Week 11- Database Design

Database Design

Database Development

• A database is a collection of data
• A data dictionary is a description of every field in a database
• The components that make up a database are queries, reports, forms and tables
• The inputs of a database system are file, record, field and character
• There are 5 data types including: Text, Number, Yes/No, Currency and Date

Collecting, Organising and Storing Data

• Databases save automatically
• Examples of a primary source of data includes interviews, surveys and census
• Examples of a secondary source of data includes books, statistics and newspapers
• Information should be accurate, verifiable, timely, organised, accessible, useful and cost effective
• The components that are stored when you save your data are records, designs, tables, dictionaries, reports and forms
• Validation is checking of errors
• Verification is checking the accuracy

Methods of Processing and Analysing Data

• = symbol is used to start a mathematical calculation
• Macros perform repetitive tasks
• Editing is the process of changing data, like inserting, deleting and moving data
• Sorting is arranging data, for example ascending, descending and alphabetical
• Searching is the process of locating data and information. You can search in the find or search commands

Methods of Presenting Information

• Report are not interactive, they include a Header, Body/Text and Footer
• In layout view you can pick themes, change fonts, colours and size
• Forms are a way of presenting data from individual records and they can be edited and new data can be entered

Integration

• Data can be exchanged between databases and spread sheets
• Data can be exchanged, imported and exported
• 3 stages of importing a graphic into a database include: Select, open and locate
• Data can be exported to spread sheets, word processed documents and webpages

Week 10- Technology in the Workplace and Software Development and Programming

Technology in the Workplace
Technology is used everyday in the workplace and now bosses, employees and clients do not have to be physically in an office to work together. Whether it be at home, a distant office, across the world or a car, bosses, employees and clients can contact each other by mobile phone, email and skype, just to name a few.

The importance of technology in the workplace includes:

• improvements in communication, as employees aren't limited to phone use only
• efficiency, saves time as it speeds up the work process
• mobility
• allows business' to expand quicker

The impact of technology in the workplace includes:

• new technology has been introduced into workplaces at a very high rate, which can mean that companies and employees are struggling to keep up with the new technology or they may have trouble learning as quick as the technology is coming out.
• new technology has expanded companies providing new opportunities for non-traditional work arrangements. For example working teams can be made up of the best people even though they aren't all in the same state.

Software Development and Programming

Software development and programming is made up of the following:

• GUI layout
• Data types
• Data operators
• Algorithms
• Control structures
• Desk checking
• Sub-programs
• Programming language
• Data structures
• Testing
• Error detection
• Error correction
• Programming code

An example of software development is SCRATCH. This can be used in the classroom to help show students what software development and programming is, by giving them a practical task to complete.

References:

• Scott, S. (2012) Importance of Technology in the Workplace. Retrieved May 4, 2012 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-technology-workplace-10607.html
• Todd, J. (2007) What is the impact of new technology in the workplace. Retrieved May 4, 2012 from http://www.helium.com/items/436615-what-is-the-impact-of-new-technology-in-the-workplace