The Papa Car Service & Repair Centers are owned by the Silent Car Dealership;
Papa services and repairs only silent cars. Three Papa centers provide service and
repair for the entire state.
Each of the three centers is independently managed and operated by a shop
manager, a receptionist, and at least eight mechanics. Each center maintains a fully
stocked parts inventory.
Each center also maintains a manual file system in which each car’s maintenance
history is kept: repairs made, parts used, costs, service dates, owner, and so on. Files
are also kept to track inventory, purchasing, billing, employees’ hours, and payroll.
You have been contacted by one of the center’s managers to design and implement a
computerized database system. Given the preceding information, do the following:
a. What sequence of activities that are most appropriate will you take to design
and implement a computerized database system.
b. Describe the various modules that you believe the system should include.
c. How will a data dictionary help you develop the system? Give examples.
d. What general (system) recommendations might you make to the shop
manager? For example, if the system will be integrated, what modules will be
integrated? What benefits would be derived from such an integrated system?
Include several general recommendations.
e. What is the best approach to conceptual database design? Why?
f. Name and describe at least four reports the system should have. Explain their
use. Who will use those reports?