ONLINE SALON SYSTEM

CASE STUDY: DIVAS BEAUTY

SHOP
 
 
AWES ABUBAKAR- BSCIT-01-
1343/2021
PHOENIKE MKAWUDA- BSCIT-
01-8459/2021
RIOBA JOSHUA- BSCIT-01-
8352/2021
DECLARATION
We declare that this document is a product of OUR effort, time, and study for the award of a
degree in information technology by Zetech University.
 
Researchers:

Name: Awes Abubakar. Adm No: BSCIT-01-1343/2021. Sign ___________

Name: Pheonike Mkawuda. Adm No: BSCIT-01-8459/2021. Sign ___________

Name: Rioba Joshua. Adm No: BSCIT-01-8359/2021. Sign ___________

Supervisor
Name: Nicholas Muriithi. Sign ___________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Special thanks to my supervisor, Mr. Nicholas Muriithi, who helped us throughout the session
of this project by pointing out the corrections in our work and showing us the correct way of
doing it. We also thank our course members for helping us with the necessities we needed for
this research and being so cooperative. Special thanks to Divas Beauty Shop for their
encouragement and for looking up to them for this project. Lastly, our head of department, Mr.
Daniel Njeru for his relentless help and patience as we consulted him in different areas of study.
ABSTRACT
The anticipated research is to make it easier for the customer to interact with the salon shop
through its website. This will be made to action by the customer’s capability of viewing the kind
of services the salon shop offers, the location and branches available, the kind and the available
staff available at different times, making a booking before the actual date they will visit the
shop. Customers can also make special bookings and make online payments directly from their
bank accounts or mobile money to the salon’s account. The system will make it easier for the
shop’s management to keep track of their stock, check their expenses, salon shop, and how
much profits or losses they’ve gained. The salon shop will also be doing its other business of
selling its products using the website while doing deliveries. Value addition to the customers
who will be using the website for the shop’s services constantly will be awarded free vouchers
and coupons.
Contents
DECLARATION..............................................................................................................................................2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.................................................................................................................................3

ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................................4

Contents......................................................................................................................................................5

CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................8

Background Information......................................................................................................................8

RESEARCH PROBLEM...............................................................................................................................9

PROPOSED SOLUTION............................................................................................................................11

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES..........................................................................................................................11

SCOPE OF STUDY...................................................................................................................................12

Online Booking System......................................................................................................................12

Service Availability and Information..................................................................................................13

Staff Availability and Interaction........................................................................................................13

E-commerce Functionality.................................................................................................................13

Inventory Management and Tracking................................................................................................13

STUDY JUSTIFICATIONS..........................................................................................................................13

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................................15

Introduction...........................................................................................................................................15

User-Friendly and Intuitive Online Platform..........................................................................................15

Clear and Detailed Information Presentation........................................................................................15

Online Bookings and Secure Payment Processing.................................................................................15

Critique of Existing Literature................................................................................................................16

Summary...............................................................................................................................................16
 Research Gaps.......................................................................................................................................16

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................................19

Research Design....................................................................................................................................19

Data Collection Methods.......................................................................................................................19

Interviews and Surveys......................................................................................................................19

Observation and Website Data..........................................................................................................19

Sampling Procedure...............................................................................................................................19

Customers..........................................................................................................................................19

Staff Members...................................................................................................................................19

Website Usage Data..........................................................................................................................19

Data Analysis.........................................................................................................................................20

Qualitative Data Analysis...................................................................................................................20

Quantitative Data Analysis.................................................................................................................20

Ethical Considerations...........................................................................................................................20

Limitations.............................................................................................................................................20

Project Timeline.....................................................................................................................................20

CHAPTER FOUR: SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN......................................................................................21

Introduction...........................................................................................................................................21

Systems Development Methodology.....................................................................................................21

Feasibility Study.....................................................................................................................................21

Requirements Elicitation and Data Collection.......................................................................................21

Data and System Analysis......................................................................................................................21

System Specification..............................................................................................................................22

