RIRIA PARKING RESERVATION SYSTEM

BRIGHT LANGAT MANGUSHO

A PROPOSAL SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE

REQUIREMENT OF THE AWARD OF DEGREE IN INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY AT JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY

JANUARY, 2024
 DECLARATION
I declare that this research proposal titled “Parking Reservation System”, a case study of Nakuru
town, is the result of my own work and that it has not been submitted either wholly or in part to
any examination body for the award in undergraduate degree.

SIGNATURE: ……………………………………... DATE: ………………………

NAME: BRIGHT LANGAT MANGUSHO

DECLARATION BY SUPERVISOR

This work has been submitted to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology with
my approval as the proposal supervisor.

SIGNATURE: ……………………………………… DATE: ……………………………

NAME: CECILIA AUMA

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 DEDICATION
I wish to dedicate this work to my loving parents: my brothers, my lecturer and not forgetting my
friends. They have played a great role throughout my studies and may God bless them.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I want to first of all thank the Almighty God for granting me good health and protection. Glory
be to God. The completion of this project proposal was possible, thanks to the cooperation and
support of a number of people, for their inestimable investment in my education; God will surely
reward you and will help me not to fail you.

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 ABSTRACT

The proposed parking reservation app seeks to revolutionize the parking experience by
addressing significant challenges associated with the current manual system at Riria hub
buildings. Users currently face delays and errors in the manual reservation process, limited
visibility into real-time parking space availability, and inefficient resource allocation.
Administrative staff also encounters difficulties in managing reservations effectively.
Additionally, the lack of a notification system contributes to user confusion. The app aims to
streamline the reservation process, providing users with a seamless, user-friendly interface and
real-time visibility into available parking spaces. By incorporating intelligent algorithms, the app
optimizes resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of parking facilities. An intuitive admin
panel simplifies management tasks, reducing workload and errors. The implementation of a
robust notification system enhances user communication, providing timely updates and
reminders. Through these features, the app aims to enhance user satisfaction, streamline
administrative processes, and ultimately transform the parking experience into a more efficient
and user-friendly endeavor.

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 Table of content

Contents
DECLARATION .......................................................................................................................................................... i
DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................................................ ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................................................... iii
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................................... iv
Table of content ...................................................................................................................................................... v
CHAPTER 1............................................................................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 PROBLEM DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Project Objective........................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Project Scope ................................................................................................................................................ 3

1.4 CONSTRAINTS ........................................................................................................................................... 4

1.5 PROJECT STAGES ..................................................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Significance of the project ............................................................................................................................ 5
1.7 SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................. 5
CHAPTER 2............................................................................................................................................................... 7
LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................................................... 7
2.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 SYSTEM REVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 SYSTEM ADAPTATION .......................................................................................................................... 10

CHAPTER 3............................................................................................................................................................. 12
ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ........................................................................................................................................ 12
3.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 12
3.1 DEVELOPMENT APPROACH ................................................................................................................ 12
3.2 REQURIEMENT SPECIFICATION ......................................................................................................... 13
3.3 LOGICAL DESIGN ................................................................................................................................... 14
3.3.1 ACTIVITY DIAGRAM ...................................................................................................................... 14
3.3.2 DATA FLOW DIAGRAM .................................................................................................................. 16

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3.4 DATABASE DESIGN ............................................................................................................................... 17
3.5 INTERFACE DESIGN ............................................................................................................................... 19
TIME SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................................... 22
BUDGET .......................................................................................................................................................... 23
REFERENCE .................................................................................................................................................... 24

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.0 PREAMBLE
Riria Hub, the target building for the parking reservation app, is a bustling and dynamic facility
that currently relies on a manual system for managing parking spaces. Nestled in a prominent
urban location of Nakuru city, Riria Hub caters to a diverse community of occupants, including
employees, visitors, and administrative staff. The building experiences a high demand for
parking spaces, leading to inefficiencies in the current manual reservation process. Occupants
often face challenges with delays and limited visibility into parking space availability, resulting
in underutilization or overbooking. The administrative staff, responsible for overseeing parking
reservations find it challenging to efficiently manage the system.

1.1 PROBLEM DESCRIPTION

1.1.1 Background of the problem

Through insightful interviews and user clarifications, it is evident that the existing manual
parking reservation system at Riria Hub poses substantial challenges for both its occupants and
administrative staff. Users consistently express frustration with the time-consuming nature of the
manual reservation process, leading to frequent delays and operational inefficiencies.

Occupants find the reservation system cumbersome, lacking real-time updates on parking space
availability, causing significant inconvenience. This visibility gap results in users struggling to
secure parking spaces promptly.

