Evaluating the Solution

I am happy to have finished with my database and it seems to be good and matches the criteria well. According to me I think that my plan for the creation of the database went well and seemed easy to follow. My presentation of the database to others (client) seemed to be detailed and had all the parts needed to create a basic Database with it's forms, queries and reports.

I think that if I could have managed my time a bit better I would have been able to make my database have some unique features for example my form could have been a bit more detailed and eye catching.

Before beginning by database I should have done a bit of research as I lacked some relevant knowledge on databases which if I had known I would have been more confident while going through the creation. This links the Investigation part and the Creation part the most as the knowledge I earn while going through the investigation take can come in handy when creating the database. My plan worked out the best because it was easy to understand and I was able to follow it well with very few doubts on my time consumption.

In terms of global context I seem to have met my target of creating a new way for my client to store important information that is required by the shop. I have learnt a few things while creating the database such as the tiny procedures required to create forms, queries and reports and especially how to manage time to create these parts and put them together to form a database.
For my create part I made a few adjustments by including a new field called Supplier code as I needed to make a relationship between the two table. The supplier code was the primary key for the supplier table and it was not the primary key for the product table.

Finally to answer the unit question (How can a Business or an Organisation modernize its records using information technology) a business or organisation can create databases consisting of tables to store and record any time of data whether it is for the supply of product or even if it is for the production of the product every detail can be recorded to make running a business organised and easier.

Peer Assessment:
I was assessed by Anirudh and Jiwon. They assessed me on my analysis and inquiring, developing ideas and my creation. It was clear that my introduction was not clear as both my peers were not able to locate it as it was not in a lot of detail and in my analysis and inquiry in the form of the scenario. I did not have an analysis of three different forms of creating a database therefore I did not include the advantages and disadvantages of each one. I had no references because I did not do any research but I should have as it would have made my work stronger and more reliable.
In the developing of the ideas I missed out on including the advantages and disadvantages and for one main reason that was because I didn't have anything to compare my choice with.
Other than for those factors my blog included everything which was identified by my peers. 

Creation of the Database

The Trick 'o' Treat candy Production Table:



This is my product table where my fields are all based on the product. This table will mainly be for customers who may wish to buy any of the candy from the shop based on their preferences and choice.

Trick 'o' Treat Supplier Table:





This is the supplier table where all my fields are based on the supplier of the candy that is bought by Trick 'o' Treat Candy (both images are of the same table but it was too long to get the full thing on the screenshot). This table will be for the people working in the shop to keep track on the product coming into the shop and at what rate.

Relationship Between Databases:

 A relationship exists between two table when one of the tables has a foreign key that relates to or is the same as the primary key of the other table. This allows relational databases to divide and store their data in different tables while linking similar data items. I added a relationship between my two tables as for the supplier table the primary key was the supplier code and for the product table one of the foreign key was the supplier code which I then linked together to form a relationship.

Query 1 for the Product table:

This was my first query table and the query was the amount of stock more than 200 and less than 500. This query will allow buyers to narrow down their view for the delivery primarily based on the amount of candy in stock. This query will allow the buyer to see what types of brands can be bought at various prices with the amount of stock between 200 and 500.

Query 2 for the Product Table:


This query concerns the price of the candy. This query allows customers who are in need for candy that is between a certain price. This table consists of the candy that costs more than 1 pound and less than 5 pounds.

Query 1 for the Supplier Table:

This table is a query for the company (TT candy Production) based on the supplier candy. This query narrows down the amount of candy supplied to the shop based on a certain number. This query is about the amounts of candy supplied to the store that is more than 500 units.

Query 2 for the Supplier Table:

This table is based upon the time between the delivery dates for the candy that is being brought into the shop. These dates are based on the time consumed on the packaging of the product and the time taken to deliver from the outlets. This query consists of the candy that can be produced and delivered in less than or equal to 15 days.

Form for the Product Table:

This form is a form for the customers who want the candy to be delivered to them. They will have to fill in the form based on the candy they require and if possible they can add a picture of the candy to make the identification of the product easier.