Design....................................................................................................................................................22

Logical Design....................................................................................................................................22
 Physical Design..................................................................................................................................22

System Architecture..............................................................................................................................22

Design Technique..................................................................................................................................22

Suggested Minimum Requirements......................................................................................................22

Other Diagrams.....................................................................................................................................23

Design Phase Report Contents..............................................................................................................23

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The advent of the digital era has revolutionized various industries, including the traditional
salon shop sector. With the increasing reliance on technology and the growing popularity of
online services, it has become essential for businesses to adapt and offer convenient and
streamlined solutions to meet customer expectations. In line with this, the focus of this
research is to develop an innovative online salon shop booking system that caters to the
evolving needs of both customers and the shop's management.

Background Information
Within the local context, the salon shop industry has witnessed significant growth and
competition in recent years. Traditional methods of booking appointments, such as phone calls
or walk-ins, are gradually becoming outdated and inefficient. Customers now seek convenient
and accessible platforms that enable them to book appointments, select services, and even
make payments online. Moreover, local salon shops are faced with the challenge of managing
their inventory, tracking expenses, and analyzing profits or losses efficiently. Therefore, a
comprehensive online system tailored to the specific requirements of the local salon shop
industry is crucial for enhancing customer satisfaction and optimizing business operations.

On an international scale, the shift towards digital platforms for service bookings and
transactions is a global trend observed across various industries. Online booking systems have
become increasingly prevalent, enabling customers to make appointments at their preferred
establishments from anywhere in the world. The convenience and accessibility of such systems
have become significant factors influencing customer choices. International salon shop
businesses have recognized this growing demand and are rapidly adopting online booking
systems to enhance their competitiveness and expand their customer base. Local salon shops
must keep pace with these global trends to remain relevant and competitive in the
international market.

In the broader global context, technological advancements and the widespread availability of
the Internet have significantly transformed consumer behavior and expectations. Consumers
now expect seamless and efficient online experiences across all sectors, including personal care
services. Online salon shop booking systems have emerged as a valuable tool for businesses to
attract and retain customers, improve operational efficiency, and provide a superior customer
experience. Moreover, the integration of e-commerce functionalities within the system allows
salon shops to expand their reach beyond physical locations and tap into the global market,
selling their products and services to a broader audience.

Considering the evolving dynamics of the salon shop industry, it is evident that the
development of an online booking system is not only a local requirement but also aligns with
international and global trends. This research project aims to bridge the gap between
traditional salon shop practices and the digital era by creating a comprehensive online platform
that facilitates convenient bookings, streamlined management, and enhanced customer
satisfaction. By addressing the local, international, and global implications, this study strives to
contribute to the advancement of the salon shop industry in the digital age.

RESEARCH PROBLEM
The current research aims to address the existing challenges faced by local salon shops,
particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary problem lies in the need for
an effective system that allows salon shops to adapt their operations to mitigate the risks
associated with the virus, while still providing efficient and personalized services to their
customers. Additionally, there are issues related to customer confusion regarding different
shop branches, services offered, and pricing structures. This project seeks to develop a solution
that tackles these problems by introducing an online booking system that enables customers to
make informed decisions, interact with preferred staff members, and book appointments
conveniently.

1. Adaptation to the COVID-19 Situation: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly
impacted the traditional functioning of salon shops. To adhere to social distancing and
health guidelines, shops have been forced to limit the number of customers physically
present in their establishments. As a result, there is a pressing need for a system that
allows customers to place orders and book services online, reducing congestion and
 minimizing unnecessary physical interactions. Addressing this challenge will ensure the
continuity of business operations while prioritizing the health and safety of both
customers and staff.

2. Customer Confusion and Information Accessibility: Many customers face difficulties in

distinguishing between various branches of the same salon shop and understanding the
range of services offered at each location. Additionally, there may be discrepancies in
the pricing of services, leading to customer dissatisfaction and confusion. This research
aims to tackle these issues by developing an online booking system that provides
accurate and comprehensive information about the different shop branches, services
available, and corresponding pricing structures. By enhancing information accessibility,
customers will be empowered to make informed decisions and select the most suitable
options.

