Katara Events Website Project Development Report

Introduction

Background Information

Katara event website has been a significant infrastructural set up that has immensely transformed communication between Katara people. The website has been instrumental in consolidating and disseminating information about various village events that take place in Qatar. It was set with an aim of ensuring effective dissemination and moderation of various village events that most individuals follow with great passion. The website that provides diverse support incentives and programs that enhances its functionality has been used for decades. It applies the modern techniques of communication such as phones and computers that are enabled through interconnected systems.

As noted, the website has effectively supported the provision of credible information pertaining to various village events to individuals in the region. It has been widely used by many stakeholders who include artists, journalists and government officials who have immense interest on village events.

Their interest on the village events is informed by the fact that the events present fundamental lessons that influences their social and cultural undertakings. That is the events have a lot of impact on social and cultural engagement of the Qatar people. This is evident since the events define how they live and operate. The events are also informative, educative, exiting and entertaining. Despite the major strides that the website has achieved over the years, it cannot support the current needs of the growing population effectively.

This is because it has become obsolete and outdated since it can no longer support effective moderation of information of diverse nature. The current system cannot support effective and quality presentation of information or search-ability of data by various individuals. It also lacks proper interactive systems since it has no functional mapping programs.

Consequently, the village website lacks the ability to share information between individuals via social media network. This has prompted the need for the development of effective iPhone application for Katara cultural events. This is essential in ensuring that the people the region are able to get credible information about the village events easily through their phones. The application will provide an exiting and enticing view of various events that holds significance to the people (Lewis, 2012, p, 1)).

This will be achieved through the effective usability, moderation and dynamic set ups that it seeks to present. The application will also be integrated with mapping functional programs or prototypes to aid interaction. Further, it seeks to enhance information sharing via medial platforms. Indeed, this is a key step towards revolutionizing the use of technological enabled systems in providing cultural village events among the Katara people.

Purpose and Objectives of the Project

This project is set with an aim of developing a viable and effective iPhone application system to aid the provision of information and details about the renowned Katara village events. It seeks to give insightful understanding on the role that technologically enabled systems play in ensuring effective dissemination of information. It also seeks to enable various stakeholders to understand the importance of the developed websites and their contribution in conveying cultural village events.

As noted, the project is set with a primary purpose to revolutionize acquisition of information pertaining to village events in Qatar. It will ensure that Katara people are able to obtain information about village events with mush ease and on timely basis (Lewis, 2012, p, 3)). They will receive continuous updates on key social and cultural events that take place in the region. In particular, the project is meant to facilitate the provision of exiting view of events that are offered.

This is evident since its application will be designed with appropriate prototypes and click buttons that will aid its usage. Key objectives of the project include building of an effective interactive system that incorporates functional mapping programs. This is essential in facilitating mapping of information by the system users. Secondly, the new system is to facilitate effective sharing of information via social media or email to events platform.

It also aims at ensuring that moderation and presentation of information is properly supported. Further, the new application is set with an objective to enhance the search-ability capacity of iPhone systems to enable effective access to various events for viewing. The applications will enable the Katara people who are digi-savvy to enjoy viewing of the interesting events and have fun when using their gadgets.

Audience Profile and Sample Size

Key audience that the project will serve includes artists who are identified as the primary audience. Variably, corporation representatives, journalists and government officials are the secondary audience that the project seeks to serve. These groups of stakeholders are also used in propelling the research study on the imperativeness of the application system. In particular, the developer focuses on art fans as primary audience since they have immense interest on art activities in Qatar. The fans are always in need of updates pertaining to the activities that take place at the village events. They use their phones to obtain timely updates on the activities that take place at the village events.

This explains why the new iPhone application system will help art fans who are technologically savvy to search and find events easily. It will also enable them to share information with much ease. The developer’s mission is to deliver an application system that will enable the audience to get a thrilling and exiting taste for new events (Gordon, 2012, p, 1). The application is also to enable them search relevant things that suit their needs. The developer’s mission is also to enable secondary audience to obtain pertinent information about Katara events that they may need via the website. The aim is to ensure that they utilize the website in acquiring basic information that they need rather than committing to attiring process of downloading and keeping of iPhone applications.

