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Database Analysis and Design Unit Checklist

Topic 1: Overview of the Systems Analysis and Design cycle

1. Describe the stages of the systems analysis and design life cycle asapplied to the development of complex information systems:

1. analysis (including investigation),2. design,3. implementation (including documentation and evaluation),4. testing,5. maintenance.

2. Explain the iterative nature of the cycle.

Topic 2: The techniques involved in systems analysis

3. Explain a the features of a feasibility study:1. economic,2. legal,3. technical,4. time.

4. Describe and give examples of project planning:1. importance of plan,2. elements in plan (including time, resources, and costs),3. application and4. monitoring of plan.

5. Identify and explain investigative techniques:1. observation,2. document sampling,3. questionnaires,4. interviewing.

6. Describe the results that come from investigation, including:1. background information,2. departmental objectives,3. description of components in existing system,4. organisation procedures.

7. Describe and give examples of systems specification based on results ofinvestigation and modelling:

1. functional requirements,2. restrictions on development.

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Database Analysis and Design Unit Checklist

Topic 3: Modelling Techniques

8. Describe and give examples of normalisation.9. Create un-normalised form (UNF) from complex source document(s).10.First normal form:

a. identify repeating groups,b. deal with repeating groups,c. problems with first normal form (1NF).

11.Second normal form:

1. functional dependency,2. problems with second normal form (2NF).

12.Third normal form: transitive dependency.

13.Describe and give examples of entity-relationship modelling.

14.Translation of third normal form (3NF) into E/R diagrams:

1. entities (weak entity, strong entity),2. relationships (mandatory, optional, strong/weak).

15.Describe and give examples for the use of a Data Dictionary.16.Describe and give examples of entity/event modelling.

17.Entity/Event Matrix:

1. add,2. modify,3. delete,4. read.

18.Entity Life Histories:

1. sequence,2. iteration,3. selection.

19.Describe and give examples of dataflow modelling using level 0 and level 1data flow diagrams:

1. system boundary,2. environment,3. data flow,4. physical flow,5. data store,6. external entity,7. process.

Topic 4: Database Design

20.Describe system refinement using modelling techniques.

21.Describe

1. logical and2. physical design.

22.Describe processes using

1. structured English and2. one graphical design notation.

23.Describe and give examples of screen layout and user interfaces using

1. graphical techniques or2.

rapid application development (RAD) tools.