INFS 329 Database Management Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is often cited as a major impediment for organizations considering a switch to modern database technology?

The cost of the DBMS software and hardware
The lack of familiarity with new systems
The availability of specialist staff
The expense of converting existing applications (correct)

What does the cost of conversion to a new DBMS system primarily include?

Cost of staff training and specialist employment. (correct)
The expense of new hardware only.
The initial purchase price of DBMS software.
The cost of data migration alone.

Which of the following is NOT a challenge associated with adopting a DBMS as implied in the text?

The possible need to purchase additional hardware
The requirement for specialist personnel.
The financial implications of training staff.
The potential for staff resistance to new systems. (correct)

What is the primary rationale provided for organizations remaining with their current systems, despite the availability of modern database technology?

The high cost of switching from existing systems. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What specific activity is mentioned as part of the course material related to database management?

Discussing challenges and benefits of database management software. (D) Signup and view all the answers

From the provided works consulted, which book specifically addresses modern database management?

Modern Database Management. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which author is associated with 'The Science of Database Management' according to the provided list?

Helman, P. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, which of the following people could be contacted for information about the INFS 329 course?

Both Dr. Ebenezer Ankrah and Mr. Lenin Commodore (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of an enterprise data model (EDM)?

To outline the scope of data across an entire organization. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the initial step in enterprise data modeling?

Reviewing currently used information systems. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common objective of an EDM project?

Meeting strategic organizational goals with improved data practices. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary difference between a Solid State Drive (SSD) and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?

SSDs do not have moving parts, while HDDs consist of moving components. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does an enterprise data modeling (EDM) approach differ from a bottom-up database development approach?

It is a top-down strategic approach to database development. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of database development project typically focuses on only one database to meet an immediate need?

A bottom-up database development project. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of SSDs that enables them to retain data without power?

They utilize non-volatile flash memory. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content provided, what is a file defined as?

A logical entity used for dividing data into meaningful groups. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which input typically triggers a bottom-up database development project?

Information system user requests for specific data (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the term 'file organization'?

The methodology for how data is stored in a file and how it can be accessed. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Regarding the development of databases, what is a key characteristic of the SDLC (Systems Development Life Cycle) approach?

It is an alternative approach to database projects rather than part of EDM. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how are file records mapped onto disk blocks?

Through methods defined by file organization. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the level of data representation during the 'describe data needed' stage of enterprise data modelling?

A very high level of abstraction. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does file organization impact the physical aspect of a file?

File organisation determines the way data is physically arranged on a storage device. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, besides containing records, what are computer files also referred to as?

Documents (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of file organization in the context of computer files?

To control the physical layout of data storage for access. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary reason for the emergence of the Database Development Life Cycle (DBDLC)?

To address limitations of broad Software Development Life Cycles (SDLCs) that do not cater specifically to the unique characteristics of database applications. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, what is the relationship between the Database Development Life Cycle (DBDLC) and the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

The DBDLC model is a subset of the broader SDLC, focusing specifically on database aspects. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a typical characteristic of the Database Development LIfe Cycle (DBDLC) as described in the content?

Unlimited Resource Allocation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Database Life Cycle (DBLC), what does the 'implementation and loading' phase primarily involve?

Populating the database with initial data and establishing the system. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of prototyping, according to the content?

To demonstrate an illustrative and functional version of system or function. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The content mentions that within a larger information system, the database is subjected to a life cycle. Which of the following best presents this life cycle's phases in the correct order?

Database initial study, database design, implementation and loading, testing and evaluation, operation, maintenance and evaluation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the phases of the Database Life Cycle (DBLC), which activity would directly follow the 'implementation and loading' phase?

Testing and evaluation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is a specific Database Development Life Cycle (DBDLC) deemed essential for database applications?

Because they possess distinct characteristics that are not fully accommodated by generic SDLC models. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary function of constraints in a database?

To limit the type of data that can be stored in a table promoting data accuracy and reliability. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary implication when a data action violates a defined constraint in a relational database?

The data action is terminated ensuring that there is no data inconsistency from the violation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does an integrity rule primarily aim to achieve concerning foreign key values?

Confirming they either match a primary key value in another relation, or they are explicitly set to null (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of entity integrity in database design?

To guarantee that each record in a table is unique, with a unique non-null identifier. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the essential focus of referential integrity in a database system?

Maintaining consistency of relationships between tables using foreign keys. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In a database with 'Customers' and 'Orders' tables, where 'CustomerID' in 'Orders' is a foreign key, what does referential integrity ensure?

Every 'CustomerID' in 'Orders' exists as a 'CustomerID' in the 'Customers' table. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is entity integrity primarily enforced in a relational database table?

By establishing primary keys with the characteristic of uniqueness and not-nullability. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in identifying building blocks for E-R diagrams, such as entities, attributes, relationships, and constraints?

Clearly identifying and gathering all the business rules and requirements related to the model. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction in focus between the Chen and Crow's Foot notations in ER modeling?

Chen notation emphasizes conceptual modeling, while Crow's Foot focuses on implementation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Chen's notation, how are primary key attributes distinguished from other attributes within an entity?

They are underlined within the attribute’s ellipse. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How are multivalued attributes represented in Chen's notation when connecting them to an entity?

Using a double line. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In Chen's notation, what is the visual distinction used to indicate a derived attribute?

A dotted line connection to the entity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How are relationships depicted in Crow's Foot notation in ER diagrams?

By using lines with special shapes at the ends connecting entity boxes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the shapes at the ends of the lines in Crow's Foot diagrams?

To represent the cardinality of the relationship. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the UML notation from both Chen and Crow's Foot notations in ER modeling?

UML can be used for both conceptual and implementation modeling, unlike the others. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In Chen's notation, how does the system show a composite attribute and its constituent parts?

Using ellipses emanating from the composite attribute. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cost of Conversion (DBMS)

The cost of acquiring and implementing a DBMS can be high due to expenses related to software, hardware, training, and specialist staff.

Application Integration

Organizations may face challenges in integrating existing applications with a new DBMS, requiring significant effort and modifications to ensure compatibility.

Training and Support

Introducing a new DBMS can involve training employees to use the new system and adapting to new workflows, which can be time-consuming and require ongoing support.

Expert Staff

Large-scale implementations of DBMS solutions might require specialized expertise for design, optimization, and maintenance, leading to additional costs.