Data Flow Diagram for Training, Inc.
Using Microsoft Office Visio, create data flow diagrams for the Training, Inc. case described on page 213 in the text (Problems and Exercise 7-43).
- Make sure you’re using the correct template in Visio (e.g., Data Flow Model Diagram).
- Document each Visio page with your name, course information (i.e., BCIS 4610 Spring 2022) and date of creation.
- Document any significant assumption you have to make for the process.
- Save each diagram as separate page (tab) as shown below.
Save both diagrams in the same Visio file.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To create Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) in Microsoft Visio for the Training, Inc. case study from the textbook, follow these steps:
Steps for Creating DFDs in Microsoft Visio:
- Open Microsoft Visio:
- Open Visio and select the “Data Flow Diagram” template. This template is specifically designed to help create DFDs.
- Create the first DFD (Level 0 Diagram):
- Entities: Start by identifying external entities in the system (e.g., Students, Trainers, or Administrators).
- Processes: Create a process symbol that represents major functions like “Register Student,” “Schedule Training,” or “Process Payments.”
- Data Flows: Draw arrows showing the flow of data between entities and processes, such as “Student Information,” “Training Data,” and “Payment Details.”
- Data Stores: Add data stores for storing relevant information like “Student Database” or “Payment Records.”
- Label each process and data flow with a clear and concise description of the task or information exchanged.
- Create the second DFD (Level 1 Diagram):
- Here, decompose the processes from the Level 0 diagram into more specific subprocesses. For example, the “Register Student” process could be broken down into “Collect Student Data,” “Verify Eligibility,” and “Finalize Registration.”
- The aim is to provide more detail about how each high-level process is performed.
- Labeling and Documentation:
- Each diagram should have a title, your name, course information (e.g., BCIS 4610 Spring 2022), and the date of creation.
- Include any assumptions you made for the system’s functioning. For example, you might assume that the system is automated for registration but involves manual intervention for scheduling.
- Save the File:
- Save your Visio diagrams with separate pages for Level 0 and Level 1 DFDs within the same file. This way, each diagram will appear as a separate tab in Visio.
Explanation:
The Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a visual tool used to represent the flow of information in a system, breaking down processes and their interactions. In the case of Training, Inc., the DFD helps to clarify the operations of the training system, including student registrations, course scheduling, and payment processing.
- Level 0 DFD: This provides a high-level overview of the system. It shows how external entities interact with the system’s major processes and what information flows between them. The Level 0 diagram is often referred to as a “context diagram.”
- Level 1 DFD: This diagram decomposes the major processes identified in the Level 0 DFD into smaller, more specific subprocesses. The aim is to provide a clearer view of how information is handled in each part of the system.
DFDs are useful for systems analysts and designers to understand and document the system’s information flow. They provide clarity about the required components and how they interact, ensuring that all aspects of the system are considered during development.
Unfortunately, I cannot directly generate a Visio diagram, but I can guide you on how to create one based on the instructions above. Would you like help with specific elements of the DFD creation or further guidance on documenting assumptions?