All textbook and additional course readings are available online, at no cost, through the DePaul Library reserves system at

https://i-share-dpu.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/01CARLI_DPU/lists?courseCode=IS_549_701_1140&auth=SAML
Any additional readings for the course will be available via the D2L course website and course reserves.

Required

• Kimball, R., Ross, M., Thornthwaite, W., Mundy, J., & Becker, B. (2011). The data warehouse lifecycle toolkit, 2nd edition (2nd ed.). Wiley.

Recommended

• Kimball, R., & Ross, M. (2013). The data warehouse toolkit: The definitive guide to dimensional modeling (3rd ed.). Wiley.
• Vaisman, A., & Zima´nyi, E. (2022). Data warehouse systems: Design and implementation (2nd ed.). Springer.

The final course grade will be determined based on work in the following categories:

• Data Lab Exercises - 5%
• Engaged Participation & Group Activities - 15%
• Weekly Quizzes - 20%
• Final Exam - 30%
• Portfolio Project & Presentation - 30%

Additional details each category are available in the course syllabus on this page.

All scores are averaged on a two-hundredths model and rounded up to the nearest percentage when .50 and over. The instructor reserves the right to add up to 2% to the total overall percentage for outstanding classroom engagement.

CSC 451 or CSC 453 or CSC 455 or DSC 450 is a prerequisite for this class.

• Explain the core concepts of data warehousing, including the data warehouse lifecycle, development methodologies, and key components, through case studies and class discussions.
• Describe the processes involved in data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) and their significance in data warehousing through practical assignments and in-class activities.
• Identify and assess data quality and metadata management issues in data warehouse environments and propose strategies to address them.
• Design and develop data warehouse architectures, including dimensional models and physical data warehouse structures, using Azure technologies in individual projects.
• Analyze business requirements and translate them into data warehouse design specifications through project work and case studies.
• Construct and implement data models, including star schemas and snowflake schemas, based on given scenarios.
• Evaluate the performance of and recommend optimization strategies for data loading, querying, and indexing.
• Demonstrate proficiency in data warehouse implementation and administration tasks, including security, backup, and recovery procedures, through project assignments.
• Apply best practices for data warehouse project management, including planning, testing, and maintenance, using industry-standard tools and techniques.

Data Lab Exercises

Data labs are practical exercises that provide you with an opportunity to apply the concepts and approaches reviewed in class and in course readings. These assignments are designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of data warehousing by analyzing real-world scenarios, identifying requirements, modeling processes, and designing solutions using SAP. Through these labs and exercises, you will have the opportunity to enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Engaged Participation & Group Activities

Active participation in class is vital to developing a comprehensive understanding of the material and fostering collaboration with your peers. Throughout the course, you will engage in a variety of in-class activities, including group discussions, hands-on exercises, and collaborative projects. These activities are designed to encourage meaningful interaction, critical thinking, and real-time application of course concepts.

You are expected to contribute actively to both individual and group tasks during each class session. Your participation will be evaluated based on your involvement in group discussions, the quality of your contributions, your preparedness, and your collaboration with peers. Attendance is also a key component, as in-class engagement plays a significant role in your learning experience. By attending regularly and participating fully, you’ll gain deeper insights and benefit from the collective learning environment.

Remember that participation isn't just about being present – it's about being engaged, asking questions, offering ideas, and supporting your classmates. Your contributions should reflect a thoughtful and respectful exchange of ideas, helping to build a dynamic and collaborative classroom atmosphere.

Weekly Quizzes

Aside from class meeting weeks when the final project is due, brief quizzes will be assigned. Quizzes will contain between 10 and 15 multiple choice questions and one short response question from the assigned reading. To provide you the best opportunity to showcase your understanding, you will be provided two possible short response options – only answer one of the two.

All students, regardless of section, will take the weekly quizzes in D2L using Respondus LockDown Browser. The quizzes are not proctored but are timed.  I get it… quizzes can be stressful! Your lowest quiz score will be dropped from your overall quiz score calculation. This calculation is handled automatically by D2L on a rolling basis.

If you prefer not to install Respondus on your personal machine, DePaul lab computers do have this application already installed and available for completing your final exam. Please see the Respondus LockDown Browser section later in the syllabus for more information.

Final Exam

The final exam will include multiple choice, true/false and case/essay questions based on material from each of our class meetings. Remember, this includes any lecture, discussion topics, and notes, as well as any handouts or assignments. To help you prepare for the final exam, you will have access to a study guide provided in D2L one week prior to the final exam. All students, regardless of section, will take the final exam in D2L using Respondus LockDown Browser. This is not a proctored exam but is timed.

For all students, you can use the full two (2) hours for the exam; however, the exam will auto-submit at the end of the session time. You may bring and use your printed study guide during the final exam. Electronic versions of the study guide are not allowed. NO additional study materials are allowed in the exam session.

Portfolio Project & Presentation

The Portfolio Project is a quarter-long assignment that will give you the opportunity to design, develop, and implement a data warehouse solution using Azure technologies or another platform. This project will be completed over the span of this course and should not be completed only in the one week prior to the due date. This project is divided into four milestones, allowing you to progressively build your skills and apply the concepts covered in class to a real-world scenario. The milestones included below are provided as an overview; however, full project details are included in D2L.

By the end of the course, you will have created a detailed data warehouse design, a working prototype, and a presentation that showcases your project’s findings and applications. You’ll not only deepen your understanding of data warehousing but also gain practical experience in using industry-standard tools and techniques, preparing you for future professional challenges.

Peer Review

Peer review will play a crucial role in the development and refinement of your final project and presentation in this course. This process is designed to foster a collaborative learning environment, provide diverse perspectives, and improve the quality of your work through constructive feedback from your peers.

This course will require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser for online exams and quizzes. You will not be able to take the final exam or quizzes using a regular browser. It must be taken using the LockDown Browser application. LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications, and you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

When taking an online exam using it, follow these guidelines:

• Make sure you’re in a location where you won’t be interrupted.
• Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc.
• Clear your desk of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or devices.