The B2B database project
Individual graded pledged assignment
mini project #4
Goal
Learning to design business databases.
Prep work
Watch the MySQL Workbench video. Pay special attention to the last five minutes, where the concepts of identifying/non-identifying relationships are introduced with an example. This is a source of frequent errors for beginners.
If you want to download a copy of the Workbench on your computer, the community edition is free and available for Windows and MacOS. Do not download the MySQL RDBMS. Only the Workbench.
There are copies installed on all computers in all RRH labs.
Task
Create an ER Diagram for ONE of the functions listed on the sidebar. Wait until you are told which number are you, so that you know what is your function.
Tool: must use MySqlWorkbench
Format: a printout in a single sheet of paper to be handed in class
Provide:
- Tables/Entities
- Primary keys ("key" symbols)
- Foreign keys, shown both as relationships (lines) and also as red diamonds/keys
- Attributes
- Relationships, labelled with one/two words to clarify their meaning
- Upper and lower cardinalities using the "crow's foot" notation demonstrated in class and in the video
- Do not show indexes and data types.
Remember to write your name and the function that you are modeling (e.g., 'Liam Xiong, Shipping'). Keep a copy for yourself you will need it for MP5.
Criteria
The ERD must represent accurately the business function described in the write-up.
- Avoid too many crossing lines.
- Avoid using fonts that when printed are too small to read.
Tip for success
The descriptions for the assignment are somewhat vague. You will experience some discomfort because of that. That feeling is actually a common experience in real-world data modeling. You will have to think hard about what data are needed to perform the various tasks that need to be done in your assigned function. As a general recommendation, do not overdo. Avoid analysis paralysis! Be reasonable in your assumptions and keep your model simple. Handle the problems that are described in the text for your function. Do not handle all the conceivable problems of the company.
Consult the FAQ.
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