Integrated Action Learning Project Plan
Final Report
Re-Development and Merger of the Lewis & Lewis Database
Diana Bochsler
TS4990 Integrated Action Learning Project
Instructor, Dr. Sharon L. Bender
February 21, 2006
Project Description
My project merged and repaired the database that had multiple copies and different
structures. Since the incomplete database has been a recurring problem for Lewis & Lewis,
Inc, David Brinkerhoff, MyTech, Inc. and I decided to do a feasibility study to determine a
solution for data integrity and streamline data manipulation. With a solution found, Brink,
owner of MyTech, Inc. would be able to present the proposal to Lewis & Lewis, Inc. to solve
the data frustration that is present in their operation at the pit site.
Project Objectives
My project objectives in producing my IAL Project have been to:
1. Apply my project management technical skill.
2. Master the software that is currently being used by the customer.
3. Increase my skill in handling database recovery and manipulating data for useful
reports.
4. Prepare a study for a proposal to a customer.
The project objectives were achieved in full. I was able to provide the customer with the
merged 2005 data in Excel and FileMaker Pro formats and the following documents:
FileMaker Pro Data Structure.xls, Import Instructions.doc, Import Log.xls, and Merge
Documentation.xls. I was able to provide stakeholder, David Brinkeroff, with a Feasibility
Study Report.
My learning objectives in producing my IAL Project have been to:
1. Recover the 2005 database for Lewis & Lewis.
2. Provide a Feasibility Study to determine a better method of transferring and
manipulation of the data.
3. Enhance the processes in utilizing the database.
4. Generate future work that is beneficial to the customer.
I was able to meet these objectives. The customer, Lewis & Lewis, had become comfortable
with their data processing method once security issues had resolved the problems of an
incomplete database. The importing of data documentation will help ensure better data
integrity. With the customer no longer wanting to make any further changes, I continued
the feasibility study so MyTech, Inc. would have the information available when our
customer was ready.
Project Schedule
The following timeline represents the schedule of events accomplished in producing my IAL
Project. This schedule was able to be followed throughout the project and I was able to
meet the end goals.
Tasks
Duration
Research Phase
2/6/06 – 2/12/06
Tasks
1. Obtain Software, Databases copies, and Reports along with specs for set up.
[Completed]
2. Install software: Scale program, FileMaker Pro, Crystal Reports. [Completed]
3. Learn software: Scale program, FileMaker Pro, Crystal Reports. [Completed]
4. Export working db’s to Excel spreadsheet with each copy in a worksheet of its own.
Note number of records. [Completed]
5. Obtain current data flow steps that process the scale file to final reports. [Completed]
a. Note where problems arise that interfere with the process and result in
corruption of data sets. Obtain copy of reports and when they are generated in
the process.
6. Determine how the Scale program works and what changes can be made to support
the new data flow. [Completed]
7. Determine if there is a better method of transferring data. [Completed]
8. Determine what changes in the process will support data integrity and report
generation. [Completed]
9. Determine if there are any hardware issues that need to be address that has been the
cause of the data corruption. [Completed]
10. Determine the data security measures in place and what needs to be suggested.
[Completed]
11. Determine what training the personnel would benefit from. [Completed]
12. Determine where automation of the process would be beneficial. [Completed]
13. Email David on questions and results on project progress. [Completed]
14. Seek feedback from the Stakeholder, David. [Completed]
15. Review all phases of the project and make adjustments. [Completed]
2005 Data Merge and Analysis Phase
Tasks for 2005 Data Merge Phase
1. Obtain all copies of the 2005 Databases. [Completed]
2/13/06 – 2/19/06
2. Document all aspects of changes and difference in each version. [Completed]
3. Merge the databases for 2005 into an Excel Spreadsheet. [Completed]
4. Document data discrepancies and concerns. [Completed]
5. Provide David with Excel Sheet and Document to support Customers review and sign
off. [Completed]
6. Address any feedback from Customer to complete the merge. [Completed]
Created the Merge Documentation
Task for Analysis Phase
1. Develop preliminary data structure for new database. [Completed]
2. Determine a solution to improve the data integrity and handling of the databases.
[Completed]
3. Determine a suggested business requirements, data flow and reporting. [Completed]
4. Email David on questions and results on project progress. [Completed]
5. Seek feedback from the Stakeholder, David. [Completed]
6. Review all phases of the project and make adjustments. [Completed]
Development Phase I
Task
1. Enter data in to the new database. [Completed]
2/20/06 – 2/26/06
2. Create Screens to demonstrate the new data collection. [Revised]
It was decided to use FileMaker’s data entry format for screens.
3. Create Reports to demonstrate the retrieval of data. [Canceled]
Was unable to obtain a connection between Crystal Reports and FileMaker Pro
database. This prevented the creation of reports to demonstrate using FileMaker Pro
to contain all data required for reports.
4. Pseudo code a transfer program. [Canceled]
5. Email David on questions and results on project progress. [Completed]
6. Seek feedback from the Stakeholder, David. [Completed]
7. Review all phases of the project and make adjustments. [Completed]
Development Phase II
2/27/06 – 3/5/05
Task
1.
Continue Developmental Stages. [Canceled Reports and Completed Development
Stage]
 Enter data in to the new database.
 Create Screens to demonstrate the new data collection.
 Create Reports to demonstrate the retrieval of data.
 Pseudo code a transfer program.
2.
Test data flow procedure that it simplifies the data handling. [Completed]
3.
Email David on questions and results on project progress. [Completed]
4.
