Software Tips & Tricks Safeguarding Properties of a Form in Access 2000 and 2002 (XP)

By Laura Noble

Properties of an Access form can be changed in Form View, which is very handy when the form is being developed. Often, though, it is necessary to prevent users from accidentally (or on purpose) changing the form's properties while doing data entry. To safeguard the form's properties, the Properties option can be disabled in Form View.

1. Open Form in Design View.
   
   
2. Right-mouse click on the form (In Access 2000, verify a section or an object is NOT selected). Select the Properties option.
   
   
   
   Or click the Properties icon on the Standard Toolbar.
   
   
3. The Properties box for the form will open. Click the Other tab.
   
   
4. In the Allow Design Changes row change the setting from All Views (the default) to Design View Only.
   
   
   
   
5. Save Form.
   

Stay tuned to Networking Today in the coming months for more Software Tips & Tricks from Noble Software Solutions.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. Laura can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, May 2003.

Choosing a Daycare

By Garry Foster

Choosing the right childcare program can be a daunting task. It is imperative that you, the parent, know that your child is getting the best care possible while you are at work. Choosing that environment can be difficult, especially with many types of care available. The following suggestions and tips will make your decision simpler.

When looking at childcare facilities, and taking the initial tour of the Centre, you may feel a sense of "information overload." The following list of questions and/or things to look for will assist you in finding the information needed to make an informed choice. In addition to this, pay close attention to the person giving the tour, the types of information shared, and the reactions to your questions or the observations that you make.

ENVIRONMENT

• Is the Centre clean, warm, and inviting?
• Am I greeted upon arrival?
• Are the children happy, involved, playing?
• Is the staff friendly?
• Is the environment safe?
• Are toys checked regularly to ensure safety?
• Is the Centre licensed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services?
  
• What are the fire and health regulations of the Centre?
• Does the outdoor area appear safe and properly fenced?
• Is the environment at the children's level; e.g., sinks, toilets, windows, and equipment?
• Is the playground space separated according to groups; i.e., toddler and preschoolers?
  
• Do the children have access to the kitchen?
  

STAFF

• What training does the staff have?
• Is the staff certified in First Aid and C.P.R.?
• Is the staff warm and affectionate with the children?
• Does the staff seem to be enjoying themselves?
• Is the staff aware of all policies and procedures?
• What is the staff/child ratio in each room?
• How does staff communicate with parents?
• Is there a cook?
• Does all staff have a criminal reference check?
  

PROGRAM

• Does the Centre provide an anti-bias curriculum that is suitable to all children?
• Does the Centre's program follow themes? If so, what are some examples?
  
• What is the Centre's philosophy?
• Are there a variety of activity areas?
• Is there a sufficient amount of toys so that they can be regularly rotated?
  
• What is the daily schedule?
• Is the program stimulating and interesting?
• Are the children encouraged to develop self-help skills?
• Do the children take walks?
• What field trips are taken, if any?
• Do the children take naps? What if a child does not sleep?
  

POLICIES

• Does the Centre maintain confidentiality?
• What is the Centre's policy regarding child sickness?
• What is the Centre's policies regarding adverse weather conditions?
• What are the rules about releasing children to people other than registering parent(s)?
• What are the policies regarding administering medication?
• How often are fire drills conducted?
• What about toilet training?
  

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

• What is the Centre's philosophy on behaviour management?
• What behaviour is unacceptable?
• Does the Centre use time-out?
  

MEALS

• What is the menu, and how often does it change?
• Does the Centre follow the Canada Food Guide when planning meals? · How does the Centre deal with children's allergies?
• Are the parent's allowed to send food for their children?

HYGIENE

• What are the sanitary procedures?
• What does the centre use as a disinfectant for change tables, toilets, etc.?
  
• Are there sufficient supplies to maintain proper sanitary conditions; e.g., soap and towels at each sink?

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

• Are parents welcome to come to the Centre at any time throughout the day?
  