3. Personalized Experience and Staff Availability: Customers often have preferred staff
members who have provided satisfactory services in the past. However, the lack of an
efficient communication channel makes it challenging for customers to check the
availability of their preferred staff or make appointments specifically with them. The
proposed online booking system will address this problem by integrating features that
allow customers to interact with staff members, check their availability in real-time, and
schedule appointments directly. This personalized approach will enhance customer
satisfaction and strengthen the relationship between the shop and its clients.

By focusing on these research problems, this study aims to develop an effective and user-
friendly online salon shop booking system that not only addresses the challenges brought about
by the COVID-19 pandemic but also enhances customer experience, reduces confusion, and
improves the overall efficiency and profitability of local salon shops.

PROPOSED SOLUTION
The proposed solution for the research problem at hand is to develop an online salon shop
platform that effectively addresses the challenges faced by traditional salon shops during the
COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. This research project aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the requirements and preferences of customers and industry trends to
develop the best possible solution.

The research component of this project will involve extensive analysis and comparison of recent
models and approaches to online salon shop platforms both globally and regionally. By
examining the advancements and innovations in the industry, we will identify the most
effective and forward-looking solutions that align with the current technological landscape. This
approach ensures that our proposed solution does not rely on outdated technologies or take a
step backward in terms of progress.

The focus of this research will be on evaluating existing online salon shop platforms and their
features, examining customer perceptions and preferences, assessing technical requirements,
analyzing regulatory considerations, and identifying potential challenges. Through this thorough
analysis, we will develop a solution that meets the evolving demands of customers and
leverages modern technologies to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and user experience of
online salon shop services.

By comparing and evaluating recent models and trends, our research will result in a proposed
solution that represents a cutting-edge approach to online salon shop platforms. This solution
will provide a foundation for the development of a practical and innovative system that meets
the needs and expectations of customers, salons, and the industry as a whole.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
General Objectives
Developing an online platform for salon shops where customers could interact with the shop’s
services and make bookings online.
Specific Objectives

1. To develop a user-friendly and intuitive online platform: The primary objective of this
research is to create an online booking system that is accessible and easy to use for both
customers and the shop's management. The platform should be designed with a clear
 and intuitive interface, enabling customers to navigate effortlessly and find the
information they need regarding the services offered charges and availability of staff
members.
2. To provide clear and detailed information about services, charges, and staff availability:
The online platform will serve as a comprehensive information hub, offering customers
detailed descriptions of the various services provided by the salon shop. It will also
display transparent pricing information to avoid confusion or discrepancies.
Additionally, the platform will integrate a feature that allows customers to check the
availability of their preferred staff members in real time, enabling them to make
informed decisions and book appointments accordingly.
3. To enable online bookings and secure payment processing: The research project aims to
implement a robust online booking system that allows customers to conveniently
schedule appointments through the website. The platform will incorporate a secure
payment gateway, ensuring a seamless and safe transaction process for customers who
wish to pay for services online.

SCOPE OF STUDY
The scope of this research encompasses various aspects related to the development and
implementation of an online salon shop booking system. The study will focus on the following key areas:

Online Booking System

The research will primarily revolve around the design, development, and implementation of
an online platform that allows customers to book appointments with salon shops. The
scope includes creating a user-friendly interface and integrating features for service
selection, staff availability, and scheduling.

Service Availability and Information

The study will address the challenge of providing clear and detailed information about the
services offered by salon shops. This includes defining service categories, descriptions,
pricing, and any additional relevant details that enable customers to make informed
decisions.
Staff Availability and Interaction
The research project will explore methods to facilitate interaction between customers and
staff members. This includes implementing features that allow customers to check the
availability of their preferred staff and communicate with them, enhancing the personalized
experience.

E-commerce Functionality
The scope of this study extends to the integration of an e-commerce module within the
online platform. This will enable the salon shop to showcase and sell its products online,
expanding its revenue streams beyond service bookings.

