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GRANITE STATE COLLEGE
COURSE GUIDE
MGMT 622: DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (DBMS)
4 Cr.
Page 1
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides prospective users of data base management systems with a solid
theoretical and practical foundation for using these systems in a variety of contemporary organizational
environments. The course traces the nature of DBMS from general conceptual structures, through the design,
interface and implementation of actual database systems. The course includes a mix of classical database theory
with practical hands-on application using state of the art DBMS packages; similar to those used today by large and
small organizations alike to run their information systems. PREREQUISITES: CMPL 515, Programming
Fundamentals and CMPL 612, Advanced Software Tools.
RATIONALE: Contemporary organizations use DBMSs as the basis for their information systems, which are used
by an ever-increasing proportion of their employees. Users who are familiar with database concepts and applications
have a greater ability to access the information required to be successful in their particular functional areas. Thus,
most users can directly benefit from having a solid foundation of DBMS training. This is a required course for the
Information Technology minor. It is also an appropriate concentration elective for the AS in Business. It is an
appropriate elective in the major for the BS in Business Management, the BSAS/Management, and the BSAS/Allied
Health Services.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES: The evolution of database design has matured sufficiently such that a course in DBMS
will likely remain relevant for many years. Also, the practice of using these classic DBMS models as the basis for
organizational information systems does not appear to be threatened by any revolutionary paradigm. The
assumption, therefore, is that understanding DBMSs is, or will become, as fundamental as the understanding of
accounting, marketing, or any of the other traditional management disciplines.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Upon completion of this course, learners will:
1. Describe classical database theory and the conceptual structures that underlie database management systems
2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the function, role, and structure of database systems from start to
finish.
3. Design, build, modify, normalize, and generate queries (QBE) on database tables.
4. Design and generate reports for a variety of functional areas of business and facilitate end user access.
5. Set up interfaces with in-house or point of sale database software.
6. Understand data security and integrity including back up strategies.
7. Develop familiarity with both small office database systems (ie.MS Access) and with a "big
system" database (Oracle).
VOCABULARY: This list provides some characteristic terminology relevant to the course, but is not meant
to be exhaustive or prescriptive.
Hierarchical data models
Relational data models
Attributes
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Query-By-Example (QBE)
Minor update by L. Quinn 10/08
flat file
Network data models
Virtual Basic Tables
Keys
macro creation
Fields
legacy software
RAID
Records