Importance of Databases in Decision-Making

Study Notes

Importance of Databases

Facilitate decision-making and utilize information as organizational resources
Store, manage, and retrieve data efficiently
Essential for any information system

Database Use

Used in research, business, administration, etc

Data vs Information

Data: raw facts, foundation of knowledge, building blocks of information
Information: result of processing data, requiring context, crucial for decision-making

Database Definition

Shared, integrated computer structure storing a collection of end-user data and metadata

Database Management System (DBMS)

Collection of programs managing data structure and access control

File-Based System

Stores information in permanent files, managed by different application programs

Drawbacks of File-Based Systems

Data redundancy
Inconsistency
Isolation
Dependency on application programs
Atomicity issues
Security challenges

Types of Dependence

Structural Dependence: access to files depends on their structure, requiring modifications for changes
Structural Independence: ability to change file structure without affecting data access
Data Dependence: changes in data storage characteristics affect data access
Data Independence: data storage characteristics do not affect data access

Data Issues

Data Redundancy: vulnerable to security breaches, inconsistency, and integrity problems
Data Anomalies: abnormalities occurring due to inconsistent changes in redundant data

Database Properties

Representations of real-world data elements, logical, coherent, and internally consistent

Database Systems

Regulate the collection, storage, management, and use of data, integrating logically related data into a single repository

Database System Environment

Comprised of hardware, software, people, procedures, and data

Role and Advantages of DBMS

Intermediary between users and the database, enabling data sharing and integrating various user views

Types of Databases

Single user
Multiuser
Centralized
Distributed
Operational
Data warehouse
Unstructured
Structured
Semi-structured
XML databases

Database Design Importance

Focuses on structuring databases for end-user data, facilitating data management and generating accurate information

DBMS Functions

Ensure integrity and consistency
Manage data dictionary
Manage storage
Manage transformation
Manage presentation
Manage security
Manage access control
Manage backup
Manage recovery
Manage integrity management
Language interfaces
Communication interfaces

Database Development Process

Planning phase
Analysis phase
Design phase
Implementation phase
Maintenance phase

Description

Explore the significance of databases in facilitating decision-making and leveraging information as valuable organizational assets. Learn about efficient data storage, management, and retrieval techniques essential for information systems across various domains like research, business, and administration.