You probably have a part of your life which is filled with managing data. This might be managing your classroom data, planning a wedding, organizing your finances, or even keeping track of your exercise program. This assignment is your opportunity to use Access 2003 to create a database that will help handle this challenge.

This database assignment actually has two parts to it and they must both be considered when you are selecting the topic and beginning the planning stages. This database will be a flat database with only a single table of information. This assignment will provide the foundation for the Expanded Personal Database where you will expand this database to using multiple tables of information so you will want to select a topic that can be expanded to that level.

Planning

Begin by answering the questions posed below. These questions must be answered on paper and submitted as part of your assignment.

Define the Problem: Begin by identifying a problem that you need to solve using a database. What are the questions that need to be answered? What are the data that need to be collected/managed/used to answer these questions?

How has it Been Done?: Describe the data management situation that you have experienced in the past or foresee experiencing without using this database. Explain the problems that have (or could) occur using the present system.

What Do You Need to be Addressed?: Discuss how the problem could be addressed (not necessarily solved) through using an electronic database. What approaches would you use to modify/improve your problem solving process of the past? What sorts of reports would you need to generate to answer your questions.

• Text field

• Number field

• AutoNumber field (Primary Key Field)

As needed, you can include other types of fields including: Memo, Date/Time, Currency, Yes/No, OLE Object or a Hyperlink.

Queries: You need to include at least one query that will provide the information necessary to answer one of the questions you asked earlier. The query needs to work and be able to retrieve desired information. Include an explanation that will describe the desired information; identify the fields that need to be used, and explain the criteria used to create the query.

Forms: You need to design at least one form that you can use to enter data into your database. This form must be well-designed and include the following characteristics:

• Fields with properly aligned labels.
• Sequential tab order.
• A check box or toggle box.
• A graphic (this can either be in the form of a common graphic for the form or a photo OLE field that might display the photo of the person described in the record.)
• The whole form should fit on one screen.

Reports: Your database needs to include at least one report that can be used to answer the questions that you have listed above. Your report(s) will be evaluated on design and explanation. The design should include proper title alignment, subtotals, totals, and should be sorted by at least one field. Include an explanation that includes an explanation of what question(s) the report(s) is/are designed to answer; how the separation for the subtotals was used, what the totals signify, why the report(s) is/are sorted by the sorting field(s), and what answer the report(s) answer about your question(s).

Submit:

Printed:

• Written responses to the Planning Questions above.
• Report(s) along with explanation of how this answers your question(s).

Electronic (in WebCT Dropbox):

• Access database

Personal Database Rubric (.pdf)