Title: Lucky Leprechaun Players Club: a database design case

Authors: Siva Sankaran; Thomas Wedel

Addresses: Department of Systems and Operations Management, David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, California State University, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, California 91330, USA ' Department of Systems and Operations Management, David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, California State University, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, California 91330, USA

Abstract: The importance of case studies as part of an active learning approach for teaching systems analysis and database design in information system classes has long been recognised. Appropriate case studies challenge students to think analytically and apply information systems theory and practice to real-world situations. This paper presents a case study that assists students in perfecting their data flow diagram development and data modelling skills. Students utilise their data flow analysis and modelling skills to develop an appropriate database design for a fictional casino. Student deliverables include data flow and entity-relationship diagrams, data dictionary and normalised tables. A symbol in the form of a clock-face is proposed as a useful approach to represent time-triggered processes along with how such processes can be described in a data dictionary. Student feedback indicates that the case is realistic, engaging and challenging without being excessively complex.

Keywords: teaching case study; systems analysis; data flow diagrams; DFD; database design; entity-relationship diagram; ERD; normalisation; information system; computing education; modelling; data dictionary.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2014.067793

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2014 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.197 - 215

Received: 08 Mar 2014
Accepted: 31 May 2014

Published online: 13 Mar 2015 *

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