The Scenario
The stationery shop requires a computerised record system for the monitoring and ordering of stock. The current system is a manual system for recording purchases made and for monitoring stock levels and determining when to order new stock and how much to order. Customers who wish to pay by debit card, credit card or cheque must register with the store. Many customers opt to pay by cash and not give their details to the store. It is hoped that the computerised system will ensure that sufficient stock levels are maintained for all items in the store. The generation of reports will allow the manager to target the marketing of products to specific customers based on their previous purchases (for example small businesses may order printer cartridges and paper in bulk) and keep a close check on the financial performance of the shop. The manager will have overall control of the system but the sales staff will be responsible for updating all records as new customers are added, as customers make new purchases, and as new stock is delivered. The sales staff will require access to view customer records and stock records in order to check details of specific customers and stock items. The manager will want regular reports of total items bought in each month by stock item, and also the total stock in the shop at any time.
Task 1
a) Write pseudocode for a main menu. Note: you are not expected to write pseudocode for the options,only the code to navigate the menu is required.
b) Draw a flowchart for a main menu.
c) Using appropriate test data, test the pseudocode written in Task 3a) by producing test plans, desk checks and dry runs.
Task 2
Explain the options available that would enable the system to deal with cash customers who do not wish to register their details with the store. Suggest ways in which customers could be encouraged to register their details.