02 - 049 Coding Conventions for Attribute Types
General Coding
The first character of each attribute type will reflect the FOAPAL element it is associated with. This is applied consistently as follows:
First Character | FOAPAL Element |
---|---|
F
|
F und |
O
|
O rganization |
A
|
A ccount |
P
|
P rogram |
T
|
ac T ivity |
L
|
L ocation |
The Activity code begins with an A as does the Account code. To date, there has not been a need identified to construct an attribute associated with the Activity code. As the Account code is a significant user of the attributes - the A was retained for the Account code and T annexed for the Activity code
Attribute types have values which are associated with individual FOAPAL elements. This includes all elements of the FOAPAL as well as Fund Types and Account Types. USNH has not yet exercised the use of coding attributes to the types, but it is available for future use.
The remaining 7 characters are not prescribed. In general, numbers or alpha characters have been used that will support some sort of visual identification as to the type's purpose. For example; FCAMPUS is an attribute type used for the Fund and indicates which campus the fund belongs to. Other than that - the choice of code structure is open to the requestor.
The Attribute types themselves are not hierarchical. However, through careful coding and use in programs, USNH has used many of these as hierarchical grouping and totaling mechanisms.
As and example, the fund attributes FCAMPUS, FGRPMAJ, and FGRPMIN are all individual fund attribute types. With careful coding these three attribute types along with their related values assigned to the appropriate elements can create a report that will sub-total or group funds.
- Campus - FCAMPUS Value
- Highest level of Fund Type - FGRPMAJ Value
- Next level of Fund Type - FGRPMIN Value
- Finally a listing of the funds within these groupings
- Next level of Fund Type - FGRPMIN Value
- Highest level of Fund Type - FGRPMAJ Value
The official version of this information will only be maintained in an on-line web format. Any and all printed copies of this material are dated as of the print date. Please make certain to review the material on-line prior to placing reliance on a dated printed version.