Categories
Database Technology

FIT9019: Week 1

Started off the semester for Database Technologies with a lecture by Manoj Kathpalia. Although the lecture was slightly unstructured we got through the admin and some basics about the history, uses and concepts of databases. Interesting points were on the evolution of databases from strings to filing cabinets to file based programs to database management systems DBMSs and the current state of relational DBMSs. I was suprised to find that we would be doing most of our coursework on Oracle systems as MySQL or another open source solution would provide the same learning environment but with greater opportunities for extended self learning.

We spent a good deal of time discussing why database processing was advantageous with the key points being:

  • Extracting information from data (for decision making)
  • Sharing of data
  • Standards
  • Controlled redundancy
  • Integrity control
  • Security
  • Economies of scale
  • Data independence

Each of these points has a number of more practical benefits for organisations.

Some disadvantages of databases primarily as cost and complexity were also raised. Although I have been using mySQL databases for some time I was not aware of the ANSI/SPARC architecture which we covered next which defined the External, Conceptual and Internal levels of modern database structure.

Pearl of the week:

The Database industry is the second largest of the IT sector, topped only by Operating systems, with over US$15 billion per year of revenues. MySQL was also not mentioned in the top DBMSs (a point that will surely change assuming Oracles purchase of Sun does not derail the c0mmunity driven project).

It will be nice to get some theoretical understanding to back up the practical experience I have had with databases, I am sure the theoretical understanding will have large influence on the way I think about and execute database design and management in the future.

Categories
Systems Analysis and Design

FIT9030: Week 1

Started the semester with a Systems Analysis and Design double, 2 hour lecture followed by a 2 hour tutorial, both taught by David Grant. First of all congratulations to David for holding everyone’s attention for 4 straight hours which is a mean feat in itself. A colourful teaching style with interesting analogies kept the class listening and involved.

As with most introductory classes their was a lot of non-subject specific items covered however a structured preview of the course along the reasons why we should learn the material has set a good foundation for the coming classes. Having the class material up on Moodle very early (in comparison to other subjects) allowed me to preview the lecture and tut which is basically a must. This begs the question why other subject coordinators haven’t done the same.

The tutorial was interesting with the usual self introduction rounds. The following activities and homework assignment, a broad analysis of some large systems, seem a fairly indirect avenue to explaining some basic principles of systems. I guess the broad stroked approach is designed to spark interest in as many students as possible. Although one should already be interested enough if one has chosen to do a post graduate course on the topic.

Pearl of the week (Taken from FIT9030, Sem 1, 2010, Lecture 1):

Analyst’s approach to Problem Solving

  • Research and Understand the Problem
  • Verify the benefits of solving the problem outweigh the costs
  • Define the requirements for solving the problem
  • Develop a set of of possible solutions
  • Decide which solution is best and make a recommendation
  • Define details of chosen solution
  • Implement the solution
  • Monitor to ensure desired results are achieved

Although the acronym ‘RVDDDDIM’ may lack catchy-ness, this process has clearly come from practical experience and I can make easy relations from the theory to real-world. Thanks David.