• Unit 3: Data and Databases

    Data is a collection of facts. For example, population estimates for China and the United States are data. Information is the presentation of these facts in an organized manner, such as by presenting population estimates side-by-side with other facts like per capita income. Knowledge refers to the use of information to make informed decisions. In this case, you might consider these figures critical knowledge for making policy decisions about China and the United States. Managing data allows the government, corporations, and even individuals to apply this knowledge to their everyday lives. Managing data can be difficult because databases are often filled with more information than you need. In this unit, you will explore the challenges of data management and learn how to take data and turn it into knowledge.

    We have used the word database many times in this course. We will now define and study databases in detail. Entire courses are devoted to this subject (such as CS403: Introduction to Modern Database Systems) since the uses and types of databases are as varied as the businesses that use them. However, finishing this unit should give you enough of an understanding of databases to have a conversation with a database administrator about the needs of your team or department.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 9 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • define metadata;
      • describe the differences between data, information, and knowledge;
      • define the term database and identify the steps to creating one;
      • describe the purpose of a database management system;
      • describe the characteristics of a data warehouse;
      • define data mining and describe its role in an organization; and
      • list the components of knowledge management.

    • 3.1: Introduction to Data Management

      • Data and Databases Book

        This chapter covers the concepts of data and databases. Businesses are becoming more and more "data-driven"; understanding how data is collected, stored, and managed is essential for anyone wanting to succeed in business. Pay special attention to the sections on data warehouses and data mining, as they provide examples of how companies use data strategically.

      • Data, Information, and Knowledge Page

        Watch these videos and reflect on the different approaches to defining the terms in both videos and the reading assignment. Which do you like best? Write a short definition for each of them.

      • Data-Driven Decisions Page

        This video explains how one presenter used data to make decisions, as well as the importance of using intuition. Think about the decisions you make in your work or personal life. How could having more data help you make better decisions? What kind of data would you need? How would you balance your own intuition and data to make better decisions?

      • Knowledge Management Page

        Watch this video and reflect on the role of information technology in knowledge management. What are the components of knowledge management? Can a company claim to be doing "knowledge management" by simply implementing one or more information systems? Consider writing a response in two or three paragraphs.

    • 3.2: Databases

      • Defining the Term "Database" Page

        A database is a storage location for data. But what does the term "database" really mean? This exercise will help you understand the term better.

      • Relational vs. NoSQL Databases Page

        This video is somewhat technical, so be sure you have completed the previous materials in this unit first. What demands will companies put on databases in the future? As data becomes more and more the lifeblood of business, databases will require new methods for processing and managing data. After you watch, think about why the relational database model may not be the best one to serve the purposes of database management in the future. Compose your answer in a brief four-slide presentation as follows:

        • Slide 1: define relational databases
        • Slide 2: define NoSQL databases
        • Slides 3 and 4: describe the pros/cons of each
      • Data Warehouses and Data Mining Book

        This article gives a detailed summary of the role of data warehouses and data mining, and their relationship to organizational databases. As you read, pay attention to how data warehouses are used to improve decision-making in organizations. Keep a summary in your notes of how an organization you are involved with could benefit from data mining and data warehousing.

      • Unit 3 Assessment

        • Unit 3 Assessment Quiz
          Receive a grade

          Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

          • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
          • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
          • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.