Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)

First Advisor

Zehai Zhou

Second Advisor

Mark Moran

Third Advisor

Ronghua Shan

Abstract

The Trend Analysis web site was created to help allow users to input data into a central database and then perform a statistical analysis on the data sets. The web site was coded with PHP and uses a mySQL database to store the user account information, user data, and permissions that each user has to the different data groups. At completion, the web site is bundled with all the necessary PHP files, database schemas, documentation on the creation of the web site, and user/administrator manuals. The project was created using open source technology, including the PHP web programming language, a MySQL database, and an Apache web server. The cost effectiveness of utilizing an open source platform is passed on to the end-user, because the administrator does not need to purchase any extra software products in order to install or run the project package. This is a major advantage to smaller businesses that are just beginning to have a web presence and do not have a large budget for server software. This web site was created in response to an inquiry about a system that could possibly be used to allow for the sharing of data across the Internet without the hassle of bulky spreadsheets (which would also require similar spreadsheet software on the receiving end). The data that is shared can be manipulated by multiple users concurrently, and analyzed in the same manner. Each of the analysis tools has been refined to allow for maximum effect with minimum pre-requisite of user knowledge in the statistical area. The visualizations that the web site presents are simple to understand, yet powerful enough to provide users with the information they may need. Statistical data about each data set is also computed as a supplementary aide for analysis.

Comments

dsu-th-185

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