Form for the Supplier Table:

This table is for the supplier of the candy to fill out when the product is delivered to the shop. This will allow TT Production to keep a track on the dates of when the candy is brought into the shop to prevent the selling of expired foods. The supplier will have to place an image of the candy that is being supplied to the shop to help with the identification of the candy.

Reports:
A report is the formatted results and organised form of the table in a database. Reports can help with decision making and an analysis of the companies performance and variety.

Report for the Product Table:


Report for the Supplier Table:

Developing Ideas

Solution:
I would prefer to use Microsoft Access to create database as I am comfortable using it and it seems to be the easiest option available to me. It is easy as I can create queries and forms based on the table with no difficulty.
Queries can make it easy for customers to select views that concerns them. As this will be less time consuming than going through the whole table.
Forms can make the order for the delivery of the product easy and quick. I find making forms on Microsoft Access easy and understandable.

Global Context:
Scientific and technical Innovation - I am being innovative by finding and creating new ways of presenting data in an organised way for a company that is in the food/treat business.

Resource List (materials needed for my project):

• I would need to be provided with the fields required and the records to organize the data on a table where forms and queries can be derived from.
• Microsoft Access needs to be available for usage as I require it to form my database. 
• Gantt chart to be organized and be able to complete my work under a certain time limit.   

Gantt Chart:
This is a schedule for me to follow when I'm creating the database.

• For the first step I will need to download Microsoft Access to create the database
• Then I will need to review any existing records to help with the beginning of creation of the database.

Then I will begin using Access I would have to create a table consisting of fields and records to create queries and forms for clients.
I will be creating 2 tables one for the product and one for the supplier and from this I can create forms and queries for each.

Product Table:
Name of Fields

Identification code

Candy Name

Type of Candy

Number in Stock

Identification code - Text (1 letter followed by 4 numbers) Candy Name - Text Type of Candy - Text No. in Stock - Text
Supplier Table: Name of Fields Supplier Name of Candy Amount supplied Time frame between the supply of the product Supplier - Text Name of Candy - Text Amount Supplied - Text Time frame between production dates - Text Queries and Forms: Each database will include a form and 2 queries. Queries are question that the user may have that has been answered in the database. I have not come up with any queries for now but will do so when I create my data base. A form is an application in which the buyer of the product must give certain details if he/she may need the product delivered to them for example the candy type and flavour they wish to purchase and the amount of that candy they would like.  Plan Evaluation: I would need to begin with with the supplier table as we would need to organize the way the company buys their candy plus we would need the candy to sell. The production table won't take time as it is easier than the supplier table because you would not have to call anyone. The supplier table will be the hardest because I would have to call condy producers to confirm details and the name of the candy that my client would be buying from them. For the supplier table I would need someone from Trick 'o' Treat Candy Production to help me with the contacts, names and amounts which I'm sure I can find in one of the company's existing ways of keeping records.

Database - 'Inquiring and Analyzing'

Scenario:
As an It designer you have been approached by an organization of your own choice to create a database for them. Write a scenario explaining what you need to do and how you are going to respond to their request.

Company/ Organization - Trick 'o' Treat Candy Production:
My idea for the company that I will be making a database for is a candy shop that sells goods all year round. I chose this as my idea as I have a variety of products to work with and it is something many people may like.
         
Planning:
Who is my customer - the owner of the candy company Trick 'o' Treat Candy Production and further into the business my customer will be the customers that would like to order candy from the store as they will have to check out the database and fill out the forms provided for the delivery.
What does he/she want - the owner of the company wants me to create a database to help organize the amount, sale and identification of the product because they have a problem on keeping track on amounts bought and sold of their product.
What can I use to provide what he/she wants -  I can use Microsoft access to help organize the data required in a table in fields and records so. The fields will include the various fields required to present the products in the records below. For example type of candy, amount delivered/sold, how much stock etc.                                                      
Where will he or she use the database you create - they will use it in their shop either on the counter or somewhere else to keep track on the produce that comes in and goes out. It will keep them organized and allows customers to have an organized choice with no trouble at all when purchasing their product of choice.

