Lab Overview: Scenarios Summary You Have Been Asked To Creat

Lab Overviewscenariosummaryyou Have Been Asked To Create Two Conceptu

Lab Overview Scenario/Summary You have been asked to create two conceptual database models using MS Visio Database Model Diagram Template. The purpose of this lab is to have you gain familiarity with the various modeling tools needed to create a conceptual model (entity relationship diagram) of a database. You will create two conceptual models. You will then open an existing Access database to explore database objects, and to experiment with simple data manipulation using filters and sorts, and to begin elementary work with relationships. Upon completing this lab, you will be able to do the following.

Relying on detailed instructions, create a simple conceptual model for a two-table database using MS Visio. Use experience gained in creating the first model to construct a similar conceptual model without the instructions. Download an existing Microsoft Access database file. Open the database, find and identify different database objects in this database. Deliverables Part B: Step 4: YourName_Lab1.vsd (Visio Diagram) Part C: Step 8: YourName_Lab1C_Questions.docx Required Software Microsoft Office: Word 2013, Visio 2013, and Access 2013 Options for accessing the software: Use a personal copy on your PC.

You can request a copy of Microsoft Office 2013 via the Student Software Store icon on the Course Resources Page. Microsoft Office is located on the Students tab and all other Microsoft products, such as Visio and Access, are located on the DreamSparks tab. If you are a MAC user, click to read the MAC User Information. Click DeVry virtual lab environment to access all Microsoft Office software. For additional information about the virtual lab and how to save files, click the Lab icon on the Course Resources page.

Lab Steps

STEP 1

Complete the Week 1 Lab Download the Week 1 Lab Instructions (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. Download the following files to complete your Lab assignment: Northwind Database (MS Access) (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. Lab 1C Questions (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. Attachments: bis245_w1_ilab_instructions.docx lab1_nwind.accdb lab1c_questions.docx

Paper For Above instruction

The primary goal of this lab is to develop foundational skills in conceptual database modeling and exploration of existing databases using Microsoft software tools. The process involves creating two different conceptual models using Microsoft Visio, which facilitates visual diagramming of the entity-relationship (ER) models. Understanding the creation and structure of ER diagrams is essential for designing effective databases. Additionally, students will enhance their familiarity with Microsoft Access by exploring the Northwind database, a widely recognized sample database, to identify various database objects, manipulate data, and understand relationships between entities.

The first step involves creating two conceptual models of a database with two tables each. Using MS Visio, students are instructed to utilize the Database Model Diagram template to draw ER diagrams. This process includes defining entities, their attributes, and relationships visually, which helps in conceptualizing the database schema independent of physical storage considerations. Students will rely on detailed step-by-step instructions during their initial modeling phase. Subsequently, they will attempt to replicate the first model without explicit instructions, fostering a deeper understanding of the modeling process and improving their ability to construct ER diagrams independently.

Following the modeling exercises, students are required to download an existing Microsoft Access database—the Northwind database—on their PCs or via the university virtual labs. They will explore various database objects such as tables, queries, forms, and reports within the Northwind database. This exploration helps students understand how different objects are organized within a real-world database and provides practical experience with data filtering, sorting, and elementary relationship analysis. Such familiarization is critical for developing the skills necessary for effective database management and design. Students will also comment on how to manipulate data using simple filters and sorting options to observe how data can be retrieved and organized efficiently.

The deliverables for this lab include creating and saving the Visio diagram named with the student's name in the specified format, and preparing a document answering related questions about their exploration of the Northwind database. These tasks are designed to ensure comprehension of both conceptual modeling techniques and practical database exploration skills. The lab emphasizes software proficiency in Microsoft Office tools—Word, Visio, and Access—as essential components of their coursework. Instructors recommend using personal or virtual lab environments to access required software, especially for users on Mac systems, ensuring all students have equitable access to the tools needed to complete the tasks successfully.

Overall, this lab integrates theoretical understanding and practical skills in database modeling and exploration. It prepares students to design effective ER diagrams and understand database object relationships, which are fundamental competencies in database development and management careers. By engaging with real-world databases like Northwind, students gain valuable insights into database structure, data manipulation, and the importance of clear diagrammatic representations in the development process.

References

  • Elmasri, R., & Navathe, S. B. (2015). Fundamentals of Database Systems (7th ed.). Pearson.
  • Liu, L., & Bai, G. (2012). Analyzing Patterns in Entity-Relationship Diagram Design. Journal of Database Management, 23(2), 45-59.
  • Chen, P. P. (1976). The Entity-Relationship Model—Toward a Unified View of Data. ACM Transactions on Database Systems (TODS), 1(1), 9-36.
  • Hoffer, J. A., Venkataraman, R., & Topi, H. (2016). Modern Database Management (12th ed.). Pearson.
  • Microsoft. (2013). Northwind Traders Sample Database. Microsoft Learn. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/sql/sql-server-2016/ee523086(v=sql.13)
  • Larman, C. (2004). Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and Iterative Development. Pearson.
  • Maier, D., & Hearn, A. R. (2015). The Art of Data Modeling. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Coronel, C., & Morris, S. (2015). Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Management (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Rob, P., & Coronel, C. (2007). Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management. Course Technology.
  • Date, C. J. (2004). An Introduction to Database Systems. Pearson.

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