BA271 Week 6 Lecture Database Overview Dave Sullivan

Goals for today… Discuss what a relational database is Discuss what a relational database is Compare using Microsoft Access with large corporate databases Compare using Microsoft Access with large corporate databases Look closely at how a multi-table Access database functions Look closely at how a multi-table Access database functions

Ideas about our textbook Strength: Strength: –Excellent coverage of how a database is used in an actual business setting Weakness: Weakness: –Light on “how-to” descriptions

Access versus large databases … Like a car versus a bus or train … Like a car versus a bus or train … Databases are inherently multiuser systems Databases are inherently multiuser systems Large databases make poor learning tools -- but have lots of specialized features for robust professional users Large databases make poor learning tools -- but have lots of specialized features for robust professional users

A sample Access database Nwind.mdb, a database for the NorthWind Traders company Nwind.mdb, a database for the NorthWind Traders company Provided by Microsoft to show how to use Access. Provided by Microsoft to show how to use Access. Available at 271/nwind.mdb Available at 271/nwind.mdb 271/nwind.mdb 271/nwind.mdb

Microsoft Access Assignments Microsoft Access Assignments Five assignments, mostly due on Mondays at 2 p.m.

Opening activity: Database design Discovery phase includes Discovery phase includes –Gathering all existing data –Researching missing and incomplete data –Talking with users about data output needs Subsequent steps in process include Subsequent steps in process include –Putting data into groups called tables –Identifying unique values for each record in those tables –Designing database to produce desired output

Activities you should do: Adjust your website based on what you learned from your Peer Reviews. Adjust your website based on what you learned from your Peer Reviews. In the textbook, read: In the textbook, read: –Chapter “Introduction” –Chapter 1, Preparing to Automate Data Management Complete Access Assignment #1. Complete Access Assignment #1.Access Assignment #1Access Assignment #1