CHAPRER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Coupons were first used over 120 years ago to drive trial of an unremarkable tonic and set it on the path to become the global brand that coca-cola is today. while coupon usage has dropped from a peak in the 1990s. the decline has been halted and levels have started to use again. Charles O’oyly, managing director of promotional solutions company valassis, says that this has partly been driven by issues becoming better at targeting but more consumers are also seeking out promotional offers more often because of the economic downturn.
The 2008 CCB fast. MAP marketing GAP research in August suggested the “Credit Crunch” Contributed to a year-on-year increase in coupon redemption levels, with more than a quarter of consumers now regularly using coupons. In marketing a coupon is a ticker or document that can be exchanged for a financial discount or rebate when purchasing a product. Customarily, Coupons are issued by manufacturer of consumer packaged goods or by retailers to be used in retail stores as a part of sales promotions. They are often widely distributed through mail, magazines, Newspaper or the internet, and mobile devices such as cell phones. Valassis’s 2008 report stated that 30 percent of consumers were more actively seeking out promotions compared to a year ago and O’oyly say that trend has continued since the period covered by the research.
Three quarters said it was mainly because of a rise in the cost of food and the general cost of living O’oyly believes that growth is also coming from categories that have not used coupons much before such as pubs and restaurants which woke up to this tool only two years ago. “They are tired and tested across a number of categories and have a potential to work pretty much in any category, but some areas have overlooked them for a long time” he says another rapidly growing area is print-at-home coupons, which consumers can download from web.
Coupon store, which provide brands with the technology to offer this, says this route is more measurable and effective, achieving typical redemption rates of 23.5 percent rather that the standard two percent average. By choosing to print the coupons consumers are automatically engaged in the process,” says coupon star managing director Jared Keen.
1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
However, the biggest barrier to growth is the continuing practice of leading supermarkets accepting coupons at the till for products that are not in the shopper’s basket, and sometimes not even sold in the store. Adrian Harris, sales director of risk management specialist Opia, says “until supermarkets accept coupons correctly, especially the likes of Tesco and introduce the technology already available to reduce misredemption, Opia would rarely endures a coupon campaign as a truly accountable or measurable promotion. It is widely known that some supermarkets simply accept the coupon as cash against any product.
Online consumer guides and forums, which are currently very popular given the general economic situation, even direct coupon holder to offending store groups”.
1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The study is aimed at exploring the possibility of computerizing coupon generation process, other objectives include:
1 Efficient information retrieval,
2 provide alternative research option and tool for research to explore, and
3 Make available to researchers and to the general public important characteristics of computers which they can take full advantages of.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study is to conduct a verifiable research and research and explore the importance and uses of computer to generate coupons with its attending characteristics.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY.
The significance of this study is that it will provide the institute with an opportunity to introduce this new technology, which will also serve as the basis for future research into the topic.
1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY.
The scope of the study basically covered the area of information exchange as well information generation. It also covered data security and authenticity as well as reportage. These areas were
· Data capturing,
· Information processing, and
· Reporting.
1.6 LIMITATIONS.
During the research process, some difficulties and limitations where encountered. They include:
· High proximity to resource areas from my home,
· Limited time in the gathering of facts and findings,
· Inadequate funds,
· Insufficient local literature and/or resources.
1.7 ASSUMPTIONS.
Sequels to insufficient information, the following assumption were made:- most researchers are not computer literate and as a result, aren’t aware of the importance of computers to their research work or research process so they are totally ignorant of it,
They can actually, afford an internet ready personnel computer, and the general public are computer enthusiasts.
1.8 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.
Coupon: A small piece of printed paper that you can exchange for something or that gives you right to buy something at a cheaper price than normal or a printed form, often cut out from a newspaper, that is used to enter a competition, order goods, etc.
Cutover process:- To obtain maximum and efficient use of the new system it should be run along side, the old system until the new system completely take over the system operation.
Trading stamp:- are small paper coupons given to customers by merchant. These stamp have no value individually, company for merchandise.
Internet coupons:- online retailer often refer to internet coupons as “coupon codes,” promotional/code.” It also provide for reduced cost or free ship coupons.
Love coupon books:- This are popular gift on valentine’s day and other anniversary.
Store coupons:- In contrast are distributed by a particular store and ay only be redeemed at the specified store.
Manufacturer coupon:- are distributed by the manufacturer of a particular product and are redeemable by consumer at a variety of retailers that sell the specified products.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 REVIEW OF RELEVANT LITERATURE
The ISP with support form MP John Greenway, has been working with coupon fulfillment specialists such as valassis and multi Resource marketing (MRM) on a campaign to lobby retailers to stop accepting coupons unless a customer is buying the relevant product. The group has begun a dialogue with two leading supermarkets but other are remaining stubbornly in interested. ISP chairman Clive Mishon admits that progress has been slow but the views of all parties brands, marketing services and retailers have to be considered.
