Project Problems

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******* 7/10 - The Travelling Salesman Problem
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So ive been thinking about this problem, and well its really impossible, what ive come up with so far is to write my own algorithm to step by step calculate best routes each time the user decides to add/delete a way point (hmmmm...), OR alternatively integrate a program that already does this. Basically the problem is, that it will take ALOT of computing time/resources to calculate a large number of routes. My other issue is whether i'd be able to actually make a complex algorithm, as much as ive thought it might work, i have a bit of a lack of confidence when it comes to programming. However writing an algorithm to do this would be highly interesting and i would learn alot.

My next step on this problem is to talk to my supervisor and get their thoughts/ideas on this specifically. The reason this problem is very high (7/10) is because it is something that is going to majorly effect my project, and is taking up a bit of my thinking at the moment.

For now i will have a look into what is available in the way of integration and ponder more on the algorithm it would involve.

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***** 5/10 - Estimating how long tasks will take
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Now that ive actually set out specific tasks and a time limit for each of these, i'm finding it hard to gauge whether the time frame will work or not. So far with design been given 7 days it seems ok, my main concern was the time it takes to not only design a template, but design each form to get a much better idea of user input, and use these in implementation. And after i design these i want to make prototype like screen shots, so make the forms, just not have them working to get a complete idea of what they are going to do. I have also given my database 2 days, mainly because it is going to be very small, and it does not take long to come up with a E.R.D in Visio. With the UML i am a little concerned. Though this should be straight forward as it is only the inital design not the full complete one, UML diagrams arent exactly a strength i have. Guess that goes with my fear of programming! Well i'll update here how i'm feeling about the design in a few days, so far i am on schedule, but we shall see.