Saint Ambrose University
MBA 780-A Database Management
Spring 2006

 Guide to the syllabus

This is a hyperlinked syllabus and is subject to change! The current version is available on my web site at the following URL: http://dr.grenier.home.mchsi.com/SAU/Syllabus.html

Prerequisites:

None

Course Objectives:

Upon the successful completion of this course, a student should:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of data management issues.

2. Be able to apply conceptual data modeling techniques to define database designs for business information systems.

3. Be able to use query languages to define, maintain and query relational databases. Emphasis will be on the Structured Query Language (SQL) and Query by Example (QBE).

Learning Methods:

We will be using a blend of theory, discussions, case studies, and exercises. Discussion will be conducted on Blackboard and is mandatory.

Participation in the Blackboard discussion is of paramount importance! Be prepared by completing the assigned readings and exercises. I offer you the following suggestions for attaining the maximum benefit from the readings. Each chapter in the text begins with Learning Objectives and concludes with a Summary and a list of Key Terms and Concepts. Some chapters also include an Introduction. Read the learning objectives, introduction (if present), and summary first, and then read the chapter. This practice will make the chapter more understandable on the first reading. When you are done with the chapter, review the key terms and concepts list. If any item is not fully understood, look it up in the glossary at the end of the text.

Text:

Richard T. Watson, Data Management: Databases and Organizations Fourth Edition, 2002. ISBN 0-471-34711-6.

If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft Access, several relevant titles are available at local bookstores. As an alternative, you could browse the cybershelves at amazon.com.

Supplementary Materials:

I will create Mind Maps for most of the concepts discussed in the text using Mind Manager 2000 software from Mindjet. I will publish these as PDF files.

Database tables for working examples and exercises are stored in the CONTENT area of Blackboard

An RTF document containing the various incantations of the tables used in the CD library case found at the end of chapters 3 though 6 of the Watson text. The tables can be copied and pasted (Paste Append) into Access tables in the datasheet view. You can find it in the CONTENT area of Blackboard

There are numerous online magazines devoted to computer technology and related issues. An extensive set of hypertext links is available on my web site. A couple of links to online database magazines or resources are:

Data Management Review
Database Programming & Design Archives
data-warehouse.com
DB2 Magazine
Intelligent Enterprise

Some links to major DBMS software companies are:

IBM
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle
Sybase

Software:

We will be using the following software:

Microsoft Access -- a microcomputer-based DBMS with application development and some client/server capabilities. Access 2000 is installed on St Ambrose lab computers. If you do not have this software available, you might want to try OpenOffice.org's Base.

Software of your choice to draw data models (ERDs, etc.). If you do not have access to such software, I suggest downloading Smart Draw from the Internet http://www.smartdraw.com

Internet email and Blackboard will be used extensively for communication and collaboration. Be sure to check your email regularly each week. Students may submit questions and suggestions via email. I will email answers and responses individually or to the class as appropriate. When completed, assignments should be submitted to the Digital Dropbox as PDF files. If you do not have an ISP (Internet Service Provider), the University provides all students with accounts.

The Web will be used to access Blackboard, the current course syllabus, other pertinent materials, and for research. The text's author maintains a web site for the text.

Presentation graphics software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, will be useful for preparing your Research Project presentation.

Grading:

Administrative Considerations:

· Since assignments can be submitted via Blackboard or email, there is no excuse for late assignments.

· Assignments must be received on the due date. Late assignments will not be accepted.

Database Exercises: (further detail is available in the Assignments section of Blackboard)

Database Design Project:

See Blackboard for details

Schedule: