MI4007 Week 2 lecture 2

Basic Database Concepts

• Databases use tables organized into records and fields
• A key field uniquely identifies a record
• Relational databases allow data access from multiple tables without reorganisation
• Database design must be reliable, consistent and have structure for easy data addition without change
• Data structure must be designed before adding data

Types of Data

• Integers
• Floating-point numbers
• Characters
• Character strings
• Boolean values (e.g., True/False)

Basic Database Design Rules

• Choose relevant fields; separate data with undetermined entry numbers into separate tables
• Avoid derived fields (e.g., don't need name if you have ID)
• Break down data into its smallest parts (e.g., city, state)
• Use clear, consistent, and detailed field names
• Use unique field names and avoid spaces
• Avoid calculated fields in Access; export to Excel if needed
• Use primary keys for no duplicate data entries; use auto numbers if not a unique key

Knowledge

• Knowledge is the understanding of rules needed to interpret information
• Knowledge workers rely primarily on knowledge as their capital
• Explicit knowledge is easily articulated
• Tacit knowledge is difficult to transfer and is learned ability

DIKAR Model

• Data → Information → Knowledge → Action → Results (or reversed RAKID)
• Operational use and strategic use of knowledge

Test your knowledge on fundamental database concepts, including data types, relational databases, and design rules. This quiz covers key principles that ensure reliable and structured database management. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their database skills.