ITC6000 Business Analysis
Papers MUST following the following naming convention:
ITC6000-year-Term-Section-Student_name_topic
For example: ITC6000-2021-Spring-B -Smith -TikTok.doc
Note, specific required content for this final paper is described in the course introduction, but here it’s reposted for your convenience.
Introduction
Describe the use-case, scenario, business challenge, application solution, and other relevant information. Provide the reader with a concise yet effective overview of the topic you've selected. Explain:
How the app or service is used, who uses it and why.
The app's cost model;
is it truly free, "freemium" (free but you give something up to use it, i.e. watching ads), or paid (one time vs subscription), or some other model
Briefly describe your personal connection to this app or service, and why you chose it.
This should be no more than 2-3 well-written paragraphs.
Business Analysis
Describe the end-users or "personna's" of the people who use the app. The goal is to ensure that you, as the database designer, can show that you truly understand WHO uses the application, and WHY they use it, and HOW they use it.
You should describe two to four different user personas with one paragraph each.
In addition, explain the business rules or logic that the app uses or enforces. Once you enter the real world environment, you (as the database developer) MUST understand the expected business functionality, and be able to reflect that understanding back to others. Before you start building tables to store data, you MUST understand all of the ways that data will be created, stored, and retrieved. Use well-written bullet-points - as many as you need.
Table Design and Analysis
Describe a reasonable number of data entities (tables) for your topic. This should be at least 5, but no more than 10, tables that will comprise your simulated database. This section is NOT about data types (integer, string, etc), but how the data is structured and how the tables are related.
Provide accurate ER diagrams for the above. Those diagrams MUST follow standard naming conventions including table names with primary keys (PK) and foreign keys (FK) defined as such. Tables must show accurate one-to-many and one-to-one relationships with the lines connecting to the actual related PK or FK field. This is one of the most critical skills covered in the course.
The ER diagram must be on its OWN page, fully zoomed, to facilitate easy review. You are also required to submit your final ER diagram on its own.
Database Implementation
Provide SQL commands to retrieve and update your tables. These should be representative of major business rules. For example, if your business logic is "A LinkedIn user likes a post." the corresponding SQL showing how that data activity is conducted should be provided as part of the report. There is no need to include CREATE or INSERT statements.
These SQL commands would be given to application developers and analytics teams to store and retrieve data into your tables in a consistent manner. You are 'kick-starting' their application development efforts with the complex, multi-table INSERTs and SELECTs. Be thorough! You SHOULD include screenshots from the application you are modeling, to show the real-world example. You should also "tell a story" with your examples that follows a most common use-case for the app. For many, this will be "User registers for the site". Start there, then continue along the 3 or 4 steps of a user story.
Be sure to include the most important use cases here.
Your queries MUST
show you joining two or more tables, and
include (either here or in your Analytics section) complex filters that represent real-world use-cases.
Those queries MUST be included in a DB Browser for SQLite project file (.sqbpro) which will be submitted along with your actual database file (.db) as part of your final submission. SQLite makes it very easy to submit both.
Analytics, Reports, and Metrics
Provide examples of analytics which could be conducted on your database. Describe reports that end-users or system administrators would want to see. Provide SQL statements, sample data and/or graphs. Be specific, and leverage practice assignments and demos from Module 4.
Again, it is NOT required to collect real-world data, but consider the key goals of each stakeholder group.
Security Concerns
Describe any security or privacy concerns around your data. Are you storing or processing sensitive information? Do NOT discuss areas that were not covered in the course. Highlight what you, the data expert, is aware of, so that the other stakeholders in your organization (i.e. the security team, legal, privacy, etc) are informed of data that may be sensitive. Do not include "Firewalls and Anti-virus" type information - leave that to the folks who are security experts.
Architecture
Briefly describe your suggested solution architecture. For example, will this be hosted internally on a small client/server solution for a small group of business users, or cloud-based and scaled to handle millions of transactions per day? Use publicly available resources to provide "just enough" detail and information, but remember to always cite references in APA format.
Project Wrap-up and Future Considerations
Describe what you have learned from this project, and the key takeaways you will use in the future.
Additional Considerations
The paper MUST use proper English grammar, and be CLEAR and CONCISE. Note that this is NOT a typical "more is better" project. Your future bosses, co-workers, and other business stakeholders do NOT want to read a dozen pages of 'fluff', nor do they need an exhaustive history or business analysis. This paper is NOT about designing a new innovative solution, writing long-winded market analysis or the like. Be clear, be precise, and get your points across. Less is more!
Finally - Academic Integrity is a CRITICAL component of this course. You should NOT be copying-and-pasting anything into your paper and trying to pass it off as your own work. Limited instances of copy-and-paste (2-3 sentences) followed by an APA citation is acceptable. Copying-and-pasting and then putting a generic link in your REFERENCES section is a violation of Academic Integrity, and may result in reduced points, or in cases of egregious plagiarism, a FAIL (F) for the entire course. When in doubt, ask!
Create a Powerpoint slide deck based on your project topic. The goal is to quickly and succinctly cover the major areas of your final paper. You should NOT attempt to cover every detail. You SHOULD re-use all of the content from the paper and the rest of the course. Each student will have five (5) minutes MAXIMUM during class session to present their topic.* We suggest you focus on just the following topics, but as always - if you have questions or concerns please contact the TA or professor during class or via email.
Project Overview - 1-2 slides
Personas and Business Rules 1-2 slides
ERD Diagrams - 1 slide
Major SQL examples - 2-4 slides
You MUST use this format with the template below. Points are deducted if you do not.
*If you are taking this course online, you must record and submit a 5-minute presentation using the above guidelines. This discussion board has been set up for you to post your presentation. Be sure to watch your classmates’ presentations. Links to an external site.
topic
---------------
「QQQiuxy：I want to design an APP for pets called PetPal. The APP aims to build a community of pet lovers by connecting based on common interests and geographic locations. As a pet owner, I think many friends around me who have pets are in great need of this type of APP, because it combines the fun of pet raising with the power of social networking. Pet owners can communicate with each other through the APP, introduce their pets to their friends, help pets socialize, and consult and answer some questions encountered in pet raising. You can also use the location function to help owners find lost pets. I also want the app to have the same functionality as Google Maps, highlighting pet-friendly restaurants, hotels and public places.
Major Data Entities:
User Profile (Primary Key: User ID)
Attributes: Name, Location, Pet Ownership History, Interests, Profile Picture
Pets (Primary Key: Pet ID)
Attributes: Pet Name, Type (e.g., dog, cat, bird), Breed, Age, Medical History
Activities (Primary Key: Activity ID)
Attributes: Activity Type (e.g., playdate, walking group, pet training), Location, Date, Time
Major User Types:
Pet Owners
Create and manage profiles for themselves and their pets.
Browse and join activities within their locality.
Share tips and experiences with other pet owners.
Pet-friendly business
Engage with pet owners and their pets.
Attend and organize activities.
Stay updated on pet-related news and ads.
Primary Use Cases:
Connecting Pet Owners:
Pet owners can find and connect with others who share similar interests or own pets of the same breed.
Organizing Playdates:
Users can create and join activities, such as playdates or walking groups, to promote socialization among pets.
Sharing Pet Tips:
A platform for sharing pet care tips, health advice, and general experiences, fostering a supportive community.
Pet-friendly facility:
One feature lets pet owners know which public places is pet-friendly
PetPal aims to create a vibrant and supportive community for pet owners and businesses to promote the well-being of pets through social interaction and information sharing.」