Lesson Note on Data Processing SS2 Second Term

SUBJECT: DATA PROCESSING

2ND TERM
CLASS: SSS2

SCHEME OF WORK
WEEKS TOPICS
1. REVIEW OF FIRST TERM
2. COMPUTER DATA CONVERSION
3. CONCEPT OF COMPUTER FILES
4. HANDLING COMPUTER FILES
5. WORD PROCESSING
6 SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CYCLE
7. SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CYCLE II
8. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
9. ALGORITHMS AND FLOW CHART
10. INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PROGRAMMING
11. REVISION
12 EXAMINATION

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WEEK 2
COMPUTER DATA CONVERSION
Register
This is a special high-speed storage area within the CPU. All data must be represented in a
register before it can be processed, for example, if two numbers are to be multiplied, both
numbers must be in registers, and the result must be placed in register. (The register can contain
the address of a memory location where data is stored rather than the actual data itself.)
Address
An address is used to reference a storage location in main memory. You can think of computer
memory as an array of storage boxes, each of them has an address (a unique number) assigned to
it.
Bus
A collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one part of a computer to another.
You can think of a bus as a highway on which data travels within a computer. When used in
reference to personal computers, the term bus usually refers to internal bus. This is a bus that
connects all the internal computer components to the CPU and main memory
Types of Registers
The types of registers are Memory data register (MDR) and Current
instruction Register (CIR)
The types of registers can be explained better by their functions.
MDR
The memory data register is used to hold data or the memory address that contains either the next
piece of data or an instruction that is to be used. The memory data register acts like a buffer and
holds data that is transferred from the memory to the processor. The memory data register is used
whenever data is being transferred between central processing unit and main memory.
CIR
Current instruction register is the register, usually in the control unit, that contains the instruction
that is being executed by the CPU. The CIR stores the instruction currently being executed. In
simple processors each instruction to be executed is loaded into the instruction register which
holds it while it is decoded, prepared and ultimately executed.
Differences between Register and Main Memory:
Factor considered: storage, speed, storage capacity and relative cost.
Storage devices: Speed, Storage capacity, Relative cost

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Register: Fast, Very low, Very high.
Main memory: Very fast, Low and moderate, High speed

DATA-FETCH-EXECUTE CYCLE
Fetch execute cycle is the very basic way a computer works. All commands are executed through
the running of this cycle. The cycle itself has very few commands, however when linked up
together it is possible to create a large program, or even an operating system.
The cycle contains 3 main parts
1. Fetch the instruction
2. Decode the instruction
3. Execute the instruction
OPERATING PROCEDURE OF COMPUTER DATA PROCESSING
Data processing consists of all activities which are necessary to transform data into information.
Computer data processing is grouped under five basic categories as shown below;
COLLECTION CONVERSION MANIPULATION
STORAGE COMMUNICATION

The following are factors affecting Speed of Data Transfer

1. Bus Speed
2. Bus Width
3. Medium of Storage
4. Data transfer medium

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WEEK 3
CONCEPT OF COMPUTER FILES
Computer files: Computer files are the most basic unit of data that users can store on a disk.
Every program, image, video, song employee numbers, a 3-digit, and document is stored as a file
Record: A record is a collection of related data items or fields. Each record normally
corresponds to a specific unit of information. For example, employee number, employee’s name,
basic salary and house rent allowance.
Field: Data items are physically arranged as fields in a computer file. Their length may be fixed
or variable. Since all individuals have 3 digits field is required to store the particular data. Hence,
it is a fixed field. In contrast, since customer’s name varies considerably from one customer to
another, a variable amount of space must be available to store this element. This can be called
variable field.
Data item: Data item is the smallest unit of information stored in computer file. It is a single
element used to represent a fact such as an employee’s name, item price and so on.
TYPES OF DATA ITEMS
Numeric: this type of data item consists of numbers 0-9.
Alphabet: this type of data item consists of letters A-Z.
Alphanumeric: also known as alphameric is a combination of alphabetic and numeric characters,
and is used to describe the collection of Latin letters and Arabic digits or a text construct from
this collection. There are either 36 (single case) or 62(case-sensitive) alphanumeric characters.
The alphanumeric character set consists of the numbers 0-9 and letters A-Z.
File structure:
Data: a data item is the smallest unit of information stored in
computer file.
Field: is a collection of related items.
Record: is a collection of related fields.
File: the collection of records is called a file
Types of File Organization Method
Serial: A serial file is one which the records have been stored in the order in which they have
arisen. They have not been sorted into any particular order. An example of a serial file is an
unsorted transaction file. A shopping list is an example of a non-computerized serial file. Serial
files can be stored on tape, disc or in memory.

