Klear View Double Glazing System Development Analysis - Term Paper Example

Klear View Double Glazing System Development Analysis -A Report Introduction The analysis is based on a decision support system that was developed for the client using the spread sheet software, Microsoft Excel 2007. The main objective with which the system was developed was to display the powers and functionalities provided with the help of computer based systems to solve business related problems. The report aims to bring out the advantages and unique features of the system and to provide a deep analysis on the techniques that were used. The user interface that is designed is explained clearly with the concepts and logistics that were used to design and create it. Reasoning has been provided for choosing the technologies that are used to develop the system. As future enhancement is possible, the report aims to list out the activities and features that could be enhanced for future innovation and functionalities. Steps followed in construction Steps followed in developing the system is as follows: Requirement Analysis The primacy of all the requirements was given to the user interface that is provided through the Excel software. Then the business related functionalities such as forecasting, detailed analysis of data, Net Present Value calculation, scenario creations with ratio based investment on two businesses were required. These requirements were analyzed, prioritized and possible set of functionalities were listed. All these requirements led to the view that system needs to be built on a step by step basis as each of these requirements are interdependent on one another. The software model that has been followed is the Prototyping model. It is an exact choice of model to follow due to this requirement structure. (HeathCote 2000) Risk Identification The possible risk factors are those which could arise if the requirements were not followed properly. As per the deadline issues, obviously the risk are always eminent as any spot of misunderstanding would draw a picture of missing the deadlines. Since a top down approach is followed with this project, the disadvantages of it have to be nullified. Another risk would arise if proper user test plan and user test evaluation is not done. This would ultimately lead to a catastrophe, since it is the only way to find out response from one end to the other. Based on all the identifications, the complexity of compounded requirements was individualized and appropriate modularity was brought into the functionalities of the system. (HeathCote 2000) Design The user flexibility can be given only with a better user interface design, as it is the principle requirement of the system. The integration of different functionalities is directly attributed to how well the design is created. The importance of the user interface design is that the system cannot let the user to search for what next is to be done to achieve their required goal. Appropriate directions have to be given for any particular action that the user could do. For example, if you click on forecasting, the user must get to know how to get back to the main screen to test the other functionalities. If it is not given, then the user is left at sea, all alone (HeathCote 2000) Implementation Once the design was completed, the implementation was done through Microsoft Excel software using Microsoft Excel VBA. Also, the pre defined macros that were present in the software helped in performing calculations in an easy way. The user interface design was implemented through forms and control buttons. Several other techniques were also used to implement the design components. For e.g. Calculation of Net Present Value can be calculated with the pre defined formulas that were present in the software. Testing The user test plan was designed and appropriate test cases were developed for each of the functionalities and user actions. The test cases were designed in such a way to test the compliance of the system to the requirements that were asked from it. Several other kinds of testing such as the regression testing, load testing and system testing were done to identify whether the system is stable and robust. The user test result is compared with the expected result to find out any deviation is present. All the deviations were identified, corrected and finally the test plan was passed. (HeathCote 2000) Future Advancements The system was built with a preconceived notion that it would be acceptable to any future changes or enhancements. Although the data and validations are done for this respective client, future changes can be extended to provide the support to several other businesses that require same kind of data analysis. Also, the system can be integrated with any other system that was designed for additional analysis purpose. Technical analysis Different techniques implemented are as follows: Table Design For the initial history of data, the table was already provided as an input. Hence no special techniques were employed to design the table for initial data. The rest of the tables that were to be designed were built with aim of providing robust functionality and minimum complexity. For every table that was generated, a new spreadsheet was created and in that, the table was created. This ensured simplicity and more readability. Rest of the tables generated were done dynamically using pre define macros and VBA. (Muir 2000) Form Design The form design was treated with additional effort as it is the deciding factor of the entire system. The forms color and design were chosen with great care. Some of the difficulties that were present while creating the design were the choice of controls. The input areas and the buttons that were needed to be present in the form were difficult to choose upon. Since user input has to be taken, appropriate cells were to be taken and distinguished as input boxes while disabling other cells to take up any input. And since all functions were intertwined, choosing where to put which function was a difficult task. Finally a user friendly menu was designed with required functionalities. (Alan et al., 1998) Regression Techniques Simple and multiple regression techniques were deployed to populate the forecast table. Appropriate formulas were used to calculate these values. The procedure is described below. The forecast table generation button was placed in the menu area. When clicked, a repeatable routine is called were the simple regression formula is implemented to calculate the values of different participants. For simple regression, the coefficients were to be found first. The formula used here is A= a1 + a2B Where, A- Dependent variable B-Independent variable a1, a2 - Dynamically calculated coefficients Multiple regression technique is followed next to calculate values of other variables. (Muir 2000) The forecast table generated is displayed in a new spreadsheet. Net Present Value (NPV) The NPV was calculated using the pre defined function present in the Excel. The input is taken from the user through two input cells in a new sheet and the initial investment and yearly investments are fed to the formula to get the NPV value. (Hix D. 1993) Developing Scenario Tables based on amount division The scenario development is part of the requirement of Part B. Here the detailed analysis is done with the investment being shared between two businesses in different proportions. The forms are designed in such a way to get the input details from the user, which is the ratio of investment. Based on which the detailed analysis table data changes accordingly. (Hix D. 1993) Capabilities of the System The capabilities of the system are listed below The basic capability of the system is that it provides a 10 year forecasting data and a report of detailed analysis of the historical data. This helps the managers to make better decision. The system has advanced user interface capabilities and this enables users to get more information and get more eccentric towards the system. The NPV is calculated based on user input values and this helps managers to determine the net worth for different investments and hence a better decision can be made. Future enhancements like including graphical data analysis and integration with different systems can be done. The system satisfies all the user requirements. (Faulkner 1998) Limitations of the System The limitations are Forecasting is limited to 10 years. This dampens any further analysis on the same lines. The screens are designed to provide only forecast data automatically. If in case there is a need to change the input data, then there is no provision to do it in user interface and it is not possible in future either. It has to be changed manually. Any kind of activity that is done is only temporarily stored. The data is not persistent as it is not connected with any kind of database to store it. Any previous evaluations cannot be viewed again unless the user input the same data. Conclusion The requirements were all satisfied through this decision support system. It is hence proven that the system could aid in decision making process with the detailed analysis of its functionalities and test cases. The important characteristic of the system is that it has the capability to be simulated for other businesses which are in need of same requirements. The limitations mentioned can be overcome with further time and evaluation. Future enhancements can increase the capabilities of the system. Overall, the functionalities of the system have been detailed with appropriate examples. References Muir, J. 2000, Excel 2000, An advanced course for students. Exeter: Learning Matters HeathCote, P. 2000, Successful ICT projects in Excel. Ipswich: Payne- Gallway Alan J. D. et al., 1998, Human-Computer Interaction. London: Prentice hall publications Faulkner, C. 1998. The essence of human-computer interaction. Hemel Hempstead: Prentice hall publications. Hix, D. 1993, Developing user interfaces: ensuring usability through product and process. New York: John Wiley. Read More