Introduction-
I was asked to manage my first software development Project. The
software solution will be developed for Unit 5 – Data Modelling. Where I
will be creating a data model for the users who are not experts in
spreadsheets. In this assignment I will create a feasibility study. I will
also identify the functional and non-functional requirements for this
project and evaluate alternative solutions and pick which one I believe
will be best. Furthermore I will perform one project management process
in a consistent and effective manner using an appropriate methodology.
Introduction to the project-
I have recently been asked to design and create a spreadsheet model
which can predict the potential impact of changes in exercise and diets
on a person’s BMI. Firstly, I will be willing to produce an efficient
spreadsheet model which can show a person how their BMI would
change over a period of at least ten weeks, based on activities they do
and the foods and they eat. The purpose of this project is to help local
people become fitter and healthier by reducing their Body Mass Index
(BMI). So my programme will be easy to navigate as they are not
experts in spreadsheets.
Two alternative solutions-
Here I picked 2 solutions to create my data model, one of them is an
Excel spreadsheet model and the alternative one is database. I will
choose and evaluate why one solution is better than the other. Both of
my solutions are viable but they do come with their own advantages and
disadvantages.
Excel Spreadsheet model-
When using excel it doesn’t require any programming language. Just
need to know the mathematical functions and formulas. With an excel
file it will be saved on the computer local drive and the file will most likely
have multiple backups in case the file in use fails in one way or another.
This means that the excel files performance will not be reliant on another
party/host and in case the primary file fails there will be backups
available for the users leaving an alternative. Excel can be useful for
,presenting data more efficiently such as it has options for graphs. There
are different types of charts: bar chart, pie chart, line graphs etc. This
can be useful for the users to understand. Excel also has many more
shortcuts when entering data. However, when using an excel
spreadsheet, entering huge amounts of data can take a very long time
and can be extremely taxing on the user which could lead to errors or
inconsistencies within the data.
Database-
With databases, data can be updated automatically. Also the chance of
making mistakes when creating a database is low because you can’t
store different types of data within the same field. On the other hand it
requires more training such as I need more coding knowledge to set up
my database. Also, I have to be familiar with tables, queries, forms,
reports etc.
In conclusion- Excel is best for basic mathematical calculations on the
other hand Database is useful for calculating large sets of data.
In the project brief my clients already mentioned that they want a
spreadsheet model, so an excel spreadsheet model would be suitable
for them. Furthermore, the excel model will allow me to represent the
data in different ways such that I will be able to use graphs to represent
the information quickly and easily. Which will make it easier for the user
as well.
Feasibility study-
Technical assessment
This project will be created based on the skills and knowledge. But in
order to run the program effectively, There are some hardware and
software requirements. These are-
Hardware- Memory - 16 GB RAM, I need a high speed RAM to run it
quickly.
Secondary storage- The storage requirements vary, depending on the
size of the software installation, the amount of temporary data generated
during installation and use of swap space (if RAM is insufficient).
Peripherals- Some peripherals include keyboard, mouse, Storage,
Screen and Keyboard
,Software
For this project I will use the Microsoft 365, I have to make sure it's up to
date, I will also use google slide to create my design and Google forms
to gather feedback.
Economic assessment
For this project I will be using Microsoft 365 is which needs licensing-
Microsoft 365 Business Premium cost £18.10 monthly
Legal assessment
GDPR is something I will have to be mindful of as I will be emailing it to
my clients and they might forward it to other people. I have to make sure
no data breach or any threats to the users data. In order to keep the
users personal information safe, the model I will be creating will only
identify which information fields may need to be collected from them such
as only their height and weight. They don’t need to collect their email
address, phone number etc.
Another legal assessment is that Software licensing as the college has a
licence for that I don’t have to do anything. But if it was just for me I
would have to buy the monthly or annually subscription known as
Microsoft 365 also I would have to update to a new version every so
often.
Operational assessment
The program will allow the user to input their heights and weight. The
program will then calculate their BMI, predicted BMI for 10 weeks.
The output of this program will be the how their BMI would change over
a period of at least 10 weeks, based on the activities they do and the
foods that they eat. Once the user has entered the meal and exercise
entry it will show how their predicted BMI is changing along with their
predicted weight. They will also be able to see the difference between
their actual weight and predicted weight.
, Scheduling assessment- Im estimating it will take me 5 months to
design and develop the model. As there are lots of steps I have to follow
such as I have to make a plan first, make 3 designs, get feedback to
improve on the design, and then go on developing my model once I’m
done I have to get feedback again. I also have to test it to fix if there is
any error. And then go on making my final model. Alongside, I will also
have to produce some documentation such as a test plan, doing
feasibility study and a few others. Creating this will take some time. In
order to help me plan my time, I will be creating a gantt chart using
microsoft projects to help me effectively manage my time and if I stick to
this gantt chart then I should be able to complete this project on time
without any issues. My start date for this project will be 13/10/22 to
21/03/23.
Usability assessment-
● Easy to use
● Allow the user to enter their height and weight
● The module should calculate a person’s BMI
● Show a person’s BMI changed over 10 weeks
● It should show each person’s calorie intake
● How much calories burned
● And their predicted weight and BMI
● They would be able to see the difference between their actual
weight and BMI and their predicted one
● Would tell them if their BMI is overweight, underweight or normal
Success criteria -
The success criteria I must demonstrate that my system is successful
and that is a good solution for describing what my users can achieve and
encouraging them to get more out of the system. A successful and
useful program will require the following and this has to be done-
● Easy to use
● Allow the user to enter their personal information
● The module should calculate a person’s BMI
● Show a person’s BMI changed over 10 weeks
● It should show each person’s calorie intake