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Sequential: in sequential file organization, records are organized in the sequence by which they
were added. A sequential file contains records organized in the order they were entered. The
order of the records is fixed. The records are stored and sorted in physical, contiguous blocks
within each block the records are in sequence. Records in these files can only be read or written
sequentially.
Indexed: An indexed file organization contains reference numbers, like employee numbers, that
identify a record in relation to other records. These references are called the primary keys that
are unique to a particular record. Alternate keys can also be defined to allow alternate methods of
accessing the record. For example, instead of accessing an employee’s record using employee
numbers, you can use an alternate key that reference employees by departments. This allows
greater flexibility for users to randomly search through thousands of records in a file. However,
it employs complex programming in order to be implemented.
Random file: This is the file organized via an index. Also called a “direct file” or “direct access
file,’’ it enables quick access to specific records or other elements within the file rather than
having to read the file sequentially. The index points to a specific location within the file, and the
file is read from the that point.
Methods of accessing files:
Sequential files: the method of access used is still serial but of course the files are now in
sequence, and for this reason the term sequential is often used in describing serial access of a
sequential tape file. It is important to note that to process (e.g. update) a sequential master tape
file, the transaction file must also be in the sequence of the master file. Access is achieved by
first reading the transaction file and then reading master file until the matching record using the
record keys) is found. Note therefore that if the record required is the twentieth record on the file,
in order to get it into storage to process it the computer will first have to read in all nineteen
proceeding records.
Random files: Generally speaking the method of accessing random files is RANDOM. The
transaction record keys will be put through the same mathematical formula as were the keys of
the master records, thus creating the appropriate bucket address. The transactions in random
order are then processed against the master file, the bucket address providing the address of the
record required.
Computer files classification:
Master file: there are files of a fairly permanent nature, e.g. customer ledger, payroll, inventory,
and so on. A feature to know is the regular updating of these files to show a current position. For
example, customer’s order will be processed, increasing the “balance owing “figure on a
customer ledger record. It is seen therefore that master records will contain both data of a static
nature, e.g. a customer name, address, and data that, by its nature will change each time a
transaction occurs, e.g. the” balance” figure already mentioned.
Transaction file: This is also known as movement file. This is made up of various transactions
created from the source documents. In a sales ledger application the file will contain all the

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orders received at a particular time. This file will be used to update the master file. As soon as it
had been used for this purpose it is no longer required. It will therefore have a very short life,
because it will be replaced by a file containing the next batch of orders.
Reference files: A file with a reasonable amount of permanency. Examples of data used for
reference purposes are price lists, tables of rates of pay, names and addresses.
Criteria for classifying computer files: Criteria for classifying
computer files are:
By nature of content: it refers to the nature of file content.
By organization method: it refers to the way files are arranged e.g.. Serial, sequential, random
and so on.
By storage medium: it refers to storage devices in which a file’s could only be stored such as
magnetic or optical disk and magnetic tape and so on.

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WEEK 3
HANDLING COMPUTER FILES
BASIC OPERATIONS OF COMPUTER FILES:
Create: Creating a file with a given name.
Delete: Deleting a file that are unwanted.
Retrieve: Retrieving a stored file or lost file.
Copy: Copying a created file to either an external or in-built storage device.
View: Viewing a created file or granting privilege of viewing.
Open: Opening a file to use its contents.

Update: Reading or updating the contents.

Close: Closing the file, thereby losing access until it is opened again.

