest
number of cases each year. Hence, it is proven that the company is really focusing on
47
valuating the residential houses as it offers greater demand from its clients. Most of
its clients own at least one residential house, but not many of them own an
agricultural land or shop house. Only clients who initiate farming works eventually
demand this company to value its land. However, Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang
branch’s valuation operation is not limited to only these two types of property. Henry
Butcher Malaysia, Kluang branch is also involve in valuating shop house and
factory. Nevertheless, shop house and factory show relatively lower figures
compared to residential house and agricultural land.
2003 (units)
Shop
House
Factory
2004 (units)
Agricultural
Land
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Residential
House
Number of Cases
Property Type Listing of Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang
Branch
2005 (January – 18
May) (units)
Property Type
Figure 2.7 Bar Graph Showing the Valued Property Type Listing of Henry Butcher
Malaysia, Kluang Branch
Additionally, the residential house can be further divided into seven different
categories which are low cost house, terrace house, flat, apartment, bungalow and
finally, semi-detached house. Table 2.5 on page 48 shows the number of valuation
cases handled by Henry Butcher Malaysia, Klaung branch according to the type of
residential house starting from 2003 until present.
48
Table 2.5 Type of Residential House Listing of Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang
Branch
Year
2003
2004
2005
(units)
(units)
(January – 18 May)
Residential House
(units)
Low Cost House
97
107
38
Terrace House
101
121
48
Flat
2
6
4
Apartment
1
1
1
Bungalow
5
5
4
Semi-Detached House
60
58
12
Total
266
298
107
From the Table 2.5 shown above, a bar graph is plotted as shown in Figure
2.8 to show a more vivid pictures on the number valued residential houses in the
district of Kluang, Johor. According to the bar graph, terrace house shows the highest
number of cases each year, followed by low cost house and semi-detached house.
This scenario reveals the fact that Kluang comprises of mostly medium-cost people
that live in terrace and low cost houses. Only a few of them own bungalow to live in.
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2003 (units)
SemiDetached
Bungalow
Apartment
Flat
Terrace
House
2004 (units)
Low Cost
House
Number of Cases
Type of Residential House Listing of Henry Butcher Malaysia,
Kluang Branch
2005 (January – 18
May) (units)
Type of Residential House
Figure 2.8 Bar Graph Showing the Type of Residential House Listing of Henry
Butcher Malaysia, Kluang Branch
49
2.9
Chapter Summary
Based on the literature studies conducted earlier, the Web-based Property
Management System has the potential to serve as a strategic tool in Henry Butcher
Malaysia, Kluang branch in the coming years. It is a web-based system which able to
cater the company’s current needs in three unique ways as listed below:
a) To help the company reduce its cost, mainly in advertisement costs.
b) To help the company extends their client’s network.
c) To provide convenience to both parties; the company and clients when they deal
with each other.
The proposed system is more suitable to be implemented using the Internet
technology compared to client-server technology. In this case, the Web-based
Property Management System needs to integrate with the database and web
development application. Using the web-based system, integration with other
application can be easily done with lower maintenance cost. Besides, it offers
centralized computing architecture. In consequence to that, less hardware needed to
construct such system and less hardware will become obsolete. Furthermore, Internet
is becoming a norm and serves as a new trend among the Malaysian. More people
realize the easiness it able to offers and its potential in the future. This is proven
through the increasing rate of registered Internet users from year to year.
In addition, the Web-based Property Management System is not that suitable
to be implemented using the client-server system. Although it offers faster response
time since it does not involve extracting data from the server, it is conducted using
the decentralized computing architecture. As a result, more hardware needed and it
can create messy working environment. Besides, client-server system is less reliable
compared to web-based system. More effort needed if the data loss due to the natural
catastrophe.
As mentioned in section 1.2 – background of problem, the proposed system
will provide a pre-valuation section, in which the clients of HBM Kluang branch can
have a brief knowledge on the approximate market value of the intended property.
50
Therefore, the concept of expert system is deployed using an expert system engine
known as Acquire. Acquire expert system shell is selected due to its major strength
that is integration with the web-based platform. Furthermore, with the author’s
hands-on experiences and familiarity with Acquire, the development of the property
pre-valuation section will become quicker and more accurate. Prolog on the other
hand, even though it offers higher volume use, its ability to integrate with web-based
platform is limited. In addition, Acquire is one complete expert system engine. All
appropriate data, rules, reports and so forth are placed in one stable location. Hence,
it would be easier to maintain upon its completion.
As mentioned in section 1.5 – scope, the proposed Web-based Property
Management System will cover three different modules and one of the modules is
property-to-value. One part of this module involves a deposit payment for each
request to value a property submitted to HBM Kluang branch. Therefore, the
electronic fund transfer (EFT) using PC is implemented for that purpose. PC-based
EFT is chosen due to its prompt payment, simplicity, no standing in line at the banks
and no lost check or post office delay. For that purpose, Maybank2u has been
selected as the service provider that enables money or fund transfer from the client’s
account into HBM Kluang branch’s account. Using Maybank2u, it provides a more
convenient way to settle the deposit payment as the clients of HBM Kluang branch
do not have to physically go to the nearest bank in order to bank in the deposit
payment.
According to the property statistics provided in section 2.8 - property
statistics in Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang Branch (property-to-value), it strongly
proves that HBM Kluang branch deals with an increasing amount of property
valuation cases each year. Therefore, it needs a supporting system that will be able to
facilitate its daily business operations in order to be far ahead among its competitors.
The implementation of the Web-based Property Management System is seen as a
potential tool in providing long-term benefits both to HBM Kluang branch and its
clients.
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
3.1
Introduction
An error-free systems design is needed to ensure a smooth systems
development process. To accomplish good and fault-free systems designs, the right
project methodology need to be selected.
The third chapter explains about the selected project methodology that will be
used throughout the systems design and development process. The selection process
is done based on the analysis and comparisons with other available project
methodologies. Then, the actual development actions are mapped well with the
corresponding phases and appropriate project schedules are generated. This is to
ensure that the proposed Web-based Property Management System will be delivered
within the specific time frame and fulfills the current needs and requirements for
both HBM Kluang branch and its clients.
As mentioned in section 2.3 – selling property using paper-based solution,
there exist nine different processes when it comes to selling a property. However, not
all nine processes will be catered in the proposed system. This chapter will also
provides a clearer picture on which particular processes in selling a property will be
deployed in the Web-based Property Management System.
52
3.2
Project Methodology
Methodology can be defined as a codified set of practical ideas and
recommended practices in order to gather user requirements, analyze them and
design an application that meets the identified requirements in every way. The
methodologies vary from structured methodology to data-driven and object oriented
methodology based on the unique concepts it holds.
For the purpose of this proposed system, object oriented methodology is
preferred and applied. Object oriented methodology is selected due to its benefits as
listed below:
a) It supports development of reusable components which saves time and costs.
b) Its maintainability features through simplified mapping to the problem domain,
which provides less complexity in system design and easier verification by the
user.
c) It allows sophisticated in design as it allows frequent changes, rather than lockin.
d) It improves reliability due to each object is tested on its own before integrates
them into larger unit
e) It increases the development speed as it makes rapid development process
possible through prototyping and iterative design.
In consequence to that, iterative and incremental development model is
adopted throughout the systems development life cycle. The major advantage of this
model is that it allows the generation of early feedback since development starts with
subsets of the system. As a result, it never involves with complexity as it always
starts with small portion of the to-be system.
On the other hand, Unified Modeling Language (UML) serves as the drawing
tool to express and visualize the actual flow of the as-is and to-be system. UML is
chosen due to its flexibility and robustness. Furthermore, it is a model that is built
upon fundamental object oriented concepts including class and operation. Therefore,
it is a natural fit for object-oriented languages and environments.
53
3.3
System Development Methodology
In developing the Web-based Property Management System, the iterative and
incremental development model will be adopted as mention earlier in section 3.2 –
project methodology. This model consists of four different phases, which are
inception, elaboration, construction and transition. The key steps in the process were
to start with a simple implementation of a subset of the system requirements and
iteratively enhance the evolving sequence of versions until the full system is
implemented.
ƒPhase 1 – Inception
At this phase, the core idea of the project is identified. This is done by
selecting one good and quite establishes organization and identifies its weakness.
Based on that weakness, an Information Technology based solution is proposed
according to the organizational needs and requests in order to upgrade its current
performance.
In this case, web-based property management system was proposed to Henry
Butcher Malaysia, Kluang branch as an alternative to its paper-based solutions this
organization has been practicing all these years. The web-based system is proposed
to overcome its weaknesses that are mostly due to limited advertising boundary and
physical movement problem during when the auction takes place. Hence, the project
target area is specified to real estate industry and the preliminary solution is using the
web-based system. Other activities that involved in this phase are:
ƒThe organizational problems are defined in more detail.
ƒDetermine the objectives of the to-be system.
ƒDetermine the scope of the project.
ƒDetermine the importance and benefit of the project.
ƒDefine the preliminary resources that include hardware and software.
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ƒPhase 2 – Elaboration
At this stage, it specifies the core idea identified during the inception phase
conducted earlier in more detail. Some reviewing process need to be carried out to
ensure the systems development process goes on the right track. Due to that, the
project scope, proposed solutions and preliminary resources need to be revised to
maintain the system’s stability and accuracy.
Besides, additional analysis and documents need to be conducted and
prepared at this stage in order to support the initial activities. The activities involved
in this phase are listed as below:
ƒDeveloping the project plan to ensure the complete and executable system will be
delivered on time.
ƒLiterature search and study on the keywords of the project title. In this project,
the web-based property management system, the study mainly focused on the
web-based system and property management system.
ƒConduct the feasibility study on the organization that involves its structure,
functions, core business, IS/IT systems and etc.
ƒDraft the preliminary user requirements specifications.
ƒDraft the preliminary systems design diagrams that includes use case diagram,
sequence diagram and activity diagram.
55
ƒPhase 3 – Construction
This phase involves two major activities, which are systems design and
implementation process. The aim for this phase is to develop an executable system
that meets the identified requirements.
The activities involve during the design process of the to-be system are
planned as below:
ƒReview the systems specifications and requirements to ensure all changes are
acknowledged and updated.
ƒDraw all the systems design diagrams in detail that consists of nine diagrams all
together, which are use case diagram, sequence diagram, activity diagram, class
diagram, object diagram, collaboration diagram, component diagram, deployment
diagram and state diagram.
ƒDevelop the systems prototypes to be followed to ensure systems consistency.
There are five choices of prototypes, which are horizontal prototype, vertical
prototype, hybrid prototype, analysis prototype and domain prototype.
Meanwhile, the major activity involves during the implementation process is
writing the systems code and execute them to make sure no bugs available in the tobe system. The systems code will be written in programming languages that has been
specified during Project 1. However, the programming languages may change if the
developer faces any problem to apply them in the to-be system.
56
ƒPhase 4 – Transition
This phase involves two major activities, which are testing and deployment
process. The aim for this phase is to test and deliver a full functional system.
During the testing process, four different tests need to be conducted. The tests
involved are:
ƒUnit test that uses either or both the black box and white box testing. Black box
testing does not put into consideration the internal workings of the systems. It
only focuses on the systems input and output. The opposite concept occurs in
white box testing, where it tests all the internal workings of the system using
specific knowledge of programming code.
ƒIntegration test that combines two or more units that has already been tested into
one single component. Then, the interface between the units are tested using the
top-down approach, bottom-up approach or umbrella approach that requires the
functional data and control flow paths.
ƒSystem test that is conducted to check the systems performance, usability,
security, requirements and documentations.
ƒAcceptance test that is conducted both in alpha and beta level. Alpha test refers to
the first phase of testing in a systems development life cycle. It is usually being
conducted among the team members to confirm that the developed system works
well. Meanwhile, beta test is the second phase of systems testing procedure and
can be considered as “pre-release testing” as it involves the actual data and users.
57
Meanwhile, the major activities that involve during the deployment process
are:
ƒSystem acceptance both by the organization and users.
ƒSystem installation process.
ƒSystem maintenance.
3.4
Process Involved under Property-for-Sale in the Web-Based Property
Management System
Using only the paper-based solution, HBM Kluang branch usually takes
longer time to search for any potential buyers and settle for one property purchase.
This is due to the inefficient advertisement methods that are not able to cover wider
areas. Hence, the proposed Web-based Property Management System will cater part
of the paper-based solution processes as described earlier in section 2.3 – selling
property using paper-based solution, in order to enhance HBM Kluang branch’s daily
business operations, primarily to shorten the time taken to find the exact purchaser.
Figure 3.1 on page 58 further illustrates the four processes in the paper-based
solution that will be implemented using the electronic platform in the Web-based
Property Management System.
58
Property Advertisement
The intended property is advertised using the online
platform. The users may look for the property using the
search engine available in the proposed system.
Tenant Screening
The interested tenant will view the property details and
made decision on whether or not to buy the listed
property.
Online Appointment
Once the tenant found any property that match their needs,
the tenant can utilize the available form in the proposed
system to set an appointment with HBM Kluang branch.
Email Notification
As soon as the appointment is accepted by the officer-incharge, the officer will confirm the date and time and send
the information back to the intended tenant using email.
Figure 3.1 Processes Involved in the Web-based Property Management System under
Property-for-Sale
59
As illustrated in Figure 3.1, part of the paper-based solution will be
implemented using the online application to ensure greater effectiveness and
efficiency of the daily business operations of HBM Kluang branch. The online
application is seen as an enabling tool to facilitate HBM Kluang branch in getting
more potential buyers in shorter time frame. Below show the benefits in utilizing the
online application as an element to put up the property for sale:
a) Connectivity with multiple properties
The Web-based Property Management System acts as one huge chain that
comprises of all the listed properties. Due to that, the users will have access not
only to a single property, but also to all other properties that falls under similar
categories. For an instance, if the user selects terrace houses, the users will be
linked to all available terrace houses that matched with the user’s preference in
terms of location, size and price range.
b) Global remote access
The Web-based Property Management System enables its internal staff to access
and update the contents of the proposed system from anywhere in the world. All
they need is the Internet or wireless connection to connect them into the system.
As a result, the system promotes convenience as the internal staff does not need
to be in the office in order to make changes to the system.
c) Reduces the damage of hardware failure
If there is a case where the hardware fails due to any unpredicted catastrophe,
simply replace the personal computers (PCs) and reconnect to the intended server
to be up and running again. No software reinstallation, reconfiguration or
download backup data is needed. Therefore, less cost and energy is required to
fix the damage.
60
3.5
Project Schedule
Based on the proposed system development methodology, project schedules
for both Project 1 and 2 are planned and generated. The reader can refer to page 61
for Project 1 schedule and page 62 for Project 2 schedule.
63
3.6
Chapter Summary
In general, the object oriented methodology is preferred in implementing the
Web-based Property Management System using the iterative and incremental
development model. Object oriented methodology contains both the data
(information which the instructions operate on) and code (sequences of computer
instructions). Through this approach, it allows better understanding and faster
development of a robust and flexible system in less maintenance costs. In addition,
object oriented methodology supports the reusable modules that enable the user
needs and requirements to be incrementally iterated.
On the other hand, the iterative and incremental development model allows
early feedbacks from the users since it allows the fragment of the developed modules
to be reviewed by the users.
While, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) is deployed to document the
systems design due to the usage of objects and its suitability with object oriented
methodology.
Additionally, this chapter emphasize on processes that will be catered under
the Property-for-Sale module in the Web-based Property Management System. The
module will not cover all nine processes as mentioned in section 2.3 – selling
property using paper-based solution, instead it covers only four processes which are
property advertisement, tenant screening, online appointment and email notification.
CHAPTER 4
SYSTEM DESIGN
4.1
Organizational Analysis
Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang branch was established on 1st August 2001.
At the beginning, the company only focuses on the property valuation sector.
Moreover, the company consists of only two staffs, the managing director and the
clerk. Due to that, all the tasks are performed by the managing director, from
conducting property inspections to preparing the official documents. The clerk, on
the other hand, is responsible to accept payment made by the clients and clear the
cheques at the nearest financial institution.
In 2002, more cases were registered with Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang
branch. In consequence to that, the managing director hired more staff to perform all
the valuation tasks. In addition, the managing director successfully earned the valid
auctioneer license after sitting for the interviews and examinations. As a result, the
company expanded its business operations by adding the property auction sector.
However, due to its freshness in the property auction sector, the company did not
appoint any staff purposely to carry out all auction activities.
Subsequently, Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang branch broaden its business
operations. Currently, it deals with four different real estate business operations but
focusing more on property valuation, property auction as well as buying and selling
property.
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Up until this moment, Henry Butcher Malaysia, Kluang branch still has not
deployed any system to facilitate its daily business operations. All the business
operations are conducted in manual way, which is a paper-based solution. However,
it does have its own email address, hbutcher@tm.net.my, which is mainly used to
communicate with other Henry Butcher branches and sometimes with their hardware
suppliers.
With paper-based solutions, HBM Kluang branch faces a few obstacles in
conducting its daily business operations. In dealing with selling a property, HBM
Kluang branch needs to advertise the properties to be sold to the public. The purpose
of the advertisement is to inform the public of the existence of properties to be sold
that are ready to be purchased. The advertisement should be effective enough to
ensure that wider areas will be covered. When wider areas are covered, the
possibility to obtain more potential buyers is quiet high. However, using flyers,
banners and telephone calls, the spread of news become less effective since it covers
only the Kluang town. Therefore, instead of having three different advertisement
methods, HBM Kluang branch would like to employ one advertisement method but
one which is able to cover areas other than Kluang town. Consequently, less cost
involved since the involvement of papers and printing materials are reduced.
A few cases showed that the clients of HBM Kluang branch feel frustrated
when they were told that the officer in charge is not around when they want to get
additional information on the selected property. This happens due to they do not
make any appointments and just straightway go to HBM Kluang branch to see the
officer in charge. When the clients feel frustrated, a possibility where they will find
another real estate company is highly possible. HBM Kluang branch would like to
reduce this situation through the usage of online appointment form. Electronic
platform is selected by HBM Kluang branch since it offers simplicity and
convenience both to its clients and staff.
On the other hand, in dealing with property valuation, HBM Kluang
branch’s major concern is about the uncollected property valuation report. When
property owners asked HBM Kluang branch to value their intended property, a
property valuation report is produced at the end of the valuation process. The end
66
report that is certified by the registered valuer states the current market value of that
particular property. By right, the property owners must collect this report and make
sufficient payments to HBM Kluang branch. However, there exist clients who refuse
to collect the report. They tend to think that it is fine not to collect the valuation
report since they have yet pay anything for the valuation service. When this happens,
HBM Kluang branch receives nothing for its valuation service and a bunch of
uncollected property valuation reports are detected. To avoid this circumstance,
HBM Kluang branch wants every submitted valuation cases must be attached with
deposit payment. When money is involved, the clients will more appreciate the
valuation report since they do not want their money to be wasted.
In some cases, clients of HBM Kluang branch do not feel satisfy with the
market price valued by HBM Kluang branch. They tend to think that their property’s
market price should be higher than the price valued by HBM Kluang branch. When
this happens, the property valuation case must be submitted to the court in order to
justify the exact market price. Apparently, this process takes longer time to settle
since the court has the waiting list to be followed. As a result, HBM Kluang will
receive the valuation payment a bit late. Therefore, HBM Kluang branch would like
to employ a system where it is able to provide a preliminary market value of the
property. The preliminary market value is conducted based on the basic
characteristics of the property. With this system, HBM Kluang branch would like to
provide the clients with an overview of their property’s market value. With the
preliminary market value, the mind set of its clients will expect that the actual valued
market price should be around that figure.
Therefore, the proposed Web-based Property Management System is
developed based on HBM Kluang’s context and circumstances as described above.
Following are the lists of scope for the proposed system based on client, staff and
administrator perspectives.
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ƒFunctionalities of the proposed system from the clients perspective are as
follows:
a) The clients can register with HBM Kluang branch through the proposed
system in order to receive offers provided by the company. HBM Kluang
branch offers free two months property bulletin and information on latest
available property to the registered clients.
b) The clients can search for any properties that match their interest using the
keyword available in the system.
c) The clients are allowed to view the front image, floor plan and particulars of
the selected property.
d) The system allows the clients to save and print the image and particulars for
future reference.
e) The system allows the clients to make side by side comparisons for two
different properties.
f) The clients can make an appointment with the officer in charge for further
discussion on the selected property. The tentative date and time are set by
them.
g) The system provides the clients with the current property’s preliminary
market value.
h) The clients can make a property valuation request with HBM Kluang branch
through the system. In addition, the clients must ensure that their request is
attached with sufficient deposit payment.
ƒFunctionalities of the proposed system from the staff perspective are as follows:
a) Staff verification. Only authorized staff can gain access to the proposed Webbased Property Management System in order to prevent any data loss and
unacceptable data modification.
b) The system allows the authorized staff to add new appointments with the
respective clients.
c) The system allows the authorized staff to edit any existing appointments as in
some cases the tentative date and time might be postponed and new
appointment date and time is proposed either by the staff or clients.
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d) The system allows the authorized to delete any canceled appointments
arranged earlier.
e) The system allows the authorized staff to manage their own data. Own data
here refers to property cases under that particular staff where the staff can add
new property cases and edit registered property cases. In addition, the staff
can mark the solved property cases and put it under the completed projects.
f) The system allows the authorized staff to change their current password
whenever it is necessary.
ƒFunctionalities of the proposed system from the administrator perspective are as
follows:
a) The administrator acts as the content manager where the administrator can
upload the property’s front image, floor plan and particulars into the system.
In addition, the administrator can delete any properties that have been sold.
b) The administrator can send a confirmed meeting date and time to the
respective clients through email.
c) The administrator can add, delete and modify the property’s preliminary
market value available in the knowledge base in the expert system engine.
d) The administrator can check whether or not each property valuation request is
attached together with sufficient deposit payment. If not, reminder will be
sent to the respective clients.
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4.2
Current Business Process and Data Model
As mentioned earlier, HBM Kluang branch is practicing paper-based
solutions and therefore, the use case and activity diagrams are drawn based on the
author’s understanding on its paper-based business operations.
4.2.1
Property-for-Sale
Figure 4.1 and 4.2 are the UML diagrams that demonstrate how HBM Kluang
branch conducts the property buying and selling process with its clients. Clients here
refer to both the property owner and buyer.
4.2.1.1 Use Case Diagram
Figure 4.1 on page 70 depicts the use case diagram for current property
buying and selling process conducted by HBM Kluang branch. First, the property
owner makes request to sell their property to HBM Kluang branch. Once the
company received the request, registration process is performed and its staff will
conduct property research to identify the current market value for that intended
property. Then, the property is advertised and negotiations between the staff and
potential buyers take place. The staff will prepare the official documentations once a
buyer agrees to buy that property.
70
Conduct property
research
Submit request
to sell property
Advertise property
Owner
Register property
and owner details
HBM Kluang
Negotiate property
price
Prepare official
documentation
Buyer
Figure 4.1 Use Case Diagram for As-Is Property-for-Sale
4.2.1.2 Activity Diagram
A more detailed property buying and selling process can be seen through in
Figure 4.2 on page 71. Once HBM Kluang branch accepts request from the property
owner, its staff will register both the property and owner details in its record. Then, a
property research together with an inspection is conducted in order to identify and
verify the current market value of the property. If the owner does not agree with the
identified market value, HBM Kluang branch will delete their record immediately to
avoid any confusion.
On the other hand, if the owner absolutely agrees with that price, staff of
HBM Kluang branch will advertise the property to the public. Using the paper-based
solution, the company uses three advertisement methods which are using flyers,
banners and telephone calls to its potential clients. This is the part where HBM
Kluang branch found out that it is very tedious to advertise the property since it
involves more than one channel but covers only part of Kluang town. In addition,
more money is consumed and the spread of advertisement is not that effective,
making HBM Kluang branch would like to employ another advertisement method
that covers wider area with less cost.
71
Once the company obtained a list of potential buyers, negotiations take place.
For some cases, the officer in charge is not available and thus, creating frustrations
with its clients. Therefore, HBM Kluang branch would like to eliminate this situation
to gain more confidence and trust from its clients.
Then, the staff will prepare an official agreement and documentation between
the property owner and buyer when the buyer agrees to purchase the advertised
property.
HBM Kluang register property and owner particulars
HBM Kluang study and idetify property's current market value
Owner disagree with
the market value
Owner agree with
the market value
HBM Kluang delete record
Advertise property using flyers
Advertise property using banners
Advertise property using telephone
HBM Kluang obtain list of potential buyers
Further negotiations between HBM Kluang and buyer
Buyer disagree to
purchase property
HBM Kluang search another buyer
Buyer agree to
purchase property
Tie an agreement
HBM Kluang prepare official documentation
Figure 4.2 Activity Diagram for As-Is Property-for-Sale
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4.2.2
Property-to-Value
Figure 4.3 and 4.4 are the UML diagrams that exhibit the property valuation
process conducted by HBM Kluang branch using the paper-based solution.
4.2.2.1 Use Case Diagram
Figure 4.3 below represents the use case diagram for current property
valuation process performed by HBM Kluang branch. The property owner submits a
request to value their property to HBM Kluang branch. Currently, all requests are
submitted using telephone conversations. Once the company received the request, its
staff will register the property valuation case. Then, the staff conducts the property
valuation process that involves on-site inspection to the intended property in order to
get the most accurate value. Then, HBM Kluang branch will produce a complete
valuation report after the property valuation process finished.
Register valuation
case
Submit request
to value property
Owner
Value property
HBM Kluang
Produce valuation
report
Figure 4.3 Use Case Diagram for As-Is Property-to-Value
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4.2.2.2 Activity Diagram
Figure 4.4 on page 74 illustrates a more detailed property valuation process
conducted by HBM Kluang branch. Using paper-based solution, the property
valuation process starts with the registration procedure. Once HBM Kluang branch
receives request to value the intended property from the property owner, its staff will
register both the property and owner details as one valuation case. Currently, all
request submitted by the clients are made through telephone calls. Then, the actual
valuation is performed producing a valuation report at the end of the process.
The staff will notify the respective property owner that their property has
already been valued. Based on the end report, the owner will check the valued
market price. If the owner agrees with that price, he/she is allowed to collect the end
valuation report and sufficient payment is made to HBM Kluang branch. However,
there still exist clients that refuse to collect the end valuation report. Therefore, HBM
Kluang branch would like to avoid this situation using the deposit payment. Any
request submitted to HBM Kluang branch should be attached with a deposit payment
to ensure that each valuation report will be collected by the respective owner.
In some cases, there exist clients that are not satisfied with the valued market
price. They tend to think that the price should be higher than the valued price stated
by HBM Kluang branch. Consequently, the case is brought to the court for further
justification and more time is consumed as the court usually has a waiting list to be
followed. Therefore, HBM Kluang branch would like to reduce this situation by
providing a section where the clients can view the expected market value of their
intended property. With this section, the clients can have an earlier picture on the
valued market price and less dissatisfaction will occur among them.
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HBM Kluang register property valuation case
HBM Kluang perform property valuation
HBM Kluang produce property valuation report
Client agree with
the valued price
Client disagree with
the valued price
Court justify valued property price
Client collect valuation report
Client does not collect valuation report
HBM Kluang modify valuation report
Client collect valuation report
Client does not collect valuation report
Figure 4.4 Activity Diagram for As-Is Property-to-Value
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4.2.3
System Architecture for Current Business Process
Figure 4.5 below demonstrates the system architecture for current business
process of HBM Kluang branch that involves only the paper-based solution. Since
the company does not deploy any electronic supporting system, interactions between
its staff and the clients are usually conducted directly by meeting face to face or
using telephone calls. On the other hand, all the relevant information is stored using
the manual filing system for future reference.
Clients of HBM Kluang branch
Buying and
Selling
Property
Property
Valuation
Paper-based Solution
Manual Filing
System
Figure 4.5 System Architecture for Current Business Process of HBM Kluang branch
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4.3
User Requirements
As mentioned earlier, HBM Kluang branch is currently utilizing the paper-
based solution in its daily business operations. Seeing many benefits with the
electronic platform, HBM Kluang branch would like to adapt this technology to
improve parts of its operations. A further discussion is conducted between the author
and staff of HBM Kluang branch in order to observe and finalize their requirements
for the proposed Web-based Property Management System.
4.3.1
Client Registration Form
The user requirements for client registration form has been specified as listed
below:
a)
To allow a client to insert their personal details and property preferences.
b)
The personal details include full name, email address, corresponding address,
telephone number and gender.
c)
The property preferences include type of property, price range and location.
d)
To allow a client to submit their registration form.
e)
A registered client is eligible to receive free two months property bulletin by
and information on latest available property that matches their preferences as
specified during registration.
f)
The property bulletin will be sent to the respective client through post.
g)
Information on latest available property that matches the client’s interest will
be sent through email.
