Organizing Data and Information
Database Collection of data organized to meet users needs Database management system (DBMS) Software consisting of a group of programs that manipulate the database and provide an interface between the database and the application programs
The Hierarchy of Data
Data is generally organized in a hierarchy that begins with the smallest piece of data (a bit) and progresses through the hierarchy to a database.
The Hierarchy of Data Cont.
Character Basic building block of information, represented by a byte (0,1) Field A name, number, or combination of characters that describes an aspect of a business activity Record Collection of related fields File Collection of related records Database Collection of integrated and related files
Data Entities, Attributes, and Keys
Entity Generalized class of people, places, or things for which data is collected, stored, and maintained Attribute Characteristic of an entity Data item Specific value of an attribute Key A field or set of fields in a record that is used to identify the record Primary key A field or set of fields that uniquely identifies a record
Keys and Attributes
The Traditional Approach to Data Management Data management in which separate data files are created and stored for each application program
The Traditional Approach to Data Management
Flaws in the Traditional Approach
Data redundancy Duplication of data in separate files Data integrity The degree to which the data in any one file is accurate Program-data dependence Potential for incompatible programs and data between applications
The Database Approach to Data Management
Data management in which a pool of related data is
shared by multiple application programs Rather than having separate data files, each application uses a collection of data that are either joined or related in the database.
The Database Approach to Data Management
Advantages of the Database Approach
Improved strategic use of corporate data
Reduced data redundancy
Improved data integrity Easier modification and updating
Data and program independence
Better access to data and information Standardization of data access A framework for program development Better overall protection of the data Shared data and information resources
Disadvantages of the Database Approach
Relatively high cost of purchasing and operating a DBMS
in a mainframe operating environment Specialized staff. Increased vulnerability.
Database Considerations
Content What data is to be collected at what cost? Access What data is to be provided to which users when appropriate? Logical structure How is data going to be arranged so that it makes sense to a given user? Physical organization Where is the data going to be physically located?
Types of Database Design
An abstract model of how the database should be
structured and arranged to meet an organizations information needs Physical design A model of how the data will be organized and located within the database
Data Modeling and Entity-Relationship Diagrams
Data model A map or diagram of entities and their relationships Enterprise data modeling Data modeling done at the level of the entire organization. Entity-Relationship (ER) Diagrams Diagrams that use basic graphical diagrams to show the organization of and relationships between data. Relationships include: One-to-one (1:1), One-to-many (1:N), Many-to-many (N:M)
An Entity-Relationship Diagram
Database Models
Hierarchical (tree) models
Network models
Relational models
Hierarchical Database Model A model in which the data is organized in a topdown or inverted tree-like structure
Hierarchical Database Model
Network Models
An extension of the hierarchical model, in which a member may have many owners
Relational Models
Data organized in tabular format (rows and columns)
Relations: Two-dimensional tables into which data elements are placed
Tuple: Each row of a table
Attributes: Columns of the table
Domain: Values for attributes or columns
Comparison of Database Models
Relational Models
Data Manipulations
Selecting Eliminating rows according to certain criteria. Projecting Eliminating columns in a table. Joining Combining two or more tables. Linking Joining tables that share at least one common data element.
Creating and Modifying the Database
Data definition language (DDL) Collection of instructions and commands used to define and describe data and data relationships in a specific database Data dictionary A detailed description of all data used in the database
Data Dictionary
Provides a standard definition of terms and data elements
Assists programmers in designing and writing programs Simplifies database modifications Helps achieve advantages of the database approach
Reduced data redundancy
Increased data reliability Faster program development
Easier modification of data and information
Manipulating Data and Generating Reports
Structured Query Language (SQL) A standardized data manipulation language that has become an integral part of most relational database packages Data Manipulation Language (DML) Contains the commands used to manipulate the database Allows managers and other database users to access, modify, and make queries about data contained in the database to generate reports
Selecting a Database Management System
Begins by analyzing database needs and characteristics Performance Integration Features The vendor Cost
Emerging Database Trends
Distributed databases Actual data may be spread across several smaller databases connected via telecommunications devices Replicated database Holds a duplicate set of frequently used data
Data Warehouse
A relational database management system designed specifically to support management decision making
Data Warehouse
Data Warehouse
Data mart Subset of a data warehouse
Brings the data warehouse concept to small and medium-size businesses
On-line analytical processing (OLAP) Consists of programs used to store and deliver data warehouse information Data mining Automated discovery of patterns and relationships in a data warehouse
Aspects of Database Administration
Overall design and coordination of the database
Development and maintenance of schemas and sub
schemas Development and maintenance of the data dictionary Implementation of the DBMS System and user documentation User support and training Overall operation of the DBMS Testing and maintaining the DBMS Establishing emergency or failure-recovery procedures
Database Use, Policies, and Security
What data should users have direct access to?
Under what circumstances can data be transferred
from a PC or small computer system to the large mainframe system (uploading)? Under what circumstances can data be transferred from a mainframe system to PCs or small computer system (downloading)? What procedures are needed to guarantee proper database use?
Information Systems Principles
Without data and the ability to process it, an organization
would not be able to successfully complete most business activities. A database can help companies organize increased amounts of data to maximize this valuable resource. Often, distinct yet related databases must be linked to provide enterprise-wide databases to meet the needs of the modern organization. Determining what is to be collected in the database and who will have access to this data are important considerations in organizing data in a database.
Information Systems Principles Cont .
Distributed databases allow more users to gain direct access
to data stored at different user sites. Thus, controlling who accesses and changes data is sometimes difficult. Organizing data to support on-line transaction processing is significantly different than organizing it to support effective management decision making. As a result, special forms of databases and associated tools have been developed for each need. Having an effective database administrator is essential for an organization to receive the full benefits expected of a database while avoiding potential pitfalls.
