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CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND SYSTEM ANALYSIS
3.0    Introduction
Research methodology is a systematic way to solve the research problem, rather than haphazardly using a collection of methods to perform research. Research methods, on the other hand, refer to the methods and techniques used by the researcher in performing the research such as data collection techniques, data processing techniques and instruments. Kothari (1985). This chapter contains the methodologies in the research approach and techniques for data collections for this project.
3.1    Methodology
The methodology used in this research is the waterfall model. The waterfall model is a popular version of the systems development life cycle model for software engineering. Often considered the classic approach to the systems development life cycle, the waterfall model describes a development method that is linear and sequential. Waterfall development has distinct goals for each phase of development. Imagine a waterfall on the cliff of a steep mountain. Once the water has flowed over the edge of the cliff and has begun its journey down the side of the mountain, it cannot turn back. It is the same with waterfall development. Once a phase of development is completed, the development proceeds to the next phase and there is no turning back. The waterfall model comprises of five main phases as described below.
a)    Software Requirement Specifications (SRS)
b)    System Design and Software Design
c)    Implementation and Unit testing
d)    Integration and System Testing
e)    Operation and Maintenance

•    Software Requirements Specifications:
This is the most crucial phase of the whole project. In this phase, project team along with the clients makes a detailed list of user requirements. The project team chalks out the functionality and limitations (if there are any) of the software they are developing, in detail. The document which contains all this information is called SRS and it clearly and unambiguously indicates the requirements. A small amount of top- level analysis and design is also documented. This document is verified and endorsed by the client before starting the project. SRS serves as the input for further phases.
•    System Design and Software Design:
Using SRS as input, system design is done. System design includes designing of software and hardware i.e. functionality of hardware and software is separated-out. After separation design of software modules is done. The design process translates requirements into representation of  the software that  can be assessed  for quality before generation of code begins. At the same time test plan is prepared, test plan describes the various tests which will be carried out on the system after completion of development