Unit 33 Data Analysis and Design

·       Aim

To provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, design, query and implement database systems.

·       Unit abstract

An understanding of database tools and technologies is key to many of today’s industries. Database systems are predominant in the world of IT, and continue to demand more complex data structures and interface, as applications get increasingly sophisticated.

Databases provide the infrastructure to many organisations, and they offer support to key business applications and information systems. The most common database model used commercially is the relational one.

The aim of this unit is to provide a knowledge and understanding of database systems including design principles, practical implementation and development skills for both the system designer and software engineer. The importance of structured query languages should be stressed, in terms of how they can be used to manipulate data and how they are used for a variety of tasks including querying and report writing.

On completion of this unit the learner should be able to understand, design, query and implement a database(s). Learners will also have a theoretical insight into the requirement for designing a database that meets a given user or system requirement and that is functional, user friendly and robust.

·       Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

1. Understand data models and database technologies
2. Be able to design and implement relational database systems
3. Be able to use manipulation and querying tools
4. Be able to test and document relational database systems.

Unit content

1         Understand data models and database technologies

Data models: Hierarchical; Network; Relational; data manipulation languages; data definition languages; data independence; data redundancy issues; data integrity; schema; eg tables fields relationships, views, indexes; conceptual scheme; physical scheme, data dictionary.

Approaches: top down and bottom up; tools and techniques eg entity analysis, Entity Relation Diagrams (ERDs), determinancy diagrams, data flow diagrams; entities; attributes and key identifiers; relationship types and enterprise rules; degrees of relationships; functional dependency; first, second and third normal forms

New developments: dynamic storage; data mining and data warehousing; web enabled database applications; other developments eg multimedia databases, document management systems, digital libraries

2         Be able to design and implement relational database systems

Designs: data types; entity and referential constraints; conversion of logical database design to a physical implementation; tools and techniques; issues around the degree of normalisation chosen; verification and validity checks; data definition; control mechanisms

Requirements: requirements specification; relational requirements; other requirements eg need to integrate with legacy systems, future requirements, timescales, costs.

User interface: requirements eg functionality, reliability, consistency, performance, menu driven, HCI interface

3         Be able to use manipulation and querying tools

Data manipulation: query languages; visual tools; typical tasks eg for database maintenance, inserts, updates and amendments

Queries and reporting: query languages and query by example (QBE); formatting; functions/formulae; report writing tools

4         Be able to test and document relational database systems

Control mechanisms. example systems eg TQM(Total Quality Management); connection to requirements specification; sign off procedures.

Testing procedures: test plans; test models eg white box, black box; test documentation; other eg organisational requirements; user documentation eg help menu, pop-ups, hot-spots

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Learning outcomes   On successful completion of this unit a learner will:	Assessment criteria for pass   The learner can:
LO1 Understand data models and database technologies	critically compare different data models and schemascritically discuss the benefits and limitations of different database technologiesanalyse different approaches to database design
LO2 Be able to design and implement relational database systems	design a relational database system to meet a given requirementbuild a relational database system based on a prepared designapply a range of database tools and techniques to enhance the user interface
LO3 Be able to use manipulation and querying tools	explain the benefits of using manipulation and query tools in a relational database systemimplement a query language into the relational database systemcritically evaluate how meaningful data has been extracted through the use of query tools
LO4 Be able to test and document relational database systems	critically review and test a relational database systemcreate documentation to support the implementation and testing of a relational database systemcreate user documentation for a developed relational database systemexplain how verification and validation has been addressedexplain how control mechanisms have been used.

Guidance

Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications

The learning outcomes associated with this unit are closely linked with:

Level 3	Level 4	Level 5
Unit 21: Data Analysis and Design	Unit 17: Database Design Concepts

This unit has links to the Level 4 and Level 5 National Occupational Standards for IT and Telecoms Professionals, particularly the areas of competence of:

• Data Analysis
  • Data Design.