Database Project-Microsoft Access

The Database Project was a nice little project, I used Microsoft Access to do my project since I use a PC and not a Mac. I learned so much from the project being that I have never used Microsoft Access before the project. It was real intersting to see how you could import data from an Excel file and turn it to a nice readable table. The project gave me a sense of understanding on how to create a simple report or query, it also showed me how easy it can be to organize data once the database is created for the purpose desired. The only part that I think I will have some trouble with is remembering formulas and such to make validation rules and such.

"Images created by Christopher Ondrako, 2012. Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

 Thinking of ways to enhance the functionality of this database, I thought that we could then export the information back to Excel to create charts and graphs to see trends. These trends could range from Profit, length of membership, what part of year are people joining or cancelling. Another thing is that we could run the report, and those that cancelled, send surveys and offer promotions to return. The survey would give the company an idea on what is going right/wrong and we could adjust accordingly. It would also offer a sense to see if we would need to hire more employees for a certain time of the year or not.

*Permission granted for reuse by Standard YouTube License.

Week 10 Clear-Skills Track

This week we started to work in Microsoft Access. This is a database software that is great for gathering and understanding a lot of information, whether it be phone numbers, inventory, guests lists, oe even patient data. It provides a clean way to sort the information, create queries, and reports. Access is very new to me, it does share some similar qualities with Excel, but is still very different. While watching the lectures and going through the scavenger hunt, I was a little worried that this is was going to be very difficult, but like most new software it just takes some getting used to and some familiarity.

"Images created by Christopher Ondrako, 2012. Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

Microsoft Access has so many options that it is unbelievable, and in some ways is easier to use than Excel. Before this class I had seen Microsoft Access and opened it to play around, but didn't know exactly what I was supposed to do with it. Knowing what I know now, I know there is a time and place for Excel and a time and place for Access.

In closing, I give this week, Week 10, a Clear view as I have learned so much from the lectures and am ready to begin my project.

*Permission granted for reuse by Standard YouTube License



Excel Project

In my ISM3004 class at the University of Florida, I was required to complete an Excel project which included formatting a worksheet by creating formulae and Pivot Tables. The project was pretty easy for the most part. I had to use "Freeze Panes" to lock rows to be displayed at all times while scrolling up and down the page. I also had to create formulas for Maximum Heart Rates, Target Heart Rates, Highest Heart Rate Achieved, and to find whether or not the target was achieved. Most of this was pretty basic and nothing new to me except when I had to use the "IF" function, it was a new formula which I had never used and wanted to learn how to use. This function is real useful when checking whether a condition is met or not and is real useful.


The second step of the project was totally new to me. It involved creating Pivot Tables based on the Raw Data that we had. This manipulation is still somewhat Muddy to me, but with practice I am sure I will become more familiar with it and use it more often. The process of creating the Pivot Tables took a lot of trial and error and reviewing of lecture videos to get right. But having the ability to have data summarized and sorted in such a manner is very useful and convenient especially when dealing with a large amount of data. This project was extremely useful and informative, I can't wait to use this information in the Business World!

"Images created by Christopher Ondrako, 2012. Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

*Permission granted for reuse by Standard YouTube License.

Week 9 Clear: Moore's Law

This week we watched lectures and read about Moore's Law. This was a pretty easy week in terms of information and terminology as we have already discussed some of the material earlier in the course. This week we did discuss Gordon Moore and learned a little about his history and how Carver Mead coined the phrase "Moore's Law." Moore's Law refers to a 4 page paper that Moore wrote in Electronics magazine discussing how chip performance, per dollar, doubles every 18 months and how next generation chips should be twice as fast & cost the same as 18 months ago.

Image Created by: (David Feng)  http://www.flickr.com/photos/fenng/4095211300/

We also discussed Price Elasticity, which is: The rate at which demand fluctuates with price change. High price elasticity: drop in price results in a spike in demand. In everyday situations, think of the price of gas as having Low price elasticity: As the price of gas increases, people change their driving habits and in turn are more conservative, resulting in using less gas or Decreasing the demand. Much of this material I have already encountered in both my Micro and Macro Economics classes and my Marketing class, so I was already familiar with most of this material.

We also discussed the 5 Waves of Computing:

1. 1960's-Mainframe Computing

2. 1970's-Introduction of mini-computers

3. 1980's-Personal Computing

4. 1990's-Mobile Computers

5. 2000's-Ubiquitous Computers

Another important item of discussion is as a manager in the business world, the concept of having a "Crystal Ball." This is knowing or anticipating what will happen in the future with technology based on the past and being able to make decisions for computing technology in the business world, based on costs and time.

*Permission granted for reuse by Standard YouTube License.