> In short the problem is that on the data entry form the join
> resolves (or should resolve) to a one-to-one relationship
> (the exam_id being set in advance of the form being
> displayed) between a student and a result. But the result
> record doesn't yet exist. This wouldn't be a problem for me
> if the situation was a one-to-many master-detail scenario
> since the absence of detail records is par for the course
> and I'm accustomed to it, but it ain't.

My own approach to this would be to NOT use a join - this only
complicates the setup of the Query (having to setup your own
edit/insert sql etc).

Just define the master and detail using two different query
components, just like you would for one-many master detail
relationships. Then layout your form as though it is all one record,
it is just that some of the fields are tied to the exam "detail"
record. Setup the exam datasource so that it AutoInsert is on, so
that when a user types in some exam results the record will be
automatically created.

This approach lets you leave all the work to IBO.

Does this help?

Geoff Worboys
Telesis Computing