Well, the Database Project is complete! I feel like I have garnered a tremendous amount of useful information regarding Microsoft Access. While I understand that there is a whole lot more to Access than what was required for this project, it was a very meaningful exercise for me. Meaningful in that I learned that playing around with this software is a very useful teaching tool. There were a couple of instances where I was presented with a problem that was not fixable by just watching the lectures. For example, when I worked on the Reports part of the project everything turned out perfect except for the zip code and left date sections. When I tried to view the report in "print preview" mode, the numbers were not displayed. There were # signs in place of the digits and I couldn't understand why that was occurring. My first thought was to use the "Property Sheet" tab on the ribbon to fix it. However, after trying for probably too long with no success, I moved on to see if there was another way. Finally, I stumbled on a way to fix it. I was in Layout View and noticed when I moved a column over a bit, I could see digits. I then realized that I just needed to add space between the columns. Upon doing so, I was very pleased to see all the data displayed to specification. So while I learned how to maneuver within Access and how to use the software to achieve a desired goal, maybe the biggest takeaway for me was to not be intimidated by the unknown and to take a relaxed approach when an unforeseen problem arises. In other words, don't panic. It can be fixed!
One way to enhance the functionality of this database would be to add a form called "Reason for Leaving". This would be something filled out by members upon termination. You could use this information to see if there is a common element as to why members are leaving. You could then create a marketing campaign to address these issues based on the feedback. This would be a great way to get former members to return and possibly retain current members, while hopefully attracting new members concerned with similar issues at the gym they currently use. Since the member mailing information is already on file, a direct mailing effort would be a perfect way to inform all current and former members of the changes being made to improve service.
That's all for this week! Go Gators!
Showing posts with label Microsoft Access. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Microsoft Access. Show all posts
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Week 10 Muddy to Clear Skills Track
This week's lesson on Microsoft Access started off muddy but by the end it had become much clearer. The main reason I say it was muddy is mostly because my only exposure was in my introductory class. Viewing the lectures actually helped me to recall certain functions that are available in Access. So, I have to say there is great value in viewing the lectures, not just to help with the project, but to also bring to the forefront of your mind things that you remember vaguely from lack of use.
The area that was most interesting was the forms and reports sections. Most people equate Access to tables. At least that was how I viewed Access. However, to manipulate the data and display it in a specific form or to create a variety of reports is a feature that I was very unfamiliar with initially. After being exposed to these features, through the lectures, I see what seems to be endless possibilities with regards to data sets.
My initial feeling about the Access project was a feeling of trepidation. I have never used any aspect of Access, so the thought of having to complete a project using it caused me to feel this way. I did find a video prior to viewing the lectures that gave me a good overview of what Access was and it's usefulness with databases. Check it out here below if your not privy to the lectures we have in class.
Well, I hope that gave you an idea of how to use Access and the different ways to group and display all sorts of data. I particularly like the way they describe how Access understands how lists and their contents relate to each other. The video also calls this "relational databases". Here is where I began to understand how useful Microsoft Access could be in a business setting.
It is now time to tackle this week's project. I have my "cheat sheet" from the scavenger hunt and feel a whole lot better going into this assignment. Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to playing around with Access to get a better understanding of what it is capable of doing.
So, until next week, happy computing!
The area that was most interesting was the forms and reports sections. Most people equate Access to tables. At least that was how I viewed Access. However, to manipulate the data and display it in a specific form or to create a variety of reports is a feature that I was very unfamiliar with initially. After being exposed to these features, through the lectures, I see what seems to be endless possibilities with regards to data sets.
My initial feeling about the Access project was a feeling of trepidation. I have never used any aspect of Access, so the thought of having to complete a project using it caused me to feel this way. I did find a video prior to viewing the lectures that gave me a good overview of what Access was and it's usefulness with databases. Check it out here below if your not privy to the lectures we have in class.
Well, I hope that gave you an idea of how to use Access and the different ways to group and display all sorts of data. I particularly like the way they describe how Access understands how lists and their contents relate to each other. The video also calls this "relational databases". Here is where I began to understand how useful Microsoft Access could be in a business setting.
It is now time to tackle this week's project. I have my "cheat sheet" from the scavenger hunt and feel a whole lot better going into this assignment. Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to playing around with Access to get a better understanding of what it is capable of doing.
So, until next week, happy computing!
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