Chapter 7 Databases And Data Warehouses

Question 1

Describe relational database fundamentals and advantages?

Answer 1

relational databases store data in logically related to dimensional tables made up of columns and rows. Tables re-present business entities. Columns re-present attitudes or characteristics of those entities. Rows are instantiations of actual business entities ( e.g., A specific order, a specific customer). Primary keys (One or more columns in a table) define a unique instantiation (row) within a table. Foreign keys are columns in tables that are primary keys in other tables; foreign keys are the mechanisms through which relationships between tables are defined. The advantage of relational databases is that they facilitate Business transaction processing and the ad hoc reporting of data.

Question 2

Explain how users interact with a database management system, the advantage of data-driven websites, and the primary methods of integrating data and information across multiple databases and organizations?

Answer 2

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Question 3

Describe data warehouse fundamentals and advantages?

Answer 3

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Question 4

Explain the defining value characteristics of both transactional data and analytical information, and the need for organizations to have data and information that are timely and of high-quality?

Answer 4

Transactional data are the raw facts contained within business operational processes. Analytical information is meaningful data that support non-operational business tasks. Organizations should strive for data and information that are accurate, complete, consistent, unique (non-duplicated), and timely to facilitate operational efficiency and effectiveness. Further, ensuring data and information are timely and of high quality gives companies the ability to make sound decisions based on accurate and reliable information, and ultimately helps uncover business intelligence.