SKY-HIGH INTERNET SERVICE

Situation :

Sky-High Internet Services is a leading Internet service 

provider in a metropolitan area. The new customer billing system has caused an increase in complaints. Tammy Jones, the office manager, asked you to investigate the situation. After interviewing data entry operators and observing the online data input process, you are fairly certain that most errors occur when data is entered.

1. Write a brief memo to Tammy explaining the importance of data validation during the input process.

 Ans :

Tammy,

           Data validation is very important during the input process. A validation check improves input quality by testing the data and rejecting any entry that fails to meet specified conditions. Responses should point out that the best defense against incorrect data is to identify and correct errors by using data validation checks before they enter the system .

2. Suggest at least three specific data validation checks that might help reduce input errors.

Ans :

• Sequence check, which are used when the data must be in some predetermined sequence  
• Existence check, which are used for mandatory data items such as Social Security Number
• Data type check , which test to ensure that a data item fits the required data type, such as numeric or alphabet

3. Would a batch input system offer any advantages? Write a brief memo to Tammy stating your views.

Ans : 

Hi Tammy, batch input system is useful and an advantage specially when dealing with a predefined schedule, such as determining the financial status or accounting. Online data entry is an advantage also in handling transactions that needs immediate response, so there should be an analysis of which system will be using in a particular component.

4. Suppose that Sky-High is predicting 25% annual growth, on a current base of 90,000 customers. If the growth pattern holds, how many customers will Sky-High have in three years? If it takes about 12 minutes to enter a new customer into the system, how many additional data entry operators will be needed to handle the growth next year? Assume that an operator works about 2,000 hours per year. Also assume a 30% annual attrition rate for existing customers.

Ans :

Let j1 = 25% of 90,000

Then the number of customer next year would be '90,000+j1', which is 112,500

Let j2 = 25% of 112,500

Then the number of customer next year would be '112,500+j1', which is 140,625

Let j3 = 25% of 140,625

Then the number of customer next year would be '112,500+j1', which is  175,781

The number of customers after 3 years would be 175,781

Terrier News Situation

Terrier News is a monthly newsletter devoted to various breeds of terriers and topics of interest to terrier owners and breeders. Annie West, the editor and publisher, asked you to help her design a system to enter and manage the hundreds of classified ads that Terrier News publishes. Some ads are for dogs wanted; some are for dogs for sale; and some offer products and services.

1. Design a suitable source document for ads that are telephoned or mailed in. 

Ans :

2. Explain user-centered design principles in a brief memo to Annie.

  Ans:

• Think like a user
• Profile the system's user
• Maximize graphical effectiveness
• Use prototyping
• Design a comprehensive interface
• Continue the feedback process

3. Suggest at least four user interface design guidelines that could be used for the new system.

Ans :

• Facilitate the system's design objectives
• Create a design that is easy to learn and remember
• Design a interface to improve user efficiency and productivity
• Write commands, actions, and the system responses that are consistent and predictable

4. Suggest several types of controls that might be used on the switchboard you plan to design. Explain why you chose each control, and create a storyboard that shows the switchboard layout.

   Ans:

NORTH SHORE BOAT SALES

Situation :

North Shore Boat Sales sells new and used boats and operates a Web-based boat brokerage business in Toronto. The company has grown, and North Shore needs a new information system to manage the inventory, the brokerage operation, and information about prospective buyers and sellers. Dan Robeson, the owner, asked you to design samples of computer screens and reports that the new system might produce.

Question & Answer :

1. Design a switchboard that includes the main information management functions that North Shore might require. Create a storyboard with a design layout that allows customers to perform the following functions: Obtain information  about new boats, obtain information about used boats, send an e-mail to North Shore, learn more about the company, or review links to other marine-related sites.

Answer

Story Board

2. Prospective buyers might want to search for boats by type, size, price range, or manufacturer. Develop a screen design that would permit those choices.

Answer

3. Suggest reports that might be useful to North Shore’s management.

Answer

• Providing necessary reports which might help user to have a user to have a clear picture about the company and its performance gained over years .
• Providing the user to obtain the required information he chooses.
• Another web page must be created for sellers who want to sell their boats.

4.  Suggest the general layout for a Web-based source document that prospective sellers could use to describe their boats. The information should include boat type (sail or power), manufacturer, year, length, type of engine, hull color, and asking price.

Answer