| | Database Analyst Staff Selector
 |
Author:
Bruce A. Winrow |
|
Date
introduced: 1993 |
|
Administration
time: 85 minutes |
Purpose
To evaluate the analytical reasoning
and detail skills necessary for successful performance as a Database Analyst.
General
Description
The
test, from which a three-page detailed evaluation report on each candidate is
provided to the client, consists of instruments measuring the following:
|
Recognition
of common database and data dictionary terms:
In problem one, the candidate has to match an appropriate term to its
correct definition. |
|
Understanding
of basic database concepts:
Problem two contains information concerning a sample database, and a
diagram that is used to answer 10 questions.
|
|
Understanding
the principles of using a database: In problem three, the candidate is required to use a database
to manipulate data in accordance with a set of instructions and
specifications.
|
|
Identify
errors in assigned specifications: Problem four examines the candidate's ability to read precise
specifications, and identify errors in the application of those
specifications.
|
|
Logic
ability and attention to detail: In this problem, the candidate is provided with specific
codes necessary to direct a fictitious spaceship to various planets. |
|
Optional
- knowledge of specific database software such as Oracle and SQL Server:
A sixth section may be added to measure level of expertise in specific
software that is required for the position.
|
Positions
for which the test is appropriate
| Database Administrator
|
| Database Analyst
|
| Data Dictionary Specialist
|
| Database Technician
|
| Database Programmer
|
Test
administration
The
administration of this test is simple. The test takes 85 minutes to complete
(76 minutes to answer and 9 minutes to review, omitting the optional
knowledge section). The applicant should be given the test booklet, and told that
all instructions are stated in the test booklet. The room for the test
should be a relatively quiet one preferably without a telephone that
might ring during the test. The candidate must not communicate with any
person during the test, or be given the opportunity to make a photocopy
of the test. All work should be done in the test booklet, in pencil.
Please do not provide scrap paper.
Sample
question (segment)
CREDIBLE CAR CORP. marketed several
lines of auto parts throughout the United States. They recently installed a new computer
system - order entry and billing. Much to everyone's embarrassment the invoices were
constantly wrong, resulting in a disastrous effect on the company's reputation for quality
and accuracy.
Mr. Jones, the
Marketing Manager, talked to the systems and operations managers about this problem.
"How could you fellows have made such a blunder?" he asked. "Didn't you
test those systems? This failure will cost us plenty."
The Systems man smiled. "It's your
mistake," he said. "Remember last year that fellow Smith, who is responsible for
customer liaison, wanted to take over some applications. He claimed that the marketing
people knew more about how consumers react to such systems than anyone. Besides, those
simple systems were very easy to buy - you could get them right off the shelf. He's your
man, and this is your mistake."
If YOU were hired to deal with this problem,
what five key steps (ranked in priority order) would you take to ultimately rectify the
situation?
Sample Candidate Evaluation Report
Click here to view a sample detailed evaluation report.
Evaluation
The overall rating
is based on scores according to the following table:
| Total |
Overall Rating |
93-100% |
Excellent |
| 78-92% |
Very Good |
| 70-77% |
Good |
| 60-69% |
Acceptable |
| 46-59% |
Marginal |
| 0-45% |
Unacceptable |
Languages
published
| English |
| French |
|
