Course Title: Build a database

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

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

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 Feb 10, 2014 

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
• DB concepts (Sem 1 ) - review.
• Data Structures.
• Analyse current strategic plan of organisation. 

 

 

ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 

2  Feb 17, 2014
  • Intro to example Project and solution.
  • Analyse business data - Develop Business Rules and identifty business operations.
  • Analyse current business documents - reports
  • Analyse current strategic plan of organisation continued.
  •  TASK 1 - Project Specs issued
  • TASK 1 - Project Teams formed
ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
3 Feb 24, 2014 
  • Example Project - Continued
  • Analyse Business Data - Identify boundaries of the system.
  • Analyse current business documents - forms
  • Determine possible IT gaps.
  ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
4 March 3, 2014 
  • Example Project - Continued
  • Analyse Business Data - Identify possible entities..
  • Analyse current business documents - queries.
  • Document the effect of IT developments.
 TASK 1 (Project) Stage 1 - draft due for feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
5 March 10, 2014  
  • Example Project - Continued
  • Case studies - ERD
  • Build Prototype.
  • Intro to VBA.
  • Review current IT systems supported by the organisation.
TASK 1 (Project) Stage 1 due ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A 
6 March 17, 2014  

 

  • Case studies - ERD Continued.
  • Build Prototype.
  • VBA Continued - Loops.
  • Compare IT infrastructure.
Task 1 : Stage 1 feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
7 March 24, 2014  
  • Example Project - Continued
  • VBA - DAO objects.                           
  • Confirm DB Design. Document inconsistencies in DB design.
  • Objectives and implications of introducing changes.
 Task 1 : Stage 1 feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
8 March 31, 2014  
  • Example Project - Continued
  • VBA continued - Entering 5000 records
  • Objectives and implications of introducing changes  - continued.
TASK 1 (Project) Stage 2 - draft due for feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
9 April 7, 2014 
  • Example Project - Continued
  • Importing Data from existing system.
  • Identify key stake holders.
TASK 1 (Project) Stage 2 - draft due for feedback ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A
 
10 April 14, 2014 
  • Determinant & Dependencies
  • Install DBMS.
  • Form
  • Security design concepts & implementation.
  • Develop plans - organisational policy and procedures. 
TASK 1 (Project)Stage 2 - Due ICASAD501A
ICADBS412A
ICAICT511A 
MID SEMESTER Easter Break - Friday April 18, 2014 - Friday April 25, 2014 inclusive
11 April 28, 2014 
  • Data Redundancy and Anomalies
  • Validation of data model by client.
  • Form continued
  • Implementation of security on MS SQL Server
  • Document action plans to standards.
  • TASK 1 - Project Stage 2  feedback
  • TASK 2 (Security) Due
  • ICASAD501A
  • ICADBS412A
  • ICAICT511A 

12

May 05, 2014

  • Steps in Normalisation, Normal Forms - 1 NF & 2NF & Relational Schema.
  • Report
  • Implementation plan.
  • Document action plans continued
  • TASK 2 (Security)  - Demonstration
TASK 1 - Project Stage 2 - feedback
  • ICASAD501A
  • ICADBS412A
  • ICAICT511A
13 May 12, 2014 
  • Steps in Normalisation, Normal Forms - 3NF
  • Document completed data model.
  • User training requirements.
  • Document action plans continued.
 TASK 1 - (Project) Stage 3 - draft feedback
  • ICASAD501A
  • ICADBS412A
  • ICAICT511A 
14 May 19, 2014    
  • Work on project. 
 TASK 1 - (Project) Stage 3 due
  • ICASAD501A
  • ICADBS412A
  • ICAICT511A 
15 May 26, 2014  
  • TASK 1 - (Project) Stage 3 - Demonstration
TASK 1 - (Project) Stage 3 - Demonstration
  • ICASAD501A
  • ICADBS412A 
  • ICAICT511A 
 16 June 02, 2014 
  • 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

Hoffer , Prescott & Topi, Modern Database Management 9/E , Prentice Hall, ISBN 978-0-13-600391-5


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 (Security).  You must successfully complete each task to be deemed competent in this unit.

The TASK 1 (Project) requires you to design, build and validate a Database application to process transaction and store the required data for a Hospital.

This Task consists of three stages: Stage 1 & 3 are team submissions and Stage 2 is an individual submission. You must successfully complete each stage to be deemed competent in this task.

Work for each stage of the project (outlined below) should be submitted on the due date, as per the Teaching Schedule.

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

During this stage you are required to conduct research either on the net or by visiting a hospital to analyse and understand the current and future requirements (including IT infrastructure) for implementing a database to record all data necessary for a smooth functioning of a hospital.

  • Analyse business and other data to identify area of business operations (as an example payments made by patients) and boundaries of the system.
  • Analyse and submit each of these documents – a form used for capturing data, invoice issued to a patient, a weekly report generated by hospital and one query used to extract data.
  • Based on the above analysis, develop business rules and identify possible entities.
  • Analyse IT infrastructure and identify possible IT gaps based on the strategic plan of the hospital. Also document the effect of IT developments.

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

 In continuation of stage 1, in this stage you need to design and build a prototype database for the hospital client. You also need to determine and evaluate the result of proposed IT changes.

  • Identify (or refine) business rules and assumptions from stage 1.
  • Draw ERD using VISIO tool with appropriate template.
  • Build prototype (with appropriate data types, PK and FK) with sample data in MS Access.
  • Write program / s to populate tables up to 50000 records in a table.
  • Determine and evaluate the effect of IT changes.

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

  • Re-examine ERD within the team and optimise it.
  • Modify and update ERD if client suggests changes to specifications.
  • Apply normalisation principles to refine the model.
  • Build prototype in MS Access with forms and reports as required by the client.
  • Build and validate the model on MS SQL Server.
  • Document the entire model, including training requirements.
  • Develop action plans to implement proposed changes in IT infrastructure.

Students will receive feedback or confirmation for each stage of submission. 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 1 (Project) 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 the complete model and training requirements.

 

  • You will be asked to demonstrate understanding of the project submission.
  •  Late submissions of work required for any stage of this project will be eligible for grading at CAG (Competency Achieved)  level only

TASK 2 (Security) : Individual and Team : (Due in Week 11)

  • Create user accounts in MS SQL Server. (Individual submission)
  • Test these accounts for READ, WRITE, DELETE AND UPDATE. (Individual submission)
  • Design organisational security plan (Team submission)
  • Compare database access and security feature design with organisational security plan (Team submission)


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.


Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf

Resubmissions (VET Programs):
If you are found to be Not Yet Competent in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is “CAG”.
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:
More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31

 
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