COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS
Database technology has improved over the issues of organizing data with traditional file systems. Rather than storing data in separate files for each application, data are stored physically to appear to the user as being stored in only one location. A database is a collection of data organized to serve many applications efficiently by centralizing the data and minimizing redundant data. A single database services multiple applications.
For example, instead of a corporation storing employee data in separate information systems and separate files for personnel, payroll, and benefits, the organization could create a single common Human Resources database to integrate all of those functions and processes.
A database management system (DBMS) is the software that allows the organization to centralize data, manage them efficiently, and provide access to the stored data by application programs. The DBMS acts as the interface between application programs the physical data tables.
A database management system has three components: a data definition language, a data manipulation language, and a data dictionary.
The course materials in this module review database concepts in a comprehensive way as well as advances for developing effective information through the use of database systems.
Case Assignment
An industrial supply company wants to create a database where management can obtain a corporate-wide view of sales information to identify best-selling products in specific geographical areas, key customers, and sales trends.
The sales and product information are stored in several different systems: a divisional sales system running on a Unix server and a corporate sales system running on IBM servers. Management would like to create a single standard format that consolidates these data from both systems. The following format has been proposed.
Product ID
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Description
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Cost/Unit
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Units/Sold
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Sales/Region
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Customer/ID
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The following are the sample files from the two systems that would supply the data for the consolidated database:
Mechanical Parts Division Sales System
Mechanical Parts Division Sales System
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Product ID
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Description
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Cost per Unit
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Units Sold
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Sales/Region
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Customer/ID
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60231
|
4" steel bearing
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5.28
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900,245
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N.E
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Anderson
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85773
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SS assembly unit
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12.45
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992,111
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Midwest
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Kelly, Inc.
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Corporate Sales System
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Product ID
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Description
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Unit Cost
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Units/Sold
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Sales Area
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Division
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60231
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Bearing 4"
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5.28
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900,245
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North East
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Parts
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85773
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SS assembly unit
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12.02
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992,111
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M.W
|
Parts
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1. What business problems are created by not having these data in a single standard format?
2. How easy would it be to create a database with a single standard format that could store the data from both systems? Identify the problems that would have to be addressed.
3. Should the problems be solved by database specialists or general business managers? Explain.
4. Who should have the authority to finalize a single company-wide format for this information in the database?
Assignment Expectations
Your paper should be short (3-5 pages, not including cover sheet and references) and to the point. It is to be structured as a point/counterpoint argument, in the following manner: take a definite stand on the issues and develop your supporting argument carefully.
Using material from the Background information and any other sources you can find to support specific points in your argument is highly recommended; try to avoid making assertions for which you can find no support other than your own opinion.