STEPS IN CREATING SEQUENTIAL FILE:

The OPEN statement is used in writing information to a file. In general,
the open statement follows this pattern;
OPEN file FOR OUTPUT AS 1
The file determines the filename to use
The FOR portion indicates how the file will be accessed or operated; it may be APPEND,
BINARY, INPUT, OUTPUT, and RANDOM
The AS is the identifier used for the file handle in question.
The following opens a file, using mode OUTPUT and number 1, and then
saves the text.
10 CLS
20 OPEN “textfile.dat” FOR OUTPUT AS 1
30 PRINT 1, “Hello World”
40 CLOSE 1
50 END

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CODE
The combination of all these records forms a file. Thus, a file is a group of related records. To
facilitate the retrieval of specific records from a file, at least one field in each record is chosen as
record key. Usually, the key is
unique to every record to avoid duplication of records in a file.
BASIC File Processing statement to read and display files
The table below would be used in a BASIC program. The table would be
stored in a file named “EXAMFILE.TXT” the content would be retrieved
from the file and output to the screen

DESCRIBE FILE INSECURITY

Computer file insecurity refers to the concept that a computer system is vulnerable to attack, and
that this fact creates a constant battle between those looking to improve security, and those
looking to circumvent security.
EFFECT OF INSECIRITY OF FILE
Data loss refers to the unforeseen loss of data or information. An occurrence of data loss can be
called Data Loss Event and there are several possible root causes. Backup and recovery schemes
are developed to restore lost data.
Overwriting is a process of writing a binary set of data on a memory. Overwriting generally
occurs when unused file system clusters are written upon with new data. In simple terms, it
writes over the previous data.

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METHODS FOR FILES SECURITY
Backup
Backup or the process of backing up a file refers to making copies of files so that these additional
copies may be used to restore the original after the data loss event.
Backup has two distinct purposes. The primary purpose is to recover data as a reaction to
data loss, be it by data deletion or corrupted data.
The secondary purpose of backups it is recover data from historical period of time within
the constraints of a user-defined data retention
policy.

Antivirus
An anti-virus program protects a computer file from malicious virus attack, detects and heals
files that have been attacked. Usually it consists of a firewall, a virus scanner and remover and
sometimes other tools as well.
Password
It is a chosen secret string of characters that allows access to a computer, interface, files etc. The
use of password is at user’s discretion and caution must be exercised by the user to remember the
password always.
Differences between computer files and manual files
Manual is using old method without the help of the technology or maybe less to perform certain
task or work while; computerized file system is using latest technology of ICT to carry out
various tasks that is more effective when compared with manual system in terms of the
productivity and time usage.

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WEEK 4
WORD PROCESSING 2
What is word processing?
Word processing is the use of computer software to create, edit. View, store, retrieve and print
text documents. A text document is a written communication like letters reports, memo and so
on. The software that is used for word processing is called a word processor.
Examples of word processors
 Microsoft word
 WordStar
 WordPerfect
 Word pro
 Corel WordPerfect
 Lotus notes
 Perfect writer
 MultiMate advantage
 Professional write
Word processors are used in place of typewriters because of the quality of outputs, ability to
replicate copies without having to retype or photocopies.
Application areas of word Processing
Word processing is used in the following areas:
In offices
In publishing
In journalism
In education
For writing articles
Version:
Microsoft Word Versions: MS office 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010.
Facilities available in a word processor:
 Typing document
 Editing document
 Storing or saving documents
 Move, copy and paste
 Insert, remove words, sentences, paragraph etc.
 Type, using different fonts types and sizes.

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Editing features of a word processor
 Editing features in MS word include:
 Copy, cut and paste
 Format painter
 Find and replace
 Go to
 Spelling and grammar
 Thesaurus
 Word count

Copy, cut and paste

You can use word’s cut feature to remove information from a document. You can use the *Paste
*feature to place the information you cut anywhere in the same or another document. In other
words, you can move information from one place in a document to another in the same or
different document by using the Cut and Paste features.
The office clipboard is a temporary storage area where copied and cut files are kept. When you
copy or cut, word stores the data you copied/cut on the Clipboard. You can paste the information
that is stored on the Clipboard as often as you like. When you copy/cut a document, the
copied/cut data can be pasted into a new location.
Copying a document
Copying a document or portion of a document means duplicating the document. The original
document will still remain while the duplicate of it will be found in a new location. To copy a
document five major methods are involved and they are:
 Shortcut method
 Keyboard method
 Drag and drop method
 Ribbon bar method
 Right click mouse method

