Homework: Modeling Report on Existing Practices- Data Modelling & Database Design
Context:
The MIS602 Data Modelling & Database Design subject is designed for you to progressively add to your understanding of data and database management and its relevance with in business context. It also introduces you to some of the key features of database management system and designing database systems that will feature in later modules of this topic. In order for you to do well in this subject, it is imperative that you undertake all of the learning activities in the modules. The learning activities are presented as a way of scaffolding your learning so that you can attempt the building blocks of the homeworks and be in a safe environment to fail and to learn from them. Therefore, doing your learning activities and seeking feedback from them from peers and from the learning facilitator is the single best way of preparing for doing well in this homework.
Introduction:
This homework is based on the following scenario:
ABC library is a small community library in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. In the recent years, its collection of books and the number of registered users have increased significantly facing difficulties in manually handling its main functions efficiently. To improve its services, the senior management of the library has considered a computerized library management system. The library has a rich collection of books with different genres such as fiction, biography, and history to name a few. The main functions considered for computerizing include searching of book collection based on author name, book title and genre. For this, the system should allow common functions including add, delete and modification of book details. Similarly, the library also wants to keep records of all the transactions- book issue and return. Finally, the system should allow the library staff to view all transactions and associated borrowers (library members) for each transaction, transaction date and the library staff who handled each transaction.
This homework comprises of TWO parts.
PART A
Requirements: Based on this scenario, you should identify key business data objects and their attributes and define them as columns in a spreadsheet using MS excel or similar software. For this you are required to create multiple versions, ideally one file with 4 sheets with each sheet numbered with the version number, of the spreadsheet file as per below instruction:
i. Version 1 (V1.0): List all the data objects and their attributes as columns, and then add at least 10 rows of data.
ii. Version 2 (V1.1): Update last 2 records (highlight in blue) and add 5 additional records (highlight in yellow) to each data object identified.
iii. Version 3 (V1.2): Add 2 new attributes (highlight in red) to each data object identified.
iv. Version 4 (V1.3) : Remove 1 existing attribute from each data object and add 5 more rows of data (highlight in green).
After completing the spreadsheet versions, you are required produce and experience/reflection report (1000 words) in a word document summarizing your experience of doing these tasks.
Submission: Your submission must composed of the following files, which must be submitted to Blackboard on or before Week 4, Thursday 23:59 (Sydney time)
i. Spreadsheet file.
ii. Experience/Reflection report (Approximately 1000 words) in a word document summarizing your experience of doing this homework.
Note: On the following day, you will receive another student's spreadsheet via email to review, for which you are required to write a short critique. This is explained in the following section.
PART B:
Requirements: Based on the spreadsheet you received, you are required to write a critique of approximately 500 words. Please note that your critique should provide constructive feedback highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement in the report, as well as any new knowledge gained from evaluating the authors report. You should provide feedback on overall design of the database, and fulfil the following minimum requirements:
i. Comment on the overall design of the database including the appropriateness of data objects and the attributes taken into consideration.
ii. Provide constructive criticism on how author could enhance the overall database design, data objects and attributes.
iii. Provide at least 4 useful readings the author may peruse to enhance understanding of business data objects and their characteristics.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.