SRC:2009 URC

Back to UNH Student Research Conference


 * Poster Session:Wednesday, April 22, 2009 4:00-6:00PM

Accessibility, Security & Usability: Revising the Division for Juvenile Justice Services' Log-Entry System for the Digital Age

 * Authors: Dominic J DeSando, Zachary Arthur Gadway, David Edwin Rice, Matthew J Wright
 * Project Sponsor: Division for Juvenile Justice Services, NH Department of Health and Human Services, Manchester, NH
 * Abstract:Governmental and non-profit agencies often face deep difficulties in replacing antiquated, hand-written record-keeping systems with more efficient electronic information systems. The Division for Juvenile Justice Services (DJJS), a local government agency that specializes in providing assistance, education, discipline and housing for troubled youth, has a need to keep extensive, detailed log entries tracking daily incidents at their facilities, in particular those related to the detained or committed youth.


 * Currently, these log entries are stored in highly inefficient, hand-written logbooks, the oldest of which date back to the early decades of the twentieth century. Log entries, which must be permanent and immediately accessible, may need to be called on at any point in the future in relation to a court hearing or disciplinary action. As they contain sensitive information about juveniles, they must also be highly secure. This demand for permanence and security must be balanced with a high level of usability to allow for maximum employee efficiency.


 * After touring the DJJS’ facilities in Manchester, and having conducted extensive conversations with several members of their staff, our group modeled and designed a solution that would completely meet their organizational needs. Given the title of SecureLog, our system makes use of an intuitive web-based interface and a centralized, database server backend. Allowing for advanced and full-text searches, an easy backup and restoration process, and providing an intuitive graphical user interface, the SecureLog system will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the DJJS for years to come.



Building a Database Application System to Manage Donations for the YWCA of Manchester

 * Authors: Brianna Brothers, Steven Cole, Harry Dodson
 * Project Sponsor: YWCA of Manchester, Manchester, NH
 * Abstract:The YWCA strives to empower women of all ages while helping out in the community. The completion of this database will help to streamline the informational processes of the YWCA and enable them to dedicate more time to directly serve others.


 * YWCA social service programs receive support through many donations from various sources. The multitude of data that has been accumulated and processed exclusively through the use of Excel forms needs to be redesigned and organized in a database application.


 * To develop a database solution, we met personally with the YWCA staff and analyzed the data they currently use and the requirements our team’s project will address. Based on their requests, we developed a data model that addressed each issue, and then created normalized database tables, intuitive user forms, and a comprehensive report to easily make data available in Microsoft Access.


 * The new database design is an overall improvement. Data entry is easier and more productive through the use of forms. Reports, originally completed by hand, will now be processed by a database management system, saving time and energy. Redundant data will be avoided and errors will be diminished. Novice users will be able to adapt easily, and expansion of the database, or merging with other databases, is now a viable option.


 * By switching from Excel to Access and offering an integrated user interface for user forms, output reports, and processing queries, the database application that manages donors and their contributions considerably improves the YWCA services.



Database Modeling and Design to Improve the Use of a Legacy System for the NH Division of Juvenile Justice Services

 * Authors: Kevin Bickford, Jeffrey Lavoie, Sergei Perreault
 * Project Sponsor: Division for Juvenile Justice Services, NH Department of Health and Human Services, Manchester, NH
 * Abstract:The Division for Juvenile Justice Services (DJJS) is an integral part of the Department of Health and Human Services in the state of New Hampshire. These two agencies both make use of an outdated, extremely large, flawed database system called BRIDGES. The database presents a significantly large issue to the DJJS data analysts when they are asked to retrieve information about a record or a list of records.


 * To perform the data retrieval, the data analysts were left with sorting through 438 data tables, 24,340 fields of data to find the appropriate data, of which less than 20% of the information is useful. The database contained several duplicate entries as error checking was not a high priority upon initial implementation.


