Foundations of Data Management
Read these foundational concepts about databases and how data is stored in databases. Note that when discussing databases in this context, we are almost always talking about relational databases. Relational databases are how organizations store their internal transaction processing data. We refer to systems that process transactions as OLTP: OnLine Transaction Processing systems, recognizing that almost all business transactions are completed online. We noted earlier that firms may seek internal and external sources and that data can be structured or semi-structured. While not a general rule, it is common for internal data to be stored in relational databases and external data in other formats and structures.
What Is a Database?
A database is a shared collection of related data used to support the activities of a particular organization. A database can be viewed as a repository of data that is defined once and then accessed by various users as shown in Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1. A database is a repository of data.
Database Properties
A database has the following properties:
- It is a representation of some aspect of the real world or a collection of data elements (facts) representing real-world information.
- A database is logical, coherent and internally consistent.
- A database is designed, built and populated with data for a specific purpose.
- Each data item is stored in a field.
- A combination of fields makes up a table. For example, each field in an employee table contains data about an individual employee.
A database can contain many tables. For example, a
membership system may contain an address table and an individual member
table as shown in Figure 2.2. Members of Science World are individuals,
group homes, businesses and corporations who have an active membership
to Science World. Memberships can be purchased for a one- or two-year
period, and then renewed for another one- or two-year period.
Figure 2.2. Membership system at Science World by N. Eng.
In Figure 2.2, Minnie Mouse renewed the family membership with Science World. Everyone with membership ID#100755 lives at 8932 Rodent Lane. The individual members are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Mighty Mouse, Door Mouse, Tom Mouse, King Rat, Man Mouse and Moose Mouse.
Database Management System
A database management system (DBMS) is a collection of programs that enables users to create and maintain databases and control all access to them. The primary goal of a DBMS is to provide an environment that is both convenient and efficient for users to retrieve and store information.
With the database approach, we can have the traditional banking system as shown in Figure 2.3. In this bank example, a DBMS is used by the Personnel Department, the Account Department and the Loan Department to access the shared corporate database.
Figure 2.3. A bank database management system (DBMS).
Key Terms
data elements: facts that represent real-world information
database: a shared collection of related data used to support the activities of a particular organization
database management system (DBMS): a collection of programs that enables users to create and maintain databases and control all access to them
table: a combination of fields
Exercises
- What is a database management system (DBMS)?
- What are the properties of a DBMS?
- Provide three examples of a real-world database (e.g., the library contains a database of books).
Source: Adrienne Watt, https://opentextbc.ca/dbdesign01/chapter/chapter-2-fundamental-concepts/
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