A case study on supermarket management system

A case study on supermarket management system INTRODUCTION Problems can be solved by systems. Systems approach is an organized way to deal with problems. In this dynamic world, a wide variety of system development methodologies have evolved over the years, each framework with its own strengths and weaknesses (Paul, James Peter, 2004). This report will focus on waterfall type through analyze the process of EQs supermarket management system development. SYSTEM LIFE CYCLE System lifecycle is a structured process of developing and maintaining systems. It lists all processes and sub-processes required while developing a system. A combination of various activities in system development is referred as system development lifecycle (Kà ¤Ãƒ ¤rià ¤inen and Và ¤limà ¤ki, 2008). 1. PHASES OF SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE 1 .1 SYSTEM STUDY System development life cycle starts from system study. The system study separates in two phases. Firstly, a survey will help the designer to identify the scope of the system. Secondly, a depth investigation will help the designer understand users requirements and problems. Generally, a system proposal will carry out by analyst and offer to user to ensure the content is correct (Steven Glenn, 2005). EQ defined YDL as a small sized supermarket. The owner of YDL wanted to reduce employee (keep two people at most), monthly report can be presented faster and establish a membership system. 1.2 FEASIBILITY STUDY Based on system study, feasibility study takes place. The proposed system should be tested during this phase in four aspects: workability, requirement fitness, effective use of resources and the cost effectiveness (Steven Glenn, 2005). The main objective of this phase is achieving the scope. To achieve the scope, EQ assumed the SMS have six main functions, they are: sales, reporting, goods ordering, membership management, expired offers and inventory management. This proposed system only needs two people, which are cashier and inventory manager. Order goods and generate financial statement can be done by the system automatically. Therefore, a sub-system called membership management was added into this SMS. 1.3 SYSTEM ANALYSIS If a new system is decided to develop, the next phase is system analysis. It is a depth investigation based initial investigation and user requirements. Detailed data flow diagrams (DFDs), data dictionary, logical data structures and miniature specifications should reflect user requirements. Identification of data store, sub-dividing of complex process, and manual processes also should be included in system analysis (Steven Glenn, 2005). EQ established its project schedule, listed all major activities and tasks in WBS (Work Breakdown Structure), and the deliverables and milestones were also announced in the schedule. Task Description Duration Assigned Role Task Input Output Requirements Specify requirements General introduction about the system 1 week Management Team Team liaisons A requirements document, A architecture design document (system design document), A object design document, A test plan, A project plan. System/subsystem, and requirements overview 2 weeks Documentation Team Requirements elicitation General constraints, assumptions and dependencies 2 weeks Functional requirements 2 weeks External interface 1 week Non-functional requirements 1 week Milestones R 5 documents Design Design the architecture of the systeml System organization design 1 week Architecture Team A architecture design document System source code Subsystem design 2 weeks Architecture Team Asystem design document Design the user interface User interface design 2 weeks User Interface Team A object design document Milestones D System source code Development Design the specific objects of the system Database and configure the server 1 week Database Team System source code System User interface Programming 3 weeks User Interface Team Layout design 3 weeks User Interface Team Design the specific objects of the system Connection between subsystems 1 week Control Team Milestones De The system that is available to use Validation Implement the system Test the user interface 1 week User Interface Team System source code A document about the problems that the system still needs to be worked on Test the database 1 week Database Team Evaluate the system List the functions and problems 1 week Documentation Team Milestones V A document about the problems that the system still needs to be worked on Evolution Validate the system Adapt the user interface 1 week User Interface Team A document about the problems that the system still needs to be worked on Final system Adapt the database 1 week Database Team Adapt and improve the system Recheck the whole system 1 week Management Team Documentation Team Final system A document about the functions that the system can provide Milestones E Final system can be provided to client Source: http://www.docin.com/p-41243574.html Source: http://www.docin.com/p-41243574.html 1.4 SYSTEM DESIGN System design is the most crucial phase in system development lifecycle. Generally, the design advances in two stages: general design and detailed design. In general design process, the features of the system will be specified; costs and benefits of these features will be estimated. In detailed design stage, computer oriented work starts at