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4.3.2
Staff Registration Form
On the other hand, the user requirements for staff registration form has been
specified as listed below:
a)
To allow a staff to insert their username.
b)
To allow a staff to insert their password.
c)
To allow a staff to insert their name.
d)
To allow a staff to insert their email address.
e)
To allow a staff to insert their telephone number.
f)
To allow a staff to insert their corresponding address.
g)
To allow a staff to submit their registration form.
h)
A registered staff will have access to the staff module using their own
username and password.
4.3.3
Property-for-Sale Module
Meanwhile, the user requirements for property-for-sale module has been
specified as listed below:
a)
To allow a client to search property that meets their needs and requirements
using the search engine.
b)
To display the results of the search engine.
c)
To display the attributes of the searched property such as its location, price,
number of bedroom, number of bathroom and provision land area.
d)
To guide a client in buying a property through Home Buying Guide section.
e)
To allow a client to keep any searched property in the temporary storage.
f)
To allow a client to manage their temporary storage.
g)
To allow a client to make an appointment with HBM Kluang branch using the
online appointment form.
h)
To allow a client to receive a feedback from HBM Kluang branch through
email.
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4.3.3.1 Search Engine
Furthermore, the user requirements for search engine has been specified as
listed below:
a)
To allow a client to search for brand new property.
b)
To allow a client to search for existing property.
c)
To allow a client to search for property based on property type.
d)
To allow a client to search for property based on state.
e)
To allow a client to search for property based on location keyword.
f)
To allow a client to search for property based on price range.
4.3.3.2 Online Appointment Form
The user requirements for online appointment form has been specified as
listed below:
a)
To allow a client to insert their name.
b)
To allow a client to insert their email address.
c)
To allow a client to insert their telephone number.
d)
To allow a client to choose their preferred date.
e)
To allow a client to choose their preferred time.
f)
To allow a client to insert their messages.
g)
To allow a client to submit their online appointment form.
4.3.4
Property-to-Value Module
The user requirements for property-to-value module has been specified as
listed below:
a)
To provide a client with an overview market value of their property through
the property pre-valuation section.
79
b)
To allow a client to submit their request to value their property to HBM
Kluang branch using the online property valuation form.
c)
To allow a client to pay deposit for their property valuation case to HBM
Kluang branch.
d)
To allow a client to receive feedback from HBM Kluang branch through
email.
4.3.4.1 Online Property Valuation Form
The user requirements for online property valuation form has been specified
as listed below:
a)
To allow a client to insert their name.
b)
To allow a client to insert their email address.
c)
To allow a client to insert their telephone number.
d)
To allow a client to insert their property type.
e)
To allow a client to insert their property address.
f)
To allow a client to submit their online property valuation form.
4.3.5
Staff Module
Finally, the user requirements for staff module has been specified as listed
below:
a)
To allow an authorized staff to add a new appointment.
b)
To allow an authorized staff to edit the existing appointment.
c)
To allow an authorized staff to delete any canceled appointment.
d)
To allow an authorized staff to add property cases under their responsibility.
e)
To allow an authorized staff to edit the registered property cases.
f)
To allow an authorized staff to mark any completed property cases.
g)
The marked property cases will be inserted into completed projects section.
h)
To allow an authorized staff to change their current password.
80
4.4
Conceptual Design
The current business process in HBM Kluang branch shows that there are
rooms in its daily operations that can be improved. Below highlights the items that
HBM Kluang branch would like to improve:
ƒIn the context of property advertisement, instead of having three different
methods but covers small area, HBM Kluang branch would like to have one
effective method and covers wider areas.
ƒHBM Kluang branch would like to eliminate a situation where a client went to
the company but being told that the officer in charge was not around. Hence, the
existence of the online appointment form can help HBM Kluang branch to reduce
the frustrations among its clients.
ƒHBM Kluang branch would like to provide its clients with preliminary market
value of their property. This is to reduce the dissatisfaction among the clients as
in some cases they tend to think that their property’s price should be higher than
the price valued by HBM Kluang branch.
ƒSince no deposit payment is collected from the clients, some of them refuse to
collect the property valuation report once it is finished. Therefore, HBM Kluang
branch would like all the valuation cases to be attached with deposit payment, so
that the clients will more appreciate the end valuation report and collect it when it
is ready.
Based on items highlighted above, HBM Kluang branch needs a support
system that is able to facilitate its daily business operations and resolve all the
circumstances that exist in the company. Therefore, the Web-based Property
Management System that is customized with the current needs and requirements of
HBM Kluang branch is duly proposed.
81
4.4.1
Business Process and data Model
Figure 4.6 up to Figure 4.18 are the UML diagrams as well as the use case
descriptions that illustrate the proposed Web-based Property Management System.
4.4.1.1 Use Case Diagram
Figure 4.6 below depicts the use case diagram for the proposed Web-based
Property Management System. According to the figure, the client will have access to
the registration module, property-for-sale module and property-to-value module.
Meanwhile, the administrator is responsible to upload the property images and
particulars and update the information related to the property’s preliminary market
value to be viewed by the respective client. On the other hand, the staff will have
access to the staff module using their own username and password registered with the
system.
Registration
Upload property
images
Login to the
system
Property-forSale module
Upload property
particulars
Staff module
Client
Property-to-Value
module
Staff
Administrator
Update information
on market value
Figure 4.6 Use Case Diagram for the Web-based Property Management System
82
4.4.1.2 Use Case Descriptions
Figure 4.7 below demonstrates the use case descriptions for registration
procedure. Both clients and internal staff of HBM Kluang branch serve as the
primary actors for this registration procedure. In general, the clients use this
procedure to receive offers from HBM Kluang branch while the staff uses this
procedure to get a valid username and password to enable them to login to the staff
module.
Use case name: Registration
Primary actor: Client, staff
ID: 1
Importance level: High
Use case type: Detail, essential
Stakeholders and interests:
Client – wants to register to receive free two months property bulletin and latest
information on available property that matches the client’s interest.
Staff – needs to register to obtain username and password to login to the staff
module.
Brief description: This use case describes how the registration process is
conducted.
Trigger: Both client and staff access the proposed Web-based Property
Management System.
Type: External
Relationships:
Association: Client, staff
Include:
Extend:
Generalization:
83
Normal flow of events:
1. Client and staff fill in the registration form.
2. Client and staff submit the registration form.
Subflows:
2a-1. Upon successful registration, the respective client will receive free
two months property bulletin and latest information on available
property that matches the client’s interest as specified during the
registration.
2b-1. Once the registration succeeds, the staff will receive its unique
username and password.
2b-2. Staff login to the staff module. Refer to login use case description.
Alternate/exceptional flows:
Figure 4.7 Use Case Descriptions for Registration
On the other hand, Figure 4.8 on page 84 shows the use case descriptions for
property-for-sale module. Clients of HBM Kluang branch are the primary actors for
this module. This module consists of five normal flow of events together with three
relevant subflows and alternate or exceptional flows and it is triggered when the
respective clients enter the property-for-sale module.
84
Use case name: Property-for-Sale Module
Primary actor: Client
ID: 2
Importance level: High
Use case type: Detail, essential
Stakeholders and interests:
Client – wants to buy advertised property that matches the client’s interest.
Staff HBM Kluang branch – wants to attract as many as possible potential
buyers.
Brief description: This use case describes how the client conducts property
search and make an appointment with relevant staff of HBM Kluang branch.
Trigger: Client enters the property-for-sale module.
Type: External
Relationships:
Association: Client
Include:
Extend:
Generalization:
Normal flow of events:
1. Client performs property search according to type of property, property
location and price range.
2. The system returns a list of property that matches the keywords inserted
.
earlier.
3. Client chooses one of the properties to find out additional information.
4. The system provides the clients with specify information on the property
including front image and floor plan.
5. If interested, the client submits the online appointment form for further
discussion with relevant staff of HBM Kluang branch.
85
Subflows:
4a-1. The client can compare two different properties side by side for a
better decision making.
4a-2. The client can save the selected property to a specified directory /
folder.
4a-3. The client can print the selected property for
reference.
Alternate/exceptional flows:
2a-1. The client refines the property search.
2a-2. This process continues until the system returns a list of property that
best matches the refined keyword.
2a-3. The client logout from the system if no preferred property is
found.
Figure 4.8 Use Case Descriptions for Property-for-Sale Module
Meanwhile, Figure 4.9 on page 86 depicts the use case descriptions for
property-to-value module. This module is intended for clients of HBM Kluang
branch who would like to estimate their property’s market value as well as
submitting property valuation request to HBM Kluang branch to conduct a more
detailed property valuation process for their intended property.
86
Use case name: Property-to-Value Module
ID: 3
Primary actor: Client
Importance level: High
Use case type: Detail, essential
Stakeholders and interests:
Client – wants HBM Kluang branch to value the client’s intended
property.
Brief description: This use case describes how the client submits request to
HBM Kluang branch to value the client’s property.
Trigger: Client enters the property-to-value module.
Type: External
Relationships:
Association: Client
Include:
Extend:
Generalization:
Normal flow of events:
1. To view the preliminary market value, the client answers all the
questions that closely describe the client’s intended property.
2. The system returns the preliminary market value based on the answers
provided by the client.
3. Client views the preliminary market value of the client’s intended
property.
4. Client fills in the online valuation form.
5. Client submits the online valuation form.
87
Subflows:
4a-1. Client attach together sufficient deposit payment which is payable
with cash, cheque or electronic bank transfer via
Maybank2u.com.
Alternate/exceptional flows:
Figure 4.9 Use Case Descriptions for Property-to-Value Module
Furthermore, Figure 4.10 on page 88 illustrates the use case descriptions for
staff module. On the whole, this module describes how internal staff of HBM Kluang
branch maintains their appointment list and registered property cases. This module
comprises of fourteen normal flow of events as well as eleven relevant subflows. In
addition, this module is triggered when staff of HBM Kluang branch enters the staff
module to add, edit and delete significant appointments and property cases.
88
Use case name: Staff Module
ID: 4
Primary actor: Staff
Importance level: High
Use case type: Detail, essential
Stakeholders and interests:
Staff – wants to add, edit and delete appointments and property cases for the
staff’s reference.
Brief description: This use case describes how the staff maintains the list of
appointments and registered property cases.
Trigger: Staff enters the staff module.
Type: External
Relationships:
Association: Staff
Include:
Extend:
Generalization:
Normal flow of events:
1. Staff selects My Profile section.
2. Staff edits the staff’s personal details.
3. Staff selects Appointment section.
4. Staff maintains the appointment list.
5. Staff selects Property Registration section.
6. Staff registers new property case.
7. The system directs the list of registered property case under Pending
section.
8. Staff selects Pending section.
89
9.
The Pending section shows all the ongoing property cases.
10. Staff maintains the pending list.
11. Staff selects History section.
12. The History section displays all the completed property cases.
13. Staff maintains the history list.
14. Staff logout from the staff module.
Subflows:
2a-1.
Staff can change the current password.
4a-1. Staff adds new appointment.
4a-2. Staff edits the existing appointment.
4a-3. Staff deletes any canceled appointment.
4a-4. Staff keeps the updated records in the database.
8a-1. Staff edits the details of the registered property case.
8a-2. Staff marked any completed property case.
8a-3. The system directs the marked property case under History section.
8a-4. Staff keeps the updated records in the database.
13a-1. Staff edits the details of the completed property case.
13a-2. Staff keeps the updated records in the database.
Alternate/exceptional flows:
Figure 4.10 Use Case Descriptions for Staff Module
Finally, Figure 4.11 on page 90 depicts the use case descriptions for login
process. It has been identified that internal staff of HBM Kluang branch acts as the
primary actor for this process. Each staff should perform this login process every
time they would like to enter the staff module available in the Web-based Property
Management System.
90
Use case name: Login
ID: 5
Primary actor: Staff
Importance level: High
Use case type: Detail, essential
Stakeholders and interests:
Staff – wants to login to the staff module.
Brief description: This use case describes how staff of HBM Kluang branch
login to the staff module available in the proposed Web-based Property
Management System.
Trigger: Staff would like to access the staff module.
Type: External
Relationships:
Association: Staff
Include:
Extend:
Generalization:
Normal flow of events:
1. Staff fills in their username and password.
2. Staff clicks the login button.
3. The system will direct them to the staff module.
Subflows:
Alternate/exceptional flows:
Figure 4.11 Use Case Descriptions for Login Process
91
4.4.1.3 Sequence Diagram
Figure 4.12 below shows the sequence diagram of the Web-based Property
Management System for a client user. From the home page, the clients can proceed
to about us page, property-for-sale module, property-to-value module and our
partners page. In the about us page, the clients can have a brief introduction to HBM
Kluang branch such as its business operations, expertise employed by HBM Kluang
branch and contact details. Meanwhile, in the property-for-sale module, the clients
are allowed to search for their interested property and make an online appointment
with the respective staff of HBM Kluang branch. On the other hand, property-tovalue module allows the clients to view the preliminary market value of their
intended property and submit request to HBM Kluang branch, asking the company
for further property valuation. Finally, in the partners page, the system lists down
financial institutions that posses well-built business relationship with HBM Kluang
branch.
:HomePage
:AboutUs
:Property-for-Sale
:Online Appointment
:Property-to-Value
:Online Valuation
:Client
1://Access to the web-based system()
2://Get brief information about HBM Kluang branch()
3://Search for preferred property()
4://Make appointment with staff of HBM Kluang branch()
5://View preliminary market value of the intended property()
6://Request for further property valuation()
7://View business partners of HBM Kluang branch()
Figure 4.12 Sequence Diagram for a Client User
:OurPartners
92
On the other hand, Figure 4.13 below depicts the sequence diagram of the
Web-based Property Management System for a staff user. First, staff of HBM
Kluang branch must login using their own unique username and password. Once the
staff has successfully login to the staff module, the staff is allowed to edit their
profile and change their current password under my profile section. Then, under
appointment section, the staff may register new appointment and update the
appointment list where the staff can edit existing appointment and delete canceled
appointment. On the other hand, property registration section allows the relevant
staff to register new property case that is being placed under their responsibility.
Pending section generates report on ongoing property case while history generates
report on completed property case. Once finished, the staff is permitted to logout
from the staff module.
