Fundamental Programming Concepts, Programming Paradigms, and Program Development



Fundamental Programming Concepts, Programming Paradigms, and Program Development

Description of a Process of Doing Grocery Shopping

The flow chart is a means of visually presenting the flow of data through an information processing systems, the operations performed within the system and the sequence in which they are performed. In this lesson, we shall concern ourselves with the program flow chart, which describes what operations (and in what sequence) are required to solve a given problem. The program flow chart can be likened to the blueprint of a building. As we know a designer draws a blueprint before starting construction on a building. Similarly, a programmer prefers to draw a flow chart prior to writing a computer program. (Bohl, 2008)

Five stages comprise the consumer buying decision process: problem recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase decision and post-purchase behavior. Each of these stages can be a deliberate action such as researching product options or a subconscious thought like recognizing the juice in the refrigerator has almost run out. A merchant or business must understand the steps a customer goes through to make a purchase. A merchant can influence a customer's purchase by providing targeted information, advertisements or guidance.

Consumers recognize a problem based on physical cues, stimulus response or a need. For example, a customer could smell fresh bread and realize she is hungry or she could have a broken pair of glasses and know she needs a new pair. Visual clues trigger problem recognition. For example, a beverage in a clear container shows when it is getting low, or a sticker in a car window reminds customers when it is time for an oil change.

Customers in the information search stage of the buying process look for solutions to their problems or needs. They remember what types of ...