IT 330 Essay Questions
Describe what metadata are and what value they provide to the database system correct answersThe metadata describe the data characteristics and the set of relationships that links the data
found within the database. For example, the metadata component stores information such as
the name of each data element, the type of values (numeric, dates, or text) stored on each data
element, and whether the data element can be left empty. The metadata provide information
that complements and expands the value and use of the data. In short, metadata present a
more complete picture of the data in the database. Given the characteristics of metadata, you
might hear a database described as a "collection of self-describing data."
Discuss some considerations when designing a database. correct answersProper database design requires the designer to identify precisely the database's expected
use. Designing a transactional database emphasizes accurate and consistent data and
operational speed. Designing a data warehouse database emphasizes the use of historical and
aggregated data. Designing a database to be used in a centralized, single-user environment
requires a different approach from that used in the design of a distributed, multiuser database.
Designing appropriate data repositories of integrated information using the two-dimensional
table structures found in most databases is a process of decomposition. The integrated data
must be decomposed properly into its constituent parts, with each part stored in its own table.
Further, the relationships between these tables must be carefully considered and implemented
so the integrated view of the data can be re-created later as information for the end user. A
well-designed database facilitates data management and generates accurate and valuable
information. A poorly designed database is likely to become a breeding ground for difficultto-trace
errors that may lead to bad decision making—and bad decision making can lead to
the failure of an organization. Database design is simply too important to be left to luck.
That's why college students study database design, why organizations of all types and sizes
send personnel to database design seminars, and why database design consultants often make an excellent living.
What are some reasons for studying file systems? correct answersA brief explanation of the evolution of file system data processing can be helpful in
understanding the data access limitations that databases attempt to overcome. Understanding
these limitations is relevant to database designers and developers because database
technologies do not make these problems magically disappear—database technologies simply
make it easier to create solutions that avoid these problems. Creating database designs that
avoid the pitfalls of earlier systems requires that the designer understand these problems and
how to avoid them; otherwise, the database technologies are no better (and are potentially
even worse!) than the technologies and techniques they have replaced.
What are the problems associated with file systems? How do they challenge the types of information that can be
created from the data as well as the accuracy of the information? correct answersThe following problems associated with file systems, whether created by DP specialists or
through a series of spread-sheets, severely challenge the types of information that can be
created from the data as well as the accuracy of the information:
• Lengthy development times. The first and most glaring problem with the file system
approach is that even the simplest data-retrieval task requires extensive
programming. With the older file systems, programmers had to specify what must be
done and how to do it.
• Difficulty of getting quick answers. The need to write programs to produce even the
simplest reports makes ad hoc queries impossible. Harried DP specialists who
worked with mature file systems often received numerous requests for new reports.
They were often forced to say that the report will be ready "next week" or even "next
month." If you need the information now, getting it next week or next month will not
serve your information needs.
• Complex system administration. System administration becomes more difficult as the
number of files in the system expands. Even a simple file system with a few files
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