The purpose of this section is to help you understand what is expected of you in the module and to help you get started with the study resources.

Work through the information provided below:

After successful completion of this module, you should demonstrate:

Scope of knowledge: integrated knowledge and coherent understanding

• integrated knowledge and clear / coherent / logical / critical understanding of, as well as an ability to correctly evaluate and discuss the operation of transactions management, control of concurrent use, management of databases and performance, distributed database management systems, data-warehouses, Big Data analytics and NoSQL, database connectivity and web technologies as well as database administration within the field of Computer Science and Information Systems;
• the ability to reflect on the values, ethical conduct and justifiability of decisions appropriate to the practice of data handling and regulatory compliance.

Demonstrate practical skill:

• ability to effectively use SQL expressions and procedures with a view to apply database administration practically and resolve complex problems within a database environment;
• ability to use data visualization to present data;
• ability to effectively use SQL expressions and procedures to solve advanced problems in the database environment;

Problem identification and problem solving (and creativity):

• the ability to identify, analyse, critically reflect on and address complex problems / issues / challenges related to the database environment.

After successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

• demonstrate integrated knowledge and clear / coherent / logical / critical understanding of, as well as an ability to correctly evaluate and discuss the operation of transactions management, control of concurrent use, management of databases and performance, distributed database management systems, data-warehouses, Big Data Analytics and NoSQL, database connectivity and web technologies and database administration within the field of Computer Science and Information Systems;
• reflect on the values, ethical conduct and justifiability of decisions appropriate to the practice of data handling and regulatory compliance;
• effectively use SQL expressions and procedures with a view to apply database administration practically and resolve complex problems within a database environment;
• use data visualization to present data;
• identify, analyse, and critically reflect on and address complex problems / issues / challenges related to the database environment.

Weekly class outcomes:

1. Transaction Management and Concurrency Control (Chapter 10)

1.1 Overview of the study unit

This study unit deals with transactions, the features of transactions, the management of transactions, and concurrency control. Transactions depict real-world events, and the execution and management of transactions are important database activities.

(Study time - 12 hours)

1.2  Outcomes

After engaging with the materials and activities in this study unit you should be able to:

• Describe database transactions and their properties
• Explain the function and use of a transaction log
• Explain concurrency control and its role in maintaining database integrity
• Describe what locking methods are and how they work
• Discuss different methods for concurrency control
• Describe database recovery management in maintaining database integrity

There are two facilitators of this course this semester at the Vanderbijlpark Campus:

1) Bongisa Dyosoba

Email: 53469852@nwu.ac.za

2) Jaco Pretorius (coordinator)

Email: jaco.pretorius@nwu.ac.za

For the Potchefstroom Campus:

1) Henri van Rensburg

Email: henri.vanrensburg@nwu.ac.za

The Distance Learning Students will form part of the full-time student co-hort and will also be managed as such. 

Email: DistancePotch@nwu.ac.za but please do not hesitate to contact me, jaco.pretorius@nwu.ac.za as well

CMPG321 timetable for semester 2

Requirements for successful completion of the module

• All assessments must be completed to obtain admission to the examination.
• Participation mark: minimum of 40% to obtain admission to the examination.
• Examination sub-minimum: 40%.
• You require a final module mark of at least 50% to pass the module.
• A final module mark of 75% and higher is a distinction.

Assessment plan:

A)      Assessment that will count towards your participation mark (formative assessments)

Scheduled tests, theoretical and practical assignments as well as a project (with deliverables) will be given throughout the semester. These will contribute towards a participation mark. You will receive information via eFundi on when and how to complete these tests and assignments.

B)      Examination (summative assessment)

A two- to three-hour examination will be written at the end of the course and will include theory as well as practical questions.

C)      Please note: Informal assessment that will support and give feedback on your learning (any/all of these may also be included in calculating your participation mark)

Assignments, tests and quizzes may be given during the course. Quizzes for self-assessment may also be available in the course.

Calculation of marks:

Final module mark: a weighted calculation from your participation mark and an examination mark.

Proposed assessment plan for 2023:

The assessment components provided below form part of the portfolio of marks.

The weights as indicated is merely an estimate however, the list below provides the order of importance (those listed first baring the most weight):

1. Project                      
2. Tests
3. Revision Quizzes   
4. Homework & Assignments  

1. The project (Deliverables 1, 2, 3 and 4) = 40%

Type: Group Assignments        

Weighting: 40%    (Project divided in 4 parts that can be completed independently)

Weighting of each deliverable:

Deliverable 1 = 10%

Deliverable 2 = 5%

Deliverable 3 = 10%

Deliverable 4 = 15%

Group project to study, summarise and implement Database Development Life Cycle stages from Requirements planning, Conceptual Design and Logical design as well as Implementation through Oracle SQL fundamentals including user and object creation- and management, the manipulation of large data sets. The project is completed in groups of 3 to 5 students and submitted deliverable(s) with detailed topic discussions, practical SQL statements and output examples (where necessary)

2. Semester Test =  25%

Timed tests through an online management system 

Weighting: 25%

These tests will consist case studies, application type of questions that can include true and false, multiple choice, short answer questions and may include longer open ended questions or exercises. The semester test will be between 50 and 60 marks,  and students will have enough time to complete it online (1-1.5 hours)

3. Practicals & Revision Quizzes  = 15%

Weighting: 15% 

Practical assignments with short questions, scenarios or exercises to be completed and submitted on eFundi as indicated/communicated.

