From: Hilary Bailey Date: 2011-02-08T11:16:13+09:00 Subject: Re: Totally lost in learning Ruby Hi everybody, Based on the responses I have been receiving, I will greatly appreciate any comment on how to move forward from this point. Thanks in advance to all respondents whom have been soooooo kind and patient. What I want to create is a database that can measure the performance of all entities in a school district. The closest software that exhibits some semblance is that of Microsoft Access. Where, as I understand it, the input entry of a single data can be housed and then derived, through a set of queries, then further analyzed through/by Microsoft Solver software. The difference with my proposal would be that based on selected indicators [which will be dynamically influenced by changed event(s) and policy(ies], which would be able to measure success. I have been exposed to a statistical software named SPSS and having worked as an economist, has influenced my outlook on creating an approach/database/software which would indicate in real time, measured results. As you can tell, there is an element of nervousness regarding saying too much. But on the other hand, if not much is said, not much help can be given. So it's a "catch 24", where since the last 20 years I have been improving on a systems that would be able to measure defined academic output, vis-a-vis, financial constraints etc.. Mike Stephens recommended Mendix as a possible solution to my woes. Do you know of such arena? Therefore, I figured that, doing it all by myself may be the best solution. However, some of my concerns are: "Why reinvent the wheel?', How can I create a sustainable system that does not compromise quality?, What curriculum structure should I follow that will meet my needs without, straying from my goals? Therefore, this is my dilemma, which seems to be going in circles. Any suggestions. -- Posted via http://www.ruby-forum.com/.