Week 4

In today's lecture we began to look more in-depth at analysis. We began to learn about models and the different types (mathematical, descriptive and graphical), which is something I looked at 3 weeks ago in AFW2851 (Accounting Information Systems and Financial Modelling). I suppose that you have to expect a bit of overlap like that in a double degree (AFW2851's lecture was on database, which I only did a whole subject on last year). Anyway, we also learnt about events and things, which was interesting, especially seeing that they look like something that could easily be examinable, although I can't help but wonder why they couldn't come with a better name other than things. Covered also were event tables, and we began to look at the diagrams. There looks like there's going to be a bit of diagram drawing, which I haven't always liked in the past (but seeing I now have Photoshop that may be easier).

The tutorial was less structured than normal with the interview. I still think it was a little early to be asking questions; my questions normally come after I've sat down and done a draft of the assignment. I had quite a few questions, only to be told they related more to design than analysis! This means (I hope) that I got enough information out of the mp3 for the assignment, and that I was thinking in too much detail. I guess it helps too that my grandfather is a retired pro, means that between him and my dad I've picked up a bit of an understanding about golf.
Anyway, looking forward to next week and hoping I get a chance to do a bit of work on the assignment.

Week 3

This week, FIT2001 got off to a bit of a bad start, seeing as the lecture notes weren't up when I checked them Wednesday afternoon before work, and then I wasn't able to use the Internet that night, and then forgot how MUSO is down for maintenance Thursday mornings! I really don't like having no lecture notes, but there wasn't much I could do about it!

The lecture itself was more interesting than the last two weeks, and it really felt like I had learnt something a bit more to the assignment (and real life, for that matter!). I enjoyed learning about stakeholders and the questions they should be asked, as well as different techniques for gathering information.

The tutorial was good once again. It was interesting to hear that podcast with Jason Fried. His ideas about embracing constraints and building top-down I found quite intriguing. We then got into groups to work out questions for our "interview". I knew that we were doing an interview for the assignment, but I was surprised to discover it would be just next week. I was expecting it to be a little closer to the assignment, after we've had time to work through it and figure out what further information we need to know. Due to other assignments and the like, I hadn't even listened to the whole mp3 file yet. So now I'm going to have to sit down with this week's notes and the mp3, figure out what sort of questions we should be asking, what the mp3 file answered, etc. Hopefully that will be enough!

Week 2

This week we looked more into the SDLC and different methodologies. Again wasn't too exciting, but what do you expect when you have had 3 lectures in one week all covering the SDLC (at least in part anyway)? The tutorial was pretty good, worked with a nice group of people. The water system example was not easy, and took me a bit of thinking to get my head around it, but I learnt quite a bit from it, which was good. I think we start analysis this week, that should be good.

Week 1

This week's lecture was pretty short, meant I ended up with a 2 hour break. The content we're covering this semester seems pretty self explanatory, plus another version of the SDLC to learn. Wonderful (not). Most of the stuff covered this week was relatively familiar from past units and years. The tutorial was actually pretty good, there was some good discussion and I got to work with people I haven't really met before. The tutorial group seems pretty good, should be a good semester.