Information Management Flashcards
What is a database?
An organized collection of logically related data.
What does data represent?
Stored representations of objects and events with meaning and importance.
How is information defined?
Data that has been processed to increase knowledge.
What is metadata?
Data that describes the properties or characteristics of end-user data.
What is a traditional file processing system?
A system where each application has its own private files, leading to data redundancy and limited sharing.
What is the database approach?
A centralized approach to managing data, overcoming the limitations of traditional file processing.
What is a Database Management System (DBMS)?
Software that enables the use of a database approach.
What is an entity in a database context?
A person, place, object, event, or concept in the business environment for which information must be recorded.
What is an attribute?
A data item describing an entity.
What defines a relationship in a database?
The connection between entities.
What is a relational database?
A database that establishes relationships between entities using common fields in a relation.
What is data independence?
The separation of data descriptions from the application programs.
What does data consistency ensure?
That data is accurate and consistent across the database.
What is data sharing?
The ability to share data among multiple applications.
What is a user view?
A logical description of a portion of the database required by a user.
What is a constraint in a database?
A rule that cannot be violated by database users to maintain data integrity.
What is a legacy system?
Older applications based on file processing or older database technology.
What is an enterprise application database?
A database designed to support organization-wide operations.
What is one advantage of the database approach?
Program-data independence.
How does the database approach improve data consistency?
By ensuring that data is accurate and consistent across the database.
What is one benefit of improved data sharing?
Increased productivity of application development.
What does enforcement of standards in a database approach lead to?
Improved data quality.
What are some advantages of the database approach?
Improved data accessibility and responsiveness, reduced program maintenance, and improved decision support.
What are some costs and risks associated with the database approach?
New and specialized personnel, installation and management costs, conversion costs, need for explicit backup and recovery, and organizational conflict.