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Assessment 04-42: Database Implementation

Author Dr Derek Peacock
Unit 04: Database Design
Assessor(s) Dr Derek Peacock
Issued 4th January 2005
Due Date 7tht February 2005
Cut off Date 22nd February 2005
Student:
Signed
Handed in
HNC Computer Studies Unit 4: Database Design Assessment Brief 4-42

Design - Star Buster Videos

A basic implementation for a database to be used by a Video Shop to track video stock
and films on loan to customers

1 Scenario
You have been employed by Star Buster Videos as a Systems Analysis
consultant to produce a prototype implementation of a tracking system for
recording films on loan to members. You have been provided with a UML
class diagram from which you are required to produce the prototype.

2 Tasks
A UML model has been agreed and must be implemented in Access 2000
Format with some typical data. It is your job to demonstrate the potential
benefits of using Access 2000 compared to other possible database software by
prototyping a basic system. The prototype should include, as a minimum, two
example data entry forms, two example printed reports, and two queries. You
may find it useful to refer to the original brief for examples of reports required.
You are also requested to demonstrate the prototype to the proprietor of Star
Buster Videos upon completion. Your demonstration should include as a
minimum:-
1. The addition of new members
2. The addition of new films with associated film copies
3. The printing out of the membership list
4. The printing out of the films in stock
When complete your manager would like you to submit a short report which
includes the following:-
1. How to use Access and its basic strengths and weaknesses
2. How easy it would be to port the database to an Apple
Macintosh system, or a Linux system.
3. Alternative DBMS systems could be used, and indicate
how platform independent they are.
4. Example of large commercial DBMS as well as Scientific
or Medical DBMS.
5. Example screen shots of your tables, forms, and print outs
of you prototype reports.

Stephenson College Derek Peacock 12th May 2002 (Update May 2005) Page 1 of 11
HNC Computer Studies Unit 4: Database Design Assessment Brief 4-42

3 Tasks
Task Learning Task Description
Outcomes
1. 2.2.2, 4.3.1, 4.3.2 Create an Entity Relationship diagram in Access based on the
class diagram and check that it is in first normal form or higher

2. 4.2.1, 4.2.2, Create appropriate tables for the Members, Rentals, Films and
Film Copy classes
4.3.2
3. 4.3.2, 4.3.3 Add lookups, default values and validation rules to assist validate
data entry in particular fields where appropriate

4. 4,2,1, 4.2.2, Check that all the tables have been connected by relationships
with referential integrity applied as appropriate
4.3.2
5. 4.2.1, 4.2.2, Create forms that facilitate the user entering data for members,
films and their associated film copies
4.3.2
6. 4.2.1, 4.2.2, Create reports that are appropriate for printing out a listing films
and members
4.3.2
7. 4.2.1, 4.2.2, Add suitable test data including at least 10 members, 10 films and
20 film copies as data into the tables
4.3.2
8. 4.2.1, Create suitable queries as necessary to extract data for the forms
or reports.
4.2.2,4.3.2
Write a report that
9. 4.2.3, 4,4,2 Summarises how to use Access to implement a database and
evaluates its basic strengths and weaknesses
10. 4.1.1, 4.1.2 Explains how easy it would be to port the database to an
Apple Macintosh system, or a Linux system
11. 4.1.1, 4.1.2 Lists alternative DBMS systems could be used, and indicates
how platform independent they are.
12. 4.1.3 Cites examples of large commercial DBMS as well as
Scientific or Medical DBMS systems
13. 4.4.1 Demonstrated the design and implementation of the database
to the tutor, and answered questions appropriately
14. 4.4.3 Includes screen shots of the database tables, queries and
forms in access
15. M & D only Write an individual evaluation of your implementation, tools and
techniques used, in no more than 2000 words

Stephenson College Derek Peacock 12th May 2002 (Update May 2005) Page 2 of 11
HNC Computer Studies Unit 4: Database Design Assessment Brief 4-42

4 Assessment Form
This assessment will be completed in conjunction with the first assessment in
Unit 4 Database Design, and will focus on the implementation of a working
prototype suitable for demonstrating that the basic functions of the database,
maintaining details of film copies and members. The assessment will include
a demonstration directly on the computer through a one to one discussion with
the tutor.
As a guide it is expected that students seeking a Distinction grade would not
require more than the minimal of tutor support during the completion of this
assessment. It is also expected that students seeking Merit or Distinction
grades will need to spend as much time working on this assessment out of
class as they do in class.
Main Indicative Reading: “Successful ICT Projects in Access” (2002), PM
Heathcote, Payne-Gallway Publishers, £10

5 Assessment Overview
Grade Assessment Criteria

• To obtain a distinction grade the student must produce a high quality

implementation and must individually critically evaluate their work,
Distincti justify their choices, and complete their work largely independently.
on They should be able to suggest improvements to both product and
processes and tools used, that would make the product more useable
in the real world.

• To obtain a Merit grade the students must also produce a fully

working prototype with a switchboard to assist using the forms and
Merit reports. The prototype must implement easy to use forms which
follow Windows GUI Standards. The prototype must include a
suitable rentals form. The database must be well designed with clear
and unambiguous object names, and data validation must be
consistently implemented wherever possible.

• To obtain a Pass grade a student must complete all the tasks and
Pass produce acceptable deliverables to fulfil the learning outcomes.

