Software selection
The possible software available to me was spreadsheet, database and word processors.
I chose not to use word processing software like Microsoft word as it was not capable of doing the task that I had to complete. It could not do formulas or sums.
The software must be able to handle formulas and equations so that I can produce the model.
I chose to use spreadsheet in Microsoft excel as it can handle formulas do equations and also because it knew how to use it. I could have chosen to use a database software like Microsoft access or works but I did not know how to use the programs therefore I did not use them.
SYSTEM DESIGN
Initial ideas and layout
SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING
Draft 1 and Draft 2
Draft 1 was simply the heading where the customer details where going to go next to. It did not contain formulas or anything else it was left plain and simple.
Draft 2 was a little more harder as it contained formulas and equations and sums. It had customer details, financial details and hire details put in aswell. One of the formulas used is shown below;
The mileage cost was a simple equation =(F14*I9)which is the mileage total times by the price per mile. It was a simple formulas used to find out the mileage cost. Another formulas ised is shown below.
=IF(F11>1600,30,K10)*I12
This was used to find out the total rental costs. This formula is called ‘if command’. And does basically two sums in one. It basically mean if the f11 engine size is larger than 1600 then the price is 30 otherwise the times k10 25 by i12 total days taken which is 14.
Final model
The final model is basically a repetition of the draft 2 but looks better I changed the colour and text of font to make it better to work with. It contains rules and formulas which are shown under the draft one and two section.
The mileage cost was a simple equation =(F14*I9)which is the mileage total times by the price per mile. It was a simple formulas used to find out the mileage cost. Another formulas ised is shown below.
=IF(F11>1600,30,K10)*I12
This was used to find out the total rental costs. This formula is called ‘if command’. And does basically two sums in one. It basically mean if the f11 engine size is larger than 1600 then the price is 30 otherwise the times k10 25 by i12 total days taken which is 14.
Testing for customer use
I had to test my model before I could actually let the company use it just in case it had mistake such as spelling and also if I did a sum or formulas wrong because a company can loss out on many if I have forgotten to add on vat charge or something so it was important that I did this task. One way in which I could test my data was by having what ifs. A what if is a variable to check if my model is ok. I will change data around and make a prediction and then see if my prediction was right. This way I can see if I had made a mistake if my prediction was wrong. If I test my model and I have no mistake than I can give it to the company otherwise I must change it a make sure there is no mistakes so I do not get the blame for it later. I did a spell check on all my pages for mistake and changed the. my variables are shown on the following pages.
SYSTEM EVALUATION
System improvements
I had to produce a model which will be used for LIA Car Hire Ltd. It had to be able to intake customer details and financial information. I did not have many problems whilst producing the model but I did have some obstacles on the way which I overcome. I could improve my model in many ways. I could have it more sophisticated so that users will enjoy using it and also by having more help option to the user to guide them on how to use the system. I could add more aspects on the model so it will make it more user friendly. I would do all of these tasks if I had more time to do so. I chose Microsoft excel to make my model as it was easy to use and I was familiar with the program. I think I need to learn to use Microsoft access as it has more features available on it to make my model better to use and make it user friendly.
On the whole my model was a success.