We are taking a value judgment based on what the stakeholder’s views are. It’s going to take a number of year,” he says. Sainsbury’s this month refused to comment on its attitude to misredemption while Tesco denied that it was significant. “these things do happen but we generally find that customers oly use coupon on product that they want to buy,” a Tesco spokes woman said, before adding “But in any way that we can do try to help customers by accepting them, wherever possible. If we found that it was a huge issue for us, we would need to investigate but it is incredibly rare”.
However, according to CCB fast. MAP marketing, GAP’s research, misredemption remains high, with 30 percent of consumers saying they sometimes misredeem and six percent saying they do it often. However, the number who never misredeems coupons has risen for the first time since 2006, to 56 percent. This year’s seven percent rise in honesty is good news for the industry”. Says CCB fast. MAP managing director David cole. Peter kerr, managing director of MRM, believes that misuse of coupons is comparable to other crimes such as price label switching or petty theft. The practice of misredemption is a malignant disease that has degenerate this massively effective marketing technique to the detriment of all stakeholders within the couponing industry” he says. “For some reason, retailers perceive they have immunity from it, when in fact they are perhaps the biggest victim of it” He points out that in fact most coupons are issued by retailers, particularly Tesco through its club card. “Therefore they have more to gain in promoting proper practice. It is time to wipe this practice out once and for all to the mutual benefit of everyone, particularly for that majority of consumers who see coupons as they were intended as incentives to try new products and receive rewards for continued use”. Campaigners have referenced section 2 of the fraud Act 2006, which suggested the consumer, may be acting dishonestly by false representation.
However, it is unlikely any action would even be taken by a manufacture or brand against an individual over a £2 coupon. Without the scanning technology to match coupons to what is in the basket, it world cause costly delays at the checkpoint if staff had to check them manually. However, valassis’s coupon report 54 percent of coupons distributed via direct mail in 2007 carried a unique identities enabling the redemption to be tracked while replacing the traditional EAN 13 barcode with a new GSI data bar, which can contain more data, will allow issuers to track and control coupons throughout their lifecycle while some smaller independent retailers are installing new technology that can scan this kind of coupons, it could take five to seven years for the tier one supermarkets to replace their technology at point of sale, says Douglas Stand, Chief technology office, for first on demand.
This is something that was tackled in the US in the 1990s when misredemption levels were halved after the introduction of new barcodes. First on demand provides scanning technology that can process data targeted down to a store or an individual. “Everyone sees a benefit in this,” stand says. “Manufacturers can guarantee their coupons are being used in the way they want them to be use, the retailers can get settled more quickly, and both parties get real-time informations.” He adds that it would drive volumes of coupons and allow bigger values to be redeemed. “What we need to do is put the power back into the hand of the brands and the manufacturers.” David Lay Bourne, managing director of digital print and new media, solutions company real Digital, adds, “By personalizing coupon content an individual level, it increases redemption rates and ensure that discount value are tailored to the expected uplift in spend they are likely to generate. For retailers, the ability to fine-tune product and service discounts in line with local demographics and individual retail outlet needs is significant. It enables the effect of the promotional coupons to be tested, tracked and adjusted over time.” Stand points out that the new technology could also tackle the bulk selling of coupon through websites sc as eBay, where sellers are not automatically required to explain how they have got hold of particularly large quantities. “The technology allows you to change the value of coupon at the back end once it has been created so that if a coupon promotions not going particularly well, you might want to increase the value,” he says. “If it is being misused, you could cancel the coupon and make it ineffective, or trigger activity for when that coupon is used.” However, following meetings with the ISP, eBay has confirmed that it would investigate any complaints make about specific sellers. Adam Rawat, managing director of marketing services company RMI services, warns that promoters are faced with “an environment of misredemption that has been built into our shop couponing culture.” He add. “For the fundamentals of this to change, we either have to force accurate redemption at epos through shop coupon basket validation, or educate the public on the correct use of coupons and the downside of misredemption that coupon issuers are losing confidence as too high a percentage are misredeemed and therefore are reluctant to issue any more.