Shortcut method
Highlight the portion of a document to be copied
Right-click on the highlighted text
Select Copy
Position the insertion point in a new location
Right-click in an empty space

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Select paste
Keyboard method
Highlight the document to be copied.
Press the keys *CTRL + C *to copy.
Position the cursor on the insertion point
Press the keys *CTRL + V *to paste.
Drag and drop method
Highlight the document to be copied.
Hold down the *CTRL *key as you drag the highlight to a new location.
Release the mouse button.
Ribbon bar method
Highlight the document to be copied.
Click copy on the Home Ribbon.
Position the insertion point in a new location
Click Paste from the Home Ribbon.
Right click mouse method
Highlight the document to cut.
Right click on the highlights and select cut
Position the insertion point in a new location
Right click on an empty space.
Click on paste.
_FIND and REPLACE_
When a mistake is made all over a document, for example, you mistakenly typed fred instead of
fried, the find and replace feature helps to locate the errors and quickly replace them with the
expected text. To apply the find and replace feature in a document:
Click on Home Ribbon
Click on the Find icon and drop down arrow and click find
Click on the Replace Tab
Type the error text in the *FIND WHAT *text box and the corrected in the

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*REPLACE *if you want it one after another.
Click cancel button to abort the operations.

Spelling and Grammar

They check whether a document is error free both in spelling and grammar. To confirm if a
document is error free using the spelling and grammar tool:
Click on Review ribbon
Click on the Spelling & Grammar icon
It selects a sentence and asks you to ignore or click on its suggestion and click change. Select the
one that applies.
Click Next Sentence to move to next error.
Click close if you don’t want to continue.
When a spelling and grammar action is completed a dialog box as shown is
displayed,
Click ok
Formatting a document
Formatting a document makes the document presentable. Formatting entails
the following:
Font
Font Face: the text outlook format of a document: Microsoft has embedded the following font
face: Arial, Times New Romans, Tahoma, Elephant, Freestyle Script, Imprint MT, Shadow, and
so on.
To set a font face for your text, do the following
Type the text
Highlight the text
From the home Ribbon click on the font face (ctrl + shift + F)
Click the drop down arrow and select a font face of your choice.
Font Size: This displays text sizes of your choice: Microsoft has embedded font sizes ranging
from 8-72.
To select a font size for your text, do the following:

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Type the text
Highlight the text
From the Home Ribbon, click on the Font size (ctrl + shift + F)
Click the drop down arrow and select a font size of your choice.
Font style: This displays effects on text such as bold, italic, regular,
bold italic.
*BOLD*
To select a bold font style for your text, do the following:
Type the text
Highlight the text
From the Home Ribbon, click on the *B*
/ITALIC/
To select a bold font style for your text, do the following:
Type the text
Highlight the text
From the Home Ribbon, click on the */I/*
_UNDERLINE_
To select an underline font style for your text, do the following:
Type the text
Highlight the text
From the Home Ribbon, click on the *U*
To select the different underline font style for your text, do the following:
From the Home Ribbon, click on the drop down arrow
Click on the desired underline style.
Font Color: This displays color for your text, do the following:
Type the text
Highlight the text

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From the Home Ribbon, click on the *A icon *drop down arrow.
Click on the desired color of your choice.
*Font Effect: *This displays other effects on your text such as strike
through, subscript, superscript
*Strikethrough*
To apply Strikethrough effect on your text, do the following:
Type the text
Highlight the text
From the Home Ribbon, click on the” *Abc” icon *drop down arrow.
*Double Strikethrough*
Type the text
Highlight the text
From the Home Ribbon, click on the *icon *beside font.
*Subscript*
Type the text
Highlight the text
From the Home Ribbon, click on the”X2” icon.
*Superscript*
Type the text
Highlight the text
From the Home Ribbon, click on the “*X2” *icon.
*Change case*
Type the text
Highlight the text
From the Home Ribbon, click on the “*Aa” icon*.
*Character spacing: *This displays different characteristics of spacing
that can be applied on a text they include: Expanded or condensed, kerning, and so on