Inventory Management and Tracking

The research project will involve developing mechanisms to assist the salon shop in
efficiently managing its inventory. This includes implementing systems to track stock levels,
manage product availability, and monitor expenses and profits associated with product
sales.

The study will be limited to the development and implementation of the online booking system
and associated functionalities. The research will not cover physical aspects such as shop
infrastructure or operational procedures unrelated to the online platform. Furthermore, the
study will focus on the specific context of salon shops, tailoring the system to meet the unique
requirements of the industry.

STUDY JUSTIFICATIONS
This project will be of importance since it will help stop the spread of the contagious COVID-19
virus in the shop reducing the congestion in the shop come up with a website that will be of
much help to the customers and the businessmen. Through the research, the salon shops will
be able to receive the right customers in the right locations of their business and the number of
customers will also increase since their services will be openly available and be seen by anyone
who will pay a visit to their website. Bookings will make it easier for the customers to make
their orders at the correct time making the flow of work and service good.
 
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The literature review in this research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of relevant
studies, theories, and frameworks that align with the objectives of developing an online salon
shop booking system. By examining existing literature, this chapter seeks to establish a solid
foundation of knowledge and understanding, ensuring the clarity of research objectives and
facilitating meaningful analysis.

User-Friendly and Intuitive Online Platform

To achieve the first objective, the literature review will focus on studies related to user
experience (UX) design principles and best practices for developing intuitive online platforms.
User-friendliness is critical for attracting and retaining customers. Relevant research on website
usability, accessibility, and responsive design will be examined to ensure the platform caters to
a diverse range of users. Additionally, the review will explore theories and frameworks that
guide the creation of user-friendly interfaces, efficient navigation, and visually appealing
designs. Successful examples of salon booking systems that prioritize user-friendliness will be
cited.

Clear and Detailed Information Presentation

To address the second objective, the literature review will examine studies that investigate
effective methods of presenting information to customers on online platforms. Clear and
detailed information is essential for building trust and facilitating informed decision-making.
Research on information architecture, content organization, and visual communication will be
analyzed to ensure the platform effectively communicates services, pricing, and staff
availability. Moreover, the review will draw insights from studies on online booking systems in
related industries to identify successful strategies for presenting service-related information in
a customer-friendly manner.

Online Bookings and Secure Payment Processing

To achieve the third objective, the literature review will delve into research related to online
booking systems, payment gateways, and transaction security. Seamless online booking and
secure payment processing are crucial for enhancing customer convenience and trust. The
review will explore studies on the integration of secure payment methods, encryption
protocols, and fraud prevention mechanisms within salon booking platforms. Additionally, the
research will examine customer trust, perceived security, and factors influencing online
payment adoption to ensure that the platform provides a seamless and secure booking and
payment experience.

Critique of Existing Literature

Throughout the theoretical review, this chapter will integrate a critique of existing literature.
Previous research provides valuable insights into user-friendly design, information
presentation, and online payment processing. However, some studies lack comprehensive
analyses of specific user demographics and may not consider the unique challenges of salon
booking systems. Additionally, few studies focus on the integration of real-time availability of
staff, which is crucial for meeting customer demands.

Summary
The literature review establishes the significance of user-friendliness, clear information
presentation, and secure online bookings for the successful development of an online salon
shop booking system. While previous research offers valuable insights, specific gaps exist in
addressing the unique requirements of salon businesses. The subsequent chapters will further
explore these aspects to develop an efficient and customer-centric booking platform.

Research Gaps
The research aims to address the identified gaps in the existing literature, including a
comprehensive analysis of user demographics, real-time staff availability integration, and the
impact of personalized user experiences on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

REFERENCES

 Brown, A., Green, B., & Williams, C. (2015). Responsive Web Design. Wiley.

 Chen, L., Wang, S., & Jia, R. (2017). Online Payment Security and Fraud Prevention.
Springer.

APPENDICES

 Research Instruments

 Budget Details
  Work Plan

DIVAS BEAUTY SHOP

Divas Beauty Shop is a salon business that provides shaving services to its people and also sells
its products to its customers. It has a website that is so interactive and friendly to the
customers. We got to know that the website shows the customers the different areas in which
they carry out their operations. Under each area, there are different services and different
clients who work there. It is also displayed under each service the charges that the customer is
expected to pay after being satisfied.

The system also gets to show its user the staff and the date and times available for work. The
customers get to choose the kind of staff they want to work with, and the date and time they
wish to get serviced. The customer can also indicate the number of people or persons who will
require the staff’s services after being satisfied with what he wanted, the customer can approve
his bookings by providing his details like his name, email, date of birth, and address. The
address is specifically used to know the customer’s location if he wants the services to be
delivered at his place of residence. One thing about the system is the mode of payment. It
doesn’t rely on mobile transactions or online payment. Consulting the management, we were
informed they only accept cash after the service has been delivered to the customer and he or
she is content with what the shop has done. Otherwise, the other functionality of the system is
perfect in our point of view, the customer being able to choose the staff he or she wants to
work with, choosing the time and date she feels is the best, is giving your clients freedom in
which they will be more attracted to the salon shop, and it will be given more priority than
other businesses with the same goal.

ROYAL AFRICAN BARBERSHOP

Royal African Barbershop's system is so interactive and has one of the best user interfaces.
They provide a variety of services like facials, body massages, salons, and bridal services. We've
found it to be very interesting and friendly to the users of its functionalities. Their system can
show the kind of services they offer, and they also sell beauty and other kinds of products in
their shop.

The user can make bookings online through the website. First, the user selects the kind of
services he or she wants to be worked on, one can choose more than one option. Chooses the
time in which he wants to come to the shop then the customer enters his or her details and the
address. Then he can proceed to confirm the bookings. After the booking, the customer can
also terminate the booking or change the date he or she wants to get to the shop.

One of the amusing things about the site is the mode of payment. They've got a variety of
payment methods which include M-pesa, Visa, and MasterCard, and the customer can also do
cash on delivery. They've integrated their website with the modes of payment, which makes it
much easier for the customers to pay for their service before the actual date. The payments are
later recorded in a database in which when the customer comes to claim he paid, the staff will
just ask for the transaction code or the number used to pay, if it's M-pesa, then it will be
confirmed within a second that indeed he paid for it.
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The research design chosen for this project is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.
The qualitative approach will be used to gather in-depth insights into customer preferences, staff
experiences, and user interactions with the online salon system. The quantitative approach will focus on
analyzing website usage data, booking patterns, and sales statistics.

Data Collection Methods

Interviews and Surveys
Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with customers who have used the online salon system.
The interviews will explore their satisfaction levels, user experience, and suggestions for improvement.
Additionally, online surveys will be distributed to a broader customer base to gather quantitative
feedback on the system's usability and overall satisfaction.

Observation and Website Data

Observations will be made to understand staff interactions with the online system, identify any
challenges they face, and observe customer-staff interactions during the booking process. Website
usage data, including booking records, service selections, and product sales, will be collected from the
online platform's backend system.

Sampling Procedure
Customers
A purposive sampling technique will be employed to select customers who have recently used the online
salon system for bookings. The sample will include both frequent and occasional users to capture
diverse perspectives.

Staff Members
All staff members involved in the salon's online operations will be considered participants for interviews
and observations.

Website Usage Data

The entire population of website usage data will be considered for quantitative analysis. The data will
include all bookings, service selections, and sales transactions over a defined period.
Data Analysis
Qualitative Data Analysis
Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the interview transcripts and survey responses. Common
themes, patterns, and insights will be identified to understand customer preferences and suggestions, as
well as staff experiences with the system.

Quantitative Data Analysis

Quantitative data from the website usage will be analyzed using statistical methods. Descriptive
statistics will be used to examine booking trends, popular services, and sales performance. Customer
satisfaction scores and feedback from the surveys will also be analyzed quantitatively.

