Learning Outcomes:

1 Design a database management system using a relational model to meet client requirements
2 Develop a database management system using a suitable platform

Assignment Brief

You are a junior database administrator working for a small but expanding software house located in Wigan. As part of your probationary period within company you have been asked to demonstrate your database skills

Throughout this you are going to design, implement and test a new application. The subject of the application is entirely your choice. However there are a few requirements, the backend database must MySQL, the UI created with HTML/CSS and the server-side code written in PHP

Part 1

I require a statement of requirements {max 1 A4 Sheet}. Within this you must state, the purpose of the application, the intended audience, and an ERD describing your intended database structure - I expect to see at least 4 entities. This statement of requirement must be submitted and discussed with your lecturer prior to proceeding. This is mainly to judge complexity of your new application; your lecturer may offer suggestions.

Business Intelligence assignment four is out over the same period as this one - it may an idea to combine them?

Part 2
For the design stage the requirements are:
• Full data dictionary for the tables needed -this must reflex your original ERD
o Attributes
o Primary keys
o Foreign keys
o Data types {must consider sizes i.e. why use an INT opposed to BYTE - optimised}
o Relationships
o Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
o Screen designs (input/output)
o SQL designs - INSERT, SELECT {cross multiple tables}, UPDATE
o Relational Algebra
o The hardware/software required

Part 3
On the VLE there is a test plan - this must be fully completed. The number of tests is irrelevant as long as your application is tested for security and functionality

Part 4
Arrange a meeting with your lecturer to discuss ways to improve the quality, effectiveness, security and appropriateness of your design. This must be fully documented as evidence.

Part 5
Build the new application

Part 6
I need two screencasts with audio; firstly demonstrating your application fully working and secondly explaining how the backend works

Part 7
Completed test plan with screen shot evidence

Part 8
Written report reviewing your solution against your original requirements detailing quality of the database, fitness for purpose, suitability against original requirements, technology constraints, strengths and improvements