Case:
As we noted in the introduction, data warehousing -- the systematic accumulation of large amounts of data from multiple sources -- and data mining -- techniques for extracting meaning from those data -- have become the hallmarks of virtually all large organizations and many smaller ones. As the costs of acquiring data continued to plummet and the cost of storing it almost approaches zero, network organizational databases have become increasingly important to basic decision-making. While the jury is still out on whether decisions made on the basis of processing large amounts of data are substantially better than those made on other grounds, such as professional judgment and/or experience, there is no doubt that this trend will continue and probably accelerate at least through the next decade. Therefore, it becomes extremely necessary for prospective information technology managers to understand how such databases are constructed and how they can be used for decision purposes.
The first step in this case is to become moderately familiar with the terminology of databases and data processing. Here are two good sources to give you this background; if you are still uncertain about things or want to look into certain aspects in more detail, the optional readings provide additional material for you to consult:
VCILT Web TV (20111) Introduction to Data Warehousing and Data Mining.
Youtube video. Retrieved December 20, 2011, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGDuD10U4-M
Gunther, O. (2011) Database Management Systems. Slideshare Presentation.
When you feel somewhat comfortable with this language, please review the following paper describing an exercise in data warehousing and data mining conducted by a Nigerian university using data drawn from its own student records and learning management system. Hopefully, this will resonate with your own experience, since Trident University is hoping to implement its own learning management system soon and use it not only to manage coursework but to collect useful data for planning purposes. Please pay particular attention to the kinds of data being assembled and the kinds of questions being asked of the data:
Akintola K.G., Adetunmbi A.O., and Adeola O.S. (2011) Building Data Warehousing And Data Mining From Course Management Systems: A Case Study of Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Course Management Information Systems. Information Technology for People-Centred Development (ITePED 2011).
Case Assignment
When you've had a chance to read this article, review information from the background readings and research other sources on your own, please prepare a short paper on the topic:
- Important information that Trident University might be able to obtain by warehousing and mining student records and learning management system data.
Assignment Expectations
Your paper should be between three and five pages. Take a definite stand on the issues, and develop your supporting argument carefully. Using material from the background information and any other sources you can find to support specific points in your argument is highly recommended; try to avoid making assertions for which you can find no support other than your own opinion.
Your paper should be short (5-7 pages, not including cover sheet and references) and to the point. You are expected to:
- relate the questions you identify to specific kinds of data
- indicate why you believe that the questions you identify are important to the University, and the kinds of decisions that you expect to be affected
- identify any problems you see in assembling and/or analyzing the data
You will be particularly assessed on:
- Precision: Your draw on a range of sources, and to establish your understanding of the historical context of the question. You carried out the exercise as assigned, or carefully explained the limitations that might have prevented your completing some parts (running out of time isn't generally considered an adequate limitation).
- Support for assertions: You use examples, citations (especially to the required readings), and elaboration to support assertions. You provide evidence that you have read the required background materials.
- Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic. You see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly.
- Breadth and Depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module.
- Critical thinking: The paper incorporates YOUR reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business that illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts. It is important to read the "required readings" posted in the background material plus others you find relevant. Your informed commentary and analysis is vital -- simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
- Overall quality: Your paper is well written and the references, where needed, are properly cited and listed (refer to Trident's Student Guide to Writing a High-Quality Academic Paper) if you are uncertain about formats or other issues.
SLP
You'll remember that we're using a common basic format for the Project assignments in all Modules -- that is, the review of relevant professional development websites.
Specifically, for the Session Long Project for this Module, you are to review the information-management site
You should do the following:
- Look over the range of articles and other resources linked there.
- Follow up links that interest you. In general, become familiar with its contents. If you don't know where to start, you may want to focus on "infrastructure" (such as "Network Infrastructure" link to the left side of the menu if you scroll down).
- Pay special attention on the subject of this module and learn as much as you can.
- Look over the career links. Anything interest you? Any interesting themes there?
Then write your review.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your paper should be two to three pages in length, and reflect your personal experiences with this issue. The important part of all these project assignments is to carefully assess your own experiences with the topic, and then reflect critically on what you might have learned about yourself and about situations through this assessment process.
The more that you can use the exercise to develop personal implications for your growth as a potential business person as well as a moral individual, the more value you'll get out of the exercise.
The general format valid for such reviews in ALL your SLPs here is:
- a short summary description of the website's structure, purpose, pros and cons
- a comprehensive discussion on what you learn from this website regarding the subject of this module (at least half of your write-up should be devoted to this discussion). you can choose to provide a general review, or focus on one theme of your most interest.
- links that you find helpful to follow up
- why you will or will not find it a useful addition to your professional resources list
- any other things about the site that you find salient and worth noting to others
- bottom-line evaluation of its value to you in this program
The last point is very important. Be honest and direct; your assessment is helpful to you and to others. If you don't find it helpful, say so and why, and try to explain what you would find more useful in its place. But also do try to remember also that your education isn't yet finished, that things you don't understand now and don't yet see the value of may turn out later on to be relevant and useful, and that the site's creators may know more about the topic and the profession than you do yet.
Your paper will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Precision: You carried out the exercise as assigned, or carefully explained the limitations that might have prevented your completing some parts (running out of time isn't generally considered an adequate limitation).
- Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic.
- Breadth and Depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module.
- Critical thinking: The paper incorporates YOUR reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business that illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts.
- Overall quality: Your paper is well written and the references, where needed, are properly cited and listed (refer to Trident's Student Guide to Writing a High-Quality Academic Paper) if you are uncertain about formats or other issues.