Download MBAD 613: Database Management Systems, Summer 2006

MBAD 613: Database Management Systems, Summer 2006
MW, 7:10 – 10:10 pm
Instructor: Robbie T. Nakatsu
Office: Hilton 221
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: (310) 338-3746
Office Hours: to be announced
Web Site: myweb.lmu.edu/rnakatsu/mbad613
Description
This course is intended for the business practitioner who wishes to become more proficient at
developing and managing database applications. It is designed to provide an introduction to the
conceptual foundations underlying database management systems, with an emphasis on its
applications in business and organizations.
The course begins with an introduction to the fundamental principles of database design—from
data modeling to the actual implementation of a business application. Particular emphasis will
be placed on the careful planning and analysis of business needs, which will lead to the
appropriate development of an Entity-Relationship Model. Using these principles, each student
will design and implement a database application using Access. This part of the course will
employ lectures describing database theory, as well as hands-on tutorials demonstrating database
concepts using Access.
The second part of the course will further investigate the relational model, which is the basis for
the most popular DBMS products on the marketplace today (i.e., Oracle, SQL Server, MS
Access, Sybase). Topics to be studied include relational algebra, Structured Query Language
(SQL), and maintaining data integrity in a relational design. In addition, important managerial
concerns will be covered including database administration and the management of multi-user
databases. If time permits, we will investigate ethical issues of databases addressing privacy,
profiling, and the problem of identity theft. Finally, alternatives to the relational model will be
considered, such as object-oriented databases, and their impact on the field will be predicted and
assessed.
No prior knowledge of database management systems is required, although a strong aptitude for
computer-related work is helpful.
Objectives
1. To understand the role of databases and database applications in business organizations.
2. To learn and practice data modeling
3. To learn and practice developing effective database designs
Page 1
4.
5.
6.
7.
To understand the use of SQL (Structured Query Language)
To understand the managerial issues associated with database technologies
To understand and appreciate the importance of data integrity and data quality
To prepare you to become critical problem-solvers using database technologies as a
powerful tool
Contents
The course will provide an introduction to the following topics:








Components of Database Management Systems (DBMS)
Entity-Relationship Modeling
Normalization
Database Design
Relational Algebra
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Multi-User Databases
Managerial Issues of Database Design
Course Materials
Required Textbook: Kroenke, D.M. Database Processing: Fundamentals, Design &
Implementation, Tenth Edition, Prentice Hall, Saddle River, NJ, 2006.
In addition to the required text, I will provide lecture notes, usually in the form of powerpoint
slides, as well as class notes. These materials will either be handed out in class or made
available on the web. Please check the course web site regularly to obtain these materials.
Supplementary Materials:
You may want to purchase and consult one of the many books on Access if you wish to gain a
more detailed understanding of all its features. This is not a requirement for this course, as you
will receive class notes on the fundamental features of Access. These notes should be enough for
you to complete the assignments and the database project. However, if you feel that the handson tutorials and class notes are not sufficient, I would recommend that you either purchase one of
these books, or come see me about loaning an Access book (I have a few books that I can loan
out to you on 48-hour basis).
You are also strongly encouraged to seek out additional sources of information. Magazines such
as Database, Database Programming and Design, and Database Advisor are monthly
publications directed at database practitioners. ACM Transactions on Database Systems is
published as a theoretical journal and typically contains highly technical, leading-edge articles.
More general publications such as Communications of the ACM will often contain articles on
Page 2
database technologies. For the most current and up-to-date information, the Web is also an
excellent source. Check Amazon.com for books on Access, SQL, and other database topics.
Course Requirements
1. Assignments
Weekly assignments are intended to provide you with an opportunity to apply your knowledge of
database theory to actual problem-solving cases and situations. Although you will be required to
submit the assignments individually, you are encouraged to work on and discuss the assignments
with other classmates. Unless otherwise noted, weekly assignments are due at the beginning of
the next class period. Generally, I will go over and review the solution to the assignment at the
beginning of class.
In addition, we will be developing a database application in class using Microsoft Access (one of
the assignments will require that you complete the application). Any version later than and
including Access 2000 should work fine for purposes of this class. If you are having problems
with your version of the software, please see me as soon as possible. The version of Access that
is installed in the computer lab is Access 2003.
The following assignments are scheduled for this course (subject to change):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Entity Relationship Modeling (Chapter 5)
Normalization (Chapter 3)
Database Design (Chapter 6)
Access Reports (RF Walrus Case)
SQL (Chapter 2)
You are also strongly encouraged to purchase a USB flash drive for classroom use and
submission of assignments. The PCs in the classroom do not allow you to save files to a 3 ½”
floppy, so you must either save the file on a USB flash drive, or email the file to yourself.
