Databases and Data Warehouses

6.1 List, describe, and provide an example of each of the five characteristics of high quality information.

The five characteristics of high quality information include accuracy, completeness, consistency, uniqueness and timeliness. Accuracy, for example, would include spelling or correct recording of amounts and other information.  Completeness is a characteristic of high quality information that would include how thorough the information is, such as a complete address including all required fields, street, city, state and zip code. If all the information is in agreement then it is consistent.  An example of consistent information would include all the totals being the actual total. Uniqueness ensures the information is distinctive, for example, checking for any duplicates in customers. The final characteristic of high quality information is timeliness information that is current which includes checking for updated information.

6.2 Define the relationship between a database and a database management system.

Database management systems and databases interact and communicate together. Databases are where applications and programs are located relevant to management systems. Databases contain records and various pieces of information. This makes it easier for the information to be communicated between multiple databases. The management system is the database that is used to manage and query the database.

6.3 Describe the advantages an organization can gain by using a database.

By using a database an organization can accomplish tasks by means of increased flexibility, increased scalability and performance, reduced information redundancy, increased information quality and increased information security. Increased flexibility is the adaptation to changes efficiently and effectively. Databases allow users to access information in a way most convenient for the user.  The measure of performance and the ability of a system to adapt

6.4 Define the fundamental concepts of the relational database model.
A relational database model has two dimensional tables where information is organized. The fundamental concepts of the relational database model include entities and attributes. The entities include information stored relating to a person, place, thing, transaction or event. Entities are represented thorough tables of the relational database model. Also represented on the tables are the characteristics of an entity class also known as attributes. In order to display the most logical relationships among models primary and foreign keys are used. A primary key identifies a given entity in a table. Foreign keys is the logical representation between a primary key in one model and an attribute in another.


6.5 Describe the two primary methods for integrating information across multiple databases.
 Information can be integrated forwards and backwards. Forward integration automatically transfers all information to downstream systems and processes. Backwards integration is the exact opposite, it takes all the information to automatically send to upstream systems and processes.


6.6 Compare relational integrity constraints and business-critical integrity constraints.
The rules that delivers quality information are integrity constraints. Relational integrity constraints includes fundamental constraints in the most basic form.  Business-critical integrity constraints are more complex than relational constraints. This requires business rules crucial to the success of an organization.Integrity constraints benefits databases by providing high quality information that will lead to high quality business decisions.

6.7 Describe the benefits of a data-driven website.
 Data-driven websites relate directly to its customers and is well up to date providing accurate information. Data-driven websites are most useful when a website contains a lot of information, products or services. They allow information to be accessed through queries that is analyzed by the website then builds a website customized that meets the query.