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Course profile

Information Retrieval and Management (BISM7206)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Business School

Data analysis, design and policy issues in business situations. Business issues in relation to database management, conceptual modelling, and data modelling in business applications. Using structured Query Language (SQL) to uncover critical information for business decision making. Business intelligence via data warehousing and data mining. Applications of database systems in a business context. Critical analysis and discussion of recent business research into database systems.

Data plays an integral role in decision-making within modern organisations. Therefore, data needs to be managed efficiently and effectively to enable easy, timely, informative, and accurate access to relevant and useful data. This forms the underlying framework and rationale for the learning content in BISM7206.ᅠ

This course provides students with an overall understanding of the relational database model and seeks to develop each student's ability to design and retrieve information from relational databases.ᅠThese skills will be further enhanced through learning Structured Query Language (SQL). The course seeks to develop students' knowledge and understanding of database elements including data integrity, domains,ᅠrecovery, concurrency, security, and other similar concepts. Overall, students will learn how to: construct data models and normalised tables designed to help achieve business objectives; evaluate and apply integrity constraints including domains, primary keys, and foreign keys; understand the concept of nulls and how this concept applies to SQL queries and database design; use SQL to retrieve relevant information for business purposes; andᅠunderstand the importance of database design elements in business applications. Students will also gain an appreciation of the benefits and requirements of distributed databases; and understand the relative advantages and disadvantages of relational and object-oriented databases and how these two models can coexist.

Course requirements

Assumed background

As the course will be both theoretical and practical ("hands on"), students are expected to be competent and comfortable using the University's systems as well as having some understanding of how business users utilise computer database applications to automate and enhance their business applications.ᅠ

Before attempting this course, students are advised that it is important to complete the appropriate prerequisite course(s) listed above. No responsibility will be accepted by the School of Business, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or the University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) has/have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever.

Companion or co-requisite courses

You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:

BISM7202 or MGTS7202 or 2 units of COMP/COMS/INFS courses

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

BISM2207 or 3203 or INFS1200 or 7900 or 7901 or MGTS3203 or 7206

Restrictions

Quota: Minimum of 15 enrolments

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please note: Teaching staff doᅠnotᅠhave access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you emailᅠbusiness.mytimetable@uq.edu.auᅠfrom your UQ student email account with the following details:

  • Full name,
  • Student ID, and
  • the Course Code

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to provide students with an overall understanding of the relational database model. Important database concepts, methodologies, tools and techniques are introduced to provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyse, design and develop well-structured and effective databases.ᅠStudents are introduced to data modelling techniques, entity relationship diagrams, and SQLᅠto develop their ability to design and retrieve information from relational databases. The course also aims to enhance students' understanding of data integrity, domains,ᅠrecovery, concurrency, security and other similar issues considered in the practical application of database management systems.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

understand and apply popular data modelling techniques and develop appropriate data structures for particular business environments

LO2.

understand and apply Structured Query Language (SQL) to extract data from relational information systems

LO3.

develop and apply data quality assurance procedures to improve data quality

LO4.

understand current Information Systems issues and identify how to exploit available data for corporate advantage

LO5.

develop and apply teamwork skills and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate and contribute to information systems development projects

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Examination In-Semester Exam 20% Individual

27/08/2024 10:00 am

During Lecture Time - Between 8 and 10am

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Product/ Design, Project Team Project 40% Group

18/10/2024 5:00 pm

Examination Assessment Task 3 - Final Exam 40% Individual

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Assessment details

In-Semester Exam

Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
20% Individual
Due date

27/08/2024 10:00 am

During Lecture Time - Between 8 and 10am

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

The exam will be undertaken individually via the link on Blackboard. Once you have started the exam, you will have the full duration to complete the questions and then submit your answers electronically. This assessment task covers learning materials presented in lectures, tutorials and the relevant textbook chapters from week 1 to week 5 inclusive. Further information about the exam will be presented during lectures. 

AI Statement:

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time no planning time minutes
Duration 60 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Exam platform Learn.UQ
Invigilation

Not invigilated

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Late submission

Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.

Team Project

Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Product/ Design, Project
Weight
40% Group
Due date

18/10/2024 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Ideally, Assessment Task 2 will be undertaken in teams of 4 students; the course coordinator may approve different team sizes but only under extenuating circumstances. Team members must be enrolled in the same tutorial class to allow some teamwork to be conducted during tutorials (this is a mandatory requirement and will not be open to negotiation).

Students are reminded that a key Learning Objective of this course is the ability to work in teams, and this assessment task directly addresses that Learning Objective. Accordingly, students are required to work in teams unless prior, special arrangements are in place with the course coordinator. Zero marks will apply if this requirement is not addressed.

