W6.Ex2 List the network paths

W6.Ex3 Determine the critical path(s)

In most organizations, systems tended to grow independently without a company-wide plan. Accounting, finance, manufacturing, human resources, and sales and marketing all developed their own systems and data files. Each application, of course, required its own files and its own computer program to operate. For example, the human resources functional area might have a personnel master file, a payroll file, a medical insurance file, a pension file, a mailing list file, and so forth until tens, perhaps hundreds, of files and programs existed. In the company as a whole, this process led to multiple master files being created, maintained, and operated by separate divisions or departments. As this process goes on for 5 or 10 years, the organization is saddled with hundreds of programs and applications that are very difficult to maintain and manage. The resulting problems are data redundancy and inconsistency, program-data dependence, inflexibility, poor data security, and an inability to share data among applications. 

Contemporary DBMS use different database models to keep track of entities, attributes, and relationships. The most popular type of DBMS today for PCs as well as for larger computers and mainframes is the relational DBMS. Relational databases represent data as two-dimensional tables (called relations). Tables may be referred to as files. Each table contains data on an entity and its attributes. Microsoft Access is a relational DBMS for desktop systems, whereas DB2, Oracle Database, and Microsoft SQL Server are relational DBMS for large mainframes and midrange computers. MySQL is a popular open-source DBMS, and Oracle Database Lite is a DBMS for small handheld computing devices.

A data flow diagram (DFD) maps out the flow of information for any process or system. It uses defined symbols like rectangles, circles, and arrows, plus short text labels, to show data inputs, outputs, storage points, and the routes between each destination. Data flowcharts can range from simple, even hand-drawn process overviews, to in-depth, multi-level DFDs that dig progressively deeper into how the data is handled. They can be used to analyze an existing system or model a new one. Like all the best diagrams and charts, a DFD can often visually “say” things that would be hard to explain in words, and they work for both technical and non-technical audiences, from developers to CEO. That’s why DFDs remain so popular after all these years. While they work well for data flow software and systems, they are less applicable nowadays to visualizing interactive, real-time, or database-oriented software or systems.

W9.E1 List the activities involved in ordering your food using a Food Ordering System.

W9.E2 Draw a Context Diagram for Food Ordering System

W9.E3 Draw a Level-0 DFD for Food Ordering System

W10 Ex1 Explain what is meant by the project manager having credibility?

W10 Ex2 What is micromanagement?

W10 Ex3 The PM is surrounded by conflict and trapped in a high-stress occupation, please do suggest several ways to control stress.

• designing and applying appropriate project management standards for incorporation in the NI Gateway Review Process

• managing the production of the required deliverables

• planning and monitoring the project

• adopting any delegation and use of project assurance roles within agreed reporting structures

• preparing and maintaining the project, stage, and exception plans as required

• managing project risks, including the development of contingency plans

• liaison with programme management (if the project is part of a programme) and related projects to ensure that work is neither overlooked nor duplicated

• monitoring overall progress and use of resources, initiating corrective action where necessary

• applying change control and configuration management processes

• reporting through agreed lines on project progress through highlight reports and end-stage assessments

• liaison with appointed project assurance representatives to assure the overall direction and integrity of the project

• maintaining an awareness of potential interdependencies with other projects and their impact

• adopting and applying appropriate technical and quality strategies and standards

• identifying and obtaining support and advice required for the management, planning, and control of the project

• managing project administration

• conducting a project evaluation review to assess how well the project was managed

• preparing any follow-on action recommendations

• Experience in managing projects

• Mastery of the project management process and tools

• Ability to dedicate the time necessary for project success

• Attention to detail

• Obsession with achieving objectives on time and on-budget

•  Ability to communicate, orally and in writing

• Skills and experience managing and influencing people including those who are not direct reports

• Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities

• Flexibility – Tenacity – Patience

Choosing the right PM is essential to project success. Choose wisely and you dramatically improve the chances that your next project will come in on time, on budget, and with the anticipated results.