Database Modeling and Normalization

Imagine that you work for a consulting firm that offers information technology and database services. Part of its core services is to optimize and offer streamline solutions for efficiency. In this scenario, your firm has been awarded a contract to implement a new personnel system for a government agency. This government agency has requested an optimized data repository for its system which will enable the management staff to perform essential human resources (HR) duties along with the capability to produce ad hoc reporting features for various departments. They look forward to holding data that will allow them to perform HR core functions such as hiring, promotions, policy enforcement, benefits management, and training.

Using this scenario, write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you:

1. Determine the steps in the development of an effective Entity Relationship Model (ERM) Diagram and determine the possible iterative steps / factors that one must consider in this process with consideration of the HR core functions and responsibilities of the client.

2. Analyze the risks that can occur if any of the developmental or iterative steps of creating an ERM Diagram are not performed.

3. Select and rank at least five (5) entities that would be required for the development of the data repositories.

4. Specify the components that would be required to hold time-variant data for policy enforcement and training management.

5. Diagram a possible 1:M solution that will hold salary history data, job history, and training history for each employee through the use

of graphical tools in Microsoft Word or Visio, or an open source alternative such as Dia. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length.

6. Plan each step of the normalization process to ensure the 3NF level of normalization using the selected five (5) entities of the personnel database solution. Document each step of the process and justify your assumptions in the process.

7. Diagram at least five (5) possible entities that will be required to sustain a personnel solution. The diagram should include the following:

1. Dependency diagrams

2. Multivalued dependencies

"Optimizing Database Design" Please respond to the following:

• Many legacy systems require normalization. Identify at least two factors that should be considered in order to produce an optimal normalized set of tables when performing normalization. Include in your discussion a detailed example on how each factor would eliminate data redundancy.

• Optimal database design recognizes proper organization of table structures and relationships. Suggest at least two methods that can be used to improve the design of a database system.

"Denormalization Functionality" Please respond to the following:

• Having an adequate data model to serve specific business needs of an organization is important. Evaluate the need for denormalization within an organization. Provide at least three examples that prove denormalization is useful to data consumers.

• Using a data-modeling checklist can help database developers design efficient data repositories. Suggest at least two possible scenarios that could take place if one of the steps in the data-modeling checklist is missed.