This assessment task provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

  • effective collaboration and teamwork skills;
  • demonstrate their understanding of database concepts; and
  • their ability to design, develop and implement a well-structured relational database that effectively supports the given case study business requirements

Students will also be required to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to use SQL. While it is anticipated that the fundamental knowledge and skills will be developed through lecture and tutorial materials, students will be required to undertake additional research to further develop the skills required to successfully complete this assessment task. 

Students are required to submit a professional business report including professional modelling diagrams, supporting documentation and SQL scripts using app.diagrams.net for drawing models (freely available on the Web). SQL scripts are to be created using MySQL Workbench software which is available on UQ's "Digital Workspace" or Virtual Machine and in the BEL labs. In addition, students must submit confidential self and peer evaluations to enable assessment of team member contributions.

Assessment guidelines along with team requirements, the case study description, marking rubric and specifications will be available under the Assessment link on Blackboard.

AI Statement:

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

The assignment should be submitted as one Word document (docx) including modelling diagrams and a copy of the SQL scripts. Your assignment is to be submitted through Turnitin (via the Assessment link on Blackboard).

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessment Task 3 - Final Exam

Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
40% Individual
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

The Final Examination will consist of multiple choice, short answer and problem solving questions based on learning materials presented in lectures, tutorials and the relevant chapters of the textbook from week 4 to week 13 inclusive.

Further details about the exam will be discussed in lectures and posted to the Blackboard course site.

AI Statement:

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 90 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 29

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 30 - 46

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 47 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Additional course grading information

Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1
Lecture

Course Overview and Intro to DBMS

Introduction to database management including traditional file-based systems, the database management system and fundamental database concepts. 

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Week 2
Tutorial

Tutorial 1: Data & Information

Difference between data and information; importance of data and information; 3-level architecture; database case study. 

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Lecture

Entity Relationship Modelling

Entity relationship modelling is explored in terms of a data driven approach using entity-relationship diagrams including design elements such as entities, relationships, attributes, keys and multiplicity.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 3
Tutorial

Tutorial 2: Entity Relationship Modelling

Identify entities and relationships; review multiplicity and other relevant concepts; ERM practical exercises.

Learning outcomes: L01

Lecture

The Relational Model

Relational model concepts are discussed including specific terminology, keys, views and integrity constraints.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Week 4
Tutorial

Tutorial 3: Relational Modelling

Practical exercises and concepts - relations, keys, integrity constraints; create a relational model and relational schema.

Royal Queensland Show Public Holiday - Wednesday 14 Aug 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Lecture

Structured Query Language (I)

Introduction to basic SQL DDL and DML statements. 

Royal Queensland Show Public Holiday - Wednesday 14 Aug 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Week 5
Tutorial

Tutorial 4: SQL Practical Exercises

SQL practical exercises.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Lecture

Structured Query Language (II)

Exploring aggregation and grouping, and relational operations to enable search conditions and order/grouping of results.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Week 6
Lecture

in-class exam

In-Semester Exam will also take place during this lecture.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Week 7
Tutorial

Tutorial 6: SQL Practical Exercises

SQL practical exercises.

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Normalisation

Explore how normalisation supports database design and how concepts such as partial, transitive, and functional dependencies enable the logical database design to transition and conform to particular normal forms.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 8
Tutorial

Tutorial 7: Normalisation

Practical exercises on dependencies and normalisation concepts.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Transaction Management

We focus on some important functions that a DBMS should provide including transaction management, concurrency control and recovery control.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Week 9
Tutorial

Tutorial 8: Transaction Management

Practical exercises on transaction management.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Lecture

Data warehousing and Data Integration

We expand our knowledge of database applications with an introduction to data warehousing and data integration.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Mid Sem break
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

In-Semester Break

Week 10
Tutorial

Tutorial 9: Data Warehousing and Team Project

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Lecture

Data Security and Guest Lecture

Security issues and how they might be addressed are considered in relation to the DBMS and its environment.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Week 11
Tutorial

Tutorial 10: Team Project

King's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 7 Oct 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05

Lecture

Data Management and Data Quality

Data is a valuable resource and access to accurate, current and informative data is critical to business success. Therefore, data needs to be managed and organised like other business assets.

King's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 7 Oct 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 12
Tutorial

Tutorial 11: Data Quality & Team Project

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05

Lecture

Distributed Database Management Systems

We examine distributed DBMSs including concepts, problems, technologies and protocols.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Week 13
Tutorial

Tutorial 12: Distributed database management systems

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Lecture

Overview and Big Data & Technologies

Exploring why data management technologies and approaches have expanded beyond relational databases and data warehousing.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.