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Paragraph:
Indent and spacing: This feature creates a text with spacing before
and after. The effects here are : alignment , indentation , spacing , tabs.
*Alignment*
Right click the white space on a document and select paragraph.
Click on indent and spacing tab. In the general options in the alignment
drop down menu, select your desired choice.
Click ok to apply to the document.
*Indentation*
Type the text
Highlight the text
Right click on the text and select paragraph
Click on indent and spacing tab. In the indentation options, select your desired choice as shown
in the dialog box.
Click ok to apply to the document.
Ctrl+0 Toggle 6pts of spacing above the paragraph.
Ctrl+A Select all contents of the page.
Ctrl+B Bold highlighted selection.
Ctrl+C Copy selected text.
Ctrl+D Open the font preferences window.
Ctrl+E Align the line or selected text to the center of the screen.
Ctrl+F Open find box.
Ctrl+I Italic highlighted selection.
Ctrl+J Align the selected text or line to justify the screen.
Ctrl+K Insert a hyperlink.
Ctrl+L Align the line or selected text to the left of the screen.
Ctrl+M Indent the paragraph.
Ctrl+N Open new, blank document window.
Ctrl+O Open the dialog box or page for selecting a file to open.
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Ctrl+P Open the print window.
Ctrl+R Align the line or selected text to the right of the screen.
Ctrl+S Save the open document. Like Shift+F12.
Alt+F, A Save the document under a different file name.
Alt+X Show the Unicode code of a highlighted character.
Ctrl+T Create a hanging indent.
Ctrl+U Underline the selected text.
Ctrl+V Paste.
Ctrl+W Close the currently open document.
Ctrl+X Cut selected text.
Ctrl+Y Redo the last action performed.
Ctrl+Z

*Features of word processing*

1. A good word processor should have the ability to create, save and retrieve documents.
2. It should have the ability to find and replace words in a document.
3. It should be capable of wrapping your text.
4. Generate multiple copies of a document with the aid of the printer.
5. Every word processor should have the ability to manage files in the computer.
6. Ability to display graphics
7. A good word processor should have the ability to spell check your document.
8. Ability to mail merge documents
9. To format a document and apply headers and footers

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WEEK 5
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CYCLE 1
INTRODUCTION
Information systems are important for the success of any modern business for organization.
Every many information systems are being developed to make them more competitive and
improve the productivity and profit.
The two keys required for a successful development of information system are:
* Thorough Systems analysis and design
* Understand what the Business or organization requires.

Definition of terms
Systems analysis is the process of understanding in detail what a system should accomplish,
how it will accomplish it required to accomplish it.
Systems design is the process of specifying in detail how components of an information system
should be implemented physically.
Systems analyst is a person that uses analysis and design techniques
to solve business problems using information technology.
Skills of a systems analyst To be a good and successful systems analyst, the person must have
the following skills:
* Information technology knowledge and programming expertise.
* Understand business problems.
* Use logical methods for solving problems.
* Ability to find facts about the problem and develop how it should be
solved.
* Always wanting the improvement of the system.
* People management knowledge and skills.

Systems Analyst Problem solving Approach

The steps taken by a system analyst to solve problems are stated below:

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1. Study and understand the problem: The analyst must identify that
there is a problem to be solved and specify that it is feasible to
solve the problem.
2. Define the requirements for solving the problem: The analyst will
identify the facts or data that are required to solve the problem.
3. Develop a set of possible or alternative solutions: If there are
alternative solutions, the systems analyst must develop them and
decide on the best solution to use. However, in most cases, there
may be only one solution which is chosen.
4. Define the details of the chosen solution: All the facts and method
need to solve the problem are specified in detail.
5. Solve the problem: The problem is solved using the chosen solution
method.
6. Monitor to ensure that desired result or outcome is accomplished:
Here, the analyst will make sure that the formula is not miscalculated.