:StaffModule
:MyProfile
:Appointment
:PropRegistration
:Pending
:History
:Staff
1://Login()
2://Edit profile()
3://Change password()
4://Register new appointment()
5://Update appointment list()
6://Register new property case()
7://Update ongoing property case()
8://Update completed property case()
9://Logout()
Figure 4.13 Sequence Diagram for a Staff User
:Logout
93
4.4.1.4 Activity Diagram
Figure 4.14 below illustrates the client’s registration process available in the
proposed system. First, the clients need to fill in the registration form where all their
important particulars such as their full name, address, email address and property
preferences are captured. Then, the registration form must be submitted to HBM
Kluang branch to enable them to receive free two months property bulletin and
information on latest available property that matches with their interest.
Client
Fill in registration form
Submit to HBM Kluang
Receive property bulletin
Receive updated property information
Figure 4.14 Activity Diagram – Client Registration
94
Meanwhile, Figure 4.15 below depicts the staff’s registration process
available in the proposed Web-based Property Management System. First, the staff
should fill in the registration form where all their important particulars such as their
full name, corresponding address, email address and telephone number are captured.
Then, the registration form must be submitted to HBM Kluang branch to enable them
to login to the web-based system using their own username and password. Once the
staff has successfully entered the system, they are allowed to edit their personal
particulars and save the updated particulars into the system.
Staff
Fill in registration form
Submit to HBM Kluang
Login to web-based system
Edit personal particulars
Figure 4.15 Activity Diagram – Staff Registration
95
On the other hand, Figure 4.16 on page 96 depicts the activity diagram for the
Property-for-Sale module. From the main page of the Web-based Property
Management System, the clients need to select the Property-for-Sale module in order
to start searching for property that is able to fulfill their current needs. A search
engine is available to facilitate the clients during the search. If the search does not
return the desired results, the clients can always refine their search until they found
what they actually looking for.
On the other hand, if the search returns the desired results, the clients may
view all the important particulars of the selected property. The particulars include the
front view of the property together with all its specifications such as location,
provision land area, tenure, price range and number of bedroom and bathroom. Then,
the clients have the option whether to print or save the particulars. In addition, this
module allows the clients to make side by side comparisons for two different
properties. Hence, a smarter and faster decision can be performed by the respective
clients.
An online appointment form is provided in this module. If the clients found
any properties that match their interests and would like to know more about that
property, they can set an appointment with HBM Kluang branch via that online form.
This is to ensure that their intention to meet the officer in charge will not end up with
frustrations if they go straightly to HBM Kluang branch without making any
appointment.
Once the online appointment form reaches the HBM Kluang branch’s
mailbox, the administrator will confirm the meeting through email. An alternative
time and date will be suggested by the administrator if none officer in charge is
available during the tentative date and time set earlier by the clients.
96
Administrator
Client
Enter "Property-for-Sale" module
Search for property using the search engine
System
undesired results
Refine search keyword
System return
desired results
View particulars of the property
Print property particulars
Save property particulars
Make comparison with other property
Make an appointment using online form
Confirm meeting
Figure 4.16 Activity Diagram – Property-for-Sale Module
97
Figure 4.17 on page 98 illustrates the activity diagram for the to-be Propertyto-Value module. Once the clients enter the Property-to-value, they will be directed
to the property pre-valuation section. Property pre-valuation section provides the
clients with a preliminary market value of their intended property. As mentioned in
section 1.5 - scope, the preliminary market value returns result based on six unique
characteristics of the property. The six different characteristics are the storey of the
property, type of property, provision land area, number of bedroom and whether
there exist any extension or not. Then, the clients have two choices, logout from the
module or continue with the online valuation form.
The clients can send request to HBM Kluang branch to conduct further
property valuation of their property using the online valuation form. In consequence
to that, the client needs to fill in all the details needed such as full name, email
address, telephone number, type of property and correct address of the property. In
addition, the clients must attached together sufficient deposit payment as a form of
guarantee that HBM Kluang branch will value their property on time. The deposit
payment can be made using cash, cheque or electronic fund transfer to the
company’s Maybank account.
Once the online form and deposit payment has been sent to HBM Kluang
branch, the administrator will send notification to the respective clients to
acknowledge that their property valuation request is successful. The client will again
be notified, once the valuation process ends and the official report are ready to be
collected.
98
Administrator
Client
Select "Property-to-Value" module
Enter the property pre-valuation section
Does not need further
property valuation
Need further
property valuation
Logout from the module
Fill in the property valuation form
Make sufficient payment through online
Submit property valuation request to HBM Kluang
Process property valuation request
Figure 4.17 Activity Diagram – Property-to-Value Module
99
Finally, Figure 4.18 on page 100 further demonstrates the workflow of the
staff module. Once the staff has successfully login to the proposed Web-based
Property Management System, they can always check or view whether they have any
appointment for that day or not. The system allows the staff to delete any selected
appointment if the respective client canceled the appointment. On the other hand, if
no cancellation exists, the staff can always add new appointment or edit the details of
the existing appointment. The editing process is conducted as in few cases, the
clients would like to postpone the tentative appointment to another date and time. All
changes made by the internal staff of HBM Kluang branch are recorded and updated
into the system database.
Then, the staff can add new property cases where property particulars such as
property ID, location and provision land area are captured as well as the details of the
owner. If modifications need to be made, the staff is allowed to edit the details of the
registered property cases in order to ensure the system only keeps updated
information. Besides, the staff can mark all completed property cases to be inserted
to another section where that particular section will list down all completed cases for
future reference.
In addition, the staff is given the option to change their password. If they
would like to change their current password, they should submit the new password
before logout from the web-based system.
100
Staff
Login to the staff module
View daily appointment
Canceled
appointment
Delete selected appointment
No canceled
appointment
Modofication on
existing appointment
New appointment
Edit existing appointment
Add new appointment
Update record
New property
case registered
Modification on
existing property case
Edit details of the selected property cases
Add new property case
Mark completed property case
Update record
Stick to
current
password
Logout
Want to
change
password
Change current password
Logout
Figure 4.18 Activity Diagram – Staff Module
101
4.4.2
System Architecture (Conceptual Design)
Figure 4.19 on page 102 demonstrates the conceptual design of the proposed
Web-based Property Management System. Based on Figure 4.14, the previous paperbased solution has been transformed to the web-based system where the system
comprises of four different modules which are registration module, property-for-sale
module, property-to-value module and staff module. The web-based system serves as
a support system uses by the administrator, internal staff and clients of HBM Kluang
branch. In addition, all relevant information published in the system will be stored in
a proper system database. The system database is attached together with security
features in order to avoid any data loss and data modifications without specific
permissions from the authorized administrator and staff.
102
Remote Users
Web-based Property Management System
Registration
Module
Property-for-Sale Property-to-Value
Module
Module
System
Staff
Module
Security
Database
Figure 4.19 Conceptual Design of the Web-based Property Management System
103
4.4.3
Process Framework for Proposed System
Figure 4.20 below demonstrates the process flow for the proposed Web-based
Property Management System.
1. Property owner agrees to sell
his/her intended property
2. Administrator
advertises that
particular
property
3. Administrator
assigns the property
case and clients’
appointment to the
relevant staff
4. Administrator
confirms clients’
appointment
5. Relevant staff updates records on the
property case and client’s appointment
6. Client views
preliminary
market value
7. Client requests
for further
property
valuation
8. Client
makes deposit
payment
through online
9. Administrator notifies respective client
that the property valuation process has
been completed through email
10. Client settles
the remaining
payment
11. Client collects
the end property
valuation report
Figure 4.20 Process Framework for the Proposed Web-based Property Management
System
104
4.5
Physical Design
4.5.1
Database Design
A database which is adapted to the Web-based Property Management System
has been designed using Microsoft Access to act as the system backbone in storing
all relevant information. The database consists of 11 tables as illustrated in Table 4.1
below.
Table 4.1 Database Design for the Web-based Property Management System
No.
1.
Table Name
Detached
Table Description
This table describes available detached house to be
sold.
2.
Existing
This table describes the available existing or
secondary property to be sold.
3.
Flat
This table describes available flat house to be sold.
4.
Members
This table keeps record and verifies all registered
clients of HBM Kluang branch.
5.
Pricing
This table lists down all the property prices for search
engine usage.
6.
PropRegistration This table keeps record about all registered property
cases with HBM Kluang branch.
7.
PropType
This table lists down all types of property for search
engine usage.
8.
Rooms
This table lists down all numbers of bedrooms and
bathrooms for search engine usage.
9.
SemiDetached
This table describes available semi detached house to
be sold.
10.
Staff
This table keeps record and verifies all registered staff
of HBM Kluang branch.
11.
Terrace
This table describes available terrace house to be sold.
Meanwhile, Figure 4.21 on page 105 depicts the database relationship
diagram for the Web-based Property Management System.
106
4.5.2
Program (Structure) Chart
The program (structure) chart of the proposed Web-based Property
Management System has been modeled using the UML approach under the use case
diagram. The chart comprises of three different actors which are clients of HBM
Kluang branch, internal staff of HBM Kluang branch and the administrator. Each
actor is related to more than one use cases relevant to their involvement in the
proposed system. For further illustration, the reader can refer to Figure 4.6 Use Case
Diagram for the Web-based Property Management System on page 81.
4.5.3
Interface Chart
Figure 4.22 on page 107 illustrates the interface chart for the Web-based
Property Management System. In general, the interface chart can be divided into two
categories which are clients and staff of HBM Kluang branch. From the home page,
the clients are allowed to access about us page, property-for-sale page, property-tovalue page and our partners page. About us page briefly describes about HBM
Kluang branch in terms of its daily business operations and experts currently
working with the company, while our partners page lists down all financial
institutions that have strong business association with HBM Kluang branch.
On the other hand, the staff has the right to enter my profile page, property
registration page, appointment page, pending page and history page. My profile
page enables the respective staff to edit their personal particulars as well as change
their current password for security reason, while appointment page allows them to
add new appointments, edit existing appointments and delete canceled appointments.
107
Web-based Property Management System
Client
Staff
Home page
Home page
Select About Us page
Staff Login
About Us main page comprises of:
ƒStaff Login allows the staff to insert
their own username and password.
ƒ About Us
- Get brief information about HBM
Kluang Branch
ƒ Our Team
- Get brief information on the expertise
employed by HBM Kluang branch
ƒ Career Opportunities
- List down available vacancy
immediately needed by HBM Kluang
branch
ƒ Contact Us
- Provide contact details of HBM Kluang
branch in terms of corresponding address,
telephone number, fax number and email
address.
ƒOnce success, the relevant staff will
be directed to the staff module.
108
Client
Staff
Select Property-for-Sale page
Select My Profile page
Property-for-Sale main page consists of:
My Profile main page consists of:
ƒ Registration
ƒEdit Profile
- A registration form is provided for any - The staff can replace their old personal
Internet users who are interested in information with new information.
becoming clients of HBM Kluang branch. - For an instance, when the staff change
- The registration form will capture both their contact number.
the clients’ personal particulars and
property preferences.
ƒChange Password
- The staff is allowed to change their
ƒ Find Properties
current password with new password for
- Search for preferred property according security reason.
to property type, location and price range.
- The search results are shown in listed
format.
ƒ Property Review
- Detailed information on the searched
property is shown.
- The detailed information include front
image and floor plan of the property
together with its relevant particulars such
as property type, tenure, land area, listing
price and so forth.
- An online appointment form is attached
together for clients who would like meet
the officer in charge for further property
discussion.
109
Client
Staff
ƒ View My List
-As a temporary storage where the clients
can keep and delete the searched property
information when they are still using this
system.
- To avoid the clients from making
multiple search for the same keyword or
characteristics.
ƒ Home Buying Guide
- Provide latest information on things to
consider when buying a property.
Select Property- to-Value page
Select Property Registration page
Property-to-Value main page comprises ƒProperty Registration page allows
of:
the relevant staff to register new
property case that is being placed
ƒ Property Pre-valuation section
under their responsibility.
- Provides the clients with preliminary
market value of their property through a ƒThe property registration captures
question and answer session.
both the property and its owner
- For each question asked, the clients
details.
must select the nearest answer that best
describes their property.
ƒ Valuation Form
- A valuation form is provided for any
clients who would like HBM Kluang
branch
to
conduct
further
property
valuation where more detailed property
characteristics are taken.
- The form captures both the owner’s and
property’s particulars to avoid valuing the
110
Client
Staff
wrong property.
Select Our Partners page
Select Appointment page
Our Partners main page lists down all Appointment main page consists of:
financial institutions that have strong
business relationship with HBM Kluang ƒDaily Scheduler
branch.
-
Allows
the
staff
to
add
new
appointment, edit existing appointment
and delete canceled appointment.
ƒMonthly Calendar
-
View
all
updated
appointment
information.
Select Pending page
Pending page generates report on the
ongoing property case handled by the
relevant staff.
Select History page
History page generates report on the
completed property case.
Logout from the staff module.
Figure 4.22 Interface Chart for the Web-based Property Management System
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4.5.4
Detailed Modules/Features
In general, the Web-based Property Management System consists of four
modules, each with its own functionalities and purposes. Following are the
descriptions of the four modules differentiated by the corresponding user of the
module.
ƒClients
a) Registration
Internet users who would like to become clients of HBM Kluang branch
should register themselves with the system. The registration form requires the
Internet users to fill in their personal details and property preferences. Once
the registration has completed, each of them is eligible to receive free two
months property bulletin sent to them by post. In addition, they will be given
information on the latest available property that matches their interest as
precise during registration through email.
b) Property-for-Sale Module
This module serves as an electronic advertisement method where it
publicizes all the properties for sale in order to obtain more potential buyers
in shorter time. In consequence to that, a search engine is fully utilized and
an online appointment form is provided, where the respective clients may set
the tentative date and time to meet the officer in charge for further discussion
on the preferred property. It has been identified that the primary users for this
module are clients of HBM Kluang branch who would like to buy any of the
listed property.
c) Property-to-Value Module
Clients of HBM Kluang branch who would like the company to value their
intended property are the main users of this module. This module covers a
property pre-valuation section where the clients can view their property’s
preliminary market value. The preliminary market value returns result based
on the basic characteristics of the property. Then, using the online valuation
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form, the clients can submit request to HBM Kluang branch to further value
their property where more detailed characteristics are taken.
ƒStaff
a) Registration
Each internal staff of HBM Kluang branch must register themselves in order
to gain access to the staff module. A staff registration form is provided where
they are allowed to choose their own username and password. The staff is
advisable to provide the system with the latest personal particulars, so that
they can be easily reached especially when the company has urgent matters
and need immediate response from the staff.
b) Staff Module
To avoid data loss and data modification without permission, only the
authorized staff is allowed to login to this module using their own unique
username and password. This module allows the staff to manage their
appointment where they can add new appointment, edit existing appointment
and delete canceled appointment. In addition, the staff can register new
property cases under their attention and mark the cases as completed property
cases once the property has been successfully sold.
