Monash University

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an understanding of Business Intelligence (BI) systems and the infrastructure needed to support them. Over the past decade OLAP tools, data mining and other data analysis techniques have been used to obtain value from data in ways not possible with earlier tools. Topics covered include the nature and purpose of BI, the relationship between BI and data warehousing, design issues related to BI tools and data warehouses, and common data analysis techniques such as OLAP, data mining and other computational techniques. The differences between these kinds of systems and other, more traditional information systems will be highlighted.

Objectives

To acquire the Knowledge and Understanding of:

1. Role of Data Warehousing (DW) as oposed to operational databases;
2. The definition and the need of Business Intelligence (BI);
3. DW development methodology;
4. Dimensional models compared to ER models;
5. BUS architecture;
6. DW architectures, ETL and data quality issues;
7. How DW can support BI;
8. BI tools, techniques and OLAP;
9. Data Mining (DM) techniques;
10. Data Mining Tools.

To develop the following Attitudes, Values and Beliefs:

1. Recognise the value of DW and BI for a business organisation;
2. Adapt a critical approach to DW and BI technology in a business context;
3. Appreciate the value of DW for effective management support and decision making;
4. Understand the importance and value of BI tool and techniques compared to traditional data analysis techniques;
5. Appreciate the value BI tools and DM for providing knowledge for decision making, in ways unavailable with traditional techniques.

To develop the following Practical Skills:

1. Create dimensional models;
2. Create DW architectures suitable for different organisations and requirements;
3. Interpret results from OLAP and dimensional models;
4. Create data analysis models using BI tools;
5. Interpret results from BI and DM tools.

In addition, it is expected that the following Relationships, Communication and Team Work skills will be developed and enhanced:

1. Document and communicate DW architectures and BI techniques;
2. Work in a team during DW architecture design and BI model development;
3. Communicate and coordinate during the team activities.

Assessment

Examination: 60%
Assignments, class tests and laboratory exercises: 40%
Students must pass the examination in order to pass the unit.

Contact hours

4 x contact hrs/week

Prerequisites

One of FIT1004, FIT2010, FIT1013 (BUS1010), BUS3112, CSE2316/3316