SYS4140

Information modelling

G Shanks

6 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Caulfield

Objectives At the completion of this subject students should know a range of information modelling techniques and abstraction principles; understand the strengths and weaknesses of various information modelling techniques; be able to apply various information modelling techniques in the design and evaluation of alternative models for an information system; and recognise the applicability and limitations of using particular information modelling techniques. This is a core graduate subject which provides the foundation for further graduate subjects in information systems analysis.

Synopsis This subject provides students with an understanding of a range of information-modelling techniques. Critical comparisons are made of the various information-modelling techniques. The practical relevance of the techniques in information systems planning and development is discussed. Topics include philosophical foundations of information modelling; approaches to information modelling - fact-based modelling, extended entity-relationship modelling, advanced relational modelling; data modelling in practice - generic data models, corporate data modelling, data warehouse, innovation in data modelling and the data administration role.

Assessment Written: 50%
* Unit test: 50%

Prescribed texts

Simsion G C Data modelling essentials Van Nostrand, 1994
Shanks G SYS4140 Information modelling: Course notes Monash U, 1995