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4.6
Hardware Requirements
In terms of hardware requirements, Table 4.2 below illustrates the proposed
technical specifications that may be used by HBM Kluang branch in implementing
the Web-based Property Management System.
Table 4.2 Proposed Hardware Requirements for the Web-based Property
Management System
Features
Technical Specifications
Processor
Type: Intel 4
Clock Speed: 3.02 GHz
Motherboard
Chipset Type: Intel 915G Express
Data Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Speed: 512 MB
Technology: DDR SDRAM
Storage Hard Disk
Interface: Serial ATA-150
Type: Standard
Size: 80 GB
Optical Storage
Type: CD/DVD Read
Read Speed: 48x
Cache Memory
Type: L2 Cache
Speed: 1 MB
Interface
2 Ethernet USB 2.0
1 Keyboard RJ-45
1 Mouse
1 USB 2.0
8 Display/Video
Monitor
17” Digital Monitor
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4.7
Test Plan
The focus people for the Web-based Property Management System are
clients and internal staff of HBM Kluang branch. Therefore, the test plan of the
system is considered based on the users’ perspective and it consists of both the unit
test and integration test. The unit test is purposely conducted for each module
available in the system.
Based on the test plan, each module will first be tested followed by sufficient
integration test. Within each of the modules test, a detailed functional test is
conducted in order to ensure that all sub features within the module is workable and
completed as expected. Table 4.3 below describes the list of module test together
with its corresponding functional test based on client’s perspective.
Table 4.3 Test Plan Based on Client’s Perspectives
Test Case
Required Data
Expected Result(s)
Registration
ƒEmail address.
ƒAllow a client to reset the client
ƒFull name.
ƒCorresponding address.
ƒTelephone number.
ƒGender.
registration form.
ƒAllow a client to submit the
client registration form.
ƒUpon successful registration,
ƒPreferred property type.
this module is capable to send
ƒPreferred property
information on the latest
location.
ƒPreferred property price
range.
available property that matches
the client preferences as
specified in the client
registration form to the client’s
email.
Property Search
ƒChoice either brand new
ƒAllow a client to search for
property or existing
property that match the client’s
property.
interest.
ƒProperty type.
ƒAllow a client to reset the search
field.
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Test Case
Required Data
Expected Result(s)
ƒProperty location that
ƒAllow a client to refine the
includes state and
location keyword.
ƒPrice range.
client’s search.
ƒThis test case is capable to
return the results of the search in
listed format.
ƒThis module is capable to
arrange the return results
according to the highest price,
lowest price, property name and
latest property available.
ƒFrom the listed results, this
module is capable to direct the
client to the property review
page where the details of the
selected searched property are
displayed.
ƒAllow a client to save the
searched property in the
temporary storage.
ƒAllow a client to delete the
searched property in the
temporary storage.
Online
ƒFull name.
Appointment
ƒEmail address.
ƒTelephone number.
ƒTentative meeting date.
ƒAllow a client to reset the online
appointment form.
ƒAllow a client to submit the
online appointment form.
ƒTentative meeting time.
ƒClient’s message or
remark.
Property Prevaluation
ƒChoice either single
ƒAllow a client to answer all
storey property or
questions regarding their
116
Test Case
Required Data
double storey property.
ƒProperty type.
ƒNumber of bedroom.
ƒProvision built-up area.
ƒProperty location.
ƒAny extension available.
Expected Result(s)
property.
ƒAllow a client to change any of
the given answer.
ƒAllow a client to move to the
next page.
ƒAllow a client to move to the
previous page.
ƒThis module is capable to return
result on preliminary market
value of the intended property
based on the answers given by a
client.
Online Valuation
ƒFull name.
Form
ƒContact number.
ƒEmail address.
ƒAddress of the property.
ƒAllow a client to reset the online
property valuation form.
ƒAllow a client to submit the
online property valuation form.
ƒChoice either the
property has extension
or not.
On the other hand, Table 4.4 describes the list of module test together with its
corresponding functional test based on staff’s perspective.
Table 4.4 Test Plan According to Staff’s Perspective
Test Case
Required Data
Expected Result(s)
Registration
ƒEmail address.
ƒAllow a staff to reset the staff
ƒPreferred password.
ƒFull name.
ƒCorresponding address.
ƒMobile number.
ƒTelephone number.
ƒPosition in HBM Kluang
registration form.
ƒAllow a staff to submit the staff
registration form.
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Test Case
Required Data
Expected Result(s)
branch.
Login
ƒUsername.
ƒPassword.
ƒThe Web-based Property
Management System is capable
to distinguish a staff user and
direct the user to a staff’s main
page.
Change
ƒOld password.
Password
ƒNew password.
Property
ƒDate.
Registration
ƒProperty type.
ƒQuick property number.
ƒProperty location.
ƒProperty built-up area.
Remarks on the
registered property.
ƒAll staff is allowed to change
their existing password.
ƒAllow a staff to register new
property case.
ƒAllow a staff to edit a property
case.
ƒAllow a staff to mark a
completed property case.
ƒThis module is capable to move
the marked property case to the
completed property case section
where this section will keep all
the completed property cases for
future reference.
Appointment
ƒDate.
ƒAppointment particulars.
ƒAllow a staff to add an
appointment.
ƒAllow a staff to edit an
appointment.
ƒAllow a staff to delete an
appointment.
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4.8
Chapter Summary
Chapter 4 further illustrates the circumstances exist in HBM Kluang branch
through the UML diagrams. Based on the diagrams, it has been cleared that HBM
Kluang branch is currently having problems with (a) its property advertisement
methods used to find the potential buyers, (b) frustration among its clients when they
were told that the officer in charge is not around when they need further information
on the selected property, (c) dissatisfaction among its clients on the valued market
price of their intended property and (d) uncollected end valuation reports. Based on
the identified circumstances and user requirements, the proposed Web-based
Property Management System business processes are designed using the UML
diagrams.
Then, a database that comprises of 11 tables is designed using Microsoft
Access. The database serves as the backbone of the system where it keeps all
relevant and important information on the property. It has been identified that the
primary users of the Web-based Property Management System are the administrator,
clients and internal staff of HBM Kluang branch. Therefore, an interface chart is
produced to show in detail, modules and functions accessible by each user. In
addition, hardware requirements are recommended to HBM Kluang branch to ensure
the system will run smoothly. The proposed hardware requirements are shown in
section 4.6 – hardware requirements.
On the other hand, a test plan for the Web-based Property Management
System is constructed. The test plan comprises both the module and integration test.
Within each of the module test, a detailed functional test is implemented in order to
ensure all the sub features within the module are workable as expected, followed by
the integration test. Overall, the Web-based Property Management System consists
of four different modules which are registration module, property-for-sale module,
property-to-value module and staff module. Each module provides diverse
functionalities and purpose to better serve the clients and internal staff of HBM
Kluang branch.
CHAPTER 5
DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING
5.1
Coding Approach
ASP is the core programming language that is being used to develop the
proposed Web-based Property Management System, together with the support of IIS
to run the proposed system. IIS serves as the system server and it is well known for
its community-supported and ease of use development tool for building the webbased systems or applications.
ASP is an open, compile-free application environment in which it is able to
combine HTML, scripts and reusable ActiveX server components in order to create
dynamic and powerful Web-based business solutions. Active Server Pages enables
server side scripting for IIS with native support for both VBScript and JScript. Server
side scripts run when a browser requests an .asp file from the Web server. ASP is
called by the Web server, which processes the requested file from top to bottom and
executes any script commands. It then formats a standard Web page and sends it to
the browser.
As mentioned earlier, IIS is needed to run the web-based system. Therefore,
IIS 5.0 is selected as the server for the Web-based Property Management System. IIS
5.0 comes together with Windows XP machine and thus, no other server installer is
required to execute the system.
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Once IIS 5.0 is installed, it is noticeable that the Internet Services Manager
(ISM) Management Console for IIS 5.0 differs somewhat from the one used with IIS
4.0. An example can be seen in Figure 5.1 where in the Virtual Directory tab or the
Home Directory tab for a Web site, the access and content control permissions are no
longer grouped separately. Instead, one new item has been added which is Script
source access. By checking this new option, it allows web access of script resources.
To ensure that the script is not accessible, make sure this option is unchecked.
Figure 5.1 IIS Management Console
Another significant difference relates to controlling the ASP application
settings can be observed in Figure 5.1. Instead of using the checkbox option to run
the application in a separate process, the choices are in a dropdown list box labeled
Application Protection, which contains three options: Low (IIS Process), Medium
(Pooled) and High (Isolated).
Running the application with the Low option in IIS 5.0 is similar to running
the ASP application in IIS 4.0 when the separate process option is not checked. With
this setting, the application runs in the same process as the Web services. If the High
option is selected, the application runs in an environment similar to that in IIS 4.0
121
when the separate process option is checked. With this setting, the ASP application
runs in a process isolated from other ASP applications and the Web server. While the
third option, Medium, is new with IIS 5.0. It allows the ASP application to run in a
process isolated from the Web services, but shared with other, pooled ASP
applications. This provides the advantage of a single process running all of the
pooled applications rather than separate processes being created for each, which can
negatively impact scalability.
Meanwhile, the following is a list of several important advantages that are
offered by ASP:
ƒEase of Use
ASPs are plain HTML pages with ASP code embedded into them enclosed in <%
and %> tags. The developers just have to place the ASP files into a directory on
the server with scripting or execute permissions and the ASPs are ready to run.
Whenever the developers need to change something they just edit the .asp files
and that is it, the relevant changes are applied.
ƒLanguage Independence
ASP is a scripting engine enabling the developer to develop in virtually any
language of their choice. The two languages available by default are VBScript
and Jscript, which are the Microsoft's version of JavaScript and therefore, it
enables the novice of ASP developers to utilize their previous programming
experience. If they have ever programmed in Visual Basic or VBA (the version
of Visual Basic used in the Microsoft Office suite), they will have no problems
starting the development with VBScript. If they are familiar with JavaScript, then
JScript is their choice.
ƒManageability and Customizability
ASP utilizes a text-based and hierarchical configuration system in which it
simplifies applying settings to the web application and server environment. Due
to configuration information is maintained as plain text, new settings may be
applied without the support of local administrative tools. In addition, ASP
122
delivers a well-factored architecture that permits the developers to plug-in their
code at the right and suitable level.
ƒExtensibility
There are virtually no limits to what can be done with ASP as it has unlimited
extensibility provided via Component Object Model (COM) components. This
approach is the key success factor of ASP. For instance, there is no way to send
email using standard ASP functions but there are a lot of components (both free
and commercial) enabling the developers to do this, as well as choosing the
methods and features that they would like to implement. In addition, recent
introduction of JScript shows that the approach is recognized as powerful by one
of the biggest Microsoft competitors, Sun Microsystems.
ƒDevelopment with Scripts
Scripting languages are great for creating applications quickly. Compared to
formal programming languages, the developers generally need far fewer lines of
script to accomplish a task. With the existence of Dynamic HTML and Document
Object Model, the developers can even combine server-side and client-side
scripting to quickly develop a prototype of their ideas.
123
5.1.1
Snapshot of Critical Programming Codes
As mentioned earlier in section 1.5 – scope, the Web-based Property
Management System is developed using ASP. Therefore, all pages included in this
system should be defined with .asp. It is essential to define all pages in .asp as only
pages with .asp suffix will be transmitted to ASP for processing.
Figure 5.2 below shows the ASP coding to set up the ODBC connection for
the web-based system. The author uses conHenryButcher as the name of the ODBC
connection. This unique connection name should be included in each page to ensure
the page can be uploaded to the IIS platform.
<%
' FileName="Connection_odbc_conn_dsn.htm"
' Type="ADO"
' DesigntimeType="ADO"
' HTTP="false"
' Catalog=""
' Schema=""
//Define conHenryButcher here
Dim MM_conHenryButcher_STRING
//STRING represents the dimension of the connection
MM_conHenryButcher_STRING = "dsn=henryButcher;" %>
Figure 5.2 ASP Coding to Set Up the ODBC Connection
124
On the other hand, Figure 5.3 below demonstrates the ASP coding for search
engine. The search is conducted based on the property ID inserted in the Microsoft
Access database. In other word, property ID serves as the primary key of the search.
<%
Dim rsQryCombinedFields
Dim rsQryCombinedFields_numRows
Set rsQryCombinedFields = Server.CreateObject
("ADODB.Recordset")
rsQryCombinedFields.ActiveConnection =
MM_conHenryButcher_STRING
//Search result based on property ID
rsQryCombinedFields.Source = "SELECT DISTINCT
QuickProNo FROM QryCombinedFields"
rsQryCombinedFields.CursorType = 0
rsQryCombinedFields.CursorLocation = 2
rsQryCombinedFields.LockType = 1
rsQryCombinedFields.Open()
rsQryCombinedFields_numRows = 0
%>
<%
Dim rsQryDisplayFields__sqlString
rsQryDisplayFields__sqlString = "WHERE QuickProNo <> 1"
//Return result if the search match 1 and more property ID
If (sqlString <> "") Then
rsQryDisplayFields__sqlString = sqlString
End If
%>
Figure 5.3 ASP Coding for Search Engine
125
Once the property ID is identified, the search results will display other detail
information on the searched property such as township, city, land, price, number of
bedroom and number of bathroom. Figure 5.4 below depicts the ASP coding to
display the search results.
<%
Dim rsQryDisplayFields
Dim rsQryDisplayFields_numRows
Set rsQryDisplayFields = Server.CreateObject
("ADODB.Recordset")
rsQryDisplayFields.ActiveConnection =
MM_conHenryButcher_STRING
//Display the corresponding property details
rsQryDisplayFields.Source = "SELECT DISTINCT
QuickProNo, Project, Township, City, Land, Price, PropertyType,
Tenure, Bedroom, Bathroom FROM QryDisplayFields "
+ Replace(rsQryDisplayFields__sqlString, "'", "''") + " "
rsQryDisplayFields.CursorType = 0
rsQryDisplayFields.CursorLocation = 2
rsQryDisplayFields.LockType = 1
rsQryDisplayFields.Open()
rsQryDisplayFields_numRows = 0
%>
Figure 5.4 ASP Coding to Display the Search Results
126
Meanwhile, Figure 5.5 below illustrates the ASP coding to sort the search
results based on the project or property name in ascending or descending order. This
sorting function provides convenient to the clients as they do not have to sort the
listed property by their own.