Administrative staff also encounters difficulties managing the manual system, including
challenges in efficient resource allocation and the absence of a streamlined notification system.
In summary, the current manual system at Riria Hub proves to be a source of inconvenience and
operational bottlenecks, underscoring the critical need for an automated parking reservation
system to comprehensively address the identified user challenges.

The implementation of a parking reservation system is poised to revolutionize and streamline

this process, offering a user-friendly and automated solution that enhances overall efficiency and
user satisfaction within Riria Hub.

1.1.2 Problem statement

Manual Reservation Process: The current manual reservation process proves to be a cumbersome
experience for users, introducing delays and errors that hinder the overall efficiency of the

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parking system. Users often face challenges navigating through a complex reservation process,
leading to frustration and potential inaccuracies in their booking details. The lack of automation
in this aspect not only slows down the reservation process but also increases the likelihood of
errors, diminishing the user experience and posing a barrier to widespread adoption.

Limited Visibility: The absence of real-time information regarding parking space availability
creates a significant inconvenience for users. Without instant updates on available parking spots,
individuals are left in the dark when attempting to secure a reservation. This lack of visibility
leads to wasted time as users may search for parking spaces that are already reserved or,
conversely, miss opportunities to secure available spots promptly. Addressing this limitation
through real-time visibility is essential to providing users with accurate and up-to-date
information, ultimately streamlining their parking experience.

Inefficient Resource Allocation: The manual nature of the current system contributes to
suboptimal resource allocation within parking facilities. Spaces are either underutilized or
overbooked, resulting in a less-than-ideal distribution of parking resources. Users may find
certain areas consistently unavailable while others remain vacant, indicating a lack of efficiency
in the allocation process. An automated system can employ intelligent algorithms to optimize the
allocation of parking spaces, ensuring a fair and efficient utilization of resources.

Difficulty in Administration: Administrative staff faces challenges in managing reservations

effectively due to the manual nature of the current system. Monitoring and adjusting
reservations, addressing user queries, and overall system management require substantial effort
and time. The lack of an intuitive administrative interface further complicates these tasks,
impacting the overall efficiency of parking facility administration. Streamlining administrative
processes through automation can alleviate the workload, reduce errors, and enhance the overall
effectiveness of managing parking reservations.

Lack of Notification System: The absence of a notification system contributes to user confusion
and potential disruptions in their parking plans. Users currently do not receive timely updates or
reminders about their reservations, leading to misunderstandings and potential conflicts.
Implementing a robust notification system within the automated solution can significantly
improve the user experience by providing timely information, confirming reservations, and
ensuring a smoother overall parking process.

1.2 Project Objective

1.2.1 General Objectives.

i. To develop a parking reservation system for Riria hub building.

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1.2.2 Specific Objectives.

i. To analyze the parking stats of the chosen building (Riria hub).

ii. To design a parking reservation system to achieve the general objective
iii. To develop a parking reservation system for the chosen building (Riria Hub)
iv. To test the parking reservation system to see to it that its fully functional

1.3 Project Scope

1.3.1 Scope

The system will focus on automating parking space reservations within the Riria Hub Building.

1.3.2 Target User

The target users include building occupants and administrative staff responsible for managing
parking reservations. Specific details about the administrative staff, their duties, and job levels
will be considered.

1.3.3 Specific Platform

For the parking reservation system at Riria Hub, the specific platform considerations are crucial
to ensure optimal performance and user accessibility. Given the nature of the target users and the
need for real-time updates, a mobile application for Android devices is deemed most suitable.
This choice aligns with the diverse user base, as occupants and administrative staff can easily
access and interact with the system using their smartphones. The hardware requirements are
relatively standard, as the system is designed for Android devices with moderate specifications
commonly found in the market.

Hardware Requirements:

 Android smartphones (various models and specifications)

 Stable internet connection for real-time updates

Software Requirements:

 Android Operating System (compatible with a range of Android versions)

 Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Android Studio for system development

 Programming Language: Kotlin for Android development

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  Database: SQLite for data storage and retrieval

 Notification Service: Integration with a push notification service for timely updates

1.4 CONSTRAINTS

1. Limited User Cooperation:

 The success of the project depends on user cooperation and their willingness to
adopt the new system. Resistance to change or lack of engagement from users
may impede the smooth transition from the manual to the automated system.
2. Budget Constraints:
 Financial limitations pose a significant constraint, influencing the scope of the
project. High costs associated with hardware, software, and development efforts
may result in a need to prioritize features or compromise on certain aspects of the
app. A detailed cost analysis will be essential to understand and work within
budget constraints.
3. Technological Infrastructure:
 The existing technological infrastructure within Riria Hub may present
limitations. Compatibility issues, network constraints, or hardware inadequacies
could affect the seamless integration and performance of the app. These
challenges may require additional investments or workarounds.
4. Data Security and Privacy Concerns:
 Ensuring the security and privacy of user data is paramount. Compliance with
data protection regulations and the implementation of robust security measures
are essential. However, strict data security requirements may pose challenges in
terms of development complexity and associated costs.