Scope of the Project

This project covers a wider scope due to its significance and complexity nature. Indeed, it covers a detailed definition of website village events, the iPhone application system and its key aspects. The definition provides a clear picture on how the project is of significance and the steps that will result to its success. Secondly, it covers detailed information pertaining to the objectives of the new iPhone application software set up.

The schedule of activities follows where proper guideline on how the project is to be executed is provided. The schedule contains the timelines under which various integration activities are to be executed and the deliverables. Further, benchmarking of existing iPhone applications, user research, recommendations are covered. Other areas include the execution of functional, technical and design specifications. The scope lays the fundamental procedures that the integration process will cover, the software set ups to be adopted and other programs that will be delivered.

Assumptions and Functional Elements to be Adopted

Indeed, this proposal gives a detailed plan for the development of Smartphone application system. It outlines how the mobile Smartphone application that is specific to Apple iPhone is to be actualized. The system is set to ease moderation and presentation of various village event proceedings that interests many people in Katara. The idea behind the project is based on the need for the development of an effective and user-friendly system that has quality support features (Lewis, 2012, p, 6)). The new system is set to be integrated with quality mapping functionalities, design, and technological programs. The functionalities to be adopted are reflective of the capacities and limitations of iPhone platforms or interfaces.

The application is vital since it holds compatible features that will facilitate its usability in various types of phones. That is other Smartphone devices can easily adopt the use of this application that seeks to enhance transfer of information between Qatar people. Due to the significant nature of the application, adequate resources are to be put in place to maintain and service its content for effective application. This is essential in facilitating its effectiveness to enhance moderation of events that are submitted by various stakeholders.

Clearly, the project proposal outlines a systematic plan for designing a mobile application that holds the capacity of meeting the needs of village event followers but not the development of a mobile optimized website. The application will also adopt modern operating systems such as app mobile prototypes, GPS software set up and the mail client (Gordon, 2012, p, 1). These elements give an outright and clear distinction between the applications. The applications differ in terms of their functionality and design since not all features in Katara website are to be integrated in the application.

Key Issues and Risks

There are various issues and risks that the system developer must deal with through systematic approaches to enable the achievement of the set objectives. The issues range from policy guidelines, structural complications and resource distribution or availability. Firstly, resource constraints pose a great challenge that may threaten effective completion of the outlined tasks and various functions. This may affect the process of moderating information and uploading of content once the installation of the application is complete. Secondly, submitting the application for approval by Apple Company may be very difficult.

This is due to policy issues that the company follows before any approval is done on any venture. It poses a challenge since Apple Corporation mostly accepts projects where their participation is evident but not a proposal made by an independent developer. These risks may hinder the realization of the noble gains that the new application is to present (Gordon, 2012, p, 1). Hence, they must be mitigated through the adoption of viable contingency strategies. In this regard, it is recommended that a contingency plan should be set up to facilitate the outsourcing of various sections of the project. This is essential in ensuring that that the timeline for the project is maintained and that the approval issues are also dealt with appropriately.

Benchmarking and Evaluation of the Processes

The implementation of the project is designed to follow set standards and guidelines that will act as integration benchmarks. The standards are to ensure that all the procedures that are necessary for effective functionality of the system are implemented without reservations. This is essential in ensuring that the new system is able to deliver effectively and facilitate quality viewing of village events by the Katara people (Gordon, 2012, p, 1).

The set standards are to ensure that requisite software set ups, hardware infrastructure and programmers are installed. The standards will also ensure that the installation process follow the procedure of project development design that gives a detailed method on how various activities should be carried out. Ideally, the standards will act as the benchmarks for measuring quality and the capacity of the app system or mobile application system in meeting its objectives.

Project Schedule

This project is to be executed within the set timelines to ensure that internet users are able to achieve timely and credible information pertaining to various events. It is to be executed in five phases however, this proposal focuses on three fundamental phases that are instrumental in steering its building and launching. Phase one of the project will see the developer execute activities that involves project discovery, planning and clarification of its deliverables. Phase two will follow where the developer will design the site structure that will enable content, site, page and user view. Consequently, the developer will design visual interface of the system in phase three. The phases are highlighted below and the deliverables that are expected in each phase of the project.

Table 1: Schedule of Deliverables.