first. Structure design becomes the blue print of system solution to those problems mentioned in system analysis phase. Furthermore, the programming language, the platform, input, output and processing specifications will decided in detail in this stage (Steven Glenn, 2005). Several tools and techniques used for designing are (Steven Glenn, 2005): Flowchart Data flow diagram (DFDs) Data dictionary Structured English Decision table Decision tree Based on the scope of this supermarket and proposed system, EQ used C/S model as development model. The source code were written in JAVA, Server hardware and software environment: â€Å"Hardware: IBM System x3200 M2. The x3200 M2 offers the latest quad-core Intel Xeon processor (up to 3.16 GHz/12MB/1333MHz), 4 GB memory (DDR II 800MHz), expansion slots (2 PCI (32-bit/33 MHz),2 PCI-Express (x8,x1), Remote Supervisor Adapter II), 4.0TB SATA HDDs hard drive. Software: Microsoft Windows Server 2008, MySQL Cluster 7.0, Avast! Anti-virus Server 4.8.1091, JDK 6 Update 16 with NetBeans 6.7.1† (E-Qun, 2009). Source: http://www.docin.com/p-41243717.html Source: http://www.docin.com/p-41243717.html 1.5 CODING TESTING After designing, the whole system should convert into computer understanding language. The programmer uses computer understanding language to write programs to coordinate the data movements and control the entire process in the system (Steven Glenn, 2005). Before implementing the whole system, a test run is done to remove all bugs and measure the stability of the system (CMS, 2009). Firstly, individual units of the system should be tested. Any uncertainty happening must be recorded and debugged. Then, in compliance with test plan, a given set of test data will put into the system. The outputs of the test run should be analyzed. If theres any output did not match the expected output, the errors in the particular program or system should be identified and fixed and further test should be done until the outputs match the expected results (Parkin, 1997). Modular development technique was used in this coding and testing phase. EQ divided the programmers in two team, database team and user interface team. Each team focus on their own area. Source: http://www.equn.net/product_1.asp Source: http://www.equn.net/product_1.asp 1.6 IMPLEMENTATION During implementation phase, the system is loaded onto the users computer. Then, user training starts. Generally four topics will be introduced to users: execution of the package, data input, data processing and reporting. After users are trained, computerized working begins at following two strategies (operational): parallel run or pilot run. Parallel run means in a certain period, both systems (i.e. manual and computerized system) are executed in parallel. Pilot run means the new system installs in parts. Some parts executed first and ran in a defined period. Other parts will be implemented only if the results satisfied the expected results (New York State Office, 2009). After five days training, two employees from YDL had mastered the operational skills. In the later month, manual working and computerized working were running in parallel to avoid the potential failure of system. 1.7 MAINTENANCE Maintenance means error correction and upgrade during the systems working life. Because of there always have some errors found in the system, system review is necessary to note and correct these errors. In addition, from system review, the developer can know the full capabilities of the system, required changes and the additional requirements. If a significant change needs to be executed, a new project has to be set up and proceed through all the life cycle phases (New York State Office, 2009). Currently, EQs supermarket management system is running in YDL. The supermarket had reduced 2 members. Nearly 500 people were registered as members. Moreover, the owner of YDL wants to turn his business to chain-store operations. EQ has started to evaluate this project. DISCUSSION According to Paul Davidson et al. (2003), waterfall model fits the situations where most appropriate that project has clear objects and solutions, the requirements are comprehensive and stable and etc. In this case, the lifecycle of this supermarket management system shows that E-Qun Web-Studio used waterfall method. This framework type is linear: Those deliverables and milestones were measurable. The whole project was divided into phases; emphasized on planning, time management, target dates and system implementation at one time; maintained control of project through using extensive documents such as project plan, test plan, etc. CONCLUSION To sum up, the lifecycle for information system development is mainly make up of eight aspects. They are system study, feasibility study, system analysis, system design, coding, testing, implementation and maintenance. Linear type is the simplest framework to develop the system (Paul et al. 2003). In small information system, if the system is not extremely complex, requirements are stable and can be identified easily, project team is less experienced and project schedule is unambiguous, it is strongly recommended that this project uses waterfall method as the develop methodology (Paul et al., 2004). REFERENCES: Alter, S and Browne, J, 2005, ‘A Broad View of Systems Analysis and Design, Communications of the Association for Information Systems, Volume 15, 2005, pp. 981-999, CMS, 2009, Testing