BUS611: Data Management

Database design is a process to facilitate the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of an enterprise DBMS. Enterprise systems are a combination of hardware and software for operational use. Organizational operations typically consist of a series of functions and tasks necessary to implement a business process. Therefore, an enterprise DBMS manages reporting and manages more than one function within an organization.

There are various types of database software tools. This is because one software system is not designed to manage all administrative functions. Therefore, multiple database software tools may be utilized to run and manage day-to-day and strategic operations. 

Database administration includes those activities conducted by a database administrator (DBA). DBAs ensure that databases are available and ready for use when needed by their organization. Some DBA duties and responsibilities include security, monitoring, troubleshooting, and operation planning.

DBMS Software is a set of designated programs that manages and regulates the database. DBMS Hardware consists of the physical components (computer, hard drive/disk) needed before any data can be successfully stored. DBMS Data is the primary reason for the DBMS design. Remember, the DBMS was created to store and analyze data to support organizational operations and planning. DBMS Procedures are the organization's general instructions on how to use a DBMS to support a specific organizational process. This includes setup, install login, logout, management process, and report generation. DBMS Database Access Language is a simple language to write commands to either access, insert, update, or delete data stored in a database. Structured Query Language (SQL) is the most commonly used access language.

In Unit 1, you learned about data governance. Remember, data governance was explained as a continuous process of frameworks. The frameworks improve data quality and increase confidence in outcomes resulting from data analysis. This can also be applied to how organizations manage data and information. 

Data is the foundation for information and knowledge for any organization. However, this data must be relevant, complete, accurate, meaningful, and actionable. Therefore, data management is a function to plan, control and deliver data effectively and efficiently in an organization. Data management and information influence data quality and confidence in results. 

Different departments within an organization use data and information differently. However, you learned that data administrators (DBA) play a critical role to ensure data is readily available for each department when needed. DBAs are also essential in how organizations will manage data and information.

Data is the foundation of information and knowledge. Data should be relevant, complete, accurate, meaningful, and actionable. Databases are a collection of related data. Organizations utilize various types of DBMS software to manage information in these databases. 

Remember, various software tools are needed for DBMS. This is due to not having one DBMS software that can perform every administrative function for every organization across industries. Therefore, understanding databases and DBMS is critical to producing reliability and integrity in data used for operational and strategic planning. Unit 3 will cover the first step of designing a database.