Research and Survey Results

This section gives comprehensive information based on the research findings about the development of internet and how phones have been instrumental in promoting social and economic activities in most settings.

It expands the scope of this study by creating awareness on the development of internet enabled systems such as apps application systems and events websites. It also focuses on other roles that the systems play in transforming human lifestyle apart from covering of Katara events. In particular, the section explores the role of technology in enhancing communication, trade and how corporations can use app applications to advance their business activities. This will enable various stakeholders including Apple Company to understand that the application is also capable of transforming its general business operations.

Development of Internet and Mobility and E-business

Internet is a noble invention that has been instrumental in transforming the way activities are being executed in various facets of operation. The invention has been credited due to its effectiveness in aiding communication and execution of diverse transactions. It has comprehensively changed the way individuals interact, the way corporations do business and the way through which people acquire or share information (Gordon, 2012, p, 1).

Indeed, access of internet services has revolutionized operations in the information sector in various jurisdictions. This is a major step forward in ensuring effective dissemination of information since in early days internet could only be accessed by large companies or universities. This trend changed especially with the introduction of personal computers PCs in the 1990s.

The introduction of the PCs enabled small companies and various individuals to access internet easily. This facilitated cordial engagement with one another on key issues that appertains to social and economic development. PCs were followed by the introduction of Smart phones that enabled individuals to access web at their convenience. After the introduction of Smart phones, most companies and individuals embarked on an initiative to develop effective applications that are designed for mobile phones only.

They also began developing websites that are integrated with special versions of programs for use on mobile phones. These applications that combine key web features are known as App programs (Lewis, 2012, p, 12). The programs holds specific phone offers that can be used to support interaction with consumers and generation of customer loyalty. Thus, this research also focuses on how companies can employ their synergies to expand popularity of their e-business websites and activities through the use of effective mobile applications.

Why internet websites are not effective on mobile devices

The advancement of mobile phone applications that has facilitated easy access to internet services has been instrumental in enhancing business activities. This is apparent since mobile phones that are currently being produced with wide screens enables individuals to access internet anywhere (Gordon, 2012, p, 1). However, the use of mobile phones presents immense challenges in comparison to PCs or lap tops in terms of effectiveness. The challenges range from structural set up, interaction capacity and visibility. Most internet users affirm that these challenges are the major hindering factors that may impede the usage of mobile phones in executing business activities and access to social events such as Katara village events.

Firstly, the screen size of mobile phones is a major factor that affects the effectiveness of mobile application systems. The screen sizes are small as compared to computers that have varied inches of screens such as 14, 18, 22 inches. This enables laptop users to access information very easily and to have variety of applications to choose from when executing any activity. The wide screens also facilitate scrolling for information and reading of data.

The evident limiting factors have prompted the need for mobile phone manufacturers to develop phones set ups with large screens. This has tried to correct the gap but it cannot match the effectiveness that PCs are able to provide to users. Secondly, computers and mobile phones apply different techniques or principles of operation. This causes immense difference with the way users interact with these systems.

Computers normally provide an effective platform that is user friendly than mobile phones. They support interaction processes by the use of keyboard and mouse set ups that facilitate access of information from the web through pointing and clicking. The technique differs with mobile devices that apply touch or pointing technique using stylus or users fingers. This technique makes it difficult for most mobile users to get timely information especially those with large fingers. Such individuals find it difficult to use the systems because they cannot manipulate the small icons of mobile phones effectively.

Further, mobile phones support limited interactive functions compared to computers. They do not have high-capacity search engines that can support several interactive activities compared to PCs. The interactions that they support effectively focus on product purchasing, ordering, getting directions and finding quick information (Gordon, 2012, p, 1). They have failed to support the acquisition or sharing of comprehensive information such as a company’s financial information or background information including organizational structure.

How phone-gap contributes to e-business

Phone-gaps provide an essential platform that facilitates the creation of conventional applications across multiple platforms using standard web tool by a system developer. The tools that include HTML, CSS and Java script enable developers to develop phone applications that are user oriented and effective (Gordon, 2012, p, 1). Its application is vital since it facilitates the eradication of the functional gap between traditional websites and mobile sites. This is achievable because it aids the creation of mobile apps system by providing the requisite APIs for mobile apps. This will cause the need for mobile phone-gap to disappear once the browser supports the API protocols. Indeed, phone-gap is an open technology that incorporates APIs into the operating framework.

