Introduction to information systems T. Cornford, M. Shaikh is1 060 2013

2.5 Reminder of learning outcomes
Having completed this chapter, the appropriate project work, activities and 
the Essential reading, you should be able to:
• develop and document small computer applications using basic 
packages (for example, word processor, graphics editor, database and 
spreadsheet)
• recognise the need to work methodically and to meet deadlines
• appreciate the distinction between analysis work and design work
• apply analytical and design techniques to systems development 
producing a paper design
• transform a paper design into a running application
• prepare a brief report on development work conveying decisions taken 
and associated reasons
• reflect this experience back on the other parts of this syllabus.

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Chapter 2: Preparing for the project work
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2.6 Test your knowledge and understanding
1. Sketch a class diagram for the following situations:
a. A library database to include novels, their authors, the various 
editions available and the publishers. How would you handle 
multiple copies of the same edition of the same book, such as you 
might find in a college library?
b. A database of music considering songs, albums, singers, producers, 
writers.
Keep your class diagrams as simple as you can, but note all 
complexities or confusions that you might need to deal with later.
2. What spreadsheet chart would you use for the following situations:
a. Monthly rainfall data over three years.
b. Numbers in a country’s population within age groups and by gender.
c. Gold price in US$ over three years.
3. Sketch a paper model of a spreadsheet for the following situations:
a. Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI). Weight data may come in 
pounds, grams or stones and pounds. Height data in inches, 
centimetres or feet and inches. (You can find the BMI formula 
online if need be.)
b. The cost per student of a class trip to the theatre. This is to include 
tickets, hire of a bus, insurance and meals. The cost will depend on 
the number of students who choose to go; for example, bus hire is 
fixed for n= 1 to 50 while every 10th ticket is free from the theatre.
4. For each of the classes shown in the class diagrams sketched in 
Question 1 above add some essential attributes that you would want to 
store data about. Are you sure that you have always placed the data in 
the right class? Are there situations where it may be debatable?

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Notes
IS1060 Introduction to information systems
32

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Chapter 3: Core concepts: information, data and systems
33