Problem-Solving Methodology:
This is a structured process to determine a solution to a problem. It involves the
following seven steps:
1
Analyse the problem:
a) List what occurs during the analysis stage.
 The nature of the problem is investigated
 The problem is defined
 The required information/output is identified
 More then one solution are considered
 And a solution is determined.
b) Briefly, in the example of Ralph’s Roofing, what are Ralph’s problems.
 Job cards where un organised
 Writing was messy and hard to read
 Ralf didn’t know how much money he had at any given time.
2
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Design the Solution
a) list what occurs during the design stage
finding out what hardware and software will be needed
a plan on how data will be validated and stored
what procedures should be followed during proessing.
The output requirements
Testing
Structure of databases:
There are two distinct types of databases, Flat File Database and Relational
Databases.
Define the following terms:
flat file database
a. A field relates to a specific piece of information.
b. A record is a set of information about one enitity.
c. A primary key uniquely identifies each recoreds.
d. form or data entry screens
e. A query filters some sets of data.
f. report
g. macros or buttons or scripts will carry out a set of predetermined tasks.
h. Common data types are text, numeric, data, Boolean, object and
memo.
i. In filemaker pro what are the common data types?
Relational databases
a)
Relational databases are used when organisations with huge amounts
of data.
b)
c)
d)
One-to-one relationship is used where a record in one table is
connected to only one record second table for example a one-on-one
relationship exists between a passenger and their seat allocation. (each
passenger has only one seat and each seat can be assigned to only one
passenger.)
One-to-many relationship indicates that one record in the frist table can
be connected to more than one record in a second table. For example
several workers in an office may share a single telephone extension.
(each extension record is related to several employees records)
Many-to-many relationship is used where each record in the first table
can be commentated to the 2nd table and vice verser.