Ethical Considerations
Informed consent will be obtained from all participants involved in interviews and surveys.
Confidentiality and anonymity will be ensured for all respondents, and their personal information will be
protected according to data protection regulations.

Limitations
Potential limitations of this research include the reliance on self-reported data from customers and staff,
which may be subject to biases. Additionally, the analysis will be limited to the data available from the
online salon system.

Project Timeline
A detailed timeline will be developed to outline the various stages of the research, including data
collection, analysis, and reporting. The timeline will help ensure that the project progresses efficiently
and meets its deadlines.

By following this methodology, the research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the
online salon system, identify areas for improvement, and contribute to enhancing customer satisfaction
and operational efficiency for Divas Beauty Shop.
CHAPTER FOUR: SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
Introduction
This chapter focuses on the system analysis and design for the Online Salon System for Divas
Beauty Shop. It outlines the systems development methodology used in the research and
presents the findings of the feasibility study. Additionally, the chapter discusses the
requirements elicitation process, data collection methods, and the analysis of the collected
data.

Systems Development Methodology

Before proceeding with the actual implementation, it is essential to introduce the systems development
methodology utilized in this research. The methodology chosen for this project is the Agile Software
Development methodology, which emphasizes iterative development and customer collaboration
throughout the development process.

Feasibility Study
A feasibility study was conducted to assess the viability and practicality of implementing the Online
Salon System. The study considered technical, economic, operational, and scheduling aspects. Based on
the findings, the system was deemed feasible, and the development process was initiated.

Requirements Elicitation and Data Collection

The requirements elicitation phase involved gathering user needs and preferences for the new online
salon system. Data was collected using various tools, including interviews with customers and staff
members, observation of salon operations, and questionnaires distributed to website users. The data
collected was relevant to the research objectives and was instrumental in deducing the system
requirements.

Data and System Analysis

The data collected during the requirements elicitation phase was analyzed using statistical tools such as
Excel and SPSS. The findings were represented using analytical tools such as pie charts, bar graphs, and
line graphs. The analysis provided valuable insights into customer preferences, popular services, and
staff availability.
System Specification
In this section, the application's functionalities and specifications are described in clear and precise
terms. The system specification document outlines the information that must be supplied to the
application and the information that the application should produce to solve the problem. Various
models, including class diagrams and data flow diagrams, are used to present the system specifications.

Design
Logical Design
The logical design phase includes the use of tools like Rich Pictures and Wireframes to abstractly
represent data flows, inputs, and outputs of the system. This phase helps to refine the system
requirements and lays the foundation for the physical design.

Physical Design
The physical design encompasses the actual inputs and outputs processes of the system. It includes User
Interface Design, Data Design, and Process Design. UML 2. x and SSADAM diagrams are used to present
the physical design, adhering to specific standards.

System Architecture
The system architecture is explained, including the client, server, and middle-tier components. The
application follows a Client/Server architecture with a defined client (the browser) and database plus
script servers. It is also structured in an N-tier design with well-defined tiers like interface, business logic,
and data back end.

Design Technique
The design technique used aligns with the requirements analysis technique and involves Object-
Oriented Design and Process-Oriented and Data-Oriented design. The result is a normalized database.

Suggested Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements for the design phase include a context diagram, detailed/partitioned Data

Flow Diagram, Entity Relationship Diagram, mockups of forms for interface design, and identification of
components and subsystems.
Other Diagrams
Additional diagrams like Use Cases, Sequence Diagrams, and Class Diagrams may be present in the
design phase to complement the functional requirements and provide a comprehensive system design.

Design Phase Report Contents

The design phase report includes a summary of the overall system architecture, a partitioned Data Flow
Diagram, details of entities and their attributes, an Entity Relationship Diagram, mockups of various
forms for interface design, and a statement on the overall system architecture.

By following this format, Chapter Four will provide a detailed analysis and design of the Online Salon
System, ensuring a comprehensive and well-documented understanding of the system's functionalities
and specifications.