Sarah+K

=Set 1 questions/answers November 19th 2011=

1. Define the term flat file database and relational database. [ 4 marks ] A relatively simple database system in which each database is contained in a single table. A relational database contains data in a set of tables that are linked to one another.

2. (a) The Malzerei Theatergruppe has developed the M-ticket web site running on an ISP. Explain why the company can not depend on the M-ticket web site. [ 6 marks ] The Malzerei Theatergruppe has developed the M-ticket web site. However, it is not as successful as expected to expand their business. The management is unhappy with the websites user-interface including the features. The website lacks multimedia features and is not attractive towards customers. As this is a large company running a multi -theater venue customer services and relations must be provided and managed properly to ensure proper reliability. Main stakeholders are the customers, however they complain that the website is unreliable and is not user friendly. Customers would rather go through an easier process of telephoning the box office where more services are provided. The company does not manage a proper management team to update the company's information. The website also does not contain an interactive seat-selection interface. The company's information may bring integrity concerns as the data will be outdated. Security/privacy concerns may be due to payment methods not being secure.

(b) With reference to lines 76 - 78, examine the use of making use to the managements new technology such as, Twitter and social web sites. [ 8 marks ] The Large company's management team wants to create stronger relationships between their services and customers through the use of technology including Twitter and social web sites. Social web sites such as Facebook is used by millions of users around the world of different age groups. Users can then add Malzerei Theatergruppe as their Facebook friend to receive special updates and easily get contact information. The company can easily promote their business by creating events and advertising them to their Facebook friends.The company can update their information on a regular basis, allowing their data to be reliable. The company can also share posts, possibly special offers within the users who subscribe to them.After the company manages their own personal web site, they can have links on many social web sites which then link to the original company's website. This will increase the company's ranking on search engines. The company can get helpful feedback from users by using Twitter. As you create a post or suggestion other users can easily comment with their own opinion. However, Twitter and the social web sites has negative concerns such as, it takes up time to develop and manage it regularly. It can not replace customer services and will create digital divide as some users may not have proper Internet connections. People who are on the go, can check out the company's Facebook or website directly from their smartphone at the same time the company can create a customized application enabling all smartphone users to access it where ever they are Overall, the company will reach to a wider audience and the company can directly engage with their target setting. Promotion of new events, sales and discounts for shows can easily be spread.

3. Discuss the importance of the language provision and web site interface which will be included in the website. Use information from the case study and give other examples from which you have studied in class. [ 12 marks ] As many people from around the world come to experience the live shows many languages are spoken, therefore, when creating their website a user must be able to select their preferred language. A drop down menu can make the selection easier. Languages such as English and Spanish can be easy to attain, yet other language that include symbols or characters, such as Arabic and Chinese may need to be developed. Users with special disabilities may need audio as their selection, for example those who are blind. If this option is selected it can easily guide the person through the process of finding the show, seats, date and time, and purchasing their ticket. Languages must be able to switch from one language to another. The website interface must be user-friendly and work on almost all browsers. This will attract more customers of using the online ticketing website. Additional softwares must be installed allowing it to be accessible on many browsers. However, users which use tablet devices and/or smartphones will not allow certain features to work, such as the interactive seat-selection, additional software may be needed in the users device to allow certain features to function. The web site must be user friendly for those who are not IT literate, this will involve including a web site that guides the user. Payment methods must be clear and secure allowing users personal information to be sent over a secured network, limiting hacking.