1. Chapter 11 Data Input and Output

2. Input Data Capture Forms Data can be collected using a data capture form or questionnaire that is printed on a piece of paper and filled in using a pen or pencil. More recently, you can fill out such forms online.  Example: Application FormApplication Form  Example: QuestionnaireQuestionnaire

3. Input Data Capture Form Checklist Clearly state why the information is being collected Use simple language Lay out the form in a straightforward and uncluttered way Say clearly and unambiguously what information must be provided Provide help in answering Provide enough space for the answer Collect all the information needed

4. Input Verification This ensures that data is accurately entered into the computer.  Visual verification  Double entry verification

5. Input Validation Validation checks help ensure that data has been input and stored on a computer is reasonable. Validation checks include:  Field length check  Format check  Range check  Presence check  Check digit

6. Output Output design guidelines: Provide a title and a short description of the information provided. Each page or screen should have a title. Use simple language. Lay out the output in a straightforward way and balance this across the page or screen. Navigation should be straightforward. The detail and complexity of the output should take into account the needs of the target audience.

7. Output Output design guidelines: The output should be sorted to make finding information easier. Use tables and graphs to summarize. Use hyperlinks or appendices to provide more extensive detail. The information that users need should be available without their having to do further calculation. Provide all the information needed, but no more.

8. Output Output design guidelines: Graphics should reflect the nature of the information. For example, on a website, information about forests may be accessed via a graphic hyperlink which is a small picture of a tree. Colors and fonts should be consistent and not interfere with ease of access to the information. State the source of the information so that users can evaluate whether it is reliable. State the time and date the output was produced.

9. Output  Internal output is for the audience within an organization.  External output is for the audience outside the organization.  Turnaround output is for the external audience but they add data to it and return it to the organization

10. Output To summarize information the following can be used:  Tables  A pie diagram  A bar chart  A line graph The timing of the output affect its usefulness. Output should be up to date and produced quickly when requested.

11. Output Accessibility This is affected by connection speed, physical access and disability. People with restricted vision or hearing or the physically disabled may have difficulty accessing output. If output is to be used by disabled people, particular care needs to be taken to ensure that it is accessible to them.