Database Management Systems

© 2007 by Jerry Post
Database Exercises

Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

  1. Create a form template that can be used for an application. Begin by sketching the major sections of the form and identify the color and font schemes. If you are using a DBMS that supports custom form templates, build the template and test it.
  2. Research current guidelines for usability for either a Windows or Web application. Summarize the most important feature elements.
  3. Evaluate a commercial application or Web site in terms of its support for the main usability features.
  4. Create a custom toolbar menu with at least two icons and two drop-down menus that include at least three options each.
  5. Create a small custom help file that contains three pages of help. Create a form and assign the help key to open one of the help topics.
  6. Find at least two packages that can be used to write and generate help files. Summarize the features and costs of the packages.
  7. Write a function to log runtime errors to a special database table or a file. Create a form with a button that contains error-handling code. When the button is pressed, it should trigger a runtime error (e.g., divide-by-zero), and call the logging function to save the error message.
  8. Find at least two packages that can be used to stress test an application. At least one of the tools should work for Web sites.

    9. Sally’s Pet Store

  9. Design and create a completed startup menu system for the Pet Store database. Add sections that can be completed later.
  10. Design and create a menu system and toolbars for the Pet Store database.
  11. Create and write a set of help files for the Pet Store database.
  12. Find a user (non-CS and non-IS) who can test the application. Observe the user’s progress and identify any problems or issues that arise. Describe changes you would make to improve the application.
  13. Outline the steps that need to be taken to deploy the application on a single computer.

    14. Rolling Thunder Bicycles

  14. Examine the Rolling Thunder Bicycles application and outline the menu structure by checking the forms and reading the help file.
  15. Explain how the list box is used to handle receipt of merchandise from suppliers. Outline the process that is used to tie the receipt to the purchase order.
  16. Outline a plan for stress testing the application. Begin by identifying where the application will be used and how many people will likely use it at one time.
  17. Describe the primary security threats to the application and evaluate the relative risk posed by each threat.

    18. Corner Med

  18. Create a startup form for Corner Med to handle the connections to the main forms and reports. Include buttons for forms and reports that will be needed, even if they have not yet been created. Place buttons on forms as needed to open the reports specified in Chapter 6.
  19. Create toolbar menus for each of the main user groups: Clerk, Healthcare (Nurse or Physician), and Administrator.
  20. Write the deployment plan for the application, assuming there will be one workstation at the central check-in desk and one in each physician office. Typically, there are three to five offices per location.