Instructor Notes Module 6: Business
Solution Physical Design
Introduction
In this module, students will learn about the basics of physical design, where it
fits in the Microsoft
®
Solutions Framework (MSF) Process Model, its purpose
and value in solution design, its steps and tasks, and its outputs and
deliverables. Students also learn how the process of developing a physical
design will enable them to deliver solutions that match their customer’s
requirements.
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Explain the need for physical design in the process of designing a business
solution.
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Describe the role of physical design in the MSF Design Process.
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Describe the steps of physical design.
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Create a preliminary services topology.
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Identify the risks in conflicts between solution requirements and physical
constraints.

Materials and Preparation
This section provides you with the materials and preparation needed to teach
this module.
Materials
Provide a checklist of materials that you will need to teach this module,

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Complete the activities.

Instructor Notes Module 6: Business Solution Physical Design 3
Activities
Activity 6.1: Risks of Skipping Physical Design
In this activity, students will participate in a class discussion to identify the
possible risks are of not completing a physical design in the process of
designing a business solution.
After completing this activity, students will be able to:
!
Articulate the value of doing physical design and the risks of not doing
physical design.

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To prepare for the activity
1. Complete the activity yourself, thinking through the possible directions that
the discussion may take.
2. Prepare examples from your own experience.
3. Prepare some questions to foster a class discussion.

Activity 6.2: Risks in Constraints and Requirements
In this activity, students will participate in a class discussion about the
implications of the constraints and requirements in the Ferguson and Bardell,
Inc. case study.
After completing this activity, students will be able to:
!

the one from the suggested solution.
2. Complete the activity yourself.
3. Remind students of the services-based design approach of Module 3.
This approach consists of the user, business, and data services that exist
between the user interface and data store.

Instructor Notes Module 6: Business Solution Physical Design 5
Module Strategy
Use the following strategy to present this module:
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Physical Design Basics
This section provides an overview of the Physical Design Phase of the MSF
Process Model. Having worked through the conceptual and logical phases,
students may have a “Finally!” attitude to reaching this phase. Help them to
understand that physical design is still not coding, but is the final
preparation to that coding, and that the quality of work they do in this last
design phase will have a direct impact on the coding work itself.
!
Risks of Skipping Physical Design
This discussion enables you to gauge the students’ understanding of the
necessity and benefits of physical design.
!
Physical Design Process
This section provides an overview of the physical design process, including
its place within the MSF Process Model. This section also outlines the steps
and deliverables of physical design.
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data services will reside. Because this might seem trivial to some students,
be prepared with questions and options for how the services might be
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