Framework Overview, Centres for Medicare Medicaid Services, Available at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SystemLifecycleFramework/Downloads/CMSTestingFrameworkOverview.pdf [Accessed at 23th Dec, 2009] Davidson, P, Hedrich, R, Leavy, T, Sharp, W, Wilson, N, 2003, ‘Information Systems Development Techniques and Their Application to the Hydrologic Database Derivation Application, the Centre for Advanced Decision Support for Water and Environmental Systems, Available at: http://cadswes.colorado.edu/PDF/RiverWare/DavidsonLV2002.pdf [Accessed at 28th Dec, 2009] E-Qun Web-Studio, 2009, About Us, E-Qun Online, Available at: http://www.equn.net/aboutus.asp [Accessed at 29th Dec, 2009] Fisher, P, McDaniel, J Hughes, P, 2004, ‘System Development Life Cycle Models and Methodologies Canadian Society for International Health Certificate Course in Health Information System, Module 3: System Analysis Database Development, Part 3: Life Cycle Models and Methodologies. Available at: http://famed.ufrgs.br/pdf/csih/mod3/Mod_3_3.htm [Accessed at 14th Dec, 2009] J. Kà ¤Ãƒ ¤rià ¤inen and A. Và ¤limà ¤ki, 2008, ‘Impact of Application Lifecycle Management A Case Study, Enterprise Interoperability III, New Challenges and Industrial Approaches, Springer London Press, London New York State Office, 2009,System Implementation, Project Management Guidebook, Release 2, Available at: http://www.oft.state.ny.us/pmmp/guidebook2/SystemImplement.pdf [Accessed at 22th Dec, 2009] Rodney Parkin, 1997,Software Unit Testing, IV V Australia, Available at: http://www.ivvaust.com.au/UnitTesting.pdf [Accessed at 20th Dec, 2009]

Media and censorship

The media is everywhere you turn. The media can be found in various forms such as newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. In the process of capturing ratings, whom is the media hurting more? Is it people who are accused of a crime, such as O.J. Simpson, or is it the American public's stupidity for believing everything they hear. The job of the media should be to find the truth and tell it to the people. The reporters' work ought to be like a pane of glass, flawlessly clear and unspotted, through which the reader might view the important events of the day. The media has the power to inform the public, but often the information it receives is distorted. The media has the power, although indirect, to influence people's opinions; it has shaped our view of society and the process by which we choose our leaders, make our rules, and construct our values. The media promotes what it believes is easiest for the public to accept, but in the process it fails to cover the issues appropriately. The media can make us wiser, fuller, and more aware. Unfortunately, the media's tendencies veer more towards clouding the public's judgments, and causing confusion and disillusionment. Therefore, limitations greatly need to be placed upon the United States Constitution in regard to freedom speech and of the press because presently the media is doing more harm than good. In general, censorship is the regulation and control of information and ideas that are circulated among people within a society. It refers to the examination of electronic and print media for the purposes of altering and/or suppressing parts of the media thought to be inappropriate and/or offensive (Microsoft Encarta) The implication of censorship is that it is necessary for the protection of the viewing public. Pornography, praise of crime, gangs, terrorism, subversive, violations of national security, morality, opposition to the political or religious establishment are materials that can be exchanged through the above mentioned media, and are subjected to censorship. Throughout history there have been attempts to censor what people can read, write, speak, create, listen to and view. The verb â€Å"to censor† is defined in Webster's Dictionary as â€Å"to alter, delete, or ban completely after examination.†Ã‚   One attempt to regulate the media came when the Fairness Doctrine was established in 1934. This doctrine was instituted to ensure that publicly owned television and radio stations would not be biased and would not promote their own views. The Federal Communications Council (FCC) was created to enforce this doctrine. In 1987, under the Reagan Administration, the Fairness Doctrine was revoked. (Hull) The role of the FCC changed, therefore evolving to monitor the decency of materials presented on the radio and television. With the abolishment of the Fairness Doctrine, the window for controversial journalists was opened. Thus, America saw the emergence of two strong willed personalities – Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern (Green). The Communication Decency Act (CDA) adopted in 1996, is the most important recent development in the United States, regarding censorship and the Internet. The CDA made it an illegal crime to send â€Å"indecent material by the Internet into others computers† (Wilkins, 5).   â€Å"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers†. (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19)   The Freedom of expression is a right that â€Å"shall not be subject to prior censorship.