Learning objectives
The module aims to provide the basic skills needed to select, develop and use an informational system for industrial needs.In particular, at the end of the module, students will be able to:Create a relational database;Get access to the data using SQL queries;Create navigation masks for secure and dynamic data access (in read and write mode).
Prerequisites
The course does not have any specific prerequisites. However, basic skills of computer science (e.g., variables, arrays, cycles, routines, objects, etc.) and basoc knowledge of management accounting and operations management can facilitate understanding.
Course unit content
The modules describes the architecture of ERP and APO systems, demonstrating how these systems can support operations’ management, by actively implementing the process management concept. Also informational systems for business intelligence are analyzed, with focus on data warehousing and datamining.In addition to this theoretical part, the module also introduces the basic elements related to the design and to the implementation of operational informational systems. In this respect, the focus is on relational databases and on the use of SQL for the creation of queries for data retrieval.In addition, some process mapping techniques will be introduced, as a powerful way to understand and to communicate (in a formal way) the logical functioning of the system that will be supported by the informational system.
Full programme
1 Introduction
1.1 Operational informational systems and their impacts on operations management
1.2 The evolutions of informational systems
1.3 Basic structure of ERP, the SAP R/3 case
2 Main features of modern ERP
2.1 The ERP paradigm
2.2 The main modules constituting an ERP system
2.3 Basic elements of APO and SCEM systems
3 Business Intelligence
3.1 The multidimensional model
3.2 MOLAP, ROLAP and HOLAP
3.3 OLAP and OLTP technologies
3.4 Information Retrieval
3.5 Business Intelligence and Data Mining
4 Relational Data Bases
4.1 Data, relationships and Meta Data
4.2 Normalisation and referential integrity
4.3 Relational algebra
4.4 Queries and the SQL language
4.5 DFunctions
4.6 Creating tables, navigation masks and reports
4.7 Using VBA for data access and manipulation
5. Process mapping techniques
5.1 Flow diagrams
5.2 IDEF diagrams
5.3 BPMN diagrams
Bibliography
Reference Texts:
1 Pighin, M., Marzona A., Sistemi Informativi Aziendali Struttura e Processi, Pearson Education, Italia, 2011
2 Dorbolò, D. Guidi, A., Guida a SQL, McGraw-Hill, Italia, 2000
Further readings:
1 Carignani, A., Rajola, F., ICT e sistemi informativi aziendali, McGraw-Hill, Italia, 2007
2 Couch, A., Microsoft Access 2010 VBA Programming Inside Out, Microsoft Press, USA, 2010
3 Balter, A., Using Microsoft Access 2010, Que Publishing, Indiana, USA, 2010
4 Dickersbach, J.T., Keller, G., Production Planning and Control with SAP ERP, Galileo Press, Usa, 2010
5 Dickersbach, J.T., Supply Chain Management with APO, Springer Verlang, Germany, 2010
Teaching methods
The module will be carried on in the computer lab, using Microsoft Access and VBA as the main developing tools. A small information system will be developed, similar to the one that students will have to present as a practical test.All the topics discussed will be introduced in an interactive way, using explanatory and / or concrete examples. In addition, all the files created during the lab’s sessions, will be made available to the students in advance, together with teaching notes, presentations and other teaching materials.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam is based on a written and on an oral test. The written test is based on two parts: the first one consists of ten multiple-choice questions; the second one consists of two numeric exercises and two open answer questions.The oral test focuses, mainly, on the presentation of a small information system, developed by the students starting from a set of technical specifications given by the teacher. The oral examination also includes generic questions n addition to the re-discussion of the answers given in the written test.
Other information
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