Example: let us apply this process in solving a simple interest (SI) problem: A man invested the
sum of N500, 000.00 for 5 years at an interest rate of 12% per annum. Calculate the amount at
the end of the period.
Solution:
Step1: Study and understand the problem: the simple interest is understood as defined.
Step 2: verify that the benefits of solving the problem outweigh the cost: The SI can be solved
with our current knowledge and the resources that we have like four figure tables, calculator and
so on. We do not need to hire anybody.
Step3: Define the requirements for solving the problem: the requirements for solving the SI
problem are Principal (N500, 000.00), rate (12%) and Time (5years).
Step4: Develop a set of possible or alternative solutions: The problem can be solved in two ways:
First calculating the SI using the formula (I=P*R*T/100) and then calculate the amount as
A=Principal + Interest.
Secondly, another way is calculating the Amount using the formula that
A=P (1+(R*T/100))

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Note that *means multiplication.
Step 5: Decide which solution is best and recommended: We decide touse the first method
because it is simpler than the second.
Step 6: Define the details of the chosen solution: The variables (facts) that we need to solve this
problem are as stated in step 3 above and the procedure are as stated on step 4(1) above.
Step 7: Implement the solution: The problem is solved as follow:
1. I=P*R*T/100
= 500,000*12*5/100= N300, 000.00
ii. Amount= P+I= N500, 000+ 300,000 =800,000
Step 8: Monitor to ensure that desired result is accomplished. To make sure that the formula
procedure and calculations are correct.
CONCEPT OF SYSTEMS
What is a system? A system is a collection of interrelated components that function
together to form a whole and achieved outcome. Examples: What is an information system?
An information system is a collection of interrelated components that collect, process, store and
provide as an output the information needed to complete a (business) task.
In systems development, application systems are referred to as information systems. Therefore,
an information System can also be defined as a collection of programs running on computers
which interact with one another as well as humans to provide the necessary information needed
to make decisions within an organization.
What is a subsystem?
A subsystem is a part of a larger system that can function on its own to perform a task. It can be
a system having subsystems or it may just be a single system. The components that make up the
overall computer system can be described as sub-systems. These are mainly hardware and
software subsystems. The process of dividing a system into subsystems and components is called
_Functional Decomposition_

Information systems and subsystems

*A school information system will have the following subsystems: Academic system,
Examination Systems, Discipline system, Hostel/Accommodation system, Library system, Fees
Billing System, Staff System, Bursary System and so on.

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Information Systems and Component Parts
The main components of information systems are:
1. IT i.e. hardware and software
2. Data/information
3. Procedures/policies
4. People
5. Communication Networks

Types of Information Systems

The ‘classical ‘types of Information Systems found organizations are:
1. Transaction processing systems
2. Management information systems
3. Decision support systems
4. Executive information systems
Some new types of information systems that cannot be classified as above
are listed below:
1. Data warehouses
2. Enterprise resource planning
3. Enterprise systems
4. Expert systems
5. Geographic information system
6. Global information system
7. Office Automation

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WEEK 6
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CYCLE 2
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Systems development is a planned undertaking with a fixed beginning and end that produces the
desired result or product. It may be a large job that involves many people working for a long
period or it can also be a small assignment that one person can finish in a day. the SDLC
provides an overall formalized method for managing the systems development processes and
activities. It represents a detailed and specific set of procedures, steps, and documents that are
required for the development of an information system development.
The SDLC believes that the development of information systems should follow a structured and
methodical way, requiring each stage of the life cycle from inception of the idea to delivery of
the final system, to be carried out in rigid and sequential order.
Definition of SDLC: The systems development life cycle is the process of understanding how an
information system (IS) can support the business needs of an organization, designing the system,
building it and delivering it to the users.
Objectives of SDLC
The objectives of SDLC are:
1. To ensure high quality systems are delivered.
2. To provide strong controls over the system development
3. To maximize the productivity of the systems staff

STAGES IN SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE

However, there are methods for developing information systems. The oldest and classical
method of systems development life cycle (SDLC) is called the *Waterfall Model. *The
waterfall SDLC is a sequence of stages that must be followed one after the other. Stage 2(two)
can only begin when stage one is completed. Therefore, the output of each stage becomes the
input for the next. These stages can be characterized and divided up in different ways, including
the following:

1. Investigation stage
2. Systems Analysis stage
3. Systems Design Stage
4. Systems Implementation stage

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5. Systems Deployment
6. Systems maintenance Stage

1. Investigation stage: this stage involves the investigation of the existing system. The existing
system is studied and evaluated to identify its problems and deficiencies. It involves gather
information about the existing systems. The information could be gathered through Observation
(observing the system), Questionnaire (preparing questionnaires based on the existing system
and give to the users to fill) and Interviewing (asking the user verbal questions about the system).
The information gathered is used in a feasibility study. The aim of the feasibility study is to
identify the problems and proffer feasible solution through feasibility report. It also identifies
how this problem is to be solved (either manually or computerized), when it is to be solved and
why it should be solved. It defines the objectives and goals that the new system to be developed
will achieve. The feasibility report is the main output of the investigation.

