INF-21306 Data Management

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Fluency in English, at ease with computers, basic mathematics.

Continuation courses:

Thesis work, INF-31306 Information Systems for Managers and Engineers and INF-50806 Agent-Based Modelling of Complex Adaptive Systems.

Contents:

This is a first but thorough course in data management. Includes extensive practical work in the design, construction and use of databases in the students' field of study. Practical work involves SQL and Microsoft Access, possibly other database software such as Oracle. The main focus is on research data.

Learning outcomes:

To become competent as a manager of data and a worker with data models and databases. After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate a managerial perspective on an organization's memory;
- apply concepts of relational database design including various syntax and diagramming conventions, keys and relations;
- use an Entity/Relationship diagramming tool for designing a database;
- create (meaning design) a database for a realistic problem situation in their field of study;
- construct a relational database in MS Access, MySQL / PHP or in another selected (web-based) database, including integrity constraints;
- construct complex data retrieval queries to a database using SQL (Structured Query Language).

Activities:

- take a tutorial in a database package (MS Access or MySQL/PHP);
- do realistic database design exercises;
- do advanced database querying exercises;
- study the course book "Data Management";
- perform a database development project in a team about a topic in the students' field of study, write a report on it, present the results.

Examination:

- individual multiple choice closed book exam (minimal 5.0: 50% of final grade):
- team assignment (minimal 5.5: 50% of final grade).
Re-exams: individual open book exam.

Literature:

Blackboard offers all support material:
study guide, explanatory texts, self tests, sample exam questions and sample project results of prior teams.
The book for the course is:
Richard T. Watson. Data Management, Databases and Organizations. Fifth or 6th ed. New York: John Wiley ISBN 9781118683248.
See http://www.wageningenur.nl/inf