† (The American Convention on Human Rights states, Article 13). International laws allow governments to restrict the free flow of information as a way of protecting confidential data such as national security or public ethics. Materials should be subjected to a certain lever of examination inline with international standards before it is published, and prior to censorship, which normally includes inquiry whether there are various ways to protect those interests that are less restrictive of the right to free expression. Society has been affected and will continue to be affected not only by television but the media in general. Television is a constant form of entertainment and occasionally an average source of news. However, television has been blamed for much of societies flaws because it is easy to attribute it to violence in the media and a social of lack of initiative. Television is a small part of a much larger societal picture and should be weighed as such. Television is a multi billion-dollar industry. The primary concern of the television industry is to net a profit and then entertain the consumers. The network with the highest rating means more profit the network. Censorship is not only controversial but also quite difficult to implement. Who decides what is inappropriate or too violent, such vague terminology would be difficult to define. For many years the film industry has practiced a form of self-censorship. Increasing demands from the public forced the industry to develop a system classification in 1968. (Microsoft Encarta)   The major networks voluntarily adhere to a self-regulating system this is in conjunction with regulations established by the Federal Communications Commission. The V-chip is the most current weapon in the TV censorship battle. Parents are able to block certain channels so that children are not exposed to violent programming. (Aversa) Generally, knowledge is disseminated in the form of films, publications, computer games, and Internet content, and the Internet is considered the main media via which information can be shared and accessed easily.   The Internet is the embodiment of the Information era, and the explosive growth of the Internet brought all corners of the world to reach anyone with a computer, by surfing through a seemingly endless library of information. The rules governing the Internet are to some extent less strict than those controlling the media that are widely accessible to the masses like publications and broadcast.   Computer Bulletin Boards Systems (BBS) are operated by individuals, or organizations. The published material is usually topic oriented presenting information on interests and hobbies, while BBS systems may also contain adult oriented material, and attempts are exerted to limit minors from accessing the information enclosed in those systems. (Electronic Frontier Foundation) As digital technology is growing, liberties in cyberspace and in publications are threatened by government and corporate practices. According to some committees, foundations and movements, censorship is a dangerous weapon in the hands of governments. Some of these foundations are: The Free Software Foundation, The Citizens Internet Empowerment Coalition (CIEC), Electronic frontier foundation (EFF), The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). (Microsoft Encarta) In conclusion, how should the media be regulated? Many people feel that the solution to the problem is to create a new media doctrine of self-restraint. Opponents of this feel that this would alter the information and this country would evolve into a dictatorship. But, if something is not done soon, who know what will happen? If the media does not establish an internal system of self-regulation, the government will surely intrude; this is a step that will begin with regulation and ultimately lead to total censorship. Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of America's image of itself. The question of free speech is arguably one of the most complex of all constitutional issues. To solve the problem, there must be a partnership between the media and the American public. If the public commits to not wanting the lies and gossip, the media is not going to try to feed it to them; but as America continues to be fascinated by lies and gossip, then the press will continue to print it. The likelihood of this occurring is very slim. The government, therefore, needs to step in. Special amendments to the Constitution regarding the right to freedom of press and speech need to be put in place in order to avoid such conflicts in the future. While it should not be the government's position to decide what kind of information the media may release, unfortunately no other medium currently exists through which this information can be sifted. Bibliography:  §Ã‚   The American Convention on Human Rights, 22 November 1969,   2004  §Ã‚   Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UN Website, 2004  §Ã‚   Green, Jonathan. The Encyclopedia of Censorship. New York: Facts on File, 1990.  §Ã‚   Hull, Mary E. Censorship in America: A Reference Handbook. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 1999  §Ã‚   Wilkins, J. â€Å"Protecting our children from Internet smut: moral duty or moral panic?† The Humanist, 57 (Oct/Nov), 1997  §Ã‚   Aversa, Jeannine. FCC Adopts V-Chip Rules They Associated Press. 12 March 1998  §Ã‚   â€Å"Censorship,† Microsoft ® Encarta ® Online Encyclopedia, 2004  §Ã‚   Electronic Frontier Foundation. Online Censorship & Free Expression, Internet Blocking & Censorware. 2004   

How Were Markets and Fairs an Important Part of Medieval Life

