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[CSC8008] [Turn Over] NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY INFORMATION SYSTEMS Time allowed - 3 Hours Instructions to candidates: Answer ALL questions The total marks available for this exam are 100 Marks shown for sub-sections are indicative only SEMESTER 2 2012/2013 [CSC8008] Page 2 of 4 Read the following scenario and answer all the questions following it: A theatre wants to install a purpose-built, computer system that will allow customers to browse through the shows that are running or that will run in the future, and book seats for these performances. These systems will be located in a special area in the foyer of the theatre. When browsing, customers should be able to see detailed information about the shows, times when shows are on, and the availability, pricing and location of seats. The system should be designed for use by all the theatre’s potential customers and take into account any special requirements they may have. The staff of the theatre must also have an interface to the system, not only for maintenance (such as adding/removing shows, setting prices and changing availability information), but also so that they can work with customers who ask for help. The theatre also wishes to provide similar services to Internet users. They would expect their website and in-house systems to be well integrated, but both should suit the expectations and skill levels of their target users. [CSC8008] Page 3 of 4 Question 1 – Interaction Design a) Including a description of any relevant hardware, outline a possible design for the interface to each system below. Use pictures and diagrams where appropriate. Describe the human factors and accessibility issues that you considered when creating your design. i) the customer interface units. [15 marks] ii) the staff systems. [10 marks] b) Several sets of principles have been proposed for describing various aspects of usability. Use illustrations drawn from the interface you propose for the shopping system to show how some of these principles can be applied in a design. [15 marks] c) What methods might you employ to evaluate the usability of the system after you have implemented it? Describe the strengths and weaknesses of these methods, and recommend the most suitable for this case. [5 marks] d) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a single, web-based interface everywhere rather than having three different interfaces. [5 marks] [CSC8008] Page 4 of 4 Question 2 – Databases a) Explain why you would advise the theatre to use a database management system rather than using a special purpose file based system. [4 marks] b) Define the following terms: i) Entity [2 marks] ii) Attribute [2 marks] iii) Primary Key [2 marks] c) Draw an entity/relationship diagram describing the database needed to support the theatre booking system described by the scenario above. Read the questions below and make sure that you can use the database you describe to answer the queries they ask for. [20 Marks] d) Based on your E/R diagram, construct SQL statements for the following: i) Create the database tables including any relevant primary and foreign keys [6 marks] ii) Display the names and performance dates and times of shows that are sold out [4 marks] iii) Display all the bookings made by a customer called “Harold Pinter” [4 marks[ iv) Display the number of seats still available for the performance of the show “Top Hat” on the 22nd March 2014 at 7:30PM [4 marks] v) Delete all the bookings for the show “Mama Mia” on 1st July 2014 [2 marks]