Stephenson College Derek Peacock 12th May 2002 (Update May 2005) Page 3 of 11
HNC Computer Studies Unit 4: Database Design Assessment Brief 4-42

6 Unit 4: Outcomes
Learning Assessment Criteria
Outcomes
• Provide evidence to support a knowledge and
1. Understand understanding of database environments
database • Examine a range of issues that are integral to database
environments environments such as the end user, use across different
platforms and compatibility
• Identify the importance of DBMS in commercial and
non-commercial environments

• Use database or database function application software

4. Use and
manipulate
• Develop a range of sample input and output screens, e.g.
appropriate tables, forms and reports, dropdown lists, checkboxes etc
database
software • Critique the software used and state how it will be used
to design your own database

• Apply normalisation techniques to a given data set

7. Design a
database
• Use a range of database tools and techniques

• Design a fully working database

• Demonstrate the database design to a third party

10. Demonstrate
the use of a • Provide clear justifications as to the structure of the
database or the use of particular tools and techniques
database
• provide supporting documentation to complement the
design

Stephenson College Derek Peacock 12th May 2002 (Update May 2005) Page 4 of 11
HNC Computer Studies Unit 4: Database Design Assessment Brief 4-42

7 Deliverables (to meet Learning Outcomes)

Deliverable Feedback on Deliverable Accepted
(Date)
E-R Diagram in
Access
[ER Diagram]

Design of Access
Tables
[Database]

Normal View of
Tables with sample
[Screen Shots]

data
Normal View of
Films and Members
[Screen Shots]

Forms
Films and Members
Reports
[Printed Reports]

Design View of
example Query
[Screen Shot]

Report on
Alternative DBMS
[Word Document]

Systems &
Environments
Report on Access as
DBMS Tool
[Word Document]

Examples of
Commercial and
[Word Document]

non Commercial
DBMS
Demonstration of
Database

Individual
Model Evaluation

(M & D only)

Stephenson College Derek Peacock 12th May 2002 (Update May 2005) Page 5 of 11
HNC Computer Studies Unit 4: Database Design Assessment Brief 4-42

8 Evidence for Merit Grade

Merit(1) – Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions
Evidence found Achieved
• Effective judgements have A fully working prototype has been
been made produced that allows easy entry of
• Complex problems with more members, films and film copies.
than one variable have been
explored
• Relevant theories and techniques
have been applied

Merit(2) – Select/design and apply appropriate methods & techniques

Evidence found Achieved
• Relevant theories and techniques A switchboard has been added.
have been applied
Data validation is applied wherever
• A range of methods and
techniques have been applied possible with no more than two
exceptions.
• A range of sources of
information has been used A form for the entry of rentals has
• The selection of methods and been produced.
techniques/sources has been
justified
• The design of
methods/techniques has been
justified
• Complex information/data has
been synthesised and justified

Merit(3) Present and communicate Evidence Found Achieved

appropriate findings
• Appropriate structure and Clear and unambiguous choice of names
approach used for tables, forms, reports and attributes.
• Coherent logical development of All attributes have a clear description
principles/concepts for the understandable by potential users.
intended audience
Well designed forms which allow easy
• A range of methods of use and follow Windows GUI standards
presentation have been used and
technical language has been
accurately used
• Communication has taken place
in familiar and unfamiliar
contexts
• The communication is
appropriate for familiar and
unfamiliar audiences and
appropriate media have been
used

Stephenson College Derek Peacock 12th May 2002 (Update May 2005) Page 6 of 11
HNC Computer Studies Unit 4: Database Design Assessment Brief 4-42

INDICATIVE OF MERIT
(No, partly, Yes)

Stephenson College Derek Peacock 12th May 2002 (Update May 2005) Page 7 of 11
HNC Computer Studies
9 Evidence for Distinction Grade
Distinction(1) – Validity
• The validity of the results has
been judged
• self criticism of approach
has taken place
• Realistic improvements
have been proposed
Distinction(2) – Managing &
Organising
• Autonomy and
independence demonstrated
• The unforeseen has been
accommodated
• The importance of
interdependence has been
recognised
Distinction(3) Convergent, lateral
and creative thinking
• Self evaluation has taken
place
• Problems have been solved
• Capacity for innovated and
creative thought has been used
Stephenson College Derek Peacock 12th May 2002 (Update May 2005)
Unit 4: Database Design Assessment Brief 4-42
Evidence Found Achieved
The evaluation contains many good
suggestions for alternatives and
improvements to the design and/or
processes and tools used
Evidence Found Achieved
The evaluation or implementation show
examples of independent thought of high
quality
Solutions to difficult implementation
issues have been identified or
implemented
Evidence Found Achieved
The implementation or the evaluation
shows evidence of novel or creative
approaches to implementation issue.
Shows a good understanding of the extra
requirements needed to make the
implementation realistic in a real world
setting
INDICATIVE OF DISTINCTION
(No, partly, Yes)
Page 8 of 11
HNC Computer Studies Unit 4: Database Design Assessment Brief 4-42

Student Name Grading criteria obtainable

Main Unit 04:Database Design M1 M2 M3 D1 D2 D3
Assess Ref 04-42 Database      
Implementation
Hand in Date 7th Feb 2005 Grading criteria met
Date Received M1 M2 M3 D1 D2 D3
Extension Date
Tutor Feedback

Student Comments Predicted

Grade

Tutor Signature Date Recorded

Student Signature Date
Verifier Signature Date

Stephenson College Derek Peacock 12th May 2002 (Update May 2005) Page 9 of 11