James Pollard - The Digital Economy

Evaluation

This section evaluates my performance, as well as the individual breakdown of each section.

 

Transactional Websites

The website I chose – www.gak.co.uk – was an ideal website to use, as it had all of the features expected of an online website, as well as having a few minor flaws to comment on. For example, the navigation system, using roll over images did mean that there were a few glitches and problems on different web browsers. It was slightly confusing however, when describing the websites features, as it sells more than one type of product. This meant there were no fluent item details to talk about and explain.

 

Diagrams of Data Flow

The diagrams of data flow were very successful. Although I was not able to access an actual view of the stages followed, the stages seen where almost exactly the same as my predicted ones – seen in the diagrams of data flow section.

 

Database

My database I feel was the most successful part of the unit as I was able to create a structure that would be identical to one used on the website. I implemented validation rules similar to the ones that would have been used to ensure correct data is entered, as well as commenting and outlining a few other methods used to enforce data integrity. The queries I then created to check the functionality of the database where successful, meaning that my relationships, indexes and validation where created effected. Because the queries were successful, I was then able to generate – using the data returned – presentation and reports to advise the company administrators on what business tactics to follow. One area in which I did not investigate fully was the relationships. For example, I only used one relationship, whereas if I was making the database as efficient as possible, I would use many more in order to save the maximum amount of data space.

 

Legislation

In this section I was able to use my research skills using books, the internet and searching for examples on GAK’s website for laws and legislations regarding internet and transactional security. One of the problems however, is that without a law degree, and all the time in the world, it is very hard to get the exact details of every single law and legislation put in place throughout the internet – because of this I was only able to outline a select few. Despite this, I feel that I covered the most important of L&Ls that affect most people. The advantage to covering the most common ones was that I was able to find real life examples of how GAK enforce them, and also inform their customers of how they are following them.

 

Personal Performance

Compared to previous ICT assignments I have worked very well with regards to research, preparation and planning. Whereas before I had had problems managing my time, which left me panicking towards the deadline and rushing work, I set myself a detailed and achievable plan, which I stuck to meaning I was able to complete my entire e-portfolio on time, with plenty of time to correct and amend any mistakes or changes.
In terms of my actual e-portfolio itself, I also think it was a success, as I’ve maintained a fluent format of work, throughout the piece, as well as working to the best of my ability – working strictly alongside the mark scheme to ensure I achieve exactly what is expected of me.
I do think that one area in which I could improve on next time I carry out a task of this magnitude is to completely read all the documentation accompanying the task – in this case the Edexcel Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE in Applied ICT booklet, to ensure that I’m fully aware of the task at hand, rather than having to keep referring to it mid way through to make sure I’m on the right tracks.

 

Peer Feedback

Below are some brief points in which I can improve on, given to me from a peer I asked to evaluate and assess my work. Again, if I were to carry out another similar project, or modify my current one further, I would be sure to include these points.

Transactional Website
+ve:

Good description of the site; a lot of points have been covered in a lot of depth.
Good use of pictures, with annotations illustrating what is going on, on the page.
Good commentary

-ve:

Screenshot needed of colour variations on site under ‘Search Option Provided’

On Ability to Compare Products;

"One further reason why GAK failed to be the ‘perfect’ music website was because of its ability to not only display and sort products but also compare them."
Correction: ‘of its inability’?

One reason for this which is also a pitfall for GAK is that it does not have a standard list of information that each product must for fill.  << correction: Must fulfill

Database
+ve

Nice opening description
Good description of how you’ve used the comma delimiter
Good commentary when talking about the databases
Data Validation
Displaying Orders against month in the table

-ve

It is clear that transactional websites rely heavily on databases – most sites a series of databases in fact. << “most sites are a series of databases in fact”
Any problems when importing the data?

 

 

 

Acting Upon Feedback

In order to imrprove my work even further, I could follow the points and advice given to me by my peers. One main point I would forfill would be to comment

 

 

Overall, I feel that I have fully covered the topic, analyzing the critical areas of concern, and was able to insert my workings into a fully functional and optimised proffessional looking website.