• Are the parents welcome to pick up their child; e.g., for lunch or appointments, and later return their child to the Centre?
• Are parents welcome to attend field trips with the children?
• Is the parent welcome to call the Centre at any time?

GENERAL INFORMATION

• What makes this Centre unique?
• Do the parents provide diapers?
• What do the parents send with their child daily?
• What are the fees for childcare? (including late fees)
• When does the Centre open and close?
• Is the Centre closed for any holidays?
• Is part time care available?
• Is transportation available; what is the cost of transportation?
• Does the parent pay for absent days, holidays?
• Are the children's arrival and departure times recorded daily? Do parents sign their children in and out?
  

Through the use of these questions as well as through your observations and impressions, you will be able to weigh what you're looking for against what is being offered, and make the right childcare choice for you and your child.

Garry Foster is the Director of Operations for Simply Kids Inc., a neighbourhood child development and learning centre in London, Ontario. Phone: (519) 451-9004 or Email gfoster@simplykidschildcare.com.

Published in Networking Today, May 2003.

Out-Foxing the Competition at Tradeshows

By Susan A. Friedmann, CSP

To succeed in today's aggressive and fast-changing marketplace companies/organizations need to continually identify their competitive advantage to either hold or increase market share. They need an in-depth understanding of the competitive dynamics of their market. Tradeshows are an excellent forum to research and collect information.

The following is a list of 38 questions to help compile a constructive competitive intelligence program:

General Questions

1. Who are our competitors – direct and indirect (i.e. current market participants, potential market entrants, and providers of substitute products/services)?
2. Which of our competitors pose a threat to us?
3. What are important differences among our competitors?
4. Where are they located and is their location a competitive advantage?
   
5. How long have they been in business and what is their reputation/image in the marketplace?
6. What is their market share?
7. What is their corporate and business philosophy and how is it implemented?
   
8. What important acquisitions have competitors made in the past year and how has this given them a competitive advantage?
   
   Product/Service Based Questions
   
   
9. What is the depth and breadth of their products/services?
10. What are their product/service features/specifications?
11. What are their most recent product/service introductions?
12. How well do competitors deliver orders on schedule?
13. What changes are taking place in competitors' make/buy strategies?
14. What new materials are being used in the industry? Do they provide a cost advantage?
15. How have competitors incorporated cost savings?
16. Who are our competitors' suppliers?
17. How easy are their products to install or maintain?
18. What are the competitors' strengths/weakness in quality and service?
    
    Sales/Marketing Based Questions
    
    
19. What is their marketing and sales strategy?
20. How is their sales force organized – by product line, geographic market, or end-user?
21. Who are their largest and most important customers?
22. What group of customers does our competition sell to that we don't and why have they been successful in this market?
23. Which group is least satisfied and why?
24. Why are customers switching to competitors' products/services?
25. What new distribution channels have they developed?
26. What medium other than tradeshows do they use to market their products/services?
27. Which products/services are they pushing?
28. Which features are they emphasizing?
29. What are their pricing strategies – commercial, nonprofit, government, and foreign sales?
30. What special pricing policies do they offer – credit, discounts, incentives, consignments?
    
    Customer Based Questions
    
    
31. What do customers consider most valuable about our competitors' products/services?
32. Why are they satisfied with their current supplier?
33. What might induce them to switch to another vendor?
34. What are their principal complaints?
35. Which companies do they see as the market leaders in the our industry?
    
36. Which of their needs are going unfulfilled?
37. What do they see as the key factors in purchasing decisions?
38. How are changes in the industry effecting them?
    

Susan A. Friedmann, CSP, is The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, working with exhibitors and show organizers to improve their tradeshow success through coaching, consulting and training. For a free copy of ExhibitSmart Tips of the Week, e-mail: susan@thetradeshowcoach.com; or visit her Web site: www.thetradeshowcoach.com.

Published in Networking Today, May 2003.