ISM 218.01, Spring 2014
Database Systems
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
The Bryan School of Business and Economics
Department of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management
Instructor:
Office:
Email:
Office Hours:
Rozan Maghrabi
485 Bryan Building
romaghra@uncg.edu
Mondays 1:00 to 2:00 pm
or by appointment
Class Meets: M W F 12:00 – 12:50 pm
Class Room: Bryan 128
Meeting Dates: Jan. 13, 2014 – Apr. 29, 2014
Website: http://blackboard.uncg.edu
Course Description:
Database management systems form the backbone of virtually every modern corporate
information system. The database supports the organization’s highly structured, operational
activities (e.g. inventory, sales, and marketing) as well as the ad hoc, strategic managerial
analysis of complex business decision problems (e.g. new product introduction, off-shoring, and
downsizing). Without a well-designed and intelligently implemented database, the organization
will have a difficult time surviving and remaining competitive in the market.
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of database, as well as modeling, design,
implementation, and management. After finishing this course, students should obtain a good
understanding about data and database systems, and acquire hands-on experience with a current
state-of-the-art database management system development tool.
Course Objectives:
The objectives of this course are twofold:
(1) Provide an introduction to the design of relational databases through the use of EntityRelationship Diagrams and Normalization procedures, and
(2) Develop basic skills in the use of SQL in defining and creating a database, inserting and
modifying entries in a table, and manipulating the database to produce useful decision
making information for management.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
Understand how database systems are used in various types of businesses;
Model database requirements using Entity-Relationship diagram;
Design, implement, and use a relational database;
Apply the concepts of normalization in database design;
Use SQL to create complex queries, generate reports and administer a database.
Required Textbooks:
• Databases DeMystified (2nd Edition) by Andy Oppel, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011.
ISBN: 978-0-07-174799-8
• SQL DeMystified by Andy Oppel, New York: McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2005.
ISBN: 978-0-07-226224-7
1|Page
Instructional Method:
This course will be delivered by mixing lectures with hand-on computer exercises (students will
be asked to bring their laptops to some of the classes). In most classes, a conceptual lecture is
given on selected topics related to databases. The lecture is generally followed by hands-on
exercises. To enhance learning of concepts and techniques covered in this course, we will rely
on the textbooks, class lectures, class discussions, and in-class exercises. To further facilitate
learning, each database topic covered in class will be complemented with exercises and Q&A.
Learning from reading is essential in any course, and this one is no exception. You will
encounter in the lecture everything you need to know to successfully complete the assignments,
project, and the exams. Moreover, you are expected to read ahead, and may be called upon in
the classes to summarize or discuss the readings. The class project challenges the students to
apply the knowledge learned in class. Class instruction will be used to help students analyze
business-related problems and design data model solutions to those problems. Quizzes and
exams will be used to evaluate the students’ performances in terms of the student learning
outcomes.
Performance Evaluation and Grading:
Student performance will be evaluated using: class attendance and participation, exercises,
exams (3), quizzes (10), and a group project. The course grade will be calculated using the
following weights:
Exam (1)
20%
Exam (2)
20%
Exam (3)
20%
Project
20%
12 Quizzes (lowest two dropped)
10%
Attendance/Participation
5%
Class Exercises
5%
Total
100%
Grading Scale:
97-100%= A+
87-89% = B+
77-79% = C+
67-69% = D+
93-96% = A
83-86% = B
73-76% = C
63-66% = D
90-92% = A–
80-82% = B–
70-72% = C–
60-62% = D–
Below 60% = F
Quizzes and Exams:
Quizzes are scantron-based. Exams are both scantron-based and written entries. For some
exams, a part will assigned to be completed by the student individually outside of the class
period. It is the responsibility of the student to properly complete all information as requested.
No makeup quizzes or exams will be given for any reason. If a student must miss an exam
because of a valid excuse (illness, death in the immediate family – no work related excuses)
2|Page
contact the instructor BEFORE the exam to make special arrangements and bring an appropriate
note from your physician, clergy, etc. Additional instructions for exams will be provided later in
the course.
Assignment Exercises:
All assignment exercises are due at the BEGINNING of the class period, on the scheduled due
date. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of deliverable due dates. Make-up
assignments will not be given. Assignments submitted after the due date may not be accepted
but, if they are based on valid excuse and submitted before the solutions are shared by the
instructor, there will be a minimum of a 20% reduction for each day late. Please do not
procrastinate on the assignments.