<%
DIM strOrderBy, tmpOrderBy
strOrderBy = Request.QueryString("OB")
Select Case strOrderBy
//Sorting starts from here
Case "f_a"
tmpOrderBy = "ORDER BY FirstName ASC"
Case "fn_d"
tmpOrderBy = "ORDER BY FirstName DESC"
Case "l_a"
tmpOrderBy = "ORDER BY LastName ASC"
Case "l_d"
tmpOrderBy = "ORDER BY LastName DESC"
Case Else
tmpOrderBy = "ORDER BY FirstName DESC"
End Select
DIM objRS
Set objRS = Server.CreateObject("ADODB.Recordset")
objRS.Open mySQL, objConn
DO WHILE NOT objRS.EOF
%>
Figure 5.5 ASP Coding to Sort the Search Results According to Project or Property
Name
127
Figure 5.6 below shows the ASP coding to set the header information of the
appointment calendar. Setting up the header information here means setting up the
right date and number of days to the right month. This function is essential to ensure
the staff inserts the right appointment on the right date and month.
<!-- Header Info -->
dayheader += "<table class='day-header' width='100%'
border='0' cellpadding='1' cellspacing='0'>";
dayheader += "<tr>";
dayheader += "<td valign='middle' class='day-header'>
Daily Scheduler</td>";
dayheader += "<td align='right' class='day-hdrDate'>";
//check flag for use of different month text
var monthname = (diffMonth) ? newmonths[mo] : months[mo];
//Check if the day scheduler is equal to the current date
var dayclass = (day == dt) ? "date-highlight" : "day-hdrDate";
dayheader += "<b>" + monthname + " <span class='" +
dayclass + "'>" + day + "</span></b>&nbsp;&nbsp;";
dayheader += "</td>";
dayheader += "</tr>";
dayheader += "</table>";
<!-- Header Info -->
Figure 5.6 ASP Coding to Set the Header Information of the Appointment
Calendar
128
Figure 5.7 below depicts the ASP coding to place all appointments in the
daily scheduler into the specific date column in the calendar. This function will
automatically longer the date column to ensure all added appointments can be
viewed by staff of HBM Kluang branch.
//get all reminders for the day
var theday = months[mo] + day + year;
reminders = getCookie(theday);
reminders = reminders.split("|");
//adjust the length if needed
var text = adjustLength(toedit);
<!-- Display the current text -->
function prePop() {
if(document.edittext.txtbox.value == "") {
document.edittext.txtbox.value = text;
}
}
<!-- Display the current text -->
Figure 5.7 ASP Coding to Place All Appointments into the Specific Date Column in
the Calendar.
129
Figure 5.8 below demonstrates the ASP coding to edit the existing
appointment in the daily scheduler and place the updated appointment on the
calendar. This function must be carefully developed to ensure the right edited
appointments are placed on the calendar.
//If there is only one reminder
if(reminders.length == 1) {
setCookie(theday, newvalue, expiration);
} else {
//replace the old reminder with the new one
reminders[tag] = newvalue;
//create the delimited string
newlist = reminders[0];
for(var i = 1; i < reminders.length; i++) {
newlist += "|" + reminders[i];
}
setCookie(theday, newlist, expiration);
}
//go back to day scheduler
document.location = "day_scheduler.html?" + mo + "&" + day +
"&" + year;
//show results on calendar
window.opener.location = "calendar.html";
}
Figure 5.8 ASP Coding to Edit the Existing Appointments and Place the Updated
Appointments on the Calendar
130
Finally, Figure 5.9 below illustrates the ASP coding to delete the selected
appointments in the daily scheduler and show the results on the calendar. This
function allows the respective staff to delete more than one appointments at one
specific time.
<!-- Delete Function -->
//if more than one checkbox is selected... while statement????
function deleteRemind(has_Preminder) {
if(!has_Preminder) {
alert("There is nothing to delete.");
} else {
personal = getCookie(today);
psl_reminder = personal.split("|");
//Get the exact reminders to delete
var del_num = 0;
for(var idx = 0; idx < psl_reminder.length; idx++) {
if(eval("document.day_main.ckbox" + idx + ".checked")) {
todelete[del_num] = idx;
del_num++;
}
}
//refresh document
document.location = "day_scheduler.html?" + mo + "&" + day +
"&" + year;
//show results on calendar
window.opener.location = "calendar.html";
}
Figure 5.9 ASP Coding to Delete the Selected Appointments and Show the Results
on the Calendar.
131
5.2
Test Result / System Evaluation
Based on section 4.7 – test plan, the actual modules test is conducted to
ensure that all system functionalities integrated in the proposed system are running
smoothly. The modules test is conducted according to the user groups which are
clients and staff of HBM Kluang branch. The following Table 5.1 illustrates the
clients’ system functionalities evaluation for the Web-based Property Management
System.
Table 5.1 System Functionalities Evaluation for Clients of HBM Kluang Branch
Test Case
Expected Result(s)
Passed
Failed
Actual Result(s) /
Remarks
Registration
ƒAllow a client to
¥
All fields in the
reset the client
registration form are
registration form.
set back to empty.
ƒAllow a client to
¥
- The registration
submit the client
form is submitted to
registration form.
the administrator.
- According to the
preferred property
specified by the
client, the client will
receive information
on the latest available
property that matches
the client’s interest
through email.
Property
Search
ƒAllow a client to
¥
- The search results
search for property
are provided in listed
that match the
format.
client’s interest.
- The client may sort
the search results
132
Test Case
Expected Result(s)
Passed
Failed
Actual Result(s) /
Remarks
according to property
name in ascending or
descending order.
ƒAllow a client to
¥
reset the search field.
All fields in the
search section are set
back to empty.
ƒAllow a client to
¥
refine the client’s
search.
ƒAllow a client to
¥
A temporary storage
save the searched
is directed to the
property in the
client.
temporary storage.
ƒAllow a client to
Online
Appointment
¥
The client can remove
delete the searched
any of the listed
property in the
property in the
temporary storage.
temporary storage.
ƒAllow a client to
¥
All fields in the
reset the online
online appointment
appointment form.
form are set back to
empty.
ƒAllow a client to
¥
The online
submit the online
appointment is
appointment form.
submitted to the
administrator.
133
Test Case
Expected Result(s)
Passed
Failed
Actual Result(s) /
Remarks
Property Prevaluation
ƒAllow a client to
¥
The system returns
answer all questions
result on preliminary
regarding their
market value based
property.
on the client’s
answers.
ƒAllow a client to
¥
move to the next
The client is directed
to the next page.
page.
ƒAllow a client to
¥
move to the previous
The client is directed
to the previous page.
page.
Online
ƒAllow a client to
¥
All fields in the
Valuation
reset the online
online valuation form
Form
property valuation
are set back to empty.
form.
ƒAllow a client to
¥
The online property
submit the online
valuation form is
property valuation
submitted to the
form.
administrator.
134
On the other hand, Table 5.2 demonstrates the staff’s system functionalities
evaluation for the Web-based Property Management System.
Table 5.2 System Functionalities Evaluation for Staff of HBM Kluang Branch
Test Case
Expected Result(s)
Passed
Failed
Actual Result(s) /
Remarks
Registration
ƒAllow a staff to reset
All fields in the staff
the staff registration
registration form are
form.
set back to empty.
ƒAllow a staff to
Login
¥
¥
The system directs
submit the staff
the staff to the staff
registration form.
login page.
ƒThe system can
¥
distinguish a staff
The staff is directed
to the staff main page.
user and direct the
user to a staff’s main
page.
Change
Password
Property
Registration
ƒAll staff is allowed
¥
The modified
to change their
password is updated
existing password.
to the database.
ƒAllow a staff to
¥
The registered
register new
property case is saved
property case.
under Pending
section.
ƒAllow a staff to edit
¥
a property case.
The modified fields
are updated to the
database.
ƒAllow a staff to
¥
The marked property
mark a completed
case is removed from
property case.
the Pending section to
135
Test Case
Expected Result(s)
Passed
Failed
Actual Result(s) /
Remarks
the History section,
where History section
keeps records on the
completed property
case for future
reference.
Appointment
ƒAllow a staff to add
¥
an appointment.
The new appointment
is added to the
database.
ƒAllow a staff to edit
¥
an appointment.
The modified
information is
updated to the
database.
ƒAllow a staff to
¥
The selected
delete an
appointment is
appointment.
removed from the
database.
136
5.2.1
User Acceptance Test
User acceptance test is part of transition phase for the proposed Web-based
Property Management System. The primary purpose of this test is to obtain
feedbacks from the end users on whether or not the system meets all specified
objectives (the reader can refer to section 1.4 – project objectives and 1.5 – scope) as
well as the user requirements mentioned in section 4.3 – user requirements.
In general, the user acceptance test should be performed according to clients
and staff of HBM Kluang branch perspectives. However, due to time constraint, only
staff acceptance test has been carried out by the author. Hence, the user acceptance
test form for internal staff can be seen in Appendix A at the end of this report.
Four internal staff of HBM Kluang branch has taken the user acceptance test
on the Web-based Property Management System. On the whole, all staff is satisfied
with the system functionalities as it has met with the user requirements and project
scope identified before the development process takes place. While for usability
aspect, all staff agreed that the Web-based Property Management System usability is
acceptable and the user interfaces are understandable.
In short, with user acceptance test, it demonstrates that the Web-based
property Management System has achieved the project scope and user requirements
specified at the beginning of this project. Nevertheless, there exist some rooms that
can be further expanded and improved in achieving a better system usability and
satisfaction among the system users.
137
5.3
User Manual for Administrator
To ensure a successful implementation of the proposed Web-based Property
Management System, some software and components must be installed by the
administrator.
First, the administrator should install Macromedia Dream Weaver with
Active Server Pages (ASP) as Macromedia Dream Weaver is essential in developing
and running the Web-based Property Management System. For the purpose of this
project, Macromedia Dream Weaver version MX is selected since MX is the most
recent version of Dream Weaver. Macromedia Dream Weaver MX installer comes in
CD format and available at the computer outlets. The reader may refer to Appendix
B on page 163 to view a detailed installation procedure of Macromedia Dream
Weaver MX.
Then, the administrator must set up the Acquire Expert System engine as it is
necessary to develop and maintain the property pre-valuation section where this
section provides the clients with preliminary market value of their intended property.
The results are displayed based on the answers provided by the clients for each
questions on the property. In consequence to that, Acquire version 2.1 is chosen
since this version serves as the most recent version for Acquire Expert System
engine. The reader can refer to Appendix C on page 173 to view a complete
installation process of Acquire Expert System engine.
When both Macromedia Dream Weaver MX and Acquire Expert System
engine has been successfully installed, the next step is to install the Internet
Information Services (IIS). IIS is important to serve as a powerful web server as it
includes Web and File Transfer Protocol (FTP), along with support for ASP and
database connection. Therefore, it provides a highly reliable, manageable and
scalable application infrastructure for the Web-based Property Management System.
The reader can refer to Appendix D on page 194 to look at a detailed installation
procedure of IIS.
138
After installing Macromedia Dream Weaver with Active Server Pages (ASP),
Acquire Expert System Engine and Internet Information Services (IIS), the
installation can then proceed to the final installation stage which is to install the
Web-based Property Management System.
First, a folder that contains all relevant files, pictures and codes on the Webbased Property Management System is created. For this purpose, a folder named HB
has been created and placed at C:\Inepub\wwwroot.
Then, go to Start
Control Panel to activate the control panel window. Click
Administrative Tools and choose Internet Services Manager as shown in Figure 5.10
below.
Figure 5.10 Administrative Tools Window
139
Right click at Default Web Site and choose Properties. The Default Web Site
Properties window will appear as depicted in Figure 5.11 below.
Figure 5.11 Default Web Site Properties Window
The administrator must tick at A directory located on this computer and
define the local path of the HB folder created earlier. Use the Browse… button to
define HB folder’s location. Click OK to finish.
140
The next step is to store the data source of the system. For that purpose,
again, go to Start
Control Panel
Administrative Tools and selects Data
Sources (ODBC) as shown in Figure 5.12 below.
Figure 5.12 Administrative Tools Window
Then, ODBC Data Source Administrator window will appear. The
administrator needs to select System DSN and click Add… button to add new data
source for the Web-based Property Management System. Selects Microsoft Access
Driver (*.mdb) as depicted in Figure 5.13 on page 141. Click Finish to proceed with
the setup process.
141
Figure 5.13 Create New Data Source Window
ODBC Microsoft Access Setup is prompted as shown in Figure 5.14 below.
The administrator must insert the data source name and use the Select… button to
define its location. Click OK to proceed to finish the setup process.
Figure 5.14 ODBC Microsoft Access Setup Window
142
5.4
Chapter Summary
Active Server Pages (ASP) is the core programming language in developing
the proposed Web-based Property Management System. In implementing the
proposed system, the author has fully utilized the Internet Information Services (IIS)
as its server manager to upload the system in the web-based platform. In addition,
with ASP’s language independence feature, the author has the choice to develop the
system either using VBScript or Jscript based on the author’s familiarity in writing
the program codes.
Section 5.1.1 in this chapter illustrates some critical programming codes
during the system development process. The critical codes includes displaying the
search results, sorting the listed search results, checking the current reminder in the
appointment list, editing the existing appointment and place the
updated
appointment on the monthly calendar and removing selected appointment from the
appointment list.
Meanwhile, section 5.2 in this chapter shows the system functionalities
evaluation for both the clients and internal staff of HBM Kluang branch. The
evaluation indicates the completion status of all the functionalities available in the
proposed system. In addition, staff user acceptance test has been carried out for four
internal staff of HBM Kluang branch. Overall, the staff satisfied with the completed
functionalities and agreed that the system’s usability is acceptable and the user
interfaces are understandable. In general, based on the user acceptance test, it reveals
that the Web-based Property Management System has fulfilled the project scope and
user requirements identified during the inception phase.
CHAPTER 6
ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY
6.1
Rollout Strategy
HBM Kluang branch is currently using pen and paper method in handling all
its real estate businesses which is mostly involved with residential properties.
Therefore, in order to align HBM Kluang branch’s environment with the Web-based
Property Management System, some phase type rollout strategies are proposed.
Firstly, it is strongly recommended that HBM Kluang branch appoints at least
one good Webmaster that will also act as an Administrator. In consequence to that,
HBM Kluang branch can utilize the proposed system itself together with other
channels such as newspaper or job hunting websites to advertise its current need for a
Webmaster. From there, interview can be conducted to ensure that only the talented
candidate, who will be fully responsible in maintaining the system is appointed.