For the RF Walrus case, we will be developing much of the application in class. Please bring
your USB flash drive to class every day so that you can save the changes that you make during
class. It is a good idea to keep backups of all the changes that you make to your Access
database. I like to keep two or three copies at all times, just in case.
2. Database Project
You will develop an original database application using the principles and concepts learned in
class, and using the RF Walrus Case as a point of reference. The application can be based on
any topic of interest to you (e.g., creating a database of video movie rentals, keeping track of
inventory in a sporting goods store, performing an analysis of marketing data, etc.), but it must
demonstrate transaction processing in an organizational setting. You will be required to create a
Page 3
number of forms and reports to demonstrate the uses of the application. I will provide more
details in a separate handout later in the course.
Project Status Report
A project status report will be due, at the beginning of class on Monday, June 12. In this report,
you must describe the database application that you plan on implementing. In particular, you
must include: 1) a brief description of the business or organization; 2) an ER-Diagram
illustrating the entities in the application and how they are related to one another; 3) the tables
that you would like to include, and their associated structures; 4) a description of the forms (i.e.,
online data entry screens) you intend to develop; and 5) a description of the reports you intend to
generate. Keep in mind that this project status report is only a proposal of your application, and
is therefore subject to change when you finally implement your application.
Project Demonstration
On Monday, June 19, you will be required to demonstrate your database application to the rest of
the class. You will be allotted about 15 minutes to demonstrate the features of your applications,
including a demonstration of online data entry, as well as the generation of reports.
Final Project Report
The final project report will be a document of the final database application. (You may use the
project status report as a basis for this report). This report, together with the final database
application, is due on Monday, June 19.
3. Examinations
Examinations will be held—both a midterm and final—to test your understanding of the material
covered in this course. You are responsible for all reading material assigned, as well as all
lecture material covered in class. The examinations will be a combination of multiple-choice and
short answer questions.
The midterm exam will cover material presented during the first half of the course, and the final
exam will emphasize material covered during the second half. I will provide more details about
the examinations before they are to take place, as well as a review of the material.
4. Class Participation and Professionalism
Regular class attendance and participation in discussions is expected from each of you, and will
be a determining factor in your final course grade. At a minimum, you are expected to attend
class. Other factors that could negatively impact your class participation grade include regularly
showing up late for class, and turning in your assignments late without advanced warning. If you
are having problems keeping up with the class assignments, please see me as soon as possible,
NOT the night before the assignment is due.
Page 4
Grading
Grading will be based on the homework assignments, the database project, the midterm, the final
exam, and class participation. The breakdown for the grading is provided below:
Assignments
20%
Midterm Exam
25%
Database Project
(Presentation 4%, Report 16%)
20%
Final Exam
25%
Class Participation
10%
Total
100%
Last day to withdraw or apply for credit / no-credit grading: June 9, 2006
Academic Honesty and Integrity
You are expected to work on the assignments and take the examinations individually and
independently. (You may consult with other students on the assignments, but I expect each of
you to turn in your own assignments). Plagiarism and cheating on examinations will not be
tolerated. Students who commit any act of cheating or dishonesty will receive an automatic F on
the assignment/exam on which they cheated. If the offense is serious enough, the student may
fail the course outright without the possibility of withdrawal.
Page 5
MBAD 613 Course Outline
May - Jun 2006
Week #
Date
1
Mon
May 15
2
Wed
May 17
3
Mon
May 22
4
Wed
May 23
5
Mon
May 29
6
Wed
May 31
7
Mon
Jun 5
8
Wed
Jun 7
9
Mon
Jun 12
10
Wed
Jun 14
11
Mon
Jun 19
12
Wed
Jun 21
Topic
Reading
Assignment /
Notes
Course Introduction
Introduction to DBMS
Chapter 1
Database Case:
RF Walrus handed
out
ERM Assignment
Entity-Relationship Modeling
Chapter 5,
pp. 120-135; 150-153
Normalization
Chapter 3
Class Notes on Access
Normalization
Assignment
Database Design with Entity-Relationship
Modeling, P. I
Access Demo, RF Walrus, P. I
UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY:
Memorial Day
Chapter 6,
pp. 171-187
Database Design
Assignment
Database Design with Entity-Relationship
Modeling, P. II
Access Demo, RF Walrus, P. II
Midterm Examination
Access Demo:
Supertype/Subtype Relationships
Database Application Design
Access Demo:
Principles of Good User Interface Design
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Access Demo:
SQL Exercises
Foundations of Relational Implementation/
Relational Algebra
Access Demo:
Relational Algebra Exercises
Database Project Demonstrations
Course Wrap-up
Chapter 6,
pp. 188-192
Access Reports
Assignment Due
Chapter 2
Class Notes on SQL
SQL Assignment
Project Status Report
Due
All Database
Projects are Due
Final Examination
Note: The course outline is tentative and subject to change by the instructor during the semester
based on the progress of the class.
Page 6