This is essential in enabling the developers to have the needed tools necessary for speedy integration of apps applications that hold the capacity of working well on most commonly used devices. The main aim of this application is to ensure that the programs can be used in other mobile devices regardless of their manufacturing center. That is the applications should be compatible to facilitate their usage on devices produced by various companies. These include Android devices, Apple devices and windows phone that are used by various individuals. The incentives that phone gaps present has ensured quick migration from traditional sites to mobile sites with limited recording of information. This development has been instrumental in increasing the number of apps prototypes that have direst correlation to traditional web presence.

Different solutions for developing a mobile application

Institutions that seek to develop viable mobile application systems should adopt holistic integration strategies. The strategies should hold the capacity of providing credible solutions to possible challenges that may hinder the realization of effective systems. The solutions should be credible to enable the application to provide multiple interactive support programs to users such as Katara events followers. Indeed, best and effective mobile applications are not developed in isolation. Their integration requires holistic approach since they form part of a larger communication strategy that institutions set (Wooldridge, Schneider & Wooldridge, 2011, p, 3).

This helps in addressing the evident interactions that institutions have with stakeholders. This explains why companies are advised not to engage in the development of an apps system without considering their information and communication strategy. Evaluation of the strategy is important in enabling a company to adopt apps systems that would provide relevant services.

This is vital because the apps applications support different functionality mappings and moderations. For instance, there are mobile apps systems that are majorly used in facilitating customer activities when they are physically present in a retail environment. Other apps systems support update of information pertaining to remuneration especially for employees and events for artists. Therefore, a company must be able to make an excellent choice of the appropriate apps mobile application that can best serve its activities and customers.

Companies should also integrate mobile apps programs that can aid the visibility or utilization of information from websites and printed materials. That is corporations should not engage in the development of apps applications that are separate from the traditional websites. They should also ensure that they do not develop websites separately from printed materials. This is significant since holistic integration of mobile apps applications helps in ensuring consistency in massaging.

Survey results, recommendations, and summary

This section provides detailed survey results that are based on the study conducted about the appropriateness of app mobile application software. The survey was conducted for a period of four weeks with an aim of establishing the underlying opinion of key stakeholders about the new system. This is vital in ensuring that the integration process is done appropriately and that the new mobile system is developed with pertinent features that are capable of providing quality services to users.

The survey sought to facilitate the understanding of app user demographics, requirements and participatory levels pertaining to Katara events. It also sought to establish the needs of Katara events followers or viewers in terms of website and iPhone applications that aids their interactions. Seven participants were sampled in the survey where pertinent questions were presented to them for answering.

The participants who were seven in number were both local residence and fans of Katara events that live in Qatar. They were five women and two men including other participants who were also served online with relevant questions. The survey was successful since all the respondents who were aged between 14 to 35 years tendered in their responses appropriately. Some of the questions that were presented to the respondents were to establish their current engagement with Katara events and the events website. The next question was about their engagement level with social media facilities, their expectations on search terms and event listings. Other questions sought to establish the features they wanted in the iPhone application, interactive favorite list and detailed event description.

On the first question that sought to establish the participant’s engagement with Katara events and its website, 84% of the respondents stated that they had attended the event. This shows clearly that most people in the nation are lovers or fans of Katara events. They subscribe to its exiting and educative nature. Surprisingly, 58%, 32.5% and 10.5% cited that they have receiving information about the village events by word of mouth, through Facebook and Katara events website respectively. Most of the people who stated that they have been receiving the events updates by word of mouth, cited inaccessibility of the website as the reason. They had difficulties in accessing the websites since they were stationed at far locations from their reach. The results are shown below

On the issue of search terms, 53% of the respondents stated that they prefer using event type or category as their search term. That is they prefer the search type term since it would ease their work when searching for various events. They would like the new system application to be integrated with the search term button. However, 32% cited that they would like to use keyword search type as their preferred search term. This is shown below

As noted, participants expressed their expectations pertaining to the event listings criteria and mode in a systematic manner. The expressions were given under a scale guideline where two options were provided. The options included not important and essential while the respondents were grouped in three categories. The results show that 1 respondent considered having an iPhone application as essential in ensuring effectiveness of the new system. 2-3 considered the integration of iPhone application as a moderately important venture while 4-5 did not consider it as an important venture.