Lesly Kurian 8 June 2007 â€Å"First of all, there are the hucksters who sell food to the public, the beer sellers, the publicans, and then the weavers. Not far off are the drapers, and then the parchment sellers’ pitch. Then the open space where they sell uncured skins and wool†¦Here comes the people leading the animals- cows, oxen, ewes and pigs, and men selling horses, the best you can buy, mares, foals, and palfreys, suitable for counts and kings. † Many people came to buy items from markets and fairs, including the 13th century poet who described a typical market (Pierre and Sabbagh 54).Markets were important to daily life because most of the items people bought there, they couldn’t grow or make themselves. People also made a living by selling goods there. Going to markets also gave people a chance to see goods produced in other towns (MacDonald 8). Markets were held once a week and usually lasted for a day or two (9). Since many towns were built near r ivers, merchants could easily come to them and set up stalls and tents (Grant). In the center of town, there was a large space for stalls to be set up. In wealthy towns, markets were held in grand halls or covered by a canvas roof from the weather.In the market, officials checked and measured items and identified fake money (Mac Donald 9). Merchants sold an incredible variety of items for daily life; food, utensils, tools, clothing, art, and combs (â€Å"Markets and Fairs†, MacDonald 8). Rich merchants set up stalls to sell these items. However, peasants who came to sell their goods couldn’t afford stalls, so they were forced to display on the ground. Even worse, they had to pay a tax if they displayed on the ground (â€Å"Markets and Fairs†)! Superstitions were strong in markets too!In a typical market, a cross or holy statue was placed in the center to protect customers from any danger (MacDonald 9)! Eventually, merchants started visiting and trading in other areas. By the 12th century, many became traders and used ships on trade routes (Langley 46). Most traders used ships because they could carry large loads over a long distance versus carts on roads (Grant, MacDonald 11). Items usually transported on ships were wool, metals, timber, oil, wine, and salt (â€Å"Markets and Fairs†). As trade increased, major castles and cities became wealthy. New towns were created during the High Middle Ages because of this immense wealth.Some even became independent of a lord or king’s rule by paying him a tax (Langley 48). As new towns were created, the population grew and some towns grew into major cities, like Paris, Venice, London, and Florence. The increase of trade also provided jobs for many and helped spread ideas around the world. Cities often became contacts and allies because of this (MacDonald 10). One group of contacts was called the Hanseatic League. It linked over 100 towns with each other. This group dominated Northern Eur opean trade from the 13th to the 15th centuries (Pierre and Sabbagh 54, Grant).Trading among towns led way to fairs. Fairs were very special occasions because people got to look at and buy foreign and expensive items not sold at markets (MacDonald 9). They gave people a chance to take a break from daily life and enjoy themselves. They were held once a year on a saint’s feast day (Langley 54). Fairs were usually located on the outskirts of town because there was enough grassland for traders to set up their tents and graze their animals (MacDonald 9). Traders from many different lands sold specialty items at fairs.Valuable furs, such as lynx and leopard, were popular. People also took interest in special foods like pig meat and onions. Tools and weapons were also available (Pierre and Sabbagh 54). Entertainment and refreshments was also a large part of fairs. Jugglers, stunts men, acrobats and musicians performed there. Gambling was also part of fairs. Men bet on who would win a fight; wrestlers and dogs against bears and cockfights were popular (â€Å"Markets and Fairs†). Refreshments, especially during hot weather, were enjoyable. Bakers and brewers served pies, or chewets, and beer (Langley 54).There was special fair called the Fairs of Champagne, in France. It went on throughout the whole year without stop. Merchants, traders, and customers alike all flocked there to sell and buy goods. Unfortunately, it ended during war in the 15th century (Pierre and Sabbagh 54). As anyone can see, markets and fairs during Medieval Times were an important part of daily life. They provided needed items for life and occasional luxuries, too. However, not everyone appreciated markets and fairs. Preachers often complained that fairs were held on holy days so people would shop instead of pray!They also believed that markets and fairs were places that people sinned the most; cursing, boasting, lying and arguing all happened there (MacDonald 9). Imagine that! Biblio graphy Grant, Neil. Everyday Life in Medieval Europe. North Mankato, MN: Smart Apple Media, 2001. Langley, Andrew. Medieval Life. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1996. MacDonald, Fiona. Town Life. North Mankato, MN: Smart Apple Media: 2005. Pierre, Michel and Morgan-Antoine Sabbagh. Europe in the Middle Ages. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Silver Burdett Press, 1998. N/A. â€Å"Markets and Fairs† N/A. Online. http://www. xtec. es/crle/02/middle_ages/alumne/index. htm. 20 May 2007.

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