A Test - For All You Computing People

[DG]

Just wondering if most of you computing people did this at uni or something and if the questions are relatively easy or hard in your opinion

This test has been compiled in order to evaluate your capabilities for this specific position. There are 8 questions, and you should attempt them all. If you do not understand a question please explain what you do not understand about it. It is available as a download here.

1. Look at the website news.bbc.co.uk
Critically evaluate this web site, giving three things you like and three things you don't. Explain what you would do differently if you developed this web site.

2. The following tables have been created in a database. Answer questions
2a, 2b and 2c using them.

http://www.redsnapper.net/images/tables_328.gif

2a. Write a single SQL query that lists all the papers subscribed to by Jacque Chirac.

2b. Write a single SQL query to work out the total cost of Tony Blair’s subscriptions.

2c. Write a single SQL query that lists all the papers and whether or not Jacque Chirac is subscribed to them, as below. Do not use a view.


3. Write a simple Java method that converts a number from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa.

4. Provide a suitable taxonomy/topic map for the product section of an online toyshop.

5. Consider the format of dates used in forms such as below.
Explain which you would use under what circumstances and suggest alternatives to the ones shown.


6. A toy retailer is constructing an online purchasing system so their customers can buy toys online. Construct a class diagram to model the system.

7. How important do you think it is to set a good example to your colleagues? If you were successful in obtaining this position how would you set an example?

8. How could this test be improved? What questions are missing from this test?

[Mist]

Originally posted by DiamondGeezer
Just wondering if most of you computing people did this at uni or something and if the questions are relatively easy or hard in your opinion

I probably didn't do anything like this at uni as our course wsa not that great, but I shall have a go


This test has been compiled in order to evaluate your capabilities for this specific position. There are 8 questions, and you should attempt them all. If you do not understand a question please explain what you do not understand about it. It is available as a download here.

1. Look at the website news.bbc.co.uk
Critically evaluate this web site, giving three things you like and three things you don't. Explain what you would do differently if you developed this web site.

This is an unfair question. If it's for an interview I'd just suggest that they must have had a panel of people working on that site, along with numerous user feedback sessions, so to expect one person to analyze it in no time is a bit much.


2. The following tables have been created in a database. Answer questions
2a, 2b and 2c using them.

http://www.redsnapper.net/images/tables_328.gif

2a. Write a single SQL query that lists all the papers subscribed to by Jacque Chirac.


SELECT papername FROM PAPER
INNER JOIN subscription ON subscription.paperid = paper.paperid
INNER JOIN person ON person.personid = subscription.personid
WHERE person.lastname = 'chirac' and person.firstname = 'jacque'

Tbh that is easy but I'd also comment on the table structure not allowing for multiple forename/surname combinations very well. The use of a number as a primary key is somewhat useless.


2b. Write a single SQL query to work out the total cost of Tony Blair’s subscriptions.

SELECT sum(price) as [total cost] FROM PAPER
INNER JOIN subscription ON subscription.paperid = paper.paperid
INNER JOIN person ON person.personid = subscription.personid
WHERE person.lastname = 'Blair' and person.firstname = 'Tony'

2c. Write a single SQL query that lists all the papers and whether or not Jacque Chirac is subscribed to them, as below. Do not use a view.

SELECT papername,
CASE WHEN person.personid is null then 'NO' ELSE 'YES' END as Subscribed
FROM PAPER
LEFT OUTER JOIN subscription ON subscription.paperid = paper.paperid
LEFT OUTER JOIN person
ON person.personid = subscription.personid
AND person.lastname = 'chirac' and person.firstname = 'jacque'


3. Write a simple Java method that converts a number from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa.

I did this at uni. Can't remember it right now but it's fairly straighforward. Could do it in a few mins after looking at java.sun.com I imagine.

4. Provide a suitable taxonomy/topic map for the product section of an online toyshop.

No idea what a topic map is.

5. Consider the format of dates used in forms such as below.
Explain which you would use under what circumstances and suggest alternatives to the ones shown.

Missing the examples, so I can't answer this.

6. A toy retailer is constructing an online purchasing system so their customers can buy toys online. Construct a class diagram to model the system.

Gah. I'd have to look up class diagrams again. We did this at uni and it's not difficult.

7. How important do you think it is to set a good example to your colleagues? If you were successful in obtaining this position how would you set an example?

Fairly important, but it's more important that you do a good job and that everyone understands your work.

8. How could this test be improved? What questions are missing from this test?

Hmm.