Then, to ensure the Web-based Property Management System will serve as a
one stop solution for property management for clients of HBM Kluang branch, it
should add more functionality and module to cater for increasing needs of its clients.
One of the modules that can be included is property auction. Due to that, thorough
studies should be done in order to successfully establish the online auction site and
functionalities relevant to that application. The expected duration required to develop
that particular module is one and a half years since it will involve more
communications and collaborations between the bidder and seller.
144
As handheld devices are becoming more important and widely accepted in
sending and extracting significant data, the Web-based Property Management
System can be extended to offer services through this mobile technology. Currently,
the system will send information and details on property that matches the registered
clients needs and interests directly to their email account. This approach has the
potential to be altered from using only email account to using email account and
handheld devices. Again, thorough studies and researches must be conducted in order
to fully understand the process workflow and the best methodology required in
developing such approach. With that, clients of HBM Kluang branch who are too
busy to check their email account will have another option to get updated with the
listing property available in HBM Kluang branch. An estimation of another one year
is needed to develop that particular approach.
In other words, two years later, the Web-based Property Management System
should be fully adopted in HBM Kluang branch as it already covers all business
operations conducted by that company. Hence, it will then be appropriate to integrate
the proposed system to the headquarters of HBM located in Kuala Lumpur. At this
stage, negative response from end clients in using the Web-based Property
Management System should be lessened as it has been adopted at HBM Kluang
branch. As the headquarters conduct more business operations such as machinery,
asset management, property consultancy and so forth, an estimation of another one
and a half years is sufficient to cover more property functions and modules. In
addition, with the integration between Kluang branch and the headquarters, it enables
easier communication, collaboration and exchange of ideas among the staff and
hence, it will offer better service to the clients. The next section 6.2 – change
management further discusses the recommended business strategies in adopting the
proposed Web-based Property Management System.
145
6.2
Change Management
To ensure a successful execution of the proposed Web-based Property
Management System, the following change management strategies are suggested to
HBM Kluang branch:
ƒStaff training
It has been identified that people neglect to change their current business process
due to unfamiliarity with the technology-based system. Therefore, to ensure the
Web-based Property Management System will be fully utilized by staff of HBM
Kluang branch, appropriate training program should be provided. The training
may consist of working procedures and troubleshooting should be able to
facilitate the staff in using the system without any problems.
ƒAdministrator training
The Web-based Property Management System is not a motionless system. It will
be further enhanced and updated in order to fulfill increasing needs of its users.
Therefore, sufficient training should be provided to the appointed Administrator
especially in web development fields for future development of the proposed
system so that, HBM Kluang branch is able to move forward in front of its
competitors.
ƒSystem registration
A professional web-based system need to be widely exposed to the public to
ensure that people know the existence of that particular system. In consequence
to that, the Web-based Property Management System should have its unique
domain name searchable by the public using various search engines available in
the Internet.
ƒFull access to timely information
Web-based Property Management System allows the administrator to update the
property particulars instantly through the usage of electronic system. This keeps
the content fresh and reliable to ensure clients of HBM Kluang branch will have
146
access to the most current property information immediately at anytime without
restriction to the usual office hours.
Effective combination of people and leadership will help with strategic
direction and successful plan delivery. Therefore, it is important to obtain full
support and commitment from the top management in executing the strategies
mentioned above. This is to ensure that the Web-based Property Management
System can be implemented more effectively and efficiently.
6.3
Data Migration Plan
All particulars of the intended property serve as the main data for the
proposed Web-based Property Management System. The data varies from property
number, location and type to the tenure, provision land area calculated in square feet
and listing price. These particulars are appropriate to be transferred by the
administrator in order to assist its clients in making a wise decision by choosing only
the best property that closely matches their current needs and requirements.
On the other hand, data related to the history of the property will be migrated
when the corresponding staff of HBM Kluang branch logged in to the Web-based
Property Management System. In other words, once the internal staff has
successfully logged in to the system, the staff can register new property and view
reports on which property has been sold and not yet been sold. In addition, the staff
can view the date and time they will meet the clients for further discussion on the
selected property. To ensure security, all staff is provided with a unique username
and password to log in and therefore, they can only view their own data. This will
avoid other staff or outsiders from deleting or editing any information without their
permission.
147
6.4
Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for the Web-based Property Management
System is required in order to plan for how HBM Kluang branch will resume
partially or completely any interrupted critical functions or data if a disaster or
disruption strikes. It is recommended that daily and monthly system backups should
be performed using compact disk-recordable (CD-R) and external hard disk. The
daily backup should be performed at the end of every working days using CD-R,
where daily property information is uploaded. Meanwhile, the monthly backup is
scheduled at the end of every month, where most of the updated property information
is available and finalized.
In addition, it is recommended that HBM Kluang branch should prepare a
disaster recovery manual that mainly consists of post-failure procedures in resuming
the system, location of the backup data and other critical issues that are necessary for
the Web-based Property Management System continuity operation. Consequently,
HBM Kluang branch may seek advices and additional information from any
computer vendors or experts when preparing the disaster recovery manual. Thus,
with the adoption of system backup twice a year and creation of a disaster recovery
manual, these will facilitate HBM Kluang branch to ensure the continuity operation
of the Web-based Property Management System.
6.5
Expected Competitive Advantage Gain from the Proposed System
A study has been conducted to see how much paper-based advertisement cost
HBM Kluang branch is able to save upon implementing the web-based system. The
study is carried out as per year basis. As HBM Kluang branch is suggested to
perform the phase type rollout strategy, it should not immediately eliminate its paperbased advertisement method. Instead, it is suggested that the current method is
reduced to 60% and HBM Kluang branch should slowly bring in the Web-based
Property Management System to the public.
148
The items listed below are needed for paper-based advertisement method
currently deployed by HBM Kluang branch:
ƒStationery. The stationery includes A4 papers, pens, pencils and so forth for the
respective staff to make draft of the property advertisement before it is approved
by the Managing Director.
ƒPrinting. Printing primarily includes ink cartridges which are color and black ink
together with cost to make photocopies of the flyers. It has been identified that
HBM Kluang branch occupied 1000 flyers for a single property.
ƒFlyers Distribution. HBM Kluang branch uses the newspaper agents’ service to
distribute the flyers to the public. Due to that, RM 0.04 per flyer is the cost set by
the newspaper agents. Since 1000 flyers are needed for one property, a total of
RM40 is needed for one property.
ƒBanners. HBM Kluang branch uses 4 banners for each property. Each banner
costs RM 40, giving the total costs of RM 160 per property.
Table 6.1 on page 149 shows the approximate value of paper-based
advertisement expenses of HBM Kluang branch according to year. The figures
shown in Table 6.1 reveal that the advertisement costs increase from 2003 to 2004 by
53.12%. Even though only fragments of 2005’s advertisement costs are shown, the
postulated expenses show there might be an increment up to 121.23% from 2004 to
2005. This is due to more new cases are registered with Henry Butcher Kluang
branch each year. The company spends a lot primarily in printing, flyer distribution
and banners as these are the major methods involved in attracting the new and
existing customers to buy the listed properties available in HBM Kluang branch.
149
Table 6.1 Approximate Value of Paper-based Advertisement Expenses of HBM
Kluang branch
Items
Year
Postulation
Stationery
2005
Expenses from
(January-
April to December
2003
2004
March)
2005
(RM)
(RM)
(RM)
(RM)
2,136
2,564
720.9
2,162.7
4,027.5
6,646
2,316
6,948
Distribution
2,230
3,460
2,325
6,975
Banners
8,920
13,840
9,300
27,900
17,313.5
26,510
14,661.9
43,985.7
Printing
Flyer
Total
Based on Table 6.1, a bar graph is plotted to provide an additional view on
the paper-based advertisement expenses as shown in Figure 6.1:
Bar Graph Showing Approximate Paper-based
Advertisement Expenses of HBM Kluang branch
Advertisement Expenses (RM)
50,000.00
45,000.00
2003
40,000.00
35,000.00
2004
30,000.00
25,000.00
2005 (Jan-March)
20,000.00
15,000.00
2005 (April-Dec)Postulation Value
10,000.00
5,000.00
0.00
1 ear
Y
Figure 6.1 Bar Graph Showing Approximate Value of the Paper-based
Advertisement Expenses of HBM Kluang branch
150
A comparison has been done to estimate how much cost HBM Kluang branch
is able to reduce if deploying the Web-based Property Management System. The
estimated value reveals that HBM Kluang branch can reduce up to 59.12% of its
advertisement expenses upon implementing the proposed system. The calculations as
per year are carried out as below:
Average Paper-based Cost (RM)
Estimated Web-based Cost (RM)
Stationery
2,528
Stationery
1,011
Printing
6,646
Printing
2,658
Flyer Distribution
4,997
Flyer Distribution
1,999
Banners
7,995
Banners
Total
19,987
34,158
Web Hosting Service
180
Streamyx Enterprise 1.0M
120
Total
13,963
With the adoption of the Web-based Property Management System, HBM
Kluang branch will be able to reduce its paper-based advertisement items and
expenses needed up to 60% as recommended earlier by the author. Even though webhosting service and Streamyx application need to be paid, the total expenses are still
relatively lower compared to the paper-based solution. Web-hosting service is very
important to ensure HBM Kluang branch has its own registered domain name
accessible by the public at anytime and anywhere. On the other hand, Streamyx
Enterprise ADSL 1.0M is suggested to ensure faster connection to the Internet, better
response time and prevent data lost when communication takes place. ADSL here
refers to Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line which is a technology that allows more
data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines. ADSL supports data rates from
1.5 to 9 Mbps when receiving data (known as the downstream rate) and from 16 to
640 Kbps when sending data (known as the upstream rate).
In short, it has been estimated that HBM Kluang branch can save its
advertisement expenses up to 59.12% upon implementing the proposed Web-based
Property Management System. Figure 6.2 on page 151 depicts comparison between
paper-based advertisement approaches and web-based system.
151
Bar Graph Showing Expenses Comparison between Paperbased Solution and Web-based System
40,000
Estimated Expenses (RM)
35,000
30,000
25,000
Paper-based
20,000
Web-based
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
1
Advertisement
method
Figure 6.2 Expenses Comparisons between Paper-based Advertisement Methods and
Web-based Advertisement Approach
6.6
Chapter Summary
This chapter explains the recommended strategies that HBM Kluang branch
can take in implementing the proposed Web-based Property Management System.
The author suggested a phase type rollout strategy where firstly, a Webmaster should
be appointed by the company as the company does not have any Information
Technology (IT) personnel working with them. The Webmaster will act as the
Administrator to maintain and handle future development of the proposed system.
Then, HBM Kluang branch is recommended to expand the system
functionalities and module to ensure the system will become a one stop solution in
property management. With that, property auction should be included and thorough
studies must be conducted in order to successfully construct the online auction site. It
is estimated that the development of the online auction site will take about one year
to complete.
152
In order to provide better services for clients of HBM Kluang branch, the
distribution of updated property information from the company to its clients should
not be restricted to only emails. Handheld devices can be fully utilized in distributing
the property information as handheld devices are becoming more imperative and
broadly accepted in transferring and extracting significant data. With that, another
one year will be consumed to develop such application. Finally, integration with the
headquarters is suggested to HBM Kluang branch. At this stage, lesser negative
response from the end clients in using the proposed system is detected as it has been
successfully adopted at HBM Kluang branch. Therefore, integration with the
headquarters is appropriate as the system is stable and robust enough to be
integrated.
In addition, the author has identified several change management that HBM
Kluang branch should take to ensure a successful execution of the rollout strategy.
Staff and administrator training, system registration and full access to timely
information are the identified actions that HBM Kluang branch should focus on.
While in business continuity plan, performing the system backup twice a year and
preparing a disaster recovery manual are very fundamental to ensure the continuity
operation of the Web-based Property Management System.
The final section of this chapter further discussed about the expected
organizational benefits gained from the Web-based Property Management System.
Using the proposed system, the conventional property advertisement method is
recommended to be reduced up to 60% in order to slowly bring in the system as an
additional property advertisement approach to the public. It is expected that HBM
Kluang branch can save its advertisement expenses up to 59.12% using the Webbased Property Management System. Therefore, it proves that the implementation of
Web-based property Management System is sufficient to facilitate HBM Kluang
branch in conducting its daily business operations.
CHAPTER 7
DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION
7.1
Achievements
In general, the best achievement accomplished by the author is completing
the MCU 1124 Project 2. MCU 1124 Project 2 is a masters project for IT
Management course that primarily involved producing a complete written report
related to the developed Web-based Property Management System proposed by the
author.
Throughout the process of completing MCU 1124 Project 2, the author has
constantly applied knowledge that she gained and learnt from the masters course
such as system development application, OOM, UML diagrams, strategic planning
for information systems, IT for organizational transformation and so on.
In chapter 2 – literature review, the author has studied and explored issues
related to the development of the proposed Web-based Property Management
System. The studies include platform comparison between web-based and clientserver, common property management procedures, expert system shell and various
online payment methods. Based on the studies, the author selected the best
approaches to ensure the system development can be completed within the specific
time frame.
154
In addition, the author further described the selected system development
methodology and respective tasks involved in each phase in section 3.3 – system
development methodology. A project schedule illustrated using the Gantt chart has
been generated in order to keep track of the development progress.
Based on the business process and data model drawn in chapter 4 – system
design, the proposed Web-based Property Management System is designed and
tested. The proposed system that comprises of four unique modules (registration
module, property-for-sale module, property-to-value module and staff module),
present different functionalities and purposes in order to serve different needs of
internal staff and clients of HBM Kluang branch.
To ensure a successful deployment of the Web-based Property Management
System, organizational strategies are further discussed in chapter 6. The strategies
include rollout strategy, data migration, business continuity plan (BCP) and expected
organizational benefits.
Finally, chapter 7 – discussion & conclusion highlights the author’s
achievements and constraints in completing the MCU 1124 Project 2. In addition,
chapter 7 explains on the constraints of the Web-based Property Management System
and future enhancements that can be carried out.
7.2
Constraints and Challenges
ƒConstraints
On the whole, the Web-based Property Management System is not applicable
to all real estate companies. Instead the system is proposed, designed and
developed based on HBM Kluang branch circumstances, where the clients and
internal staff of HBM Kluang branch are the main players of the system.
