One of the toughest problems in investigating system requirements is to make sure they are complete and comprehensive.
What kinds of things would you do to ensure that you get all of the right information during an interview session?
One of the problems you will encounter during your investigation is "scope creep" - that is, user requests for additional features and functions. Scope creep happens sometimes because users have many unsolved problems and the systems investigation may be the first time that anybody has listened to their needs.
How do you keep the system from growing and including new functions that should not be part of the system? Review the SHEERLUCK DETECTIVE AGENCY case study below and answer the questions following with reference to the information in the case study. Do not extend the scope of your answers beyond that of the case study. You are permitted to make reasonable assumptions but these should be noted.
Sheerluck Detective Agency specialises in freelance detective work. The agency employs a number of detectives on a permanent basis but hires others as requirements demand. These are called consulting detectives. For each detective, details are stored about name, address, telephone number, mobile number and email address. Each detective on the permanent staff is also given a single rating on the following scales: intuition, deductive skills, physical prowess and werewolf hunting. Those employed on temporary contracts work for a fixed daily rate and this must be recorded.
Detectives of note who have established a reputation working on smaller cases independently or for other agencies may apply for inclusion on Sheerluck's list of consulting detectives. When a detective applies to join Sheerluck, the application is passed to the proprietor (Mr S. Holmes) who decides whether to interview the applicant or decline the offer of service. Mr. Holmes then interviews outstanding candidates and, if the candidate appears to be suitable, the references provided by the candidate are checked. If these references are positive, a series of additional enquiries are conducted as to the nature, prior conduct and character of the applicant. These enquiries are highly confidential and vary by applicant. Mr. Holmes personally records details necessary to track the progress of applications. If the applicant is found to be suitable, the agency includes details of the detective on the consulting staff list. Permanent staff members are hired personally by Mr. Holmes and their details are stored on the permanent staff list. These administrative tasks are performed by the Personnel Officer. When a new client approaches the agency with a case, the client is interviewed by Mr. S. Holmes in the first instance. If the case is accepted, the client is registered as an official client of the agency. Details are stored about the client name, address, telephone number and email.
Thereafter, a case file is opened and one or more detectives (usually one) are assigned to the case. The date on which a detective is assigned to the case is noted. Each case is given a unique number and may only be initiated by a single client. The agency also keeps details about the date the case is accepted, the date investigations commence and the type of case. There are four case types, namely murder, mysterious disappearance, general and werewolf. The details stored for each case are the same with the exception of cases involving werewolves. These are admittedly rare and only a small number of detectives have the skills, experience and fortitude required for a werewolf hunt. In such cases, the code of the firearm issued to the detective should be noted as well as the number of silver bullets issued.
After the case is accepted, the assigned detective interviews the client and case notes are recorded. Subsequently, the detective investigates the case and records case notes on an ad hoc basis. Each case note has a unique number (within the case) and a date. The notes themselves are free format text. All details relating to cases are entered by the Case Manager. Provision must be made for data maintenance and change by relevant staff. During early December, Mr. Holmes personally writes Christmas cards for all clients past and present and requires a list of clients and their addresses. Due to the dangers inherent in hunting werewolves, the agency requires a daily Werewolf Status Report. This report lists all active werewolf cases (if any) and the detectives assigned to the case.Student
Question 1:
Prepare an Event Table for the Sheerluck Detective Agency information system. Use at least the following headings for the Event Table:
Event, Trigger, Source, Use Case, Response and Destination. Prepare a Use Case diagram for the Sheerluck Detective Agency information system. Focus on the employment of new detectives and life cycle of cases. Prepare a Domain Model Class Diagram for the Sheerluck Detective Agency information system. This diagram should show all classes, attributes, associations and multiplicity.
The following case study is to be used for the following questions.
Event R Us is a business that provides a full service for special events including weddings. It provides services such as booking of venues, hire of furniture and catering equipment, designing and mailing of invitations, handling registration of attendees, organising and scheduling details for the event including, flowers, catering, vehicles and photography.
They will finalise guest attendee details and organise and book hotel accommodation for the guests if needed.
WWP gets its business in one of several ways: Clients respond to advertisements placed by WWP in specialist bridal magazines; clients contact WWP because of recommendations from past clients or guests, or clients contact WWP because of recommendations from otherbusinesses who have been involved in past WWP weddings. When clients initially make contact with WWP, an interview is held to gather general and specific information about the desired details for their wedding. Examples of the type of information collected include: who, when, where, anticipated number of guests, price range, special wishes, reception specifics and any other relevant information that the clients feel are important.
Once these details have been collected, the office manager assigns a project leader to the wedding. The project leader will then prepare a proposal and quote for the clients; this is expected to be finalised within two weeks of the initial interview. Once the clients sign off in agreement to the proposal and a final price is finalised, additional staff are allocated as needed to support the planning and organising of the wedding event. The WWP project team works closely with the clients and other businesses to ensure that the clients experience a joyous and stress free lead up to their wedding day and that the actual wedding date is exactly as expected. Their aim is for clients to thoroughly enjoy their ‘Wonderful Wedding'!