 * Our project will address the issue of the amount of data to be filtered through by a creation of a database design that will adhere strictly to data that pertains only to DJJS. The modified design will offer a smaller, more meaningful database design that is based on a theoretically sound relational model. The database application will implement the proposed design and will be integrated with the larger BRIDGES database. All new data is verified through carefully screened error checking to remove any duplicate or irrelevant records. Our database implementation performs queries at a much faster rate. The query process that use to take an hour or two, now only takes seconds, allowing the data analysts to focus their efforts into expanding and modifying the database to suit their specific needs.



Developing Donors Database Tools to Improve a Management System for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Manchester

 * Authors: Daniel Pepin, Brian Smith
 * Project Sponsor: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Manchester, Manchester, NH
 * Abstract:The non-profit organization Big Brothers Big Sisters would greatly benefit from an improved database that allows for accessibility and retrieval of donor information. It is very important that they have an easy to use database application with reporting and querying features that will facilitate managing donors, whether individuals or companies, their contributions, and the events or circumstances of their donations. The current database is very complicated and is not efficient at pinpointing information that directly relates to those who have donated to the organization.


 * Research was conducted in an effort to identify problems present in the existing database. An initial outline was created with end goals and plans for how to improve the current design. Discussion with the users of the database revealed the most significant problems that they were experiencing. A data model was drafted which served not only as a visual of how the data would be organized but also as a guide when implementing the new ideas.


 * The resulting database, although designed specifically for Big Brothers Big Sisters, presents the users with a familiar interface. New to the database application is a theoretically sound design and reporting functions that satisfy the organization’s need for generating detailed reports about donors and fund raising events. These improvements to the database combined with a user friendly interface will increase efficiency and accessibility so that the users can be as productive as possible.



Mapping Movies: A Geographical Information System Tracking Cinema History in New Hampshire

 * Authors: Daniel Howard Arnold, Stephen W Bates, Tyler James Williams
 * Project Sponsor: Professor Jeff Klenotic, Communication Arts Program, University of New Hampshire Manchester, Manchester, NH
 * Abstract:Movie theaters are a past time many have long enjoyed, however little information is available about the abundant theaters that have fallen wayside over time.


 * Mapping Movies goal is to create an intuitive, innovative and original web portal into the theaters of the past and present, in the state of New Hampshire. Interviewing the pioneer of this system, along with first hand research on mapping software has led the project team to design a user interface backed by a Geographical Information System (GIS) through software known as ArcGIS.


 * ArcGIS is a cross platform solution that will be open to the public and cater to students, scholars, and enthusiasts. Utilizing the web portal, users will be able to securely sign in and contribute content to the system over time. Members with administrative roles will manage content and approve site updates to enforce integrity. Those who have set up an account will also be able to save instances of their own map with any information they have added.


 * Movie Mapping strives to be the first successful Geographical Information System revolving around movie theaters of the past and present. Creating a centralized location where the casual user, professional user, and the enthusiast can come together and share their knowledge will make Mapping Movies the most immersive experience available on the Internet.



Program and Membership Management System for the YWCA of Manchester

 * Authors: Glenn Michael Ellis, Brian Lee Landry, Justin Taylor Tullgren
 * Project Sponsor: YWCA of Manchester, Manchester, NH
 * Abstract:The YWCA of Manchester is a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. The project’s goal is to create a database application that incorporates data pertaining to all programs and departments within the YWCA into one central information system. Currently the YWCA staff relies on paper records and some Excel spreadsheets for applicant registration and program administrative duties. An Access database is being used but is limited to the supervised visitation and child exchange department.


 * We applied the Unified Processing methodology and the Unified Modeling Language analysis tools to organize and standardize the system development process. We further developed several visual diagrams and scenarios that created the framework of the system to be implemented. The system has to meet four business requirements. It needs to intake, edit and organize member and participant information, keep track of programs and attendance, integrate with Quickbooks financial software, and finally provide administrators the ability to run queries and print reports to organize data into useful information. The goal of the project is to not only update the YWCA to current technology but also promote efficiency and growth into the future.



