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