Course Title: Build a database

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: COSC6117C

Course Title: Build a database

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5300 - Diploma of Information Technology

Course Contact : Chandra Nannegari

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99251657

Course Contact Email:Chandra.Nannegari@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Leema Raymond

Email: leema.raymond@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 30

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to build and implement a database using an established design.

This unit is delivered using a blend of classroom based and self-paced learning activities.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICADBS412A Build a database

Element:

1. Confirm database design

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Review database design documentation, including data structures, queries, reports and user interface
1.2 Compare database access and security feature design with organisational security plan
1.3 Document inconsistencies in database and security design
 

Element:

2. Create prototype

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Develop prototype according to database design
2.2 Populate database tables with suitable data, including current business data
2.3 Write conversion programs to import data from existing systems
2.4 Develop test data to assess database features
2.5 Assess functionality of prototype with client, including identifying errors in program code and modifying screens and reports
2.6 Incorporate feedback from client into prototype
2.7 Obtain client sign-off for the prototype
 

Element:

3. Test database

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Develop implementation plan for the database
3.2 Install database management system software on network
3.3 Populate database tables with business data
3.4 Implement security and access controls
3.5 Test database output and security controls and record results
 

Element:

4. Evaluate database

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Review database with client for final approval
4.2 Complete database documentation
4.3 Identify and document user training requirements
4.4 Seek and secure client acceptance of database
 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

Learning activities will include laboratory-based sessions on a variety of topics as shown in the weekly breakdown. Learning activities will generally consist of both conceptual and practical computer exercises based on teacher handouts. Students should attend all sessions.

Students will also be expected to undertake work on a database project and other activities for homework.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
 


Teaching Schedule


The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
 

Week Week Commencing Topics Assessment Competencies Delivered 
1 08th July 2013

Pre-training review:
• RPL
• LLN as required

Familiarisation with:
• Program
• Services/facilities
• Other students
• Teacher(s)
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Pre-reading
• Blackboard

Overview of assessment requirements:
• Grading
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy

Course Topic
• Business Rules, Design & Build ERD (Basic ERD problems)
• Data Structures
• Analyse current strategic plan of organisation.
 

 

 

ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 

2 15th July 2013 • Business Rules continued.
• VBA basics and Loops
• Determine possible IT gaps.
  ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
3 22nd July 2013 • ERD continued . Analyse Business Data.
• VBA continued.
• Effect of IT developments.
 
TASK 1 - Project Specs issued
TASK 1 - Project Teams selected
ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
4 29th July 2013 • ERD continued. Identify boundaries of the system.
• Logical database design
• Review current IT systems.
 TASK 1 (Project) Stage 1 - draft feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
5 05th Aug 2013 • ERD continued.
• GUI Form Subform
• Review current IT systems continued.
TASK 1 (Project) Stage 1 due ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
6 12th Aug 2013 • Determinant & Dependencies
• Insert Update Form
• Compare IT infrastructure.
Task 1 (Project) : Stage 1 feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
7 19th Aug 2013 • Data Redundancy & Anomalies
• Confirm DB Design. Document inconsistencies in DB design.
• Objectives of changes continued.
  ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
8 26th Aug 2013 • Steps in Normalisation. Relational Schema. Normal Forms -1NF & 2NF
• Prototype created.
• Document findings.
  ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
Mid - Semester Break (Sept 2, 2013  to Sept 6, 2013)
9 09th Sept 2013 • Normal Forms - 3NF. Steps in Database Development. Identify suitable business data. Compare normalisation results with ERD. Reconcile differences between data.
• Install DBMS.
• Develop plans to implement proposed changes
 TASK 1 (Project) Stage 2 - draft feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
10 16th Sept 2013

• Index, Data Dictionary.
• Implement security and access controls.
• Develop plans continued.

Task 2 (Worksheet) involves security implementation and concepts.

TASK 1 (Project) Stage 2 due ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
11 23rd Sept 2013

• Validation of data model by client.
• Implement security continued
• Document action plans to standards.

Task 2 (Worksheet) involves security implementation and concepts.
 

TASK 1 (Project) Stage 2 - feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
12 30th Sept 2013 • Validation of data model continued.
• Implementation plan.
• Document action plans continued
TASK 1 (Project) Stage 2 - feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
13 07th Oct 2013 • Evaluate Database
• Feedback and approval
• User training requirements.
 TASK 1 (Project) Stage 3 - draft feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
14 14th Oct 2013 • Work on project.
• Task 1 (Project) demonstrations and feedback.
 
TASK 1 (Project) Stage 3 due
ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
15 21st Oct 2013 Task 1 (Project) demonstrations and feedback. continued  

ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A 

ICAICT511A

 

 16 28th Oct 2013 Course & assessment feedback. Re-submission of work if required   ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Peter Rob , Carlos Coronel & Steven Morris, Database Systems: Design, Implementation & Management, 10e Edition, Course Technology, ISBN 1-111-96960-4


References

Jorden, Joseph L. (2007), SQL Server 2005 DBA STREET SMARTS, Wiley Publishing, ISBN 0-470-08349-2  

Microsoft Office Access Help (Accompanying MS Access)

MS SQL Server Help - Online resources


Other Resources

Students may also refer to various Websites as indicated by the teacher.


