Coursework Begins :^)

Well, today we began work on our coursework which is to be completed over the course of Year 14. Our aim is to use the databases we developed in Lower 6th and upload them to a webpage, similarly to the Northwind Traders site we have been working on.

As we did with the NWT database, we began by creating site layouts. Mine is shown below...

17/10/07

In Today's class, we began watching a series of videoclips which would help improve our knowledge and understanding ofthe Visual Web Developer Program. When we finish watching each video, we were asked to make a short summary of what we learnt here on our blog.

Video 01.

Video 01 discussed the basics of the program such as creating a new web site, understanding visual code and how to construct features such as Labels and Buttons from the toolbar or new aspx pages.

Classwork :)

Over the weekend, we were asked to summarise section 4.1. With this completed, my task for todays class was to create 10 questions, with answers provided, for Section 4.5.

This is done below.

(Q)(1) What is an 'Off-the-shelf' package?

(A)(1) An 'Off-the-shelf' package is one that is commercially available and addresses the common needs of common organisations.

(Q)(2) What is 'Bespoke' software?

(A)(2) 'Bespoke' software is developed with a particular organisation and its needs in mind. It may be developed by the company's own ICT department or by some third-party.

(Q)(3) List 3 advantages of 'Off-the-shelf' software.

(A)(3) - Software is immediately available for use

- Tends t0 be reasonably cheap

- Of reasonable quality

(Q)(4) List 3 disadvantages of 'Off-the-shelf' software.

(A)(4) - Customer pays for functionality they may never use

- Software may not easily integrate with existing systems

- Customer does not 'own' the software

(Q)(5) List 3 advantages of 'Bespoke' software.

(A)(5) - Meets precise needs

- Can be designed to interface with existing systems

- More flexible than packaged software

(Q)(6) List 3 disadvantages of 'Bespoke' software.

(A)(6) - Customer must pay all development costs

- System is not tried and tested

- Software is not available right away

(Q)(7) What is a project management tool?

(A)(7) A tool used to systematically schedule jobs and assign jobs to people

(Q)(8) What is a Gantt chart?

(A)(8) A Gantt chart is a chart used to show clearly the tasks that must be completed and when activites can start and finish. They show how the tasks in the development of a system are related by using a timeline.

Classwork Aims For Today

By the end of today's double class, I intend to complete a basic site map based upon the Northwind Traders Database.

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Site Map Completed.

(Shown Below)

The Prototype Model

The Prototype Model differs from the Waterfall Model in that it accomodates requirement uncertainty very well.