Task+4

a. Test the switchboard to ensure all data (tables, queries, forms and reports) are functioning in the captive environment. Evaluate when it would be appropriate to conduct any changes or maintenance (scheduled upkeep and/or repairs) to the database as the manager of the AFL local football club.
 * 1. **** Testing and Maintenance **

**//Results of testing//** The switchboard has been tested to ensure all data are functioning in the captive AFL database environment. Testing showed that the switchboard of the AFL database functions correctly, as do the tables, queries, forms and reports. The database is captive, secured by a password that prohibits any unauthorised users from accessing and/or editing any data. The only ‘bugged’ element was the Team Information Training Night field’s lookup box – the day options are repeated in the box, despite efforts to correct the bug. This bug does not affect the integrity and correctness of the data. **//Evaluation of maintenance requirements//** The AFL season is usually between March to September, which is when the database would be most frequently used by any authorised user. January and February would be the busiest months for new registrations as the old players would need to register before the new players. The existing players may not need to provide all the necessary information; some of their information may only need to be edited or altered, if changed at all. If maintenance is needed, it should be carried out on the days when no teams are training. This way, no one will need to access the database at that particular time. In the case that change or maintenance is needed for any reason, a backup of the database is needed. Backups should be stored on a USB drive that can be accessed on another computer or laptop **in addition to** using hardcopies, a non-computer-based management system, in case new forms need to be filled out, or minimal alterations made. The AFL club would do well to conduct maintenance in the off-season (October to December) if records need to be fixed, majorly altered or if the database’s structure or fields need alteration. In reality, however, this desired timing may not always be achieved and as such, hard copies may still be needed, especially considering the confusion that could affect technophobic or resistant staff. Scheduled upkeep and maintenance should be frequent and carefully completed. This should be completed fortnightly during the season and monthly during the off-season. This upkeep should be scheduled to take place on one of the days when there is no training. Frequent upkeep and maintenance should be kept to ensure all the information in the database is accurate and correct. Changes of information would need to be completed if a registered player has any personal information or club information altered in any way. This would take place within the season or just before the season officially begins. Parents and/or players would want to change personal information at the most convenient time for them; this would likely be during their assigned training sessions. To make any alterations easier, a letter/form should be sent to the team members’ addresses in early January, asking players to provide any changed information. Then at this stage, AFL club managers can input this information (if any is received) into their database and destroy the hard copies after they have been filed into the electronic/computer system. In the future, if feasible, this letter/form could be transformed into an online or email-based form that could be directly imported into a CSV file and input automatically into the database. If any changes are made by the AFL club (team, coach, training time, etc.) this would be conducted and completed before the season began. There would not be many alterations made by the club about teams or coaches whilst in the middle of the season, to avoid confusion or disruption amongst staff and team members.