Project Deliverables:
All project deliverables are due at the BEGINNING of the class period, on the scheduled due
date. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of deliverable due dates. Late submissions
will not be accepted. Work turned in after class starts will be counted as late and will be
assessed a grading penalty. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor promptly
(in advance if possible) of any issue that may impact the completion of any work by the
scheduled completion date. Additional instructions for the project will be provided later in the
course.
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend all classes, to arrive on time, and to stay until dismissed. Late
arrivals are unprofessional, distracting, and unacceptable. Poor performance in this course is
directly related to poor attendance. Failure to attend class will result in class participation point
reductions. When absent, it is the student’s responsibility to ascertain missed information,
including special announcements that are made in class. Students are expected to conduct
themselves in a professional manner.
Oral and Written Communication Content:
Active study and discussions enhance the classroom learning. Students are encouraged and
expected to come to class prepared to ask questions and to answer a few. Additionally, students
will be required to contribute to class discussion and exercise.
Electronic Mail and Electronic Communications: This class will utilize the BlackBoard (BB)
system for the distribution of materials, assignments, and communications. Students should
become familiar with the Blackboard (http://blackboard.uncg.edu) as soon as possible. I
frequently send announcements containing important class information. Please be sure to check
blackboard and UNCG email on a regular basis for any updates. Be careful about asking other
students about changes in quiz/test dates or any information contained in this syllabus. Any
significant changes will be communicated by me during class time, via UNCG email, or
blackboard announcement.
Course Evaluation:
Each student will be asked to complete an on-line course evaluation near the end of the course.
This evaluation is important to the instructor and the university in our efforts to continually
3|Page
improve the delivery of our courses. Additional information about the evaluation will be
provided later in the course.
Faculty and Student Guidelines:
(for complete information, see http://www.uncg.edu/bae/faculty_student_guidelines_sp07.pdf)
The administration, faculty, staff, and students of the Bryan School of Business and Economics
at UNCG are committed to professional and ethical behavior in all areas of their academic and
professional lives. The principles and expectations established in this document and the
addendums encompass many aspects of professional behavior and integrity. It is not an
exhaustive list, since change is part of life both inside and outside the university. This set of
Guidelines constitutes a statement of values and expectations; concerns and issues are still best
addressed by conversations between the individual faculty member and student. If further
discussions are necessary, please contact the faculty member’s Department Head.
Expectations of Faculty:
Faculty in the Bryan School must conform to all existing UNCG codes and policies, and their
teaching roles are of particular relevance to these Guidelines. For further details see:
http://provost.uncg.edu/faculty/h_section4.asp.
Expectations of Students:
Students in the Bryan School must conform to all existing principles found in UNCG’s
Academic Integrity Policy and the Student Code of Conduct.
Academic Integrity Policy:
University students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards
of academic honesty. A student is subject to penalty for academic misconduct, such as illicit
possession of exams or exam materials, forgery, or plagiarism. Plagiarism is the presentation of
the work of another, as one’s own work. Discussing your assignments with other students can be
a valuable learning resource; however, each student is expected to do their own original work. It
is the student’s responsibility to prove their work is original, if challenged.
All students are required to follow the provisions of the UNCG Academic Integrity Policy
(http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu/complete/) in completing coursework. If you do not know the
provisions of the Academic Integrity Policy, make time to study it. Each student is required to
sign the Academic Integrity Pledge on all major work submitted for the course. Students
will receive an administrative “F” in the course and an academic integrity violation will be
filed with the Office of the Dean of Students for the first offense. Additionally, the contents
of the Academic Integrity Policy may be covered on quiz/exam. The addendum to the
Guidelines lists specific expectations of students regarding the learning process
and environment at the Bryan School and is available at:
http://www.uncg.edu/bae/faculty_student_guidelines_sp07.pdf
Disability Services:
If you have any type of learning or physical disability, please contact the UNCG Office of
Disability Services in Suite 208 EUC. You must register/petition with them first. The Disability
office will contact us once your request is approved.
4|Page
Inclement Weather:
For information on adverse weather visit the UNCG homepage (www.uncg.edu) or call the
following numbers: Adverse Weather Hotline (336-334-4400), Campus Switchboard (336- 3345000), or University Police (336-334-5963).
5|Page