155
Seeing that the goal of the Web-based Property Management System is
developed to serve only HBM Kluang branch needs and requirements, some
functionality other than the scope specified in the report are not included. For
instance, the property auction that contains property bidding is not included in the
proposed system.
For illustration purpose, rather than covering all HBM branches available in
Malaysia, the Web-based Property Management System is developed using the
pilot of Kluang branch. Therefore, it involves no system integration among the
HBM branches.
ƒChallenges
Time duration is the major challenge faced by the author. The time taken in
developing the Web-based Property Management System has been very tough. The
author found out that it is quite difficult to focus on the system development due to
other commitments she is holding such as office workloads and classes during the
weekends.
Besides, mastering the programming language was another great challenge to
the author. This is due to the author does not have any experience developing a
system using PHP programming language. Therefore, the author needs to self learn
and explore the PHP programming language by referring to lots of programming
books, websites and online tutorials available in the Internet. Consequently, various
programming problems were faced during the system implementation, from initial
system design and database connection to developing and maintaining workable
functionalities.
However, due to the author’s consistency and determination, finally the Webbased Property Management System has been completed on time and fulfilling all
the project scope and user requirements as cited earlier. It is a huge accomplishment
to the author, as the Web-based Property Management System has been successfully
developed from nil knowledge on the PHP programming language and later serves as
HBM Kluang branch’s support system in handling its daily business operations.
156
7.3
Lessons Learned
In completing this Project 2, the author was facing a misfortune during the
final presentation day where her notebook was infected by computer virus. Due to
that unpleasant situation, the author has to postpone her system demonstration on the
next Friday, 7 April 2006.
The author was able to gain help from her schoolmate in fixing her notebook.
It has been identified that the notebook’s operating system was crashed because of
the dirty computer virus. Furthermore, the hard disk was badly contaminated and the
author can only recover less than ten files on the proposed Web-based Property
Management System. With those results, the author has to redevelop the web-based
system in approximately three days.
The three days prior to the postponed presentation session has been very
tough and hectic to the author. With the office work loads during day time, the author
can only redevelop the system at night time. However, with full determination and
hard work, the author managed to complete the proposed Web-based Property
Management System up to roughly 70 to 75 percent. A few things as highlighted
below has assist the author a lot in remembering the codes and rules during the
redevelopment process:
a) In some cases, a few important things are being jot down in piece of papers. It
is advisable not to loose or throw away those papers as the papers may
contain important codes and data that appear in the mind during that specific
development time.
b) It is very useful that the final report includes together some critical
programming codes of the proposed system. In consequence to that, the
critical programming codes in the final report have helped the author in
remembering the codes especially in staff module.
c) Previously, the author kept all the user interfaces of the web-based system in
a CD-R. Using that data, the author was able to recall what fields should be
included in each form presented in the Web-based Property Management
System.
157
On the whole, it is very essential to perform daily backups to other external
media such as CD-R, external hard disk or thumb drive. A distasteful situation like
what the author has described above can happen anytime and to anybody. Therefore,
it is advisable to take precaution action before anything bad or even worse happen
because at the end nobody will face any loss due to performing the backups.
7.4
Aspirations
In general, even though the Web-based Property Management System has
successfully delivered all the functionalities pointed out in the user requirements,
there are still some room spaces for future enhancement.
The user interface can be further enhanced in order to make the web-based
system more attractive to the viewers. This can be done with the help of any imaging
software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator by referring to many other
professional websites available in the Internet.
On the other hand, for future development, the Web-based Property
Management System can be further expanded to cater other business operations
conducted by HBM Kluang branch. With that, the web-based system will serve not
as a support system but as a major operation system since it assembles together all
property operations into one stable and robust electronic platform.
In addition, future improvement of the Web-based Property Management
System may include integration with the headquarters and other branches of HBM.
Hence, additional features and functionalities should be added in order to make the
web-based system more valuable and serves as the strategic tool in reaching new
clients and providing more benefits to the existing clients.
158
7.5
Chapter Summary
On the whole, completing the MCU 1124 Project 2 that mainly involves the
production of a comprehensive written report and workable Web-based Property
Management System are the author’s greatest achievements.
The written report that includes the author’s studies on issues related to the
proposed system such as comparisons between web-based and client server system,
common property management procedures, online payment and system development
methodology serve as the author’s major reference in choosing the best approach to
develop the proposed system. In addition, organizational strategies have been
formulated by the author to ensure a success deployment of the proposed system.
The strategies include rollout strategy, data migration, business continuity plan
(BCP) and expected organizational benefits. Whereas, the Web-based Property
Management System is successfully developed in accordance to HBM Kluang
branch’s needs and requirements serves as its support system in conducting its daily
business operations.
Since the Web-based Property Management System is customized only for
HBM Kluang branch, it includes only the functionalities stated in the project scope.
It does not cover other functionality such as property auction since time is the major
constraint in this project. Therefore, the proposed system may not well-suited with
other real estate companies available in Malaysia.
For future enhancement, the Web-based Property Management System can be
integrated with the headquarters and other branches of HBM. To make the system
more effective, the user interface can be further improved and other property
management functionalities should be included in order to make it as one stop
property solution and therefore, making HBM a step ahead in front of its
competitors.
159
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10. Kell, S. (2005). The Role of Real-time Information in Wholesale Banking.
Patni Computer System, Ltd. October, 1.
11. (2005). Real Estate Outlook for 2005. In: Property Times. March, 12.
12. (2005). Rising Demand for Commercial Property. In: Property Times.
January, 23.
13. (2005). Fending off the Fury. In: Property Times. March, 12.
160
APPENDIX A
User Acceptance Test for Web-based Property Management System – Staff of
HBM Kluang Branch
Functionalities Test:
Test Case
Expected Result(s)
Passed
Failed
Actual Result(s) /
Remarks
Registration
ƒAllow a staff to reset
the staff registration
form.
ƒAllow a staff to submit
the staff registration
form.
Login
ƒThe system can
distinguish a staff user
and direct the user to a
staff’s main page.
Change
Password
ƒAll staff is allowed to
change their existing
password.
Property
Registration
ƒAllow a staff to
register new property
case.
ƒAllow a staff to edit a
property case.
ƒAllow a staff to mark a
completed property
case.
161
Test Case
Expected Result(s)
Passed
Failed
Actual Result(s) /
Remarks
Appointment
ƒAllow a staff to add an
appointment.
ƒAllow a staff to edit an
appointment.
ƒAllow a staff to delete
an appointment.
Usability Test:
Please rank each of the following system features according to the listed criteria:
1 – Strongly disagree
2 – Disagree
3 – OK / No comment
4 – Agree
5 – Strongly agree
System Features
Do you agree that the system is easy to
navigate?
Do you agree that the system functionalities
are meeting your working environment?
Do you agree that the system functionalities
are complete?
Do you agree that the system design is
acceptable and appropriate?
Do you think that the system design is
attractive and looks professional?
Do you agree that the system design is
consistent?
1
2
3
4
5
162
System Features
1
Do you agree that the system’s font size is
acceptable and appropriate?
Do you agree that the system’s font color is
appropriate with the screen color?
Do you agree that the system flows are easy to
understand?
Do you agree that the information / data
presented in the system is enough?
Additional comments / remarks:
Signature: ……………………………….
Name: (
Date:
)
2
3
4
5
163
APPENDIX B
Installation Procedure for Macromedia Dream Weaver with Active Server
Pages (ASP)
Place the Macromedia Dream Weaver MX installer in the CD-ROM. Double
click at Macromedia Dreamweaver MX folder to open the relevant file available in
that folder.
Macromedia Dream Weaver MX Installer Window
164
Select the Dreamweaver MX Installer to proceed with the installation
process.
Macromedia Dream Weaver Window
165
The installation is started with file extraction from the installer as depicted
below.
InstallShield wizard – Files Extraction Process
166
Follow the ongoing window instructions until the Macromedia Dreamweaver
MX Installation window appears as shown below. Click Next to proceed to the next
installation step.
Macromedia Dream Weaver MX Installation – Initial Process
167
The License Agreement window is prompted. Choose Yes to agree with the
stated license agreement.
Macromedia Dream Weaver MX Installation – License Agreement
168
Choose the destination location for Macromedia Dream Weaver MX. Click
Next if the administrator agrees with the suggested destination folder or click
Browse… to select another destination folder.
Macromedia Dream Weaver MX Installation – Destination Location
169
Tick at the Active Server Pages (ASP). However, the selection is not limited
to only one default editor. The administrator may choose more than one default
editor. Click Next to proceed to the next window.
Macromedia Dream Weaver MX Installation – Default Editor
170
Click Next to confirm the settings made earlier as shown below.
Macromedia Dream Weaver MX Installation – Copying Files Process
171
The installation process will take place as depicted below. The percentage
shows the completed installation elements.
Macromedia Dream Weaver MX Installation – Setup Status
172
Click Finish once the setup has finished installing Macromedia Dream
Weaver in the administrator’s computer as illustrated below.
Macromedia Dream Weaver MX Installation – Installation Complete.
173
APPENDIX C
Installation Procedure for Acquire Expert System Engine
To run the Acquire Expert System engine, three different components must
be installed. The three components are Acquire, Acquire SDK and Acquire NT
Service.
First, click at Install Acquire to start installing the Acquire component as
shown below.
Installer Acquire 2.1 Window
174
Then, an InstallShield Wizard is prompted indicating that the Acquire Setup
is preparing the InstallShield Wizard which will guide the administrator throughout
the setup process.
Acquire is Preparing the InstallShield Wizard to Guide the Administrator
Click Next to proceed with the Acquire installation process as indicated
below.
Acquire InstallShield Wizard – Initial Installation
175
Next, the software license agreement window is prompted. Click Yes to agree
with the agreement and proceed to the next installation process as indicated below.
Acquire InstallShield Wizard – Software License Agreement
176
A Readme.txt file is prompted to provide brief information on Acquire. Click
Next to proceed to the next window.
Acquire InstallShield Wizard – Readme.txt File
The administrator must key in the user name, organization and activation key
as required. The activation key is compulsory while the user name and organization
are optional to key in. Click OK once the administrator has finished inserting all data
as illustrated below.
Acquire InstallShield Wizard – User Information and Activation Key
177
Choose the destination directory to install Acquire. Click Next to agree with
the recommended destination or click Browse… to select another destination as
shown below.
Acquire InstallShield Wizard – Destination Directory
178
The next window indicates that program icon will be placed in the
administrator’s computer. Click Next to proceed with the installation as depicted
below.
Acquire InstallShield Wizard – Placing the Program Icons
179
Click Finish to end the Acquire installation process.
Acquire InstallShield Wizard – Complete Installation
180
The next step is to install the Acquire SDK component. Click Install Acquire
SDK to start installing that component as shown below.
Install Acquire 2.1 Window
181
An InstallShield Wizard is prompted indicating the administrator that the
Acquire SDK setup is preparing the InstallShield Wizard that will direct the
administrator through the rest of the setup process as depicted below.
Acquire SDK is Preparing the InstallShield Wizard to Guide the Administrator
A welcome note is prompted in the window. Click Next to proceed with the
installation process as shown below.
Acquire SDK InstallShield Wizard – Initial Setup
182
Click Yes to agree with the software license agreement as illustrated below.
Acquire SDK InstallShield Wizard – Software License Agreement
183
Then, the window will display the readme.txt file where it provides concise
information about Acquire SDK. Click Next to proceed as depicted below.
Acquire SDK InstallShield Wizard – Readme.txt File
Please key in the user name, organization and activation key to activate the
Acquire SDK component. Click OK to proceed to the next step as illustrated below.
Acquire SDK InstallShield Wizard – User Information and Activation Key
184
Click Next to agree with the destination directory recommended by the
wizard. Otherwise, click Browse… to decide on another destination directory as
illustrated below.
Acquire SDK InstallShield Wizard – Destination Directory
185
The next window specifies that program icon will be positioned in the
administrator’s computer. Click Next to continue with the installation as depicted
below.
Acquire SDK InstallShield Wizard – Placing the Program Icons
186
Click Finish to complete the setup process of Acquire SDK component as
shown below.
Acquire SDK InstallShield Wizard – Setup Completed
187
Next, the administrator needs to install the final component which is Acquire
NT Service. Click Install Acquire NT Service to start installing that final component
as shown below.
Install Acquire 2.1 Window
188
Then, an InstallShield Wizard is prompted indicating that Acquire Service
setup is preparing the InstallShield Wizard which will guide the administrator
throughout the setup process.
Acquire Service is Preparing the InstallShield Wizard to Guide the Administrator
A welcome note is displayed indicating that it is strongly recommended that
the administrator exit all windows application before running this setup program.
Click next to continue.
Acquire Service InstallShield Wizard – Initial Setup Process
189
Then, a software license agreement is prompted. Click Yes to agree with the
stated software license agreement and proceed to the next installation step as
depicted below.
Acquire Service InstallShield Wizard – Software License Agreement
The administrator must key in the user name, organization and activation key
as required by the setup program to activate the Acquire NT Service component as
illustrated below.
Acquire Service InstallShield Wizard – User Information and Activation Key
190
Choose the destination directory to install the Acquire NT Service
component. Click Next to agree with the suggested destination directory or click
Browse… to select another directory.
Acquire Service InstallShield Wizard – Destination Directory
191
The next window shows that program icon will be located in the
administrator’s computer. Click Next to keep on with the setup process as depicted
below.
Acquire Service InstallShield Wizard – Placing the Program Icons
192
Click Finish to end the installation process.
Acquire Service InstallShield Wizard – Installation Finished
193
Click Exit once all the components have been successfully installed to end
the installation procedure.
Install Acquire 2.1 Window
194
APPENDIX D
Installation Procedure for Internet Information Services (IIS)
First, the administrator must go to Setting and select Control Panel to activate
the Control Panel window. Click the Add/Remove Programs as shown below.
Control Panel Window
195
The following window is prompted once the administrator has clicked the
Add/Remove Programs button indicating that the administrator should wait for a few
seconds for the next window to appear.
Windows XP Setup
Next, choose Add/Remove Windows Components located on the left side of
the window. Once the administrator clicks that button, the Windows Components
Wizard will appear as shown below.
Windows Components Wizard – Adding and Removing Selected Windows
Component
196
From the Windows Component Wizard, carefully tick the Internet
Information Services (IIS) and click Next button at the bottom of the window for
automatic installation of IIS. The status of the installation is displayed as illustrated
below.
Windows Components Wizard – Configuring Components
197
Click the Finish button when the Windows Components Wizard has
successfully install the IIS as shown below.
Windows Components Wizard – Installation Completed