What This Document Is
This document presents a final project undertaken for an Industrial and Commercial Data Systems course, focusing on a real-world application within the Campus Services Department – specifically, the Physical Plant – at the University of California, Berkeley. It details the process of designing and implementing a database solution to manage a critical operational function. The work represents a comprehensive exploration of database principles applied to a complex organizational need.
Why This Document Matters
Students studying database design, data modeling, and information systems will find this resource particularly valuable. It’s ideal for those seeking to understand how theoretical concepts translate into practical solutions for managing large-scale operational data. Individuals interested in the inner workings of university facilities management and the data systems that support it will also benefit. This material can be used as a case study to enhance understanding of relational database principles and query construction.
Topics Covered
* Company and Departmental Background – understanding the operational context.
* Project Goals and Objectives – defining the purpose of the database solution.
* Data Modeling – including Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs).
* Relational Schema Design – structuring data for efficient storage and retrieval.
* Database Normalization – optimizing the database for data integrity and reducing redundancy.
* SQL Query Development – extracting meaningful information from the database.
* Data Analysis and Reporting – utilizing queries to generate insights.
What This Document Provides
* A detailed overview of the University of California, Berkeley Physical Plant Campus Services Department’s operations.
* A proposed relational schema for managing shutdown requests and related data.
* Analysis of database normalization, demonstrating the application of 2NF and 3NF principles.
* Examples of SQL queries designed to extract specific information from the database, such as shutdown statistics and craftsperson contact information.
* A framework for understanding how data can be leveraged to improve operational efficiency within a facilities management organization.
