Santos AIS Assignment
Santos AIS Assignment
Santos AIS Assignment
Define and distinguish between these terms: database, database management system, database
system and database administrator.
A database is a logically modeled cluster of information [data] that is typically stored on
a computer or other type of hardware that is easily accessible in various ways.
A database management system is a computer program or other piece of software that
allows one to access, interact with, and manipulate a database. A Database or simply DB
is a well-defined collection of interrelated data. It is an organized collection of data. It is
generally used to be stored and accessed from a computer system.A database
administrator (DBA) is the information technician responsible for directing or
performing all activities related to maintaining a successful database environment. A
DBA makes sure an organization's database and its related applications operate
functionally and efficiently.
4. Describe the different schemas involved in a database structure. What is the role of accountants
in development of schemas?
A schema describes the logical structure of a database. There are three levels of schemas.
First, the conceptual-level schema is an organization-wide view of the entire database listing
all data elements and relationships between them. Second, an external-level schema is a set
of individual user views of portions of the database, each of which is referred to as a
subschema. Finally, an internal-level schema provides a low-level view of the database,
includes descriptions about pointers, indexes, record lengths, etc. Accountants are primarily
involved in the development of conceptual-and external-level schemas; however, database
knowledgeable accountants may participate in developing an internal-level schema.
7. Name the three anomalies that may occur in an improperly designed relational database?
There are three types of anomalies: update, deletion, and insertion anomalies.
9. Briefly explain the two advantages semantic data modeling has over normalization when
designing a relational database.
Semantic data modeling takes advantage of a system designer's knowledge about the
business policies and practices of an organization. This is of great benefit in the design of
transaction processing databases. Also, since the database model is created around the
policies and practices of an organization, communications with the future database users is
facilitated. The result is that the system will more closely meet the needs of the intended
user.
10. What is the difference between file-oriented transaction processing systems and relational
database systems? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these systems.
In file-oriented approach, many files managed by many users. This results in a significant
increase in number of master files stored by an organization.
The disadvantages of file-oriented approach include:
- Data Redundancy
- Data Inconsistency
- Data-Program dependency
- Lack of Data Integration
- Lack of Compatibility
- Lack of Data Sharing
In the database approach, data is an organizational resource that is used by and managed
for the entire organization. The program that manages and controls the data and the
interfaces between data and application programs is called the database management
system (DBMS).
The advantages include:
- Data Integration
- Data Sharing
- Minimal Data Redundancy and Data Inconsistencies
- Data Independence
- Cross-Functional Analysis
Database systems separate logical and physical views. This separation is referred to as
program-data independence. Such separation facilitates developing new applications
because programmers can concentrate on coding the application logic (what the program
will do) and do not need to focus on how and where the various data items are stored or
accessed. In the file-oriented transaction systems, programmers need to know physical
location and layout of records which adds another layer of complexity to programming.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems overcome these problems as they integrate all
aspects of a company's operations with a traditional AIS. Most large and many medium-
sized organizations use ERP systems to coordinate and manage their data, business
processes, and resources. The ERP system collects, processes, and stores data and provides
the information managers and external parties need to assess the company.
12. Discuss the ways in which a well-designed DBMS will facilitate the three basic functions of
creating, changing, and querying data.
A DBMS will use data definition, and data query languages in order to perform the three
basic, essential data functions. Data definition is achieved using data definition language
(DDL); data manipulation is achieved using data manipulation language (DML) which
includes operations such as updating, inserting, and deleting portions of the database. Data
query language (DQL) is used to retrieve, sort, order, and present subsets of data in
response to user queries. A DBMS will probably also include a report writer, which is a
language that simplifies report creation.
13. List the four DBMS “languages”. Provide a brief description which identifies who uses them and
for what purpose.
DDL is the data definition language used by the database administrator (DBA) to create,
initialize, describe logical views, and specify security limits. The DML is the data
manipulation used by application programmers who embed these action commands into
application to access data in the database. The DQL is the data query language used by IT
professionals and users to interrogate the database by retrieving and presenting data in
novel ways often on an ad hoc basis. The report writer is a language used by IT professionals
and users that simplifies report creation so reports can be created according to user-
specified format.
Inputs to the dictionary include records of new or deleted data elements and changes in
name, descriptions, or uses of existing elements. Outputs include reports that are useful to
programmers, database designers, and IS users in designing and implementing the system,
documenting the system, and creating an audit trail.
16. What are the main constraints when a relational database model is being logically designed?
Constraints are a very important feature in a relational model. In fact, the relational model
supports the well-defined theory of constraints on attributes or tables. Constraints are
useful because they allow a designer to specify the semantics of data in the
database. Constraints are the rules that force DBMSs to check that data satisfies the
semantics.
Domain restricts the values of attributes in the relation and is a constraint of the relational
model. However, there are real-world semantics for data that cannot be specified if used
only with domain constraints. We need more specific ways to state what data values are or
are not allowed and which format is suitable for an attribute. For example, the Employee ID
(EID) must be unique or the employee Birthdate is in the range [Jan 1, 1950, Jan 1, 2000].
Such information is provided in logical statements called integrity constraints.
To ensure entity integrity, it is required that every table have a primary key. Neither the PK
nor any part of it can contain null values. This is because null values for the primary key
mean we cannot identify some rows. For example, in the EMPLOYEE table, Phone cannot be
a primary key since some people may not have a telephone.
17. What do you think will be the main impact of database technology in your career?
Database systems have the potential to alter external reporting significantly. Considerable
time and effort are currently invested in defining how companies should summarize and
report accounting information to external users. Relational databases have the potential to
increase the use and value of accounting information. Accountants must understand
database systems so they can help design and use the AISs of the future. Such participation
is important for ensuring that adequate controls are included in those systems to safeguard
the data and ensure the reliability of the information produced.