1.5 PROJECT STAGES

ACTIVITY Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Analysis
Design
Coding
Testing and
Debugging
Implementation

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1.6 Significance of the project
 Efficiency: Implement a seamless and user-friendly reservation process with a minimal
number of steps to reduce delays and errors. Utilize smart algorithms to suggest optimal
parking spaces based on user preferences and real-time availability.

 User Satisfaction: Provide a user-friendly interface with real-time visibility of available

parking spaces and dynamic updates. Implement push notifications to keep users
informed about their reservation status, available discounts, and any changes in the
parking facility.

 Resource Optimization: Integrate smart parking allocation algorithms to optimize the

utilization of available parking spaces. Utilize historical data and user behavior analytics
to predict peak times and adjust resource allocation accordingly.

 Administrative Ease: Develop a robust admin panel with features such as a dashboard for
real-time monitoring of reservations, occupancy rates, and revenue. Include tools for
easily managing user accounts, handling customer support queries, and making
adjustments to the system as needed.

 Time and Cost Savings: Automate routine tasks such as reservation confirmations,
reminders, and payment processing to save time and reduce manual effort. Implement a
secure and streamlined payment gateway to facilitate cashless transactions, reducing the
risk of errors and improving overall efficiency.

1.7 SUMMARY

In summary, the proposed parking reservation system for Riria Hub addresses critical
challenges in the current manual system by streamlining the reservation process and enhancing
user experience. The project recognizes potential limitations, including user resistance to change,
budget constraints, and the necessity for collaboration from building management. The platform
choice focuses on developing a user-friendly Android system to ensure widespread accessibility.
Key project stages include initiation, design, development, testing, deployment, user training,
and ongoing monitoring. Proactive strategies to mitigate user resistance, effective budget
management, and close collaboration with building management are essential components of the

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project plan. Ultimately, the system aims to optimize parking space allocation, improve
administrative efficiency, and deliver a seamless and efficient parking reservation experience for
occupants within Riria Hub.

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction
This chapter gives a summary of the literature that has been researched by other scholars. It
involves the strength and limitations of the current system, related work, the conclusion and
finally the proposed system.

2.1 SYSTEM REVIEW

2.1.1 Existing Products

Parclick:

Advantages:

1. Practical and convenient online booking system.

2. Economical with potential cost savings of up to 70%.

3. Clear and straightforward platform.

4. Informative, providing useful information about car parks.

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 5. Mobile application for quick bookings.

6. Easy cancellation process.

Disadvantages:

1. Some ergonomic flaws.

2. Spaces are not assigned, and confirmation vouchers may need to be printed.

3. Limited offers, with room for development to meet increasing demand.

Parkable:

Advantages:

1. Finding parking spots without circling, with remote payment options.

2. Advance reservation capabilities.

3. Easier tracking of parking spaces for enforcement.

4. Potential cost savings for municipalities due to better documentation.

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Disadvantages:

1. Exclusion of residents without smartphones or internet access.

2. Need for alternative payment options for those without mobile phones.

AimoPark:

Advantages:

1. Convenient mobile reservation for parking spaces.

2. Time-saving with advance reservations.

3. Payment integration for seamless transactions.

4. Real-time availability information.

5. Notifications and updates for users.

6. User reviews and ratings for informed decisions.

Disadvantages:

1. Possible technical issues affecting user experience.

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 2. Dependence on technology may exclude certain users.

3. Limited coverage in specific regions or facilities.

4. Additional costs or fees for reservations.

5. Potential data privacy concerns.

6. Availability issues leading to user frustration.

2.2 SYSTEM ADAPTATION

To develop a successful parking reservation system that addresses the shortcomings of existing
platforms, the researcher should consider incorporating the following features and
customizations:

Essential Features to Include:

1. User-Friendly Interface:

 Develop an intuitive and ergonomic user interface to enhance user experience and
minimize potential ergonomic flaws.

2. Assigned Parking Spaces:

 Implement a system that assigns specific parking spaces upon reservation to

eliminate any confusion or conflicts.

