> David F. Cox wrote:
>> I do some work for an small, but growing, international organisation on a
>> vouluntary basis because I believe it helps a lot of people enjoy life
>> better. I want it to prosper.
>>
>> It is using an Access Database being developed by a buddy of the Chief
>> Exec
>> which I regard as woefully badly designed, implemented and tested. I
>> believe
>> that the task they need it to do probably requires an upgrade to SQL
>> Server
>> in the near future.The developer is a nice guy, a has worked really hard,
>> and I wish him no ill. If he would agree to some training, counselling
>> and
>> supervision and do the job right I would be happy.
>>
>> Firstly I need to convince the Boss that he has a problem.
>> Secondly I need to persuade that the money spent on doing it right is a
>> necessary investment,
>> Thirdly I need good advice about how to find a compentent developer/tutor
>> for the job.
>>
>> I do not expect treatises on this newsgroup, relevant links would be
>> appreciated. I can do the "collect and collate" work and pass it on.
>>
>> Some of the problems I see:
>> The application is a membership database. Members lose cards, and get new
>> cards and numbers, so a member may have multiple membership numbers.
>> Numbers
>> are manually entered.
>> Nevertheless the key is the membership number.
>> Except for the few members that have had their numbers wiped because some
>> "membership numbers" are used for classes of membership.
>> And arbitary negative membership numbers are used for "prospective
>> members".
>> And some invented membership numbers are used. Nobody knows all the
>> reasons
>> for that.
>> If a member gets a new card then all of the attendance records with the
>> old
>> number have their old key overwritten with the new one.
>> Keyboard shortcuts do not work, Data entry is all textual, but requires a
>> mouse.
>> Few null fields. If something is not known the data entry clerk has to
>> enter
>> "UNKNOWN", ot "UNKOWN", if they follow some the instructions.
>>
>> Am I right? Do we really, really need an MVP?
>>
>> David F. Cox
>
> It seems like you are suffering from some design shortcomings,
> application bugs and inadequate business analysis. Unless you are the
> line manager of the developer concerned then don't try to analyse these
> purely from the system design perspective. Obtain some feedback from
> end users on the usability issues and the costs of the problems you
> outlined. Those are likely to be easier for the boss to swallow than
> any technical arguments.
>
> It might help to seek an independent review from an external
> consultant. Of course this may not be perceived as truly impartial if
> the consultant could also be in the running for any future
> redevelopment work. However, such a review can be as good as you want
> to make it. Make sure the consultant supports his recommendations with
> a cogent business case and then ask lots of follow-up questions about
> his assumptions.
>
> One place to find a consultant is via the Microsoft Partner Programme:
>
http://directory.microsoft.com/mprd/>
> I have to declare an interest. I do work for a MS Gold Partner
> consultancy in the UK so you could also email me if you want more info.
>
> Do understand that MVP (Most Valuable Professional) is not a
> qualification in the sense of a certification or formal measure of
> competence. MVP is an award given by Microsoft to individuals in
> recognition of exceptional contributions to the technology community.
> Microsoft do review the achievements of MVPs each year and this does
> help ensure high standards of quality and ability but there are also
> many, many talented people who don't receive MVP recognition simply
> because they don't share their knowledge in the community. Those
> non-MVPs aren't any less talented just because they didn't get an
> award.
>
> --
> David Portas, SQL Server MVP
>
> Whenever possible please post enough code to reproduce your problem.
> Including CREATE TABLE and INSERT statements usually helps.
> State what version of SQL Server you are using and specify the content
> of any error messages.
>
> SQL Server Books Online:
>
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/library/ms130214(en-US,SQL.90).aspx> --
>