“Once the misredemption level are lower, we should expect to see more issuer confidence in couponing as a viable marketing tool, which should lead to an increase in the amount of coupons on the market at a time when they are much needed. “Though coupons have been a feature of sales promotion for years. It is only recently that coupons have been delivered digitally, in email or on websites. While it is hard for a customer to duplicate a coupon. The institute of sales promotion (ISP) has said, that number of online coupons by marketers with an increase of 650% in Internet coupons printed.” It said in a set of guidelines it has published for marketers on electronic coupons. The ISP said that the while consumers welcomed digital coupons they presented dangers to retailers. “The opportunity exists to make multiple copies of internet print-at-home coupons by photocopying, scanning or reprinting the original coupons,” it said. “The primary impact of coupon copying is the potential for unbudgeted redemption liability.” “through email, online forums and online auction sites, all coupons have the potential to reach a wide base than originally planned,” it said “As a result, coupons other than those intended by the marketer could be introduced into the market place.” It said “Companies that use digital coupons should make sure that they keep control of the offers and how many people can take advantage of them.
Those unique barcode and identifiers should enable each coupon to be tracked and linked to a specific consumer or computer.
2.1 ORIGIN
In 1887, the coca-cola company was incorporated with Asa Candler as one of the partners. He transformed coca-cola from an insignificant tonic into a profitable business by using innovative advertising techniques. The key to this growth was candler’s ingenious marketing including having the company’s employees and sales representatives distribute complimentary coupons for coca-cola. Coupons were mailed to potential customers and placed in magazines.
The company gave soda fountain free syrup to cover the costs of the free drinks. It is estimated that between 1894 and 1913 one in nine Americans had received a free coca-cola, for a total of 8,500,000 free drinks. By 1895 candler announced to shareholders that coca-cola was served in every state in the united states.
2.2 HISTORY
Coupons first saw widespread use in the united state in 1909 when C.W first conceived the idea to help sell break fast cereals and other product. Today more than 700 corporations offer coupons, for discount on products or services. Each year, coupons for consumers packaged goods generate nearly 3 billion dollars in transactions within the U.S alone.
2.3 PRONUNCIATION
The word is of French origin, pronounced [kuop]. In
Britain and Canada it is pronuounced /□ K u □ p o n/ K o o p o n. A common alternative American pronounciation is /□ K j u □ p o n/ “CUE-PON”
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS
One of the promotional techniques used by manufactures and retailer to encourage the purchase of particular products is coupons. Coupons typically offer a monetary discount on the specified product. There are two types of coupons manufacturer coupons and store coupons.
Manufacturers coupons are distributed by the manufacture of a particular product and are redeemable by consumers at a variety of retailers that sell the specific products.
Store coupons in contrast are distributed by a particular store and may only e redeemed at the specified store. While store coupons are processed by the store where redeemed, manufacture coupons are typically processed by a coupon clearing house that sort the coupons for particular manufacturers and then submit the data to the manufacturers requesting payment for the coupons along with a processing fees being submitted to the retailers.
3.1 FACT FINDING METHOD
Two fact finding methods were used during the research. They include interview, reference to written textual materials and internet downloads.
Personal interview:- the personal interview played a leading role in the conduct of this research. In fact, it provided a lot of information, which would not have been available if only reference to textual materials method was used without supporting it with some interview. Specific question, which require adequate answers were prepared and sent to those intended to be interviewed beforehand. The interview was conducted at the project corp. Nigeria Research centre Enugu, where majority of data and information needed were obtained. Questions were also asked in respect of data organization and management. Interviews were asked to make suggestion on how to improve on the existing level of systems operation.
LIBRARY RESEARCH
The research make maximum use of the available resources ranging from text books, magazines to journals from the state library. Visits were also made to the school library. Another methodology was to investigate written materials and excerpts, which include downloads from notable author and websites.
3.2 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE.
3.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM
The objectives of the existing system are as follows:-
1. Generate coupon at a high rate.
2. Use coupons to promote sales of yale products,
3. Provide the basis for further studies into research topics
4. Use coupons to maintain customer loyalty,
5. Use generated coupon to increase market share, and
6. To provide government at all levels, company executives and managements and the general public information necessary f or effective decision making.
3.4 INPUT, PROCESS AND OUT ANALYSIS
The input, process and output sub systems of the conventional research system is treated below.
3.4.1 INPUT ANALYSIS
Input to the system includes all the necessary fields used in generating the coupons. This information is sent to the marketing unit by the secretary and to the various heads of departments of the respective employees.
The following are the input to the existing system
· ID.
· Code.
· Value.
· Product
· Quantity.
· Date prepared
3.4.2 PROCESSING
Processing phase follows after the input process, this phase consist of statistical analysis of the data and interpretation of results. The calculations using various statistical methods are performed on the data.
