Fundamentals of Information Systems Sixth Edition

Principles and Learning Objectives The database approach to data management provides significant advantages over the traditional file-based approach. Define general data management concepts and terms, highlighting the advantages of the database approach to data management. Describe the relational database model and outline its basic features. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) A well-designed and well-managed database is an extremely valuable tool in supporting decision making. Identify the common functions performed by all database management systems and identify popular end-user database management systems. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) The number and types of database applications will continue to evolve and yield real business benefits. Identify and briefly discuss current database applications. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

3.1 Data Management: The Hierarchy of Data Bit (a binary digit): a circuit that is either on or off. Byte: 8 bits. Character: each byte represents a character; the basic building block of information. Field: name, number, or characters that describe an aspect of a business object or activity. Record: a collection of related data fields. File: a collection of related records. Database: a collection of integrated and related files. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Figure 3.1: The Hierarchy of Data Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

3.2 Data Entities, Attributes, and Keys Entity: a generalized class of people, places, or things (objects) for which data is collected, stored, and maintained. Attribute: a characteristic of an entity. Data item: a value of an attribute. Key: field(s) that identify a record. Primary key: field(s) that uniquely identify a record. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Figure 3.2: Keys and Attributes. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

3.3 Database Management Systems (DBMS) Interface between: Database and application programs Database and the user Database types: Flat file Single user Multiple users Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Advantages of the Database Approach Better access to data and information. Reduced data redundancy. Improved data integrity. Easier modification and updating. Better overall protection of data. Shared data and information resources. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

3.4 Creating and Modifying the Database Data definition language (DDL): Collection of instructions/commands that define and describe data and data relationships in a database. Allows database creator to describe the data and the data relationships that are to be contained in the schema and the subschemas. Data dictionary: a detailed description of all the data used in the database. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Manipulating Data and Generating Reports Query-By-Example (QBE): a visual approach to developing database queries or requests. Data manipulation language (DML): commands that manipulate the data in a database. Structured Query Language (SQL): ANSI standard query language for relational databases Database programs can produce reports, documents, and other outputs. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Figure 3.3: Database Output. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

3.5 Database Administration Database administrator (DBA): directs or performs all activities to maintain a database environment: Roles: Designing, implementing, and maintaining the database system and the DBMS. Establishing policies and procedures. Training employees. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

3.6 Example Database Management Systems (1) Popular DBMSs for end users: Microsoft Access and Corel's Paradox. (2) The complete database management software market includes databases by IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

3.7 Selecting a Database Management System Important characteristics of databases to consider: Size of the database. Number of concurrent users. Performance. Ability to be integrated with other systems. Features of the DBMS. Vendor considerations. Cost of the system. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

3.8 Data Warehouses, Data Marts, and Data Mining Data warehouse: collects business information from many sources in the enterprise. Data mart: a subset of a data warehouse. Data mining: an information-analysis tool for discovering patterns and relationships in a data warehouse or a data mart. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Common Data-Mining Applications Branding and positioning of products (Enable the strategists to visualize different position of the competitors for a given product.) Customer churn (Predict current customers who are likely to go to the competitors). Direct marketing (Identify prospects of direct marketing like direct mailing). Fraud detection (Highlight transactions to be deceptive or illegal). Trend analysis (Analyze how key variables like sales, promotions vary over a period of time). Market segmentation (Group customers what they are and what they prefer.) Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) Software that allows users to explore data from a number of different perspectives. Table 3.4: Comparison of OLAP and Data Mining Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.

Self Examination Questions Short Answer Questions (3 marks) 1) Define the terms: Entity, OLAP, OODBMS and ORDBMS. 2) Define the terms: DDL, QBE, DML, SQL. 3) Give any FIVE advantages of the database approach. 4) Who is a DBA? What are his roles? 5) What are some of the popular Database Management Systems? 6) What are the criteria for selecting a Database Management Systems? 7) Differentiate between OLAP and Data Mining.   Long Answer Questions (5 marks) 8) Define all the components of the Hierarchy of Data. 9) Describe the Database Management System? 10) What are data warehouse, data mart and data mining applications? List out any FIVE common Data-Mining applications. Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition.