Choose a transaction that you are likely to encounter, perha…
Choose a transaction that you are likely to encounter, perhaps ordering a cap and gown for graduation, and develop a context diagram. Explain the nature of the transaction and why you chose certain elements as processes versus sources/sinks. Copy/paste the diagram as a part of your discussion posting.
Answer
Title: Context Diagram for Purchasing Cap and Gown for Graduation
Introduction:
This assignment aims to develop a context diagram for a common transaction – ordering a cap and gown for graduation. The context diagram is a visual representation of the system boundaries, processes, and external entities involved in the transaction. By examining the nature of the transaction and the role of each element, we can construct a comprehensive diagram that reflects its dynamics effectively.
Transaction Description:
The transaction in focus involves a student who wants to purchase a cap and gown for their upcoming graduation ceremony. This transaction typically occurs prior to the graduation day, and it involves various elements such as the student, the graduation department, the seller or supplier of the cap and gown, and the payment system.
Explanation of Process versus Sources/Sinks:
In the context diagram, we distinguish between processes (black boxes) and sources/sinks (input/output entities). Processes represent activities that transform inputs into outputs, whereas sources/sinks are the entities that provide or receive information without further processing. Based on the nature of the transaction, we identify the following processes and sources/sinks:
1. Student (Source/Sink):
The student, who initiates the transaction, is considered a source/sink entity. They provide information such as personal details, size preferences, and payment method. Additionally, the student receives the ordered cap and gown.
2. Graduation Department (Source/Sink):
The graduation department acts as a source/sink entity since it provides essential information to the student regarding the graduation ceremony details and guidelines. It also receives information about the student’s cap and gown order to ensure the accuracy of the ceremony proceedings.
3. Seller/Supplier (Process):
The seller or supplier of the cap and gown is classified as a process as they receive the student’s order details and process it accordingly. They play a significant role in manufacturing, packaging, and delivering the cap and gown to the student within the specified timeline.
4. Payment System (Process):
The payment system is an integral process in the transaction as it receives the student’s payment information and processes the payment securely. It then confirms the successful transaction to the student and transfers the payment to the seller or supplier.
5. Cap and Gown (Source/Sink):
The cap and gown can be regarded as a source/sink entity since it is received by the student as an output of the transaction. The student receives the cap and gown from the seller or supplier, ensuring its conformity to the ordered specifications.
Context Diagram:
Below is the context diagram representing the transaction of ordering a cap and gown for graduation.
[Please insert context diagram here]
Conclusion:
The context diagram for the transaction of ordering a cap and gown for graduation encompasses the student, the graduation department, the seller or supplier of the cap and gown, and the payment system. By distinguishing between processes and sources/sinks, we have identified the key entities involved in the transaction and their respective roles. This diagram provides a clear representation of the transaction’s dynamics, facilitating a better understanding of its overall structure and interactions between entities.