Consider the basic matching game using cards where cards are laid out face down in a grid. Participants turn over two cards at a time. If the two cards match, the person collects those points and continues. If they do not match, the cards are turned face down again and the next person plays. The process repeats until all cards have been matched. In an educational version, the game is computerized—probably Web based, but it needs to run on a touch interface as well. An instructor creates a list of “matching” items. These might be simple key words or perhaps images. Or, they could be more complex pairs such as words in two languages. For example, in teaching Spanish, “one” would match “uno.” Similarly, a technology version might use matches between a term and its definition. The point is that the system needs to be flexible and let the instructor create the list of matches. The list might be larger than the grid. For example, a 4x4 grid has 16 spots or 8 items to match. The instructor list might have 40 entries so the computer will randomly select 8 of them for a given game. Additionally, a single person could play the game, where the system displays and tracks the time as well as number of turns and points. The system could also be played with up to four people at a time on a multi-touch system. It also might be useful to have an online version where students can play against each other if they are at different computers in multiple locations. Note that the system will have at least two primary users: the students and the instructors. There might also be a need for an administrator—to set up accounts for instructors. Think of the system as a Web service that would be provided as a fee-based service or perhaps as advertising supported. The administrator will have to create accounts for instructors, who then create classes and define problems. Some mechanism will be needed to create accounts for students. Ultimately, some instructors will want the system to integrate with their existing classroom management software such as Blackboard or Sakai which already have lists of students and grade books. The system should also enable the instructor to choose color schemes and possibly upload logos or images that would be displayed on the backs of the cards/buttons. And it would be nice to have some method for instructors to share (or sell?) their content lists with other instructors. Your job is to design the system, including forms and reports and the basic architecture; plus project management with time and cost estimates.
The database class is working on a project for Westgate. Those students will do the database design and build the database. An existing version of the database exists but has many problems. You will have to help design the user interface (forms and reports). As part of that process, you will be given the opportunity to interview the main user: Amber Dominguez. A key part of the project is to design the forms and reports and communicate these details to the “developers” in the database class.
Assuming that RT is a real company, it needs to rebuild its current Access-based system as a Web-based tool. The company also plans to implement an accounting system, but it wants to continue the existing features of the database. But, it wants them to be Web based, so that customers and retail stores can enter orders online and explore various options with just a Web browser. It also wants the production and marketing departments to be able to enter and track data using just Web browsers. Eventually, the sales and purchase data should be able to transfer into the accounting system. For example, sales of bikes should be transferred to the accounting system when the bike is shipped. Purchases of parts will be recorded in the accounting system when the purchase order is placed. Payments will be tracked through the accounting system. Some managers are nervous about running two systems (Web and accounting), but none of the accounting systems support the features needed by the Web site, and the accounting manager does not want to create a custom accounting system based on the Web site and ordering. A custom ERP system to integrate everything was ruled out because of the costs, both upfront for software and customization, and ongoing license costs. Your job is to define a project plan for the development of the new system including converting the data. You need to build a complete project management chart including time and cost estimates. Assume that contract programmers will be hired to build the system.