Relevance of Database and Information Retrieval System in Mechanical Engineering Program: A Case Study

Abstract

A mechanical engineer often experiences the need for working on databases in his career. However, it is observed that there is difficulty in convincing the students of Mechanical Engineering Program that the course of Database and Information Retrieval System is relevant to them. This paper focuses on the methodology adopted in order to reinforce the belief in the course of database and information retrieval system. It discusses about the objectives that were framed for the same. In order to attain the objectives, the students were trained to use Visual Basic for creating graphical user interface and SQL for making databases. The students were instructed to make applications related to mechanical engineering in groups of four. The feedbacks were taken from the students after the course. The qualitative analysis on the feedbacks from the students indicates that the students are able to create applications related to mechanical engineering. Validation was done using practical examination results of same batch of students. The performance of the students in the end semester practical exam also makes it evident that the students are comfortable in making User interface and database for any given application.