Way Home Outcome Tracking System: Helping Low-Income Housing Streamline Report Generation

 * Authors: Joshua J Albair, Joshua S Quigley, Craig M Tekverk
 * Project Sponsor: The Way Home, Manchester, NH
 * Abstract:The Way Home is an organization dedicated to helping lower-income families find and keep housing. The company must gather client information through a paper-based process of intake, interview, and follow-up. As a non-profit organization, The Way Home lacks the financial resources necessary to procure an information system. Other company challenges include the complexity of report generation and lost productivity due to the current paper-based filing system. Our goal is to provide The Way Home with a detailed design and framework of an information system. The system will consist of a user-friendly interface, a simplified process for report generation, and data storage through a database management system.


 * The Way Home Outcome Tracking System (WHOTS) has been developed using field research, through employee interviews and conferencing, to understand the internal structure and processes of The Way Home. We have found the current method of report generation to be wasteful of time, labor and monetary resources due to the paper-based nature of the current system. This problem requires a functioning information system to drastically improve the time required to generate reports and to streamline the processes of gathering, inputting, and maintaining client information. Additionally, the electronic storage of files will decrease filing errors, storage costs for paper-files, and loss of employee productivity.


 * Using the principles of Object Orientation in conjunction with the Unified Modeling Language, we have successfully diagramed the complex interactions of the major system entities in order to detail the specific system requirements, behavior, and structure.



Oral Presentations
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 9:00AM-3:00PM

Using Non-Profit Information Technology Development as the Basis for Learning & Instruction

 * Author: Dominic J DeSando
 * Project Sponsor: Salvation Army, Manchester Corps, Manchester, NH
 * Abstract:Information technology coursework often suffers from a lack of relation to real-world examples and practice. In general, courses in software development and database design only make use of hypothetical case studies which may or may not bear meaningful relationship to applied, practical solutions. By working with non-profit organizations, students may gain an opportunity to complete real-world projects which then serve as models and teaching instruments, helping rectify this deficiency.


 * In the spring of 2009, I designed and developed a database application for the Salvation Army of Manchester as part of my senior internship in the Computer Information Systems program at UNHM. My goal was to replace their inefficient system of decentralized Excel spreadsheets with a centralized, server-based database application with SQL Server as a database management system. This would eliminate the redundancy and inefficiency that plagued their previous system. By working through the difficulties that arose during both the development process and the implementation and deployment of the application, I gained invaluable technical experience while learning how to effectively respond to complex organizational needs.


 * As the internship comes to a close, I am leaving the Salvation Army with an intuitive, secure and accessible database system to store their vast volumes of organizational information. This system will aid in day-to-day operations, as well as future marketing and research applications. Using this practical experience as a basis, I have worked with Professor Mihaela Sabin to develop coursework for future database classes and to increase understanding of the related technology and development process.

Linking Community and Academic Goals: New Hampshire Catholic Charities' Asset Mapping Database

 * Author: Andrew Richard Schwab
 * Project Sponsor: New Hampshire Catholic Charities, Manchester, NH
 * Abstract:Nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire often lack the knowledge, experience and resources to effectively employ 21st century technologies. These agencies regularly rely on donated software and equipment, support from workers who have insufficient technical knowledge or experience, and poor or non-existent information management policies. Simultaneously, students from local colleges are faced with an ever tightening job market and employer demand for real experience - experience they cannot get in the classroom.
 * The conclusion of this project ends a 17 month case study designed to find solutions for these challenges.


 * New Hampshire Catholic Charities (NHCC), a Manchester based nonprofit organization that supports communities in New Hampshire, was searching for an efficient, reliable way to manage digital data for more than 700 faith-based agencies. In the spring of 2008, a small team of Computer Information Systems students including myself were allowed to meet with representatives from NHCC and analyze their needs. This technical analysis fulfilled the requirements for our coursework while providing a framework for continued cooperation with NHCC. In the year since, I have been a part of student teams that have carried the work forward, producing a complete system design and implementing a functional product meant to fulfill NHCC’s data management requirements. This process has illuminated an ongoing opportunity to expand both the relevance and depth of undergraduate study while enhancing the capabilities of vital community support organizations. But this process also demonstrated systemic challenges that must be overcome if ongoing community partnerships are to be successful.

URC CIS Student Projects