ICT Final Project (complete)

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Name: Daniel Thomas

GCSE ICT – Examination 2008

Final Project

        

GCSE ICT - 2008

Final Project

Title:  Exchange Calculator

Project Proposal Form


Index

        

Analysis        4

Design        11

Implementation        22

Testing        52

Evaluation        67

User Guide        71


Analysis


Identification

Who is the Real User?

Mr Smith is the owner of an independent travel agency; they cater to people who wish to go abroad, providing long and short hall flights. They have been offering money exchange for a long time; however it has only recently become popular when they lowered their prices. They have a limited knowledge of computers; however can use the basic functions of windows and the software package Microsoft Office.

What is the Current Problem?

The current problem is that calculation of exchange rates and interest is done manually by hand. This takes a long amount of time, and it occasionally loses the business money. This also gives the customers the idea that they are old-fashioned, and not up-to-date with the modern world.

Why has the Problem Arisen?

The problem has arisen because the company does not currently use a computer for its exchange system, and the increased popularity of the service has made it a more time-consuming job, and could cost them potential customers.

Breaking down the problem

  • First I will need to find out if the exchange rate data that the company currently uses can be imported into excel.
  • I will need to create an automatically refreshing section of the spreadsheet containing the exchange data
  • I will need a user interface.
  • I will then need to create a form for the end user to enter the customer’s data.
  • Next I will need to create a suitable area of the spreadsheet for the database to be stored.
  • I will need to create a system that transfers customer data to the database.
  • I will need a system that allows me to recall past data for an invoice
  • I will then need to find a way to use the database to automatically create an invoice
  • Finally I will need to allow the user to return to the interface from any page.


What are the possible ways in which the problem can be solved?

Method 1: Database of pre-converted values (using Microsoft Access)

Advantages:

  • Can produce reports based on data in the database.
  • Can use queries to instantly obtain data related to a key word.
  • Can include a user interface.

Disadvantages:

  • Can be difficult to understand to a new user.
  • Cannot do complex calculations.
  • Difficult to include live data from the internet.

Method 2: Automatic conversion spreadsheet using live exchange rates downloaded from the internet (using Microsoft Excel)

Advantages:

  • Can quickly and automatically perform complex calculations.
  • Can use macros to hide complicated elements from the user.
  • Can protect contents of certain cells for incorrect editing.
  • Can validate cells to ensure the correct data is entered.
  • Allows easy importing of live data from the internet.

Disadvantages:

  • Formatting is limited to spreadsheet boxes.
  • Cannot wrap text around images.
  • Does not create complex reports.

Method 3:Pre-converted value list (using Microsoft word)

Advantages:

  • Well known program with a simple user interface.

Disadvantages:

  • Cannot perform calculations.
  • Will not produce automatic reports.
  • Does not have the ability to import live data from the internet.


What is the best way to solve the problem and why?

I have chosen to use Method 2 to produce my solution for the following reasons:

  • It will allow me to hide most operations from the user using macros and automatic calculations.
  • A solution using Microsoft Excel would be best system as it can do more of the calculation automatically (without the user’s knowledge) than any other system. It has the ability to record macros so that certain actions can be replayed at the press of a button.
  • It enables the system to be able to automatically download data from the internet and then place it in the correct position in the system.
  • It allows me to protect the system from being broken by the end user damaging something accidentally.
  • Excel allows me to format cells and text in many ways – this will help me create a simple and effective user interface.
  • Excel allows me to use multiple worksheets to help break up the system.

Re-usabilty

The system will be able to be re-used every time a new order is needed.  The system will also automatically update itself from the internet to live currency exchange rate, as this data changes very frequently. The user interface will be re-useable as it can be cleared automatically before each new customer, returning it to its original state. The database will need to be re-useable to allow for storage of multiple pieces of data. The invoice production system should allow for many invoices to be created.

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User Requirements

  • The system must use a simple and efficient user interface.
  • The system must keep itself up to date.
  • The system must display its inputs and outputs clearly.
  • The system must not be time consuming for the end user.
  • The system must work. – The calculations it produces must be correct.
  • The system must have a corporate image.
  • The system must calculate the % added by the company and the profit from that.
  • The system must keep an accurate log of past transactions.
  • The system must produce an invoice.
  • The system must automatically backup the ...

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