However, the participants had immense expectations that the event listing would be able to give details on where various events are held, description of the event and if the event is offered by the website. This was evident since 68% of the respondents stated that when and where the event is on is essential in ensuring proper event listing. 53% of the participants listed the information about friend’s attendance as an essential aspect. The features that were considered not essential were photos, event advertisement and description of the event. The features attracted a representation of 42%, 37% and 47% respectively.

On the question pertaining to the required iPhone application, 84% of the participants stated that they would prefer downloading a free Katara events application system. They preferred that the application should be integrated with quality events description features, events listing and interactive support systems. They also want the iPhone application to have the ability of searching events at Katara and creation of favorite lists. The features identified are based on the ranking scores that each feature received under the three set categories that include essential, not important, and moderately important. The respondents gave their opinion on the six features under each category as shown in the below.

Table 2: Response on Key Features that Should be Integrated into the System.

As shown in the results, photo quality is a feature that was considered not important since it received a higher score of 9 respondents in that category as compared to two participants who thought it was essential and five who thought it was moderately essential. Google map location service is also considered not important. It received support from seven participants at that category while four thought that it is essential while three participants thought that is moderately important. Detailed event description was considered as essential by thirteen participants compared to one and three who thought it was not important and moderately important respectively. Consequently, share events, when, where and interactive favorites were considered essential by the respondents.

Further, the participants cited that their favorite iPhone applications that they have previously used due to their effectiveness include Facebook, the thousands, be scene and tripview(x2). They have been using the applications since they are user friendly, they list events by date and category, and they are able to save friends as favorites. The applications also give a lot of convenience, facilitate keeping in touch with friends and they are simple to use.

Summary of results

Indeed, the people of Katara are in need of effective application systems that can enable them to view village events and perform various commercial activities with ease. They also require conventional communication and data transfer systems to facilitate their interactive missions. This is essential in ensuring that they acquire basic information pertaining to village events and share them appropriately. The participants in the study indicated that access to credible information regarding various events such as knowing event venues and material dates have been posing a great challenge to them. This is because they always relied in acquiring information through the word of mouth.

This was affirmed by 58% of the respondents who cited that they have not been able to use website events update systems since they are not accessible. This has denied them the opportunity of attending and experiencing the exiting nature of various events that takes place in the region. The respondents were in favor of the development of anew application that holds the capacity of enhancing sharing of information and ability to search for events. They cited that the new system should be integrated with effective mobile apps software set ups and pertinent prototypes. This is critical in ensuring that they are able to get the information they require with limited complications. It is also meant to ensure that they execute their commercial activities with much ease.

Evidently, the participants preferred an application program that would enable them meet their expectations. That is they expect the program to have an absolute ability to search events, provide detailed event description, event list and ability to share information. They also expect the program to have an interactive favorite list, be able to identify whether a friend is to be in attendance, when and the location of the event. These are fundamental issues that the respondents and system users expect to be addressed to enable them acquire basic information pertaining to village events promptly. They would also facilitate social and economic integration since they will ensure effective interaction and sharing of ideas.

The participants cited that the new system should have an event type search item that is easy to use. This was supported by 53% of the respondents against 32% who preferred keyword search item. The event type search item is preferred since it gives users an outright opportunity to search and access events that are of relevance to them. It is a specific tool that enhances accuracy and time management when one is searching for an event or share information. It is noble to report that participants in the study were supportive about the idea of iPhone application. This was evident since 83% of the respondents cited that they would not hesitate to download that application software if it was free.

Functional specification

Goals of the specification

The new iPhone application system is meant to facilitate communication and viewing of Katara events. The application will be integrated with the requisite operating synergies and incentives that will enhance moderation of information. The application will also share some synergy with Katara events website that has been in operation for along time. However, the new system will not be a direct replica of the website. It will hold its own unique and effective programs that are designed to enhance user interaction. It will be developed to aid the up gradation of Apple iPhone gadgets.