How can I help my customer keep records -  With the help of a database my customer can keep records in an organised table to keep track on various rates and amounts.

Who in the organisation will use the database -  The person at the counter will be able to record the amount of the product sold and synchronize it to the database used by the person who would be in charge over the database.

When will they use the product -  The people who are a part of the company will be able to have a view on the deliveries required and the amount of candy sold and bought by the production center. Customers will be able to buy candy at the store but also order it and book an amount.
How am I going to provide a research solution - I would have to come up with all the fields and the records for each one of them. I will have to work with the company and research what fields would be needed and how many records and what they are having trouble keeping track of.
What are my limits to this project - My main problem would be the resources as it may take time to download most of the applications needed to help support my data base. Another problem will be the time if it would have been set as it takes time to create forms and queries on Microsoft access.

Research:
What is a database - A table constructed by records who are assorted under fields based on the product. Records contain various situations that belong to a series based on the field.
How can I create a database - With the help of Microsoft Access I can create a database for various needs and I can include various checks to make sure my data is up to standard. Queries can also be created if the client has any doubts and forms for a booking or a need for a delivery of the product.
What does my customer do with these records -  My customer can store data under fields that can consist of amounts and identification characters or any other information required which helps keep work organised and easy to use.
Means of keeping records -  Before the use of databases companies and business used folders and files to keep store important data. all a database is, is a group of files and folders on a computer.
What would be the possible solution using the software and computer system the customer has in his/her organisation - If the data I require exists in that system then the only thing I would need to do is probably update that system to help in the current time.
What level of computing skill is required by the user of the database - The user must be organised and he must be a forgetful person because when you are organising the income and outcome of the company in terms of amount of produce you will need to keep updating the system as a candy shop is usually a fast paced business just like the supply of other food industries.

End Result

This is my end result of the collage of the deforestation in the Amazon and where the deforestation takes place on the map of the Amazon. I have also include who deforestation affects. The blue is to indicate where the Amazon river flows.
If I had more time I would have tried to get the colour and space right in the collage to suite the map of the Amazon better. 

Design Brief for my collage

I have decide to make my collage on the on the habitat loss, illegal animal poaching and deforestation that takes place the Amazon Forest. I chose to make my collage mainly about these problems as I am interested in the Amazon and I want to create an awareness about these problems.



I will be using pictures to create the shape of the amazon jungle and I may try to get the right colours in the right places. For example picture that are blue or brown for the Amazon river  and light brown pictures for the places where the deforestation takes place. Finally I will use pictures that consist of the colours green to make up the remaining parts of the Amazon.    



To answer the unit question. technology has influenced the way we look at problems as it help us spread an awareness around in a variety of ways and places.

Unit 4 - Collages

Unit Question:
How has technology influenced the way we see the world around us?
Area of Interaction:
Environments

                                                       

Collages are a group of pictures that make up one big picture. They don't have to make up a big picture. the smaller pictures that create the big picture usually tell or show a story based on the bigger picture. They can be made up of glass, paper, cloth, tin foil and wood which can come in a variety of colours. These items can be stuck on, stapled on or sewn on to a base. Collages began as a few scraps of paper glued on a bigger piece of paper. As technology began to influence our lives the methods of making collages changes and became less time consuming and easier. They can be used to capture memories, send a message and present a cause or problem.

                                        

For my collage I plan to present the problems of habitat loss in the Amazon jungle of South America. To make my collage I would need pictures of cut down trees and animals in distress. For the shape which is created by smaller pictures I will focus on making it in the shape of the amazon map. The problems this collage represents are deforestation, habitat loss, illegal animal poaching and land expansion.
Over the last few years  deforestation in the amazon basin increased by 28%. Even though it is not the most threatening amount they have seen it is still a negative impact on the land.




http://arthistory.about.com/od/glossary_c/a/c_collage.htm    accessed on the 14th of May at 7:06pm
http://edhelper.com/ReadingComprehension_42_164.html    accessed on the 14th of May at 7:12pm
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-24950487    accessed on the 15th of May at 9:48am