"WEB BASED PUBLICATIONS DATABASE"

Supervised by S.Renals

Abstract

This project is concerned with the design and implementation of a web based publications database for the Speech and Hearing Group, a research group based in Sheffield University's Department of Computer Science. The essential requirements for the system are that it should have a clearly presented and highly useable web front-end that fits in stylistically with the group's existing web site. The system should provide a main search page that is accessible to anyone and will give various options to help quickly locate any publications recorded in the database. A restricted access administrators section should also be created and this will provide the means for entering new publications into the database and for altering and deleting existing details.

Additional requirements for the system include the need for an automated method for inputting new entries into the database to be added to the administrators section of the web-site. A mechanism for allowing Speech and Hearing members to post their publication details in free text format to the administration part of the site, such that they can then be entered into the database, is also needed. A final requirement is for an expansion of the search pages to include advanced search options.

This dissertation begins by describing the requirements for this project in some detail. Following this is an exploration of the technologies that may be utilised in developing the solution. The design process is then discussed and the system that has been implemented for the Speech and Hearing Group is explained. The dissertation concludes by mentioning what further work is necessary to achieve a highly satisfactory solution.