That is it is designed specifically for the Apple iPhone that is widely used in the region. The developer will ensure that users of the system are at the center of its development for it to have pertinent features that they expect (Wooldridge, Schneider & Wooldridge, 2011, p, 3). The objective of the project is ideally to develop an iPhone application system that can aid the acquisition and dissemination of information that appertains to events that are being held in Katara cultural villages. The application must allow individuals to interact effectively, it must be simple to use, have clear navigation icons and it should enable users to engage well with the content.

Success measurement and Goals of the project

The success of the application in terms of its implementation and utilization will be measured by the number of people who will download it and how it will be able to share information or moderate data. Its success will also be measured by how it will facilitate individual’s engagement through its social media platform and the attendance in various events. Indeed, the overall goals of this system or mobile apps application include

1. To facilitate the provision of factual details about all Katara events
2. To ensure effective showcasing of selected Katara events
3. To encourage attendance at the events and execution of commercial activities
4. To facilitate and encourage sharing of information between individuals
5. To ensure that the applications users are at the center of its development

Product Development and Technical Specification

Technology Report

This section of the report gives comprehensive information about the technology requirements for Katara events iPhone application. It also captures the major types of app and prototype programs that are to be installed to aid the systems functionality. The aim of the report is to enable Apple Company to make a concrete decision on the best approach and application that they can adopt in upgrading their iPhone handsets.

Building the app application

Indeed, the designing and building of iPhone mobile app application will be guided by the procedures that are set by Apple and the World Wide Web consortium. These guidelines are instrumental since they seek to ensure that quality is not compromised during the integration process. Key issues that are being put into consideration to ensure its proper functionality include accessibility of the iPhone application, the small screen size of mobile phones (Wooldridge, Schneider & Wooldridge, 2011, p, 5).

Other elements include limited keyboard interaction capacity and the attention plan of the users. Despite these emerging issues, the development of mobile apps application seeks to provide an effective usable and accessible gateway into Katara events. This is evident since the new iPhone will be developed with a state-of-the-art touch screen and a camera system. This will enhance the applications mobility in terms of interaction and transfer of information. The requirements for developing the iPhone app system that the developer should make available are presented below. Consequently, key features that the application should have are also presented as evident below.

Table 3: The Requirements that Entail Infrastructure and Software Set for the Project.

Table 4: Key features that the application should have.

The implementation and design technology

Successful implementation of this project requires the developer to have general basics of computer programming. He should also understand the significance and functionality levels of objective-C language. This should be done before initiating the process of building a native iPhone application. This is imperative in ensuring that the application is able to meet the expectations of users (Wooldridge, Schneider & Wooldridge, 2011, p, 7). The system developer can familiarize himself with the noble requirements by studying programming tutorials that are provided by Apple Company. This is to ensure that he get familiar with objective-C and Cocoa programmers working guidelines.

Designing an effective iPhone application requires immense knowledge capacity on programming and resource application. This is essential since there are numerous tools that developers need to employ when executing their activities. Therefore, understanding how the tools that include GUI elements, iPhone Gui photoshop, template and iPhone PSD Vector Kit work is important. The applications or tools will facilitate the development of iPhones with high standard touch screens that respond effectively to users’ requests. The screens will also be able to give clear display of events since they will ensure proper visibility of various click icons. After the integration of the pertinent set ups, the phone screens will appear as shown below. The figures also include the stencil tools that are to be used in designing the programs.

Here are some of the physical screen shots that will be supported by iTune and iPhone app application programs. The screen shots gives a clear picture on how the design will facilitate events selection and enable clear viewing of various activities by users.

Evaluation of the Development Process

The Types of App Systems that are Appropriate for the Design

Indeed, there are two effective types of app application systems that can be built to enhance the functionality of the iPhone. The apps types include web app and native app. In particular, native app applications are the most popular iPhone tools that users can download easily since they are available in the iTunes store. The applications are written in the programming language known as objective-C. The writings are installed in the iPhone to enable it have access to its hardware gadgets such cameras, accelerometer and speakers (Wooldridge, Schneider & Wooldridge, 2011, p, 39).

In the contrary, a web app is a tailor-made website application for the iPhone. Its content can be used or applicable to news institutions such as m.smh.com.au, a small business enterprise or a bank. The applications interface is built with traditional web-standard techniques. It is also built with web-standard programmers such as HTML, java and its users can access it at URL set up.