Revision Quizzes are available to be completed after each chapter/study unit. It is used to deepen your  theoretical understanding and show which topics have been mastered and which topics need more work. Each revision test consisted mostly of true and false, multiple choice and short answer questions. 

4. Homework assignments = 20%

Weighting: 20%   

Individually completed assignments with short questions, scenarios or exercises to be completed and submitted on eFundi as indicated/communicated - the homework assignments will mostly comprise of practical database applications.

Compulsory study material:

• Textbook:  Database Systems – Design, Implementation and Management. 13th Edition. Cengage. Coronel, C., Morris, S. 2019. 

Supplemental study material:

• Any additional study material will be announced or made available on eFundi.

Good information is necessary in order to make the right decisions. Information is deduced from the data that is available. The best way of managing the available data is to store it in a database.

This module will provide the student with the necessary background knowledge on the theory and application of database principles. At the end of this module, the student should have knowledge of, and insight into, transactions management, concurrency control, management of databases and performance, distributed database management systems, data-warehouses, Big Data Analytics and NoSQL, databases and the Internet, and database administration (theory as well as practical applications). On completion of the module, the student will be able to prove that he/she can apply the knowledge and insight obtained to problem solving in the subject field and its fields of application.

This module forms part of, and is a requirement for certain programmes in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The knowledge, skills and values that the student is expected to acquire are stipulated in the outcomes of this course.

Welcome to this advanced databases course. If you want to have the keys to the information kingdom, you'll want to know about database design and implementation. This module introduces you to these concepts.

In this e-Guide you will find references to the study material and information necessary to complete the course. Complete all assignments for self-study thoroughly and make sure that you reach all the outcomes.

It is our sincere hope that you will find this course interesting and a valuable part of your studies.

Time Management

You must spend a total of at least 160 hours to master the outcomes of this module successfully. It is expected of students to work on this module for 10-12 hours each week.

Approximate study time for each study unit is indicated at the beginning of every unit and in the electronic study guide on eFundi.

The table below depicts an estimate of time allocation by week and activity.

Action Verbs

Apply: to bring or put into operation or practical use.

Classify: to place objects, words or situations into categories according to defined criteria for each category.

Construct: to combine elements into a functional whole, such as a drawing, structure or model that identifies a designated object or set of conditions. Create a basic query.

Define: to state the exact meaning, scope or nature of a concept.

Demonstrate: to perform the actions necessary for the application of an instrument, model, tool or device.

Describe: to give an account of something by naming all the necessary characteristics, qualities or relevant events.

Discuss: to define, summarise, describe, explain and give an opinion on an idea or situation.

Explain: to clarify an idea, situation or problem by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas; to convey an understanding of how something is constructed, functions, behaves or may be interpreted.

Identify: to indicate the selection of an object of a class in response to its class name, by pointing, underlining or marking.

Implement: to apply knowledge or a procedure to solve a known or unknown problem.

 {{firstname}}, the module consists out of multiple study units to be completed. Each study unit includes activities for self-study, like readings, projects and/or quizzes, and lectures to attend. It is essential that you complete all activities and submit all assignments, as these will count towards a participation mark you obtain during the semester. Class tests or class assignments may also be given without prior notice so it is important to attend all classes in order not to miss any assessment opportunity. The participation mark is used to grant you admission to the examination and counts 50% of your final module mark.

We’ll make extensive use of the NWU learning management system (eFundi) in this module. All learning material discussed during class will be made available on the eFundi site for this module as well as activities or assignments to complete for each study unit. You will also have to submit self-study, class or practical assignments on eFundi.

Tips and guidelines to successfully complete this course:

• Complete all activities for self-study at the start of a new study unit on your own. It is expected of you to have prepared for any practical assignment or sessions - if you are not prepared, you may struggle to follow or to complete the assignments.
• Keep track of your participation mark during the semester. Your lecturer will keep your marks on eFundi as up to date as possible. Remember that your participation mark grants you admission to the exam and counts toward your final module mark.
• Since this is a theoretical as well as a practical module, with new skills to learn in each study unit, it is essential that you follow the lessons in the study guide and schedule, put in enough practice hours each week and don’t fall behind on work.
• Assignments have fixed deadlines. Deadlines for all assignments are available on eFundi. Please make sure that you are well aware of them and that you complete and submit assignments in time, as no late assignment submissions will be accepted.
• Read assignment, test and examination instructions carefully, and make sure that you save and/or submit them correctly.
• To submit another person's work as your own or to copy someone else's work is a serious offense. A person guilty of this as well as the person who shared his/her work, will forfeit their marks as well as run the risk of forfeiting admission to the examination.

Plagiarism is a serious offence and you should familiarise yourself with the plagiarism policy of the NWU. Refer to the Policy on Plagiarism and other forms of Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct of June 2011. For the NWU link for plagiarism, go to:  http://library.nwu.ac.za/copyright-and-plagiarism .

Please note: The responsible use of ChatGPT is fully endorsed in this course for completing your project. Any assignment(s), semester test(s) and Exam(s) follow the full plagiarism policy of the university.