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.

A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
• demonstration of techniques

Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.


Assessment Tasks

You have two tasks for assessment - TASK 1 (Project) and TASK 2 (Worksheet). You must successfully complete each task to be deemed competent in this unit.

The TASK 1 (Project) will be submitted in three stages. Stage 1 & 3 are team submissions and Stage 2 is an individual submission. The project provides an opportunity, to students, to demonstrate the skills they learn in this unit.

For this assessment task you will be asked to plan and develop a database along with IT infrastructure for a Car servicing centre in consultation with key stakeholders. You will first need to identify information sources, gather data and confirm client database requirements.

TASK 2(Worksheet in Week 10, 11) involves security implementation and security concepts and procedures.

Task 1 (Project ) Stage 1 (Team):(Due: Week 5)

Initial draft of proposal outlining details elicited by questioning the client

Model Data Objects

1. Area of business operations, as well as purpose & scope of database project
2. Key car servicing processes such as car service, payments , search & appointments etc.
3. Technical constraints including hardware & software e.g. DBMS
4. Any key business rules & particular database requirements

Build a Database

1. Sample business documents e.g. forms & reports from current system
2. Team member responsibilities & communication plan
3. Any issues requiring further clarification from key stakeholders (further questions)

Match IT

1. Analyse strategic plan of the organisation,
2. Identify IT gaps and
3. Document the effect of IT developments.

Task 1 (Project) Stage 2 (Individual): (Due: Week 10)

  • Further specifications if needed of the project provided.
  • A template will be provided with details for submission.
  • Prototype with sample data built in MS Access
  • Evaluate effect of IT changes.

Task 1 (Project) Stage 3 (Team): (Due: Week 14)

  • A template will be provided with details for submission.
  • Final project documentation, including access, security, and training.
  • Evaluate, effect and develop action plans.

Students will receive feedback or confirmation at each stage in relation to client requirements. In many cases changes or modifications will be required. It is therefore vital that any design documentation and other work required for each stage be submitted in a timely manner.

In order to be deemed competent in this task you will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of areas including (and not limited to) the following key areas:

  • Skills in gathering and analysing data to determine requirements
  • Ability to produce ERDs for a wide variety of scenarios
  • Ability to build and implement a database using established design.
  • Ability to normalise your tables to store data effectively
  • Ability to create objects such as forms and reports
  • Ability to write programs to simulate data and build flexibility in implementation
  • Ability to evaluate current IT infrastructure and develop IT services to meet future enterprise requirements.
  • Documentation of security and recovery procedures and training requirements.

You will be asked to demonstrate an understanding of the project submission.

  • Late submissions of work required for any stage of this project will be eligible for grading at pass level only.

 TASK 2 (Worksheet in Week 10, 11) involves security implementation and security concepts and procedures.
In order to be deemed competent in this task you will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge by implementing security features in MS SQL Server and also answer questions on security concepts and procedures.
 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Submission Requirements

Assessment tasks need to be submitted via Blackboard.

You should:

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
     
  • Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy).
  • Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.
     
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on blackboard.


Resubmission Guide:


Once a student has submitted an assessment task, a resubmission may be granted if deemed NYC. On resubmission, a student will not receive a grade higher than CAG (Competency achieved).

 
Marking Guide (Competency)

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT).

So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.

You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.

Please refer to the Final Grades table below.


Marking Guide (Grading):

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.

The grading will include the following criteria:

1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK

We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications. You should endeavour to demonstrate a high level of initiative in your approach to gathering data and designing your databases, particularly in the team project.

2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING

We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required to gather data and design a database. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of information gathering and data modelling techniques in each of the assessment tasks.

3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING

We are looking for a high level of skill in data gathering and database design techniques. In particular you will need to be familiar with the appropriate technology such as modern database management systems, including multi-user systems.

You will need also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in designing a  database and how these might be addressed. You will need to demonstrate a dgree of perseverence, and be able to use normalisation techniques to improve your designs.

4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT

You should aim to attend all class sessions and save your solutions to all exercises and assessment tasks you have completed, for example on your home drive or USB device. An organised folder structure is highly recommended.

It will be very advantageous to prepare for and review class materials using suggested resources, such as the recommended textbook or Websites indicated by your teacher.

We also expect to see ongoing progress your portfolio of documents for the project, full utilisation of Blackboard as per course guidelines and timely submission of all assessment tasks.

5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK

We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions and scheduled group sessions. For the project in particular you will need to work effectively in a team, and manage your work to ensure timely completion and client approval. You should therefore also liaise with key stakeholders, such as your client or teacher, on a regular basis throughout the project.


Final Grades Table:

CHD       Competent with High Distinction
CDI        Competent with Distinction
CC         Competent with Credit
CAG       Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC       Not Yet Competent
DNS       Did Not Submit for assessment

Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview