Database System Awareness
Databases are used by nearly every operating business. They may not all be relational but data are stored, recorded, analyzed, etc. in order for any successful business to run. Your assignment is to select a major retailer or retail chain (i.e. Walmart, Meijer, Domino’s Pizza, etc.) to examine. Identify at least 3 major hierarchical levels within the organization (by role, title, or what not) where the data demands are different. You will analyze data needs for each, noting that if some portion is not applicable you will explicitly state that it is not applicable. For each level, identify
a) the data captured at that level (provide multiple examples)
b) how this data is used at that level
c) how this data is used at an aggregation level higher than this level
d) each data point should identify if it is transactional in nature (allows for business transactions such as a sale of good), operational (influences intra-business activity such as resupply orders), strategic (long term direction of the business), etc.
e) unique needs of this level (i.e. what does a front-line clerk need vs. what does a CIO or CFO need)
This should be provided as a business report, not an academic paper. It should be formatted for clarity and must use proper spelling, grammar, and flow (i.e. OABC – Opening, Agenda, Body, and Conclusion). This report does not need to perfectly reflect the actual operation. Your thoughts and original thinking are most important. The quality of the result should reflect thorough analysis, not merely a cursory overview. There is a maximum page limit of 4 pages.
Rubric
Grammar and Punctuation
No errors
A few simple errors (fewer than 1 per page)
Significant issues
Not Acceptable
15%
Content
All required points addressed explicitly and with well-reasoned thought
All required points addressed explicitly but weakly
Missing several points
Requirements not followed
70%
Structure
All elements of OABC present
Well formatted but lacking OABC structure
Poor structure or formatting
15%
