Criterion D: Evaluation
Criterion A: Inquiring and Analyzing
This is the
first stage of the process where I had to do a lot of research in order to
achieve the goals set in the task. I had sent questionnaires to various people
such as cancer patients, oncologists, survivors, etc. I had also sent to Mr.
James who is the manager of the pharmaceutical company. In addition, I
researched on the internet to search for different types of templates and
features which I could use for my database. I created a research plan so that I
can see which fields must be included in the database.
Self-evaluation:
Although our
teacher taught us how to use Microsoft Access, I wanted to research on the
internet to find out more programs which can be used for this type of
situation. However, I was unable to find easier programs and had to stick with
this database.
Since this
is my first time trying out Microsoft Access, I wanted to know what other
features I can use in my database. My research plan helped me to find out the requirements especially the
fields which I can add in my database. The interview questions for oncologist,
Mr. Mohandas, helped me to find out the various, existing drugs in the market,
their composition as well as what diseases they cure. Although, I feel that I
should have added more questions concerning main details such as manufacture
date, expiry date, etc. of all the medicines. This would make my work easier
and add in the information from the interview. The SWOT Analysis which
elaborated on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the
product after testing. This can be used later on when improving it.
The design
brief was written to show the creation of the software and the new features
which will be used by the company. I had to research a few features to add to
my database and watch a few YouTube tutorials on how to add these features and
their specific function in the database.
Criterion B: Designing
This is the
second stage where I had to plan the creation for my database. As usual, I had
to research for various features such as checkboxes, combo-boxes, buttons, etc.
I had to produce a few sketches for my designs of the database and had to
evaluate which one was the better design according to the subject in the task. I
created a flowchart as well as the layout for my database which will help me in
making my database organized.
Self-Evaluation:
I had eight
designs which were about the cancer drug information form, main menu, patient
details form and security. Each design was evaluated consistently and the best
one was chosen among the two for each. A few features such as combo-boxes,
option-group, tab order, buttons, etc. were added in a few of these designs.
There were two ways to do the security feature. I took the alternative, short
one where I had to open the database in exclusive and encrypt it with a
password. I structured the layout for my database, where the fields will be
organized. I also followed the flow chart which helped me in creating my
database. In addition, I did a test plan for the end product to make sure that
there were no malfunctions with the system.
I added
another feature which is the expression builder. I was able to make
calculations on the total cost of the drug the patient bought (depending on
quantity) using this feature. A list-box in patient details form which allowed
the user to select the ID of the patient for the record.
Criterion C: Creating the Solution
In this
section, I had to create the final product, which is my database. Eventually, I
had to do a lot of research to find out the variety of features and templates I
can use for this application. I enjoyed this section the most because there
were a lot of features in which I wanted explore. Unfortunately, due to the
time limit we had for this task, I could not add more. I tested all the
features in the database to ensure the success of the final product.
Self-Evaluation:
The research
conducted in this stage was particularly difficult but I was able to find the
features, how to include them and how they function. When I was creating
relationships between patient details and cancer drug information, I
experienced trouble because both the fields had to be the same to enforce
referential integrity. This problem also occurred when I was trying to enter
information onto another table which had no relationship.
For the
picture box, when I was trying to add an image with a png format, it did not
show the picture only the icon. According to the research done, I found that
the picture box could only display the image with a bmp format.
The security
feature was easy to input. All I had to do was to open the document in an
exclusive format and encrypt it with a password.
The
expression builder was used to show the calculations for the total cost of drug
(s) purchased by the customer (depending on the quantity). Overall, I followed
the design specification throughout this stage and added the features in
certain places where they were really required.
Criterion D: Evaluation
This is the
last section of the design cycle