Notably, Native app application remains the most viable iPhone tool since it is available in the iTunes store. It also presents various advantages to users who affirm its effectiveness in ensuring proper operations of the Phones. Firstly, it eases access to various hardware features and mobile devices. It comes with pertinent programming support system that includes Xcode, interface builder and cocoa Touch framework that are essential in enhancing the Apple’s designs. Thirdly, its iTune app store enables it to support many users since app store facilitates data download or acquisition of information.

Content management and delivery

As noted, Apple has furnished the platform for iPhone application and testing with solid support systems of network computing. It also has supporting infrastructure and technologies that include sockets, SQL, access, XML processor, URL schemes and password key chains. These support systems are significant in ensuring that the iPhone application is fully compliant to web based requirements and services.

Maps and directions

The Katara events app application program will provide location maps or information and directions for event venues using credible inbuilt features. Particularly, the events app application will use the in-built GPS features and google maps in iPhones. The features will enable various individuals who are village events followers to access information about the events in a systematic manner. This will be possible since the events app system will use iOSwebkit framework to aid the access of content sharing tools such as twitter and Facebook that are internet enabled.

Consequently, the use of RSVP system will allow content users to register for various events through a well-designed web-based form that will be easily accessed via the iPhone in-built browser. The in-built users will then be required to submit the form after providing or encoding the required information for processing by the event organizer.

The System’s Notifications Aspect

The application will be integrated with appropriate notification signals that will enable users to establish the systems that are not open on their phones. The notification signals to be adopted include local and push notifications that remains viable ways of enabling system users to identify programs that are not functional in their phones (Goto & Cotler, 2005, p, 57). The notifications will be inform of massages, calendar events or new data on the local or remote servers especially when presented by operating systems. The notifications hold the capacity to display an alert massage or place a badge on the application icon.

They can also produce an alert sound when a notification number is shown. This will enable system users especially Katara events followers to access and get various updates pertaining to the village events on timely basis.

This is evident since system users can launch the applications to enable them access various information once they get the notification that the system has a massage, event or any other pertinent data for them. The platform will also provide them with the pertinent icons that will enable them to ignore any kind of information that they do not need by not clicking on the activation button. Indeed, push notification will be executed via Apple push notification service especially when there are massages to be accessed or to be downloaded. These elements explain why local and push notifications are recommended for this project that seeks to enhance access to information about Katara events through iPhone app platform.

General technical specifications for building iPhone apps

The new application will be developed using effective operating devices that include effective processors, high performance CPUs, RAM and GPU-intensive IPS devices. The system will also have a bigger memory and fine-tunes OS X developer tools. These tools will ensure that the system is user oriented and can support multiple activities.

Technical data for the Katara Events iPhone App

The information provided about the technical data has been specifically compiled for an iPhone application in a local university. It provides details on how Client Spec Sheet and The Expanded Tech-Check tools are applicable in the process (Goto and Cotler, 2005, p, 140).

Table 5: Technical Data for Katara Events IPhone App.

Critical Evaluation and Testing Strategy of the Project

As part of the system developer’s testing program, Apple Corporation is bound to make the testing of the iPhone application simpler. This is by ensuring that the required testing tools are made available to form part of the IOS and SDK requirements (Goto & Cotler, 2005, p, 58).

Apple Corporation also seeks to enhance the system’s ability of testing an app on an iPhone by regular users. Consequently, it seeks to provide the requisite support to aid the system’s functionality using its own IOS experts. This testing strategy is meant to give key stakeholders who will be affected by this application to ascertain its relevance and functional capacity. Critically, it will help in enabling the stakeholders to accept the application and ensure its maximum utilization especially for the Katara people.

During the testing process every tool that is integrated will be tested to establish their functional capacity. This process will be executed using various testing tools and programs that include debugger, shark, instruments, testing five and technical support. Firstly, debugger is instrumental since it allows system developers to set various break points in an application and use the debugger console tool to perform a thorough inspection of the program’s details. Secondly, the instruments environment tools allow system developers to analyze the performance level of an IOS application while it operates in the simulator. The tools also collect data from an application and present the information in a graph called a timeline. This allows easy evaluation of the system’s behavior when it is running or performing various functions.

