This module is intended for workspace administrators. The lesson introduces the basic functions of Focal Point®. When you finish this module, you will be able to enter, organize, and compare data. You can then analyze the results of comparisons and make informed decisions.
Learning objectives
After you complete the lessons in this module, you will know how to do the following tasks:
▪ create a module
▪ add attributes and elements to a module
▪ create views
▪ view elements in different display modes
▪ define criteria and prioritize elements
▪ visualize results and generate reports.
Time required
▪ This module takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Prerequisites
▪ Focal Point® must be installed, and you must be a workspace administrator.
In modules, you manage elements that have a common set of attributes. To begin managing elements, you can use either a predefined module or create a module that is based on your requirements. In this lesson, you create a module for managing car elements. For more information on how the workspace artifacts are related to each other, see Setting up modules.
When you create a module, a list of predefined attributes is displayed. In this lesson, you add two more attributes to the Cars module to specify information about the type and price of the cars.
In the previous lessons, you worked directly in the Focal Point® repository. In the repository, administrators can add, delete, and change elements. Views are required to provide users with access to elements. Focal Point® 7.0 provides default views corresponding to each module, and hence, you need not create views specifically for the Cars module. You can just select the Cars view listed from the Display menu, and edit it based on the inputs provided in this section. This lesson is meant to help you understand the procedure to create a view.
To prioritize elements in a structured way, use criteria. When you prioritize elements, you can identify information to support portfolio and product management decisions.
When you prioritize elements, you compare two alternatives according to one criterion at a time. Then, you combine the results to view a larger and more complex picture of the elements. You can base strategic decisions on those results.
After you prioritize elements, you can visualize results in various graphical formats in order to support your decisions. In the visuals, priorities are represented as bars, bubbles, and lines.