Database and Data Warehouse

1. List, describe, and provide an example of each of the five characteristics of high quality information.

• Accuracy, is concerned with whether all the values are correct, e.g. is the name spelt correctly?
• Completeness, is concerned with whether any values are missing, e.g. is the address complete with number, name and postcode?
• Consistency, is concerned with whether aggregate or summary information is in agreement with detailed information, e.g. do all the total fields equal the true total of the individual fields?
• Uniqueness, is concerned with whether each transaction, entity and event is represented only once in the information, e.g. are there any duplicate customers?
• Timeliness, is concerned with whether the information is current with respect to business requirements, e.g. is information updated weekly, daily or hourly?

2. Define the relationship between a database and a database management system.

 

A database is the structured file consisting of tables, records and fields and a database management system is the system that manages that database, allowing the user to run queries, compile reports etc.

3. Describe the advantages an organisation can gain by using a database.

In modern business, using a data base has become very essential. The advantages of this is that it reduces redundant information, increases flexibility, makes systems scalable and increases information integrity. A database makes a business more efficient and effective in its operations and provides analytical information discovering trends.

4. Define the fundamental concepts of the relational database model.

A relational database is one that stores information in the form of logically related two-dimensional tables, each consisting of rows and columns. It is the most commonly used database model today, and example of which is Access.

5. Describe the benefits of a data-driven website.

A data driven website is an interactive website kept constantly updated and relevant to the need of it customers through the use of a database. The advantages of a database driven website is that it allows a user to run a query by submitting a form, making it easier and more simple to find information and increases customer satisfaction.

6. Describe the roles and purposes of data warehouses and data marts in an organization.

A data warehouse is a logical collection of information that supports business analysis activities and decision making tasks. The primary purpose of a data warehouse is to aggregate information throughout an organization into a single respiratory in such a way that employees can make decisions and undertake business analysis activities.

However, a data mart contains a subset of data warehouse information.

To distinguish between the two, think of data warehouse as having a more organizational focus and data marts having focused information subsets particular to the needs of a given business unit such as finance or production and operations.