3.4.3 OUTPUT ANALYSIS.
The out put of the system is usually a piece of document referred to as ‘coupon’ that is usually attached to a product bought by the consumer. This is issued to individual customer and is redeemed once the coupon had been returned and confirmed.
3.5 INFORMATION FLOW DIAGRAM3.6 PROBLEMS OF EXITING SYSTEM.
Below are some of the problems identified with the existing system at Yale food.
1. During investigation it was noticed or discovered that much time is wasted while performing computations involving the institute’s finances,
2. Documentation of business transaction is susceptible to wrong computations.
3. Lack of real-time online information processing.
4. Lacks real-time online financial reporting mechanism, and
5. Lack of trained customer attendants or specialist
3.7 JUSTIFICATION OF THE NEW SYSTEM.
In addition to achieving the objectives of the present system, the new system will achieve the following additional objectives.
1. Speed: computers can perform calculations in just a few seconds that a human being will need weeks to do.
2. Storage: End number of data can be stored in the computer and retrieved when needed.
3. Diligence: being a machine computer does not suffer from human traits of tiredness and lack of concentration. A computer can perform number of calculations continuously with same accuracy and speed.
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 DESIGN OF THE NEW SYSTEM.
This chapter addresses issues bordering the proposed design, which include output/input and design specification, file design strategy, and system requirements. Following a through examination of the old system and the information needs of both researchers and the general public, the following specifications, requirements, and design standards which are explained in the following sections were put together for the new system.
4.1 DESIGN STANDARDS.
The design standards were put together after a through look at the same software design specifications which include:-
· Information/data capture.
· Retrieval process/system.
· Query/editing/deletion system.
· Report generation and display means, and
· Printing system.
4.2 OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGN.
The out put in whichever case (soft or hard copy) must contain the following field items:-
· ID.
· Code.
· Value.
· Product.
· Quantity.
· Date prepared.
4.3 INPUT SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGN.
The input field specification is a little different from those of the output documents; its interface design looks as the one below.
 |
4.3.1FILE DESIGN.
Two file design were use in the project. One called coupon Gen. Mdb created with Microsoft access 2003 is to serve as the database back-end file while the other called Report. Rift in richly formatted text format, is internally generated by the software itself to serve as the printable version of the records in the database back-end file and is compatible with Microsoft word of any version and other available word processing software document templates. The back-end database file design structure is as follows.
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- FILE DESIGN STRUCTURE:
4.4 PROCEDURE CHARTS
4.5 SYSTEM FLOW CHART4.6 SYSTEM REQUIREMNTS.
The system requirements are classified into hardware, software, operational, and personnel requirement.
4.6.1HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS.
Pentium core 2 Duo computer with the following configurations.
· SUGA Card.
· 2 MB RAM or more
· 500 GB space in HDD and above.
· CD ROM.
· Enhanced or windows keyboard.
· Serial mouse.
LaserJet or Inkjet printer
100 VA UPS
4.6.2 SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
Operating system such as
· Windows 2000, XP, Vista or
· Linux (Red Hat, Fedora, or free BSD)
Microsoft Data Access components 2.0
My SQL Database server
Web server
Mc Afee Antivirus or any other with up to date virus definition.
4.6.3 OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
5 Internet Ready Resources centers
1 Executive Table and chair for the meaning personnel well-extinguishers etc.
4.6.4 PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS.
The resource centre where this installation would be made should have at least, three to five personnel with one technologist as the head.
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 IMPLEMENTATION
This chapter will discuss the process of replacing the existing system with the proposed one. First a production of a program design which depicts the arrangement and approach of the program to solving the given problem is necessary. A pseudo code is further written to explain the algorithm to give a deeper understanding of the flow chart. Finally the sources code which is the program and a test run to prove the efficiency and accuracy of the program in solving the problem for which it was designed. To obtain maximum and efficient use of the new system it should be run along side the old system until the new system completely takes over the system operation (parallel implementation). The staffs to use the new system have to undergo some kind of training to understand and effectively use the new system.
The coupon Generation implementation and monitoring unit should involve the necessary staff and management in the design of the new system to make sure that it is designed in such a way that it performs their desires function, and also that the management may fully appreciate the advantage brought about in using the new system. It will help to remove the fear and anxiety in the staffs that are to use the system.
5.1 DESIGN STANDARDS.
The design standards were put together after a thorough look at the some software design specifications which include.
· Information/data capture.
· Retrieval process/system.
· Query/editing/deletion system.
· Report generation and display means, and
· Printing system.
5.2 PROGRAM DESIGN.
The new system implemented in software was designed in modules (subroutine and functions). Each module on encountering the ‘end sub, end function, exist sub, or exit function; returns on integer value to the calling program module or the main module.
