Discussion 1
What is the relationship of use-case modeling to project management?
Use case modeling proves to be a vital tenet of UML (unified modeling language). System analysts and developers of any project; software or business, always find themselves being plagued by the need to create a system that is user centered in all aspects. For use case modeling, the analyst and developer aim at creating a product that is not only user-friendly and interactive but also easy to use and manage at the user level (Whitten, Barlow, & Bentley, 1997). Similarly, project management strives to plan, initiate, control and close a project with all the specifications revolving around the user requirements and needs.
Moreover, use case modeling consolidates the features and process into models such as diagrams and flow systems like flow charts and further employs functional decomposition to create flow, meaning, orderliness, relationships, and variables for the purpose of meeting needs and expectations of the stakeholders. Likewise, Project Management employs the use of systems and mechanics such as flow diagrams, charts, and functional decomposition to create user and stakeholder oriented narrative by creating a flow, meaning, orderliness, relationships, and variables specific and useful to project context. Both project management and use case modeling aimed at analyzing, process designing, construction and purposed deployment of the resources (Guide, 2001). For the purpose of meeting the objective, they both have to get primarily, and comprehensively a glimpse and understanding of the specific needs of the target stakeholder and further outline in clear and definite terms describe the purpose for which the project or system is being created. In this sense, project management outlines and engages the platform and principles of use case modeling for initiating, planning, controlling and closing a project.
Why is this important?
The primary objective of the use of use case modeling is to create an enhanced, interactive, and friendly user experience. The concept is critical and provides a roadmap to the overall success of the project. It also allows traceability of the requirements. Additionally, modeling allows organization, planning, managing, controlling, and provides and definitive structure for the framework that drives the systems involved in the project. Moreover, use case modeling points out the specific starting and ending points of the project. Similarly, it demystifies the functional determination of aspects like scope, depth, timing, scheduling, tracking and decomposition of the project (Whitten, Barlow, & Bentley, 1997). The overall importance of use case modeling to project management is a concept that cannot be underestimated.
Discussion 2
How can databases, and the information kept in databases, be used for a strategic advantage?
A database for any entity, whether business, school, organization or government is designed to process, store and allow or deny access to certain set parameter depending on the data model, for instance, conceptual level and record based type data model. A database is all about the data it contains and the design and purpose of use are for specified strategic advantages. Such applies to data processing and consequential information processing of facts and information pertaining but not exclusively limited to application on employee records, customer data, inventories and stock. The data are harmonized into a system called a database management system (DBMS) that stores the data, retrieves the data, modifies, manipulates and generates reports (Connolly & Begg, 2005). The functionality allows the system users to plan strategically run, manage and execute the set goals and objectives.
Many firms and corporations make use of DBMS to make their work and operations easy, hence providing them with a functional strategic advantage that offers them streamlined investment plans, customer service, and an overall healthy competitive edge. One such firm is Morgan Stanley investment firm in the United States of America. The company has a database management system that monitors services that they offer such as investment banking, wealth management, asset management and private banking (Fang, 2005). It is through the use of database and the information therein that significant strides are made regarding monitoring the customer and investment scope.
References
Connolly, T. M., & Begg, C. E. (2005). Database systems: a practical approach to design, implementation, and management. Pearson Education.
Fang, L. H. (2005). Investment bank reputation and the price and quality of underwriting services. The Journal of Finance, 60(6), 2729-2761.
Guide, A. (2001). Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® GUIDE). In Project Management Institute.
Whitten, J. L., Barlow, V. M., & Bentley, L. (1997). Systems analysis and design methods. McGraw-Hill Professional.
