This week we are going to look at several examples (mini-cases) of business processes and their corresponding database schemas. Our first objective is to familiarize ourselves with relevant database theory and more specifically database normalization theory. The second objective is to learn how to visualize the basic database structure and information flow behind a business process.
Looking at these examples will provide us the foundation for transition to enterprise systems (Chapter 6). The heart of an enterprise system is an integrated database. We will focus on the role that these systems play within the company, expected benefits, risks as well as critical success factors associated with their implementation and adoption.
Topics and Readings for Week 9
Theory: Read chapter 5 (database theory) and chapter 6 (enterprise systems).
Seminar: In our seminar we will continue working with SQL queries. While last week we learned how to work with one table, this week we will combine multiple tables. One of the exercises that we will work on is motivated by the experience of Harrah’s. We will develop and use a query to identify a firm’s most valuable customers (observe the Pareto 80:20 principle in terms of sales and customers).
Assignments for Week 9
The online quiz will be a based on chapters 5, and material from the seminar. The quiz will be available on Friday at 12:30 pm and stay open till Monday 8 am.