Seek feedback from the Stakeholder, David. [Completed]
5.
Review all phases of the project and make adjustments. [Completed]
Created the following documentation: FileMaker Pro Data Structure.xls, Import
Instructions.doc, Import Log.xls
Documentation Phase
3/6/06 – 3/12/06
Task
1. Provide David with the Feasibility Study on a solution for Lewis & Lewis data handling.
[Completed]
 Document suggested Business rules.
 Document suggested data flow.
 Document suggested data processing.
 Document transfer of data, data flow and processing.
 Provide Screens and Reports
 Outline process from collecting weights to updating database.
2. Email David on questions and results on project progress. [Completed]
3. Seek feedback from the Stakeholder, David. [Completed]
4. Review all phases of the project and make adjustments. [Completed]
Created the Feasibility Study Report.
Risk Management
The following risks were identified in the beginning of the project. Although, they were
present, these risks present no threat to the project.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Data Reliability
Records Availability
Understanding Business Processes
Stakeholder Availability
Contingency Plan
The contingency plan was not required.
Research
I used the internet, FileMaker Pro’s Help, Microsoft Excel’s Help, Crystal Report’s Help, and
TeachUComp’s Crystal Reports Tutorial – Mastering Crystal Reports Made Easy. Each of
these resources provided information to resolve problems. A list of these resources is
located on the Reference page.
Lessons Learned
The following lessons were learned, reinforced and valued:
To have a successful project, no matter the size, requires:
 Planning at the beginning of the project.
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Obtaining buy in from customers, stakeholders, and fellow team members.
Research Support
Cost Analysis - Although cost analysis was not part of my IAL project, from other
Capella’s courses emphasized the importance of a cost.
Resource Analysis.
Risk Analysis.
Contingency Plan.
Tracking mechanism.
Documentation that is maintained throughout the project and on all aspects.
Feedback from who are involved and concerned.
Continual communication to all involved and concerned.
I receive positive feedback and encouragement from all who were involved in my project.
The feedback was timely and available at the time needed. Resources were available.
I learned the importance of reviewing the customers comfort level, desires and needs in
order to ensure that the project is meeting those levels as the project progresses. The
project was adapted to meet the goal and be effective in the time spend on the project was
producing the results required.
The constant documentation, tracking and communications were key factors in the success
of this project and any other project to come. The website tracking mechanism worked
well. I believe the time spent proved to be valuable in communicating the progress of the
project as well as the keeping track of problem areas until resolved. I plan to use a similar
mechanism for projects. Stakeholders and other would be able to review at their
convenience, formulate question and be prepared for meetings.
Reference List
CrystalTrainingPartners (2006). Forum. Retrieved from
http://www.crystaltrainingpartners.com/crystal-forum.asp.
Crystal Reports for .Net (2004). Chapter 1: Introducing Crystal Reports. Retrieved from
http://www.123aspx.com/PostReview.aspx?res=30160.
DatabaseCorner.Com (2004-2005). Database Software Directory about FileMakerPro.
Retrieved from http://www.filemaker.databasecorner.com/.
Fairbanks Datamaster Plus Data Management System (na). SFW -9700 Model. Retrieved from
http://www.compusmart.ab.ca/andybuerger/software.html.
File Maker Pro Help. Sharing FileMaker Pro data via ODBC or JDBC (Windows).
FileMaker Pro Help. Importing and Exporting Data.
FileMaker Pro Help. Supported Import/Export File Formats.
FileMaker Pro Help. Enabling access to FileMaker Pro via ODBC/JDBC (Windows).
FileMaker Pro Help. Importing Data Into FileMaker Pro.
FileMaker Pro Help. Setting the Import Action and Mapping Fields during Import.
FileMaker Pro Help. Using ODBC and JDBC with FileMaker Pro.
FileMaker, Inc.(1997-2005). FileMaker Pro 7 User's Guide - ODBC and JDBC (pg 76).
Firebridge.com (1997). ODBC. Retrieved from http://www.firebridge.com.au/odbc.htm.
Microsoft Excel Help. Importing or Exporting Text Files.
StaffKit (2004). Crystal Reports 8 Online Training. Retrieved from
http://www.staffkit.com/learn/series/crystljs0j.htm.
TeachUComp, Inc. (2006). Mastering Crystal Reports Made Easy, Disc 1 Chapter 2 - ODBC.
(Tutorial program on CD).
Appendix
The following appendixes would be added to the Integrated Action Learning Project Final
Report to provide a sample of my work and to evidence satisfactory project completion:
Appendix A: Documentation Posted in Project Tracking
Appendix B: Letter of Project Completion from the Stakeholder, David Brinkerhoff
Appendix B
Date: February 20, 2006
To: Capella University
From: David Brinkerhoff, MyTech, Inc.
Subject: Satisfactory Project Completion
To whom it may concern:
Diana Bochsler satisfactorily completed the project titled, “Re-Development and Merger of
the Lewis & Lewis Database” per the project plan and/or according to the specifications of
the stakeholder.
I have reviewed the project final report and find that there is no content that breaches
security or privacy needs of the stakeholder or beneficiary in the project. It is therefore
deemed “publishable.” This means that the learner will upload a copy to a project tracking
website that has been maintained to meet academic requirements in the respective degree
program.
Diana did a great job of working through the situation. With several obstacles and changes
from the end user, the project was completed to be highest level of success.
Sincerely,
David Brinkerhoff,
MyTech, Inc.
2405 Cascade Drive
Rock Springs, WY 82901
307-382-4111