Design, Implementation, and Functional Evaluation of a Role-Based Web-Based Learning Management System

Author

Ismail Z. Y, Auwal M. Abdullahi, Zainab Aliyu Musa


Abstract

 Learning management systems have become central to teaching, assessment, and academic administration in tertiary institutions, yet many Nigerian polytechnics still depend on manual or partially digitised processes for course delivery, testing, and record keeping. This study presents the design, implementation, and functional evaluation of a role-based web-based Learning Management System (LMS) developed for Federal Polytechnic Bauchi (FPTB). The system was built with PHP, MySQL, and Tailwind CSS, and integrates four operational roles, namely administrator, coordinator, lecturer, and student, within a single relational database that models departments, academic sections, course assignments, learning materials, computer-based quizzes, and assignment submissions. An iterative waterfall approach guided development, comprising requirements gathering, system and database design, implementation, and testing. Security was addressed through session-based authentication, bcrypt password hashing, parameterised database queries, and role-based access control that restricts each user category to its designated modules. A computer-based testing engine with randomised question ordering was incorporated for quizzes, alongside a virtual classroom module built on the Jitsi Meet application programming interface for live video-based instruction. The system was evaluated using black-box functional testing across its core modules, including registration and approval, course assignment, material upload, quiz administration, assignment grading, and virtual class access. Findings indicate that the system performed its intended functions correctly, with clearly separated role privileges and consistent grade computation. The study concludes that a lightweight, self-hosted LMS combining computer-based testing and video conferencing is a feasible and cost-effective option for Nigerian polytechnics operating under infrastructural and budgetary constraints, and recommends further usability evaluation with actual staff and students before full deployment.


Keywords

learning management system; web-based system; role-based access control; computer-based testing; Nigerian polytechnic; PHP; MySQL



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References


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