Students become familiar with application development tools used in enterprises, and rapid application development techniques using a major database relevant to industry.

2007: The introduction of this unit has been postponed due to the downsizing of the Faculty and the resultant rationalisation of units.

2005: Existing unit CSE3204 Fourth Generation Systems being updated to fit into the new BITS degree structure with new FIT unit code.

FIT3064 Fourth Generation Systems is an elective 3rd level unit in the Caulfied BITS major in Systems Development.

There is no comparable unit in the faculty.

Students undertaking a Systems Development major need familiarity with the rapid application process and to be able to use a suitable tool in different environments.

At the completion of this unit, students will:

• familiar with rapid application development tools, their historical development, scope and application.
• understand the rapid application development process
• understand the process of selecting a suitable application development tool
• understand the principles of human-computer interaction
• understand the pros and cons of prototypes and rapid application development
• understand rapid application development in a client/server and a web environment

At the completion of this unit, students will:

• appreciate the concepts underpinning HCI
• be aware of the likely directions of future application development

At the completion of this unit, students will:

• be able to develop a simple application in both Oracle Developer and Sybase Powerbuilder
• use HCI principles to design a graphical user interface
• be able to develop event-driven programming applications in a client/server and a web environment

At the completion of this unit, students will:

• be able to work in teams effectively

ASCED Discipline Group classification: 020399 Information systems not elsewhere

Rapid application development, and the application development environment using event-driven programming and DBMS. Association with prototyping, systems development methodologies, fourth generation systems, and impact on SDLC. Evaluation criteria for selecting application development tools, defining strategic use, impact on the enterprise. Systems development using current RAD tools with effective GUI design. Features of application development in client/server and Web environments.

Rapid application development, and the application development environment using event-driven programming and DBMS. Association with prototyping, systems development methodologies, fourth generation systems, and impact on SDLC. Evaluation criteria for selecting application development tools, defining strategic use, impact on the enterprise. Systems development using current RAD tools with effective GUI design. Features of application development in client/server and Web environments.

• Morrison, J. and Morrison M., (2003) Enhanced Guide to Oracle9i, Course Technology, Thomson Learning
• Holloway, S. (1991), Fourth Generation Systems, Thomas Nelson Publishing.
• Martin, J. (1983), Fourth Generation Languages Vol 1.1, Savant.
• Olson, J.D. and Green, W. (2004) PowerBuilder 9.0 Internet and Distributed Application Development, SAMS.
• Lulushi, A. (1999) Oracle Developer/2000 Forms The Practitioner's Guide, Prentice-Hall.
• Stowe, M.W. (1999) Oracle Developer/2000 Handbook 2nd edition, Prentice-Hall.

On campus

2 hour lecture plus 2 hour laboratory per week

Knowledge and understanding objectives are achieved mainly through lectures and tutorial exercises.

Attitudes and beliefs objectives are achieved mainly through laboratory exercises and assignment work.

Practical skills objectives are achieved mainly through laboratory exercises and assignment work.

Relationships, communication and team work objectives are achieved mainly through laboratory exercises and assignment work.

Examination 50% + Unit test 10% + Assignments 40%

Knowledge and understanding objectives are assessed mainly through the examination.

Attitudes, values and belief objectives are assessed mainly through the examination and assignment work.

Practical skills objectives are assessed mainly through assignment work.

Relationships, communication and team work objectives are assessed mainly through assignment work.

12 hours per week including lectures, laboratory sessions and private study.

High-tech lecture theatre with data display and internet connection and connection to ORAC (Oracle Database), with a PC and facility to plug in a laptop, for two hours per week

Laboratory equipped with the Standard Operating Environment and Oracle Developer and Sybase PowerBuilder

One lecturer per semester. One tutor per laboratory session per semester.

Oracle Developer Suite (including Enterprise Manager and Schema Manager) and Sybase PowerBuilder (latest versions).

Adequate copies of at least the recommended texts listed above.

FIT

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

(FIT1007 or CSE1203 or equivalent) and (FIT1004 or CSE2132 or equivalent)