The graphical structure of the modular arrangement for the new software design is illustrated in the diagram below.
5.2.1 
PROGRAM FLOW CHART.
PROGRAM FLOW CHART.  |
5.2.2 PSEUDO CODE
Login
If login succeed then
Splash screen
Display main coupon Gen IDE
Select menu option
If option = coupon Gen then
If coupon Gen = New coupon then
(perform new coupon Gen operations)
Else If coupon Gen = submit then
(perform save operations)
Else If coupon Gen = Reset then
(unload info active window)
Else If coupon Gen = print then
(print select report)
Else If coupon Gen = Exit then
(perform clean up operations)
(unload all windows)
(End)
End IF
Else If if option = Edit then
If Edit = coupon Info then
(perform Gen updates)
Else If Edit = Delete then
(updates user profile)
End IF
Else If option = view then
(Display coupon Info)
Else If option = Help then
(Display How to )
End IF
End IF
CHAPTER SIX
6.0 DOCUMENTATION
This guide provides the would-be user a documentation of how the system is to be installed and used. It also provides the would-be software reviewer, a technical guide the documentation is designed in two phases;
1. program documentation
2. user documentation
6.1 PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION
This documentation will assist the software reviewer while making amendments and/or updates to the system.
Below are an explanation of each module and what function they perform in the software.
COUPON GEN center: This module consist of:-
· The ‘new Coupon’ module is the module that lunches the input interface for capturing and processing coupon Gen Data,
· The ‘Reset’ module clears the fields for a fresh start to data capture.
· The ‘print’ module is used to print a hard copy of the saved document.
· The ‘exit’ module performs a back ground cleanup operation and then ends the program
Edit: This module include:-
· The Edit ‘coupon’ module allows the user with special privileges as an administrator to make changes to an existing records in the database back-end file based on queries,
· The ‘Delete’ simply discards absolute existing record from the database Back-end based on quarries,
· Users setting allows the user that must be logged in as an administration to alter and/or update user information.
View: This module has a sub module to view the coupon information in spreadsheet like manner,
Help: This module has ‘How to’ module displays a help file or page on how to use the new system.
6.2 USER DOCUMENTATION
The following information will assist the user while operating the software to install the software do the following,
A.) Insert the software CD into the CD ROM drive.
B.) Click the start button and then click Run,
C.) Browse and locate the set up folder in the software disk.
D.) Click the set up file,
E.) Follow the screen instruction during the installation process.
Once installed, login as an administration with the following user information
· Username ‘no’
· Password ‘no’
CHAPTER SEVEN
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS, SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
7.1 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following success of the new system during trial phase we recommend the following
· Re-installation and purchase of modern and standard equipment
· Employment of competent personnel to carry out the maintenance of new system.
· More research work in order to improve on this demo version, which however, has the potential and can go fully commercial.
7.2 SUMMARY
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a coupon generation and redemption system that not only enhances the incentives for the costs associated with processing the redeemed coupon and reduces fraud associated with coupon redemption.
7.3 CONCLUSION
To conclude, computers are useful tools that make the research process easier and faster with accuracy and greater reliability and fewer errors. The programmer or the computer operator should have a through knowledge about the abilities and limitations of the soft wares used for better use of computers.
REFERENCES:
Coca-cola 120th Anniversary, the coca-cola company Time liner 120 years of Innovation Sullivan, Author; steve Mr.Sheffrin (2003).Economics: principles in action. Upper saddle River , New jersey 07458
Belson, ken (2006-02-12). ”coupon clip coupon the old fashioned way. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/12/business/yourmone/12bearer.html?_r=1&scp=1859=coupon%20c;ipcoupong, %20 the %20 old.fashioned%20way & st=cse. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
Richard Davenport-Hines (2004).”Tompkins, (Granville) Richard Francis (1918-1992)”. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford university press.
http:/www.oxfordnb.com/view/article/51347.Retrieved 2008-06-19.
David Randall (2002-09-22) “Real window”. In the grip of Green shield mania.” The Independent on Sunday. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4 150/15_20020922/ai_n12666598.Retrieved 2008-06-19.
Goffrey Owen (February 2003).” CORPORATE STRATEGY IN UK FOOD RETAILING, 1980-2002”. http://cep.Ise.ac.uk/seminarpaper/24-05-04%20-%20background%20paper%20Geoffery&20owen.pdf.Retrieved2008-06-19.”Tesco signed up with sperry & Hutchinson, issuer of Green shield stamps in 1963 and became one of that company’s largest clients.”
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