3. Extensive Offerings:

 Work on expanding the range of parking facilities and locations to meet the
increasing demand and provide users with more options.

4. Offline Capability:

 Create a solution that can function offline, allowing users to access and use the
system even in areas with poor internet connectivity.

5. Alternative Confirmation Methods:

 Offer alternative confirmation methods, such as email or SMS, for users who may
not have the ability to print confirmation vouchers.

6. Wide Device Compatibility:

 Ensure that your platform is compatible with a variety of devices, including

smartphones, tablets, and desktops, to cater to a diverse user base.

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Customizations and Improvements:

1. Inclusive Accessibility:

 Develop features that consider users without smartphones or internet access,

ensuring inclusivity for all potential users.

2. Transparent Fee Structure:

 Clearly outline and minimize additional fees or service charges to make the cost
of parking transparent and avoid unexpected costs for users.

3. Advanced Technical Support:

 Establish a robust technical support system to quickly address any glitches, bugs,
or connectivity issues, ensuring a smooth user experience.

4. Privacy and Security Measures:

 Implement strong data privacy and security measures to address potential

concerns and instill confidence in users regarding the safety of their personal and
payment information.

5. Real-Time Availability Optimization:

 Enhance the real-time availability feature, ensuring accuracy and minimizing

instances where reserved parking spaces might not be available.

6. User Feedback Integration:

 Incorporate user feedback mechanisms to continuously improve the platform

based on real user experiences and preferences.

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 CHAPTER 3

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

3.0 Introduction
This chapter serves as the gateway to the analysis and design phase of the building parking app
project. It provides a comprehensive overview, introducing the development approach used, the
requirement specifications and logical design. This chapter is significant in setting the context for
the subsequent analytical and design processes. Its significance lies in its role as a guide, shaping
the trajectory of the analysis and design efforts towards the creation of an effective, user-friendly
building parking app.

3.1 DEVELOPMENT APPROACH

In order for this project to be developed, one suitable methodology is the Agile Development
approach. Agile is a flexible and iterative methodology that focuses on delivering small,
incremental releases of the system, allowing for continuous feedback and adaptation throughout
the development process. The choice of Agile is aligned with the dynamic nature of the project.
Developing a building parking app involves various stakeholders, including users, building
administrators, and possibly external payment providers. The Agile approach allows for regular
feedback from these stakeholders, ensuring that the evolving system meets their changing needs
and expectations. The iterative nature of Agile enables the team to respond quickly to emerging
requirements or modifications, which is crucial in a project where user interactions and
technological considerations may evolve during development.

Furthermore, the agile approach supports the incremental delivery of features. In the case of the
building parking app, this allows for the progressive integration of functionalities such as parking
space availability updates, reservation processes, payment systems, and entry/exit validations.
This incremental delivery ensures that at each stage, a usable and potentially deployable version
of the app is available, providing tangible progress and value to stakeholders.

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Figure 3.1 the agile development Methodology.

3.2 REQURIEMENT SPECIFICATION

1. User Authentication and Registration:

 This feature allows users to create accounts or log in securely, ensuring that only
authorized individuals can access the app. It involves the use of secure
authentication mechanisms such as passwords or biometrics.

2. Parking Space Availability Updates:

 Real-time updates on parking space availability provide users with current

information on vacant slots within the building. This feature involves integrating
sensors or other technologies to monitor and display the current status of parking
spaces.

3. Reservation System:

 Users can reserve parking spaces in advance through the app. This feature
involves a user-friendly interface to browse available slots, select a preferred
location, and confirm reservations. It also includes logic to prevent overbooking.

4. Ticket Generation:

 Upon successful reservation or payment, the app generates a virtual ticket. This
digital identifier is used for entry and exit validation at the parking facility,
enhancing security and efficiency.

5. User Notifications:

 The app can send push notifications or alerts to users, informing them of
reservation confirmations, upcoming reservations, or any relevant updates such as
changes in parking availability.

6. Historical Usage and Reporting:

 This feature allows users to view their historical parking usage, including past
reservations, payments, and parking duration. Additionally, administrators can
generate reports on overall parking trends and usage patterns.

7. Feedback and Rating System:

 Users can provide feedback on their parking experiences and rate the app. This
feature helps in continuous improvement and allows administrators to address any
issues promptly.

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 8. Admin Dashboard:

 An administrative dashboard provides facility managers with insights into parking

usage, reservation statistics, and system performance. It may include tools for
managing user accounts, resolving issues, and monitoring the overall system
health.

