Referencing Styles : Harvard
One of the toughest problems in investigating system requirements is to make sure
they are complete and comprehensive.
What kinds of things would you do to ensure that you get all of the right information
during an interview session?
One of the problems you will encounter during your investigation is “scope creep” -
that is, user requests for additional features and functions.
Scope creep happens sometimes because users have many unsolved problems and the
systems investigation may be the first time that anybody has listened to their needs.
How do you keep the system from growing and including new functions that should
not be part of the system? Review the SHEERLUCK DETECTIVE AGENCY case study below and answer the
questions following with reference to the information in the case study. Do not extend
the scope of your answers beyond that of the case study. You are permitted to make
reasonable assumptions but these should be noted.
Sheerluck Detective Agency specialises in freelance detective work. The agency employs a
number of detectives on a permanent basis but hires others as requirements demand. These
are called consulting detectives. For each detective, details are stored about name, address,
telephone number, mobile number and email address. Each detective on the permanent staff is
also given a single rating on the following scales: intuition, deductive skills, physical prowess
and werewolf hunting. Those employed on temporary contracts work for a fixed daily rate
and this must be recorded.
Detectives of note who have established a reputation working on smaller cases independently
or for other agencies may apply for inclusion on Sheerluck’s list of consulting detectives.
When a detective applies to join Sheerluck, the application is passed to the proprietor (Mr S.
Holmes) who decides whether to interview the applicant or decline the offer of service. Mr.
Holmes then interviews outstanding candidates and, if the candidate appears to be suitable,
the references provided by the candidate are checked. If these references are positive, a series
of additional enquiries are conducted as to the nature, prior conduct and character of the
applicant. These enquiries are highly confidential and vary by applicant. Mr. Holmes
personally records details necessary to track the progress of applications. If the applicant is
found to be suitable, the agency includes details of the detective on the consulting staff list.
Permanent staff members are hired personally by Mr. Holmes and their details are stored on
the permanent staff list. These administrative tasks are performed by the Personnel Officer.
When a new client approaches the agency with a case, the client is interviewed by Mr. S.
Holmes in the first instance. If the case is accepted, the client is registered as an official client
of the agency. Details are stored about the client name, address, telephone number and email.
Thereafter, a case file is opened and one or more detectives (usually one) are assigned to the
case. The date on which a detective is assigned to the case is noted. Each case is given a
unique number and may only be initiated by a single client. The agency also keeps details
about the date the case is accepted, the date investigations commence and the type of case.
There are four case types, namely murder, mysterious disappearance, general and werewolf.
The details stored for each case are the same with the exception of cases involving
werewolves. These are admittedly rare and only a small number of detectives have the skills,
experience and fortitude required for a werewolf hunt. In such cases, the code of the firearm
issued to the detective should be noted as well as the number of silver bullets issued.
After the case is accepted, the assigned detective interviews the client and case notes are
recorded. Subsequently, the detective investigates the case and records case notes on an ad
hoc basis. Each case note has a unique number (within the case) and a date. The notes
themselves are free format text. All details relating to cases are entered by the Case Manager.
Provision must be made for data maintenance and change by relevant staff. During early
December, Mr. Holmes personally writes Christmas cards for all clients past and present and
requires a list of clients and their addresses. Due to the dangers inherent in hunting
werewolves, the agency requires a daily Werewolf Status Report. This report lists all active
werewolf cases (if any) and the detectives assigned to the case.Student
Question 1 (15 marks)
Prepare an Event Table for the Sheerluck Detective Agency information system.
Use at least the following headings for the Event Table:
Event, Trigger, Source, Use Case, Response and Destination.
Prepare a Use Case diagram for the Sheerluck Detective Agency information system.
Focus on the employment of new detectives and life cycle of cases.
Prepare a Domain Model Class Diagram for the Sheerluck Detective Agency
information system. This diagram should show all classes, attributes, associations and
multiplicity.
The following case study is to be used for the following questions.
Event R Us is a business that provides a full service for special events including weddings. It provides services such as booking of venues, hire of furniture and catering equipment, designing and mailing of invitations, handling registration of attendees, organising and scheduling details for
the event including, flowers, catering, vehicles and photography.
They will finalise guest attendee details and organise and book hotel accommodation for the guests
if needed.
WWP gets its business in one of several ways: Clients respond to advertisements placed by
WWP in specialist bridal magazines; clients contact WWP because of recommendations from
past clients or guests, or clients contact WWP because of recommendations from other
businesses who have been involved in past WWP weddings. When clients initially make
contact with WWP, an interview is held to gather general and specific information about the
desired details for their wedding. Examples of the type of information collected include: who,
when, where, anticipated number of guests, price range, special wishes, reception specifics
and any other relevant information that the clients feel are important.
Once these details have been collected, the office manager assigns a project leader to the
wedding. The project leader will then prepare a proposal and quote for the clients; this is
expected to be finalised within two weeks of the initial interview. Once the clients sign off in
agreement to the proposal and a final price is finalised, additional staff are allocated as
needed to support the planning and organising of the wedding event. The WWP project team
works closely with the clients and other businesses to ensure that the clients experience a
joyous and stress free lead up to their wedding day and that the actual wedding date is exactly
as expected. Their aim is for clients to thoroughly enjoy their ‘Wonderful Wedding’!