Data Warehousing Essentials for Analytics and AI Support

Venkat Krishnamurthy

This course will cover various topics in Data Engineering in support of decision support systems, data analytics, data mining, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. You will study on-premises data warehouse architecture, and dimensional modeling of data warehouses.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Database Concepts 1

This module introduces data warehousing and business intelligence, emphasizing their role in enhancing organizational decision-making. Data warehouses transform raw data into actionable insights using processes like ETL (Extract, Transform, Load), supported by tools such as OLAP for querying and data mining. While operational databases (OLTP) are suited for daily transactions, OLAP databases are optimized for complex analytics. To effectively implement data warehousing solutions, it is essential to understand the underlying database design principles. Therefore, the module reviews key concepts related to operational databases, focusing on conceptual database design. We examine Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD) as a vital tool for conceptual representation, identifying crucial aspects of the database design process that convert business requirements into a conceptual model. In the subsequent module, we will build on this foundation by reviewing logical modeling and the implementation of databases, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of both the database design process and OLAP systems. This knowledge will serve as a stepping stone as we explore the complexities of data warehouses.

Database Concepts 2

This module builds on the foundations of database design from the previous module focussing on relational database modeling, normalization, and SQL. The readings will guide you in translating a conceptual EER diagram into a relational model, ensuring adherence to normalization principles, particularly aiming for the 3rd Normal Form. We’ll also emphasize understanding primary keys and foreign keys for maintaining data integrity and establishing table relationships. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to create and critique relational models. We’ll then explore SQL basics, covering syntax (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE), querying techniques (WHERE, ORDER BY, JOIN), and operations involving functions and aggregates (COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX), which are fundamental in database querying and management. By the end of this module, we expect students to be comfortable with database design, which is essential for implementing an OLTP system.

Data Warehouse Concepts 1

This module provides an introduction to Data Warehouse Concepts. Data warehouses are based on a multidimensional model. We will look closely into the multidimensional model and its representation as data cubes (also known as hypercubes). We’ll examine how different aspects of data are categorized into facts, measures, and dimensions. Dimensions like Product, Time, and Customer are organized hierarchically within a cube, allowing data to be analyzed at various levels of detail.

Data Warehouse Concepts 2

This module continues an introduction to Data Warehouse Concepts. We’ll examine how different aspects of data are categorized into facts, measures, and dimensions. Dimensions like Product, Time, and Customer are organized hierarchically within a cube, allowing data to be analyzed at various levels of detail. Measures such as Quantity and Sales Amount are stored within these cubes, and analysts can navigate through different levels of detail using "rolling up" and "drilling down" techniques. Key concepts like granularity, dimension schema, and member hierarchies are essential in understanding how data is structured and analyzed in multidimensional models. Additionally, principles like disjointness, completeness, and correctness ensure data accuracy and integrity when aggregating information in data cubes, collectively known as summarizability.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Data Warehousing Essentials for Analytics and AI Support with these activities:

Read 'Data Warehousing Fundamentals' by Ralph Kimball

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of data warehousing principles and best practices by reviewing this seminal text.

View The Kimball Group Reader on Amazon

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Read and understand the key concepts presented in the book, such as data warehouse architecture, data modeling, and data integration.
Consider the real-world examples and case studies provided in the book to enhance your practical understanding.

Review Database Basics

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Warm up your understanding of the fundamental principles of database design, ensuring a smooth transition as you delve into the complexities of data warehousing.

Browse courses on Database Design

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Revise key concepts of database design, focusing on conceptual modeling using Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs).
Review the principles of normalization, aiming to achieve the 3rd Normal Form.

Hands-on SQL Exercises

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Reinforce your understanding of SQL by practicing various queries. This will enhance your ability to effectively retrieve and manipulate data.

Browse courses on SQL

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Execute SELECT queries to retrieve specific data from tables.
Utilize WHERE, ORDER BY, and JOIN clauses to refine your queries and retrieve targeted results.
Practice using functions and aggregates (COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX) to summarize and analyze data.

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Design a Conceptual Data Model

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Solidify your grasp of conceptual data modeling by creating your own ERD. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of how to translate business requirements into a logical representation.

Browse courses on Data Modeling

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Identify the entities and relationships present in a given business scenario.
Construct an ERD that accurately represents the identified entities and their relationships.
Validate your ERD by ensuring it adheres to the principles of conceptual modeling.

Attend a Data Warehousing Workshop

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Enhance your practical knowledge and skills by attending a data warehousing workshop. This immersive experience will provide you with hands-on exposure to industry-leading practices and techniques.

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Identify and register for a reputable data warehousing workshop.
Actively participate in the workshop, asking questions and engaging in discussions with experts.
Apply the knowledge and techniques learned in the workshop to your own data warehousing projects.

Build a Data Warehouse Prototype

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Demonstrate your mastery of data warehousing concepts by building a prototype of a data warehouse. This hands-on project will challenge you to apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world scenario.

Browse courses on Data Warehouse Design

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Design the architecture of your data warehouse, including data sources, data transformation processes, and data storage.
Implement your data warehouse design using a suitable data warehousing tool.
Integrate data from multiple sources into your data warehouse.
Perform data analysis and reporting using your data warehouse.