Creating Text Box Matrix in Survey and/or Custom Survey Component?

[dlongnecker]

I'm attempting to create a survey on SPS 2003; however, the options I have available to not match the requirements for the customer's request--a matrix of text responses. One of the questions, I was able to use the matrix feature because it was a, as SPS calls it, a rating scale; however, I need customers to be able to freeform text into the responses (like a spreadsheet). I've attached a screenshot of an Excel example of what we're trying to do.

Is there a way to customize the survey in FrontPage (I've pulled it up in the "New Item" view and I can't seem to edit it (as administrator of the portal)? If not, is there another survey web part component that I could investigate?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,

David

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David R. Longnecker
Web Developer
CCNA, MCSA, Network+, A+
Management Information Services
Wichita Public Schools, USD 259

 

[dlongnecker]

An update and semi-solution...

After creating the flat layout using the tool, I opened the survey in FP2003 and began editing. The trick is to right-click on the table and choose to 'Customize SharePoint List Form'. You'll be given a flat view of your list and, from there, can move, manipulate, etc.

I was able to recreate the matrix look using a table; however, it required a LOT of manual effort. A custom web part or enhanced survey component would go a long way.

Anyone else have a better or more optimized solution?

Thanks.

-David

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David R. Longnecker
Web Developer
CCNA, MCSA, Network+, A+
Management Information Services
Wichita Public Schools, USD 259

 

[dlongnecker]

I wanted to add to this thread that there is a limitation to the number of SPS number, single-line text, and other fields for surveys or data entry pages.

The matrix idea I have above works, but in moderation... information about the SPS limitation can be found at this link:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;823555

One way around it, if you need numeric entries, is to add number boxes until you hit the 32 limit, then add text boxes with a width of 11 (so they appear the same size as the number boxes) and a default entry of '0'. Not the cleanest, but provides a work around and gives you 64 entries. Beyond that, I'm still working. It appears SPS's Survey tool is not meant for large scale surveys.

Regards,

David

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David R. Longnecker
Web Developer
CCNA, MCSA, Network+, A+
Management Information Services
Wichita Public Schools, USD 259