3.3 LOGICAL DESIGN

3.3.1 ACTIVITY DIAGRAM

i. Activity Diagram

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3.3 Use Case Diagram for Users and Admin

Class Diagram

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3.3.2 DATA FLOW DIAGRAM
i. Data flow diagram (DFD) illustrates how data is processed by a system in terms of inputs
and outputs. A data flow diagram focuses on the flow of information, where data comes
from, where it goes and how it gets stored.
DFD Level 1

Figure3.2:View of user login

DFD Level 2

Figure 3.3 View of user account creation and password changing

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DFD level 3

3.4 DATABASE DESIGN

Among the tables to be regarded as master file (not permanent in nature) in this research work
are; User table, Parking space table, Reservation tables, Feedback table

Table 1: Users table

The user table stores user on the database

FIELD NAME DESCRIPTION FIELD DATA FIELD SIZE

TYPE

UserID Id Integer 11

Username username Varchar 50

Password password Varchar 50

Email Email Varchar 50

Gender Gender Enum 8

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Table 2: Parking space table

This table stores the information of the Parking space.

FIELD NAME DESCRIPTION FIELD DATA FIELD SIZE

TYPE

Space ID Space id Integer 10

location Location Varchar 30

Availability Availability Boolean

Table 3: Reservation table

This table stores the information of a reservation.

FIELD NAME DESCRIPTION FIELD DATA FIELD SIZE

TYPE

Reservation ID Reservation Integer 10

User ID User identity number Integer 20

Space ID Space ID number Integer 10

Reservation Date Reservation date Date & Time 10

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3.5 INTERFACE DESIGN
1. Login Page:

 The user starts at the login page where they enter their credentials (username and
password) or use other authentication methods.

2. Home page:

 The navigation menu, accessible from the home page, provides links to various
app sections

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3. Book Parking:

 This section allows user to select a spot to book

4. My Reservations:

 This section allows user to view and edit their current subsequent reservation

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5. Ticket:

 This allows you to generate and view your ticket for the slot you have secured

6. Payment:

 This facilitates payment process for a spot.

7. Profile:

 This is a profile window that contains personal information of the user.

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TIME SCHEDULE
APPENDIX II WORK PLAN

Time of the year September October November December

Activity
2023 2023 2023 2023

Concept paper

Literature review

Research Methodology

Proposal corrections
and Proposal defense

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BUDGET
APPENDIX III BUDGET

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION UNIT COST NO. OF COST

(KSHS) UNITS (KSHS)

Project Typing and printing 20 50 1000

Photocopying project 3 copies of 49 pages 3 150 450

Production of 31 copies of 4 pages 5 120 600

questionnaires

Data analysis Analysis of collected 10,000 1 10000

data

Internet services 1 3600 3600

Thesis typing and Approx. 70 pages 20 70 1400

printing

Thesis photocopying 3 copies of 70 pages 3 210 631

Thesis binding Binding of final 150 3 450

document

Sub-Total 18130

Contingencies 10% of subtotal 2,313

Total 20,443

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REFERENCE

Chen, Z., Yin, Y., He, F., & Lin, J. L. (2015). Parking reservation for managing downtown

curbside parking. Transportation Research Record, 2498(1), 12

Hanif, N. H. H. M., Badiozaman, M. H., & Daud, H. (2010, June). Smart parking reservation

system using short message services (SMS). In 2010 International Conference on

Intelligent and Advanced Systems (pp. 1-5). IEEE.

Inaba, K., Shibui, M., Naganawa, T., Ogiwara, M., & Yoshikai, N. (2001, January). Intelligent

parking reservation service on the Internet. In Proceedings 2001 Symposium on

Applications and the Internet Workshops (Cat. No. 01PR0945) (pp. 159-164). IEEE.

Rahayu, Y., & Mustapa, F. N. (2013). A secure parking reservation system using GSM

technology. International Journal of Computer and Communication Engineering, 2(4),

518.

Yan, T., Hoh, B., Ganesan, D., Tracton, K., Iwuchukwu, T., & Lee, J. S. (2011). Crowdpark: A

crowdsourcing-based parking reservation system for mobile phones. University of

Massachusetts at Amherst Tech. Report, 1-14.

MT Tsai and CP Chu (2011), Evaluating Parking Policy in Urban Areas: An Environmental
Perspective, Journal of Transportation Research Part D, 145-148. 5. N Hanif, MH Bad

"Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development" This journal publishes research
articles and reviews related to software engineering practices, methodologies, and
emerging trends. It can provide valuable insights into the latest advancements in
software development.

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