5.+Evaluation

__**Evaluation **__ (H6.1, H7.2)

**Write a brief description of the testing and evaluation of the new system: **

Testing the new system works in conjunction with the implementation phase. There is no guarantee that the new online database at Music Online will work the way it is expected or fulfill tasks and activities it was created to complete. Rigorous testing is required to ensure that the system is working the way it was intended upon development.

Test data for the system in the form of song titles, genres and artists must be created to examine the system operations under all possible circumstances that may happen within the online database. This ensures that the software used for the new system facilitates the design specifications. In the case of errors occurring, there should also be a developed backup system for the online database. This backup system should also be tested by selecting files and restoring it into the new system.

Through testing, an evaluation can be made of whether or not changes are necessary to the procedures within the online database. The evaluation takes place between the database designers, the owner of the store (Mr Music), the staff as well as consultations with the participants of the online database.

The database designers could interview Mr. Music on how well he thinks the online database is functioning, what he would like to see within the system and any general enquiries . The store staff can observe the searching and purchasing habits of the customers and particular emphasis can be given to those entities that are searched most frequently. Another method of data collection for evaluation of the new system is the use of online surveys, which can be answered by customers visiting the online database. The survey can question the user- friendliness of the database, the functionality of the database, as well as suggest improvements that can be made to improve any aspect of the database. The results of these evaluation methods can be compared to the outlined initial aims and objectives of the new system. The changes can then be immediately implemented into the new system.

**Evaluate whether or not the initial needs were met through the development of the new system: **

The initial need of the company was to develop an online database that allowed relevant information about the songs to be displayed. Consequently the arrangement of the music will organise the untidy environment of the current system being used.

The new system does this by storing the existing data about the songs in tables and enabling the participants to edit the information being displayed at a later date if necessary. For example if only the song title is shown, storage space for the other relevant information can be added in at a later time without affecting the overall system.

This gives the participants time to research and gather the necessary information to fill in the missing gaps on what isn’t being displayed. The initial issue was that the users were not able to search for their music effectively and by editing the tables and entering in the information, it solves the issue of searching.