Corporate information management

Learning objectives

The course explores the architecture of information systems with particular reference to modern ERP systems.
In particular, it is shown how such systems are able to operationally support all business operations, actively implementing the concept of process management. Informational Business Intelligence systems are also introduced, with particular attention to the architecture of data warehousing systems.
The analysis is carried out both at a conceptual and operational level and, in this sense, the course also deals in depth with the IT aspects inherent to the design and creation of relational databases, and to the creation of data access queries (through the use of the SQL language and object-oriented languages ​​for the creation of navigation masks).

Expected learning outcomes

The course aims to provide the skills
necessary for the selection and use of modern Business Information Systems. To this end, in addition to showing through examples and practical cases how ERP management systems implement the concept of process management, the skills needed to design and manage a small business information system will also be provided.
In particular, at the end of the course, students will be able to:
Create a relational database;
Access database data, using queries written in SQL;
Create navigation masks, for secure and dynamic data access (read and write).

Course content

The extended program of the course is reported below, divided into three macro modules: (i) Information systems, (ii) Data Base and SQL (iii) VBA.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

1 Introduction to information systems
1.1 Operational information systems
1.2 The evolution of operational information systems

2 The structure of ERP systems,
2.1 The basic characteristics of ERP systems
2.2 The ERP paradigm
2.3 The main modules of ERP systems

3 Information systems
3.1 The multidimensional model
3.2 MOLAP, ROLAP and HOLAP solutions
3.3 OLAP and OLTP Technologies

SQL & DATABASES
1 Database Design
1.1 Data and Information
1.2 Data Relationships
1.3 Metadata and Meta Data Relationships
1.4 The concept of referential integrity and normalization
1.5. Primary keys and foreign keys
1.6 The ER (Entity Relationship) Diagram

2 Relational Algebra and SQL
2.1 Basic operators of relational algebra
2.2. Derived operators of relational algebra
2.3 SQL to create Select queries
2.4 The DFunctions
2.5 Windows Function
2.6 Notes on creating store procedures
2.7 Concatenated Query
2.8 Creating Update Queries and Updates with SQL

VBA
1 Programming Recalls
1.1 Types, cycles, conditional statements, functions and procedures
1.2. User-defined types
1.3 Arrays and Matrices
1.4 Classes

2 VBA for Database Management
2.1 Creating Callable Functions in SQL
2.2 Creating Dynamic SQL Queries
2.3 The Recordset Object
2.4 Creating Update and Insert Queries from VBA

3 Visual programming
3.1 The main graphic objects
3.2 Creating masks
3.2 Creating Queries
3.3 Creating records
3.4 Implementation of a small information system

Prerequisites

The course has no specific prerequisites. However, as far as the conceptual and descriptive part is concerned, understanding can be facilitated by notions of: business accounting, logistics and production management.
As for the IT aspect, basic knowledge of: types of variables, conditional structures, cycles, routines and functions is recommended. The first two weeks of the course are dedicated to a review and in-depth study of the programming techniques that will be used in the remaining parts of the course.

Bibliography

MAIN REFERENCE TEXTS

1 Pighin, M., Marzona A., Business Information Systems Structure and Processes, Pearson Education, Italy, 2011

2 Dorbolò, D. Guidi, A., Guide to SQL, McGraw-Hill, Italy, 2000

3 Carignani, A., Rajola, F., ICT and business information systems, McGraw-Hill, Italy, 2007

FURTHER INFORMATION TEXTS

1 Couch, A., Microsoft Access 2010 VBA Programming Inside Out, Microsoft Press, USA, 2010

2 Balter, A., Using Microsoft Access 2010, Que Publishing, Indiana, USA, 2010 Reference Material:

Teaching methods and tools

All lessons will be held in a computer room, where Excel 365 (and Visual Basic for Application VBA) and Microsoft Access 2020 will be used as the main development tools.
All theoretical concepts will be introduced by using practical examples and industrial cases. The practical part will focus on a case study and will lead to the creation of a small information system for the management of a multi-disciplinary sports center.
All the handouts and slides presented are available on the Course Team, where the files developed in class and the exam tests from previous academic years are also present.

Assessment methods and criteria

The exam includes only a written test lasting approximately two and a half hours. This test includes both theoretical questions (which can be open or multiple choice) and exercises related to SQL and VBA.
To increase their written test score, students can also prepare a final paper (to be done individually or in groups of 2-3 people) which must be presented to the teacher.

Additional info

Students will be provided with both lecture notes and slides covering the entire program. However, consulting the suggested texts is highly recommended. All files used during laboratory hours will also be made available, in addition to the file containing the entire Information System used as a teaching example.