* Systems Analysis stage: This stage starts with a more detailed investigation into the existing
system. The same facts finding methods of observation, questionnaire and interview are used to
gather end-users information such as data and procedures and processes. The data and
procedures are analyzed to define the new system requirements. The new system requirements
are defined addressing the deficiency in the existing system with specific proposals for
improvement. The output of the analysis stage is the users’ requirements.

* Systems Design Stage: At this stage the proposed system is designed. It involves layout plans
for the physical construction, hardware requirements, operating systems, programming,
communication, and security. The design describes the desired features and operations of the
proposed system in detail, including screen layouts, business rules, process diagrams, flow
charts, pseudo-code and other documentation such as data dictionary and so on. The system
design stage produces the Systems Specification.

* Systems Implementation stage: This stage is the stage where programs of the new system are
written in the specified programming language in line with the systems specifications. It involves
testing of all the new system and adjustments and corrections are made where necessary.

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 * Systems Deployment: Here the system that was developed in stage 4(four) is put into use. It
involves bringing all the different parts the proposed system together. All parts of the system is
integrated and tested for errors, bugs and how they operate. It includes the installation and
deployment. This is the stage where the software is put into use and runs the actual business.

* Systems maintenance Stage: once the new system is deployed and running, it is subjected to
exhaustive evaluation on how it is able to achieve its setup goals. Areas for improvement will be
modified and enhanced. Sometimes the mistakes or errors can be detected. Procedures and
processes may change. Thus, the remaining life of the system is subject to changes, correction,
additions, moves to a different computing platform and more. The system maintenance stage
involves all the activities, processes and procedures required by the system to exist forever.

ADVANTAGES OF SDLC

1. Simple and easy to use

2. Easy to manage due to the rigidity of the model.
3. Phases are processed and completed one at a time works well for the development of smaller
information systems where requirements are very well understood.
4. Provides guidelines for systems development as all the stages andactivities are clearly
outlined
5. Promotes consistency among systems development projects.
6. Reduces cost of managing different systems at different stages.
7. Helps in efficient allocation of resources to systems development projects.
*DISADVANTAGES OF SDLC*
1. Adjusting scope during the life cycle can kill a project.
2. No working software is produces until during the life cycle
3. High amounts of risk and uncertainty.
4. Poor model for complex and object-oriented projects.
5. Poor model for long and ongoing projects
6. Poor model where requirements are at a moderate to high risk of changing.
7. If followed slavishly. It can result in the generation ofunnecessary documents.
8. It takes time to go through the whole long development cycle.

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WEEK 7
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Definition of a Program
A computer program can be defined as a list of instruction issued to the computer to perform a
particular task. Programs are written in computer programming languages.
Characteristics of a good program
Every good program must have the following characteristics:
1. Accuracy: every good program must be error free.
2. Readability: the program should be easy for any programmer to read
and understand.
3. Maintainability: a careful written program should be very easy to
amend and maintain if need be.
4. Efficiency: Should have the ability to solve a particular problem
skillfully.
5. Generality: should be able to solve all similar problems.
6. Clarity: should be straight forward and easy to understand.
7. Reliability: should be depended upon at all times.
Precaution
Do not rush. Be careful, stable and patient when writing programs.
No step should be skipped.
The order of execution must be followed sequentially.
Steps in Program Development
Problem definition: the programmer is expected first of all to understand the problem and know
exactly what the problem entails. The definition of the problem must be unambiguous.
Problem analysis: The programmer is expected to analyze the problem to determine how it will
be solved, the required inputs and output
Planning the solution: before a program is written, the algorithm or flowchart for that program
must be drawn and tested before the actual coding of the program and this is called dry running a