Shark is also used in testing the functional levels of app applications on iPhones. The tool is used specifically to monitor and analyze the effectiveness of an iPhone application. This is evident since it profiles the XCode programs as they operate on a phone using various system icons (Wooldridge, Schneider & Wooldridge, 2011, p, 3). Fourthly, test five allows system developers to evaluate the performance capacity of an app program that is connected to a Wi-fi device or a carrier’s network to aid real world user experience. These testing procedures are vital and should be executed by system developers to guarantee the effectiveness of iPhones in aiding events notification.

Recommendations and Analytics Reporting Strategy

It is recommended that a UNIX-based web server should support the iPhone application. This is because the server provides quality content management programs such as SQL-based content management system (CMS) that is effective. The CMS system is effective since it holds the capacity of eliminating duplication of resources if it is set to provide content to the UTS events website. The content will be put to the CMS by the person approved by the moderator who holds publishing rights (Goto & Cotler, 2005, p, 92). The provider will be required to provide images as part of his content. The supplied data will then be encoded to XML by the use of parser “libxml2”.

This device is appropriate since it is an open library that is included into the system by default with the iPhone SDK. It supports both DOM and Sax processing systems. Variably, I recommend that the Katara events iPhone app system be developed as a native app. The native app is appropriate since it will enable the developer to take the advantage of using key hardware features that are made available on its iTunes App store. The needs of the Katara people and potential web users justify the use of the application system. This is evident since the client’s goal for this project is to build an app program that utilizes the unique hardware features of the iPhone.

Google analytics tool is the best and effective tracking device that is appropriate for this project to aid proper tracking of the various actions of the app system users. It is recommended since it will facilitate proper tracking of diverse actions of users of Katara events iPhone application. Its availability also makes it appropriate for the project. This is because it freely downloadable from the internet especially the analytics for mobile Apps SDK for IOS. The SDK is designed to work with any available software such as MS Excel and PowerPoint due to its comparability. It can also work effectively with any iPhone that can run IOS 2.0 platform.

Conclusion

Indeed, meeting the stakeholders’ expectations would require the system developer to formulate viable strategies and operating plans. He must ensure that adequate support systems are put in place to facilitate holistic implementation of the system and its effective functionality. Firstly, the developer must adopt the use of effective social networking tools, quality apps programs and communication prototypes. The tools should support the integration of secure, effective and quality interactive platform that is devoid of errors. This is essential since Katara people expect to have a social media platform that fosters effective moderation of information and usability.

List of References

Goto, K. & Cotler, E 2004, Web Redesign 2.0: Workflow that Works, New Riders,Berkeley, Calif.

Gordon, J 2012, How to Create Your First iPhone App. Web.

Lewis, R 2012, IPhone and iPad Apps for Absolute Beginners, Apress, New York.

Wooldridge, D., Schneider, M & Wooldridge, D 2011, The Business of iPhone and iPad App Development: Making and Marketing Apps that Succeed, Apress, New York.

Appendix 1

Questionnaire

Research Questionnaire

Background Information [Specify appropriately]

• Gender
  • Male [ ]
  • Female [ ]
• Age
  • 10-20 Years [ ]
  • 21-30 Years [ ]
  • 31-40 Years [ ]
• What is your current engagement with Katara events and the events website?
  • …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
• Have you used Katara events website?
  • Yes [ ]
  • No[ ]
  • If yes, how many times have you used the website?……………………………………………………………………………………………….
• What is your current level of engagement with social media facilities? Specify
  • …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
• What search terms do you think the new app application should have? ……………………………
• What are your expectations pertaining to event listings? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
• How do you rank the following features that the application seeks to have?
  • Photos
    • Essential[ ]
    • Not important [ ]
    • Moderate important [ ]
  • Googlemaps location services
    • Essential[ ]
    • Not important [ ]
    • Moderate important [ ]
  • Detailed event description
    • Essential[ ]
    • Not important [ ]
    • Moderate important [ ]
  • Interactive favourites list
    • Essential[ ]
    • Not important [ ]
    • Moderate important [ ]
  • Share events
    • Essential[ ]
    • Not important [ ]
    • Moderate important [ ]
  • Where/When details
    • Essential[ ]
    • Not important [ ]
    • Moderate important [ ]
• What are your favorite iPhone applications? …………………………………………

Appendix II

Budget for the Project