Although, the mission statement and the mission objectives are the first stage of designing a database, they do not materialize out of thin air. Research must first be done to find what the database will do, and how it will impact the user. Through an interview process of all related parties, the designer can accumulate information that is needed to build a proper general mission statement and the more detailed mission objectives.
Questions for Carlos (Owner) To get a better feel for what our mission statement and mission objectives are I have decided to ask Fernando the following questions: 1. How do you currently store data? 2. How would you describe your business? 3. What kind of customer base do you have? 4. What do you do with your customer data? 5. Do you need to keep track of employee information? 6. What are you hoping this database can do for you? Questions for Carlita (Counter Person) Carlita, too, has input on the day-to-day practices of the shop. We have decided to ask her the following questions: 1. What type of work do you perform on a daily basis? 2. What data do you keep track of? 3. What would make dealing with customers easier? 4. How much computer experience do you have? 5. What are you hoping this database can do for you? Mission Statement The purpose of the Carlos' Bike Shop database is to maintain data and to use that data to increase efficiency with everyday functions and customer relations. Mission Objectives The following is a list of mission objectives that we feel will be needed for the completion of this phase of the design process. 1. We need to keep track of employee information. 2. We need to keep track of customer information. 3. We need to keep track of all sales orders. 4. We need detailed information on suppliers. 5. We need detailed information on products. Conclusion With the above mission statements defined we can come to several conclusions on what this database will need to do. We will need to keep track of employees contact information and hours, customer addresses and products that they have purchased, inventory control and automated product ordering, complete supplier information, and even an automated mailing list. Through these we can make Carlos' Bike Shop more successful and easier to manage.
References Hernandez, M. (2003). Database Design for Mere Mortals Second Edition. Boston, MA: Addison-Wesley.
