STUDENT PROJECTS: Applying Planning Techniques to Student

Projects

Read the sample project $($The Art Gallery$)$ steps for this chapter and apply the same techniques to the student project that you are developing.

$-$ Step $2\mathrm{.}1$ Design the Data Dictionary for Student Projects

Write out a user$-$oriented data dictionary, consisting of an alphabetical list of every data item referenced in any report or routine transaction, and an informal definition for each term.

$-$ Step $2\mathrm{.}2$ Modify the List of Assumptions as needed.

$-$ Step $2\mathrm{.}3$ Write out a cross$-$reference table, showing what data items appear on what forms, reports, or transactions.

To construct the cross$-$reference table, write the names of all forms, reports, and transactions as column headings across the top of the table. Write the items from the data dictionary down the first column, making a form similar to a spreadsheet. If a data item on a given row appears on a particular form, report, or transaction, place a check mark in the cell for the corresponding column$-$row intersection.

$-$ Step $2\mathrm{.}4$ Using a project management tool such as MS Project or a spreadsheet, make a chart that lists the major tasks of the project and assign a timeline for the completion of the entire project. Divide the major tasks into subtasks. If the project is being done by a group, assign the subtasks to the group members. Indicate dependency of one task on another by drawing arrows. Establish deadlines as necessary to complete the project on time.