Module Title Module 1: Database Environment

Learning Objectives By the end of this module, students should be able

to
Definition of terms
Explain growth and importance of databases
Name limitations of conventional file processing
Identify categories of databases
Duration 3 Hours

Definitions
Database: organized collection of logically related data
Data: stored representations of meaningful objects and events
Structured: numbers, text, dates
Unstructured: images, video, documents
Information: data processed to increase knowledge in the person using the
data
Metadata: data that describes the properties and context of user data
Database Management System (DBMS) a software system that is used to
create, maintain and provide controlled access to user databases.

Converting data to information

(a) Data in context
Context helps users understand data

(b) Summarized data

 Graphical displays turn data into useful information that managers can use for
decision making and interpretation

Descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the data, including data types,

field sizes, allowable values, and data context

Elements of the Database Approach

Enterprise Data Model
Graphical model showing high-level entities and relationships for the
organization
Relational Databases
Database technology involving tables (relations) representing entities
and primary/foreign keys representing relationships
Use of Internet Technology
Networks and telecommunications, distributed databases, client-server
and 3-tier architectures
Database Applications
Application programs used to perform database activities (create, read,
update, and delete) for database users
Client/server system architecture

Range of DB Applications

Personal databases
Are designed to support one user.
Ex: on PFAs, Laptops
Workgroup databases
Is a relatively small team who collaborate on the same project or
application or on a group of similar project or application.
Ex: Comprises twenty-five persons.
Departmental databases
Is a functional unit within a organization.
Ex: Personnel, marketing, manufacturing, and accounting.
Enterprise databases
Is one who scope is the entire organization or enterprise.
Internet, Intranet, and Extranet databases
A worldwide network that connects users of multiple platforms easily
through an interface known as a web browser.
Components of the
Database Environment

CASE Tools computer-aided software engineering

Repository centralized storehouse of metadata
Database Management System (DBMS) software for managing the
database
Database storehouse of the data
Application Programs software using the data
User Interface text and graphical displays to users
Data Administrators personnel responsible for maintaining the database
 System Developers personnel responsible for designing databases and
software
End Users people who use the applications and databases

Evolution of DB Systems

Flat files - 1960s - 1980s

Hierarchical 1970s - 1990s
Network 1970s - 1990s
Relational 1980s - present
Object-oriented 1990s - present
Object-relational 1990s - present
Data warehousing 1980s - present
Web-enabled 1990s - present