Database Design Challenges

What is the most important component of a database? Is it the design standards, the processing speed, or the information requirements? The fact is that for a database to be effective, it must have a balance between all three of these areas. However, striking a balance can often be a challenging process that requires design compromises.

For this Discussion, you analyze the challenges of balancing design standards, processing speed, and information requirements when designing a database.

To prepare:

• Review the information in section 4.3 in the course text, Coronel, C. & Morris, S. (2015). Database systems: Design, implementation, and management (11th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

• Reflect on the three areas of database design: design standards, processing speed, and information requirements.

• Consider how you would weigh the importance of each of the three areas in designing a database.

Post on Tuesday 06/21/16 a minimum of 550 words in APA format with 3 references addressing the level one headings below:

1) An explanation of the challenges of balancing design standards, processing speed, and information requirements when designing a database.

2) Identify the area(s) in which you would be least willing to compromise and explain factors that might influence your decision.

3) Explain the importance of having a balanced database design.

Required Resources

Readings

• Coronel, C. & Morris, S. (2015). Database systems: Design, implementation, and management (11th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

• Chapter 3, "The Relational Database Model" (pp. 70-113)

When developing relational databases, tables are used to group related entities. This chapter explores the details behind table creation and utilization.

• Chapter 4, "The Entity Relationship Model (ERM)" (pp. 115-160)

This chapter describes ER modeling and the benefits it has for its end users. When designing a database, the designer has to consider the relationship between the design plans and the end users' needs while also ensuring connections between data that will yield accurate information.

• Cox, J. & Lambert, J. (2013). Step by step: Microsoft Access 2013. Richland, WA: Microsoft Press.
• Chapter 1, "Explore Mircosoft Access 2013" (pp. 3-52)

This chapter provides an overview of the skills and capabilities of Microsoft Access 2013. It reviews the concepts of database design and introduces the main components of a database; tables, forms, queries, and reports.

Optional Resources

There are a wide variety of online tutorials available to assist with using Microsoft Access. Below are several you might consider, as needed:

• Goodwill Community Foundation, Inc. (2010). Access 2010. Retrieved from http://www.gcflearnfree.org/office

This free resource provides a series of lessons, interactives, and video tutorials to assist in learning how to use Access 2010.

• Pollock, A. (2010). Access 2010 essential training. Retrieved fromhttp://www.lynda.com/Access-2010-tutorials/essential-training/62642-2.html

This series of videos provides detailed instruction on all aspects of Microsoft Access 2010 use. This resource requires a paid subscription.