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program. The flowchart therefore, is a diagrammatical representation of the steps involved in
writing a given program.
Program coding: This is the actual writing or coding of the program in a particular programming
language e.g. BASIC, VBASIC, FORTRAN, Pascal, COBOL and so on.
Disk checking: This is used to check or verify that the design represents a correct solution to a
problem and it is very important to follow through the design using suitable test data.
Problem compilation: when the coding process is completed, the program will be compiled if it
is necessary. It is necessary to compile if the programming language allows it.
Program testing: this is similar to proofreading. The written program is tested and errors
corrected to check the program is able to solve the problem it is expected to solve
Program documentation: this involves writing a detailed description about the program and some
specific facts pertaining to the usage and maintenance of the program.
Program running: this is the actual running or execution of the program with the compiler or
interpreter so as to check if the desired output is generated.

Maintenance:
It is the process of updating or amending previously written program for current use.

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WEEK 8
ALGORITMS AND FLOWCHARTS
Algorithm is the step by step procedure of solving a particular problem. It is simply a sequence
of clear and precise instructions for solving a particular problem. Algorithms are usually written
in English and some few mathematical notations (signs, symbols)
Characteristics of Algorithms
1. They are written in sequence.
2. They are written in English like statements.
3. Finite, it must have a beginning and an end.
4. Should be effective
5. Should not be ambiguous. Should be consistent.
Example
An algorithm to calculate average of three numbers:
Step1: Enter the first number N1
Step2: Enter the second number N2
Step3: Enter the third number N3
Step4: Calculate the total (N1+N2+N3)
Step5: Calculate the average (N1+N2+N3)/3
Step6: Print total
Step7: Print Average
Step8: End
Flowcharts
The flowchart is the diagrammatic representation of an algorithm. It shows the steps involved in
solving a particular task.
Characteristics of flowchart
Different flowcharting symbols are used for different operations
Flow lines are used to connect the flowcharting symbols.
Flowcharts are read and drawn from top to bottom.
The start symbol indicates the beginning of a program.

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WEEK 9
INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PROGRAMMING*
_BASIC_ stands for BEGINNNERS ALL-PURPOSE SYMBOLIC INSTRUCTION CODE.
It is a single easy to use language designed also for beginners. It is not only simple but also

powerful. It is science oriented. Professor John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz developed the

language in 1964 at Dartmouth College, U.S.A., as a means of teaching students a simple

language for programming a computer. The program can be used to solve problem covering a

wide range of application on many different types of digital computer. Because the BASIC

Language has been designed for ease of use and is readily available on most computers, program

development can be achieved in minimum time.

There are different versions of Basic. They include:

* Turbo Basic (T-BASIC)
* BASIC PLUS
* GW BASIC
* QUICK BASIC (Q-BASIC)
* VISUAL BASIC (V-BASIC)

*_THE BASIC INTERPRETER_*

For the computer to execute your instructions in order to produce the desired result, the
instruction must be first be interpreted to what thecomputer can understand by another program
called the BASIC INTERPRETER (or TRANSLATOR). The BASIC interpreter converts your
program into a form that can be executed directly by the computer.

*_KEYWORDS IN BASIC_*

This is also referred to as BASIC statement or a reserved word. It is an instruction in BASIC,

which has a specific means to the compiler or interpreter.

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REM STATEMENT
The REM statement is a remark statement. It is used to insert remarks in the program. Such
remarks are used to explain what the program is all about.

Example:

10 REM This program finds the average of 5 numbers

LET STATEMENT
The LET statement is used to assign (or give) values to variables.
Examples:
10 LET A = B + C
INPUT STATEMENT
Input is used to assign or give values to variables while program is running. It can be used with
both numeric and string variables.
Examples:
10 INPUT A, B, C
PRINT STATEMENT
The print statement tells your computer to display the output of the executed program on the
screen of the monitor (VDU).
Example:
10 PRINT SUMS
END STATEMENT
End Statement is an instruction used to terminate the program. One the computer encounters
END statement, it automatically terminates the program.
50 END
RUN STATEMENT
The RUN statement is used to execute a program. In Q-BASIC, F5 is used to RUN a program.
Note that the program will not RUN if any mistake or error is detected in it.

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