Estimated time to complete: 5-7 hours
In this phase of the project, you perform requirements analysis and record the results in an Entity-Relationship Diagram. This phase is divided into two parts:
Analyze the information provided to you, following the Requirements Analysis procedure discussed in class. Create an ERD that accounts for all of the information on the various forms, as well as the other information.
You may do the draft ERD neatly with pencil, or use a diagramming tool. No cover sheet is needed.
You should spend at least 1 hour of effort, but no more than 2. Write the amount of time spent on the diagram. You will receive full credit if you spend at least 1 hour and produce an ERD that shows effort.
This step will receive a check grade, and no late submissions will be accepted. It should represent your best initial effort. Bring a paper copy to class (if you do the work in pencil, you must turn in a photocopy so that you have the original to use in the next step).
Refine your design based on the results of in-class discussion. Make sure that every piece of information on the sample month plan and service order documents has a spot in your model.
Document your design in a design document that contains the following elements:
A standard cover sheet.
An Entity-Relationship Diagram created with a diagramming tool. Use good relationship names.
A data dictionary that documents the ERD. Follow the format in this example. Be sure to:
define each entity and attribute clearly
give an example value for each attribute (other than sequential ID numbers)
give a complete list of values for attributes that have a fixed list of possible values (codes)
A short list of bulleted points that defends design decisions that you feel are potentially controversial, or explains potentially confusing aspects of the design (for example, if certain values are computed instead of stored as attributes, you would want to mention that). If you can’t think of anything controversial or confusing about your design decisions, feel free to omit this section.
Upload your design document to Canvas in a file named report.pdf, and turn in a printed copy. Late submissions will receive a zero.