Re: I need some expert advice on database design

Thank you for your feedback. As you can see from my other reply, I came into
this project late. The problem we have is that I think the person doing our
programming is not right for the job. Hopefully we can change that. Then we
can use your feedback to help us get back on track and ensure we are moving
in the right direction.

Jeff Boyce wrote:
One approach to development is laying out an extensive list of requirements
before beginning. Then, as the situation changes, implementing a rigorous
"change management" system.

Another approach to development has developer and end users working closely
together throughout the process. The first step is identifying the most
critical and/or most vulnerable and/or highest impact functionality ("what's
the #1 show-stopper? -- if it can't do this, forget about it!). Development
under this approach works in "iterative cycles". After each short-scale
development, a testable/usable product is delivered. If everyone agrees,
the same (#1 show-stopper) approach gets used to identify the next most
critical/vulnerable/impactful functionality.

By the time the development is done, the users have had functionality during
the entire project, and only the least critical/important features/functions
are left.

The first (requirements first, design/develop second, test third, implement
last) approach is considered a "waterfall" approach. It requires that the
users understand and identify all of their needs up-front ... what are the
odds that nothing will be left out and nothing will change?!

The second (key requirements/testable functionality delivered) approach is
"iterative" or "agile". While it requires much closer interaction between
users and developers throughout the project, this closer interaction is more
likely to result in the final product meeting the actual needs.

Best of luck on your project!

I work for a non-profit organization. With the help of a grant, we hired a
consultant to come in and design a database incorporating 3 divisions of our
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
Any suggestions/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

http://www.accessmonster.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/access-tablesdbdesign/200712/1

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