Computers Are Your Future

© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.Information Systems and Decision Sciences

Computers Are Your Future

Chapter 4

Databases and Information Systems

Slide 1


Database Concepts

Data is any unorganized text, graphics, sounds, or videos.

A database is a collection of data.Database programs enable people to add,

sort, group, summarize, and print data.Information is data that has been processed

in a meaningful and useful way.

Slide 2


The Levels of Data in a Database

The layers in a database are:– Bits – The lowest layer made of 1s and 0s– Characters – Letters, numbers, and

symbols– Fields – Areas that contain data identified

by field names (Examples: First Name; Address; City)

– Records – Contain a group of fields

Slide 3


The Levels of Data in a Database (Continued)

These levels also include:– Data files – Contain related records

– Databases – The top layer made of one or more data files (Example: ABC Company Address Book mailing list, Employee list, Vendor list)

Slide 4


Data Type

Data usually consists of text, numbers, currency, and dates

Logical data – Only “yes” or “no” answers are allowed

Memos – large units of text Objects – Non-textual data Binary large objects (BLOBs) – Very

large objects Default value – Pre-defined values

such as today’s dateSlide 5


Data Type

One field in a record is identified as the key field or primary key.

The key field must be a unique entry such as a social security number or student ID.

Slide 6


Types of Database Programs

File Management Programs:–Create flat files containing one file or

table–Files can not be linked to other files–Are easy to use and customize–Are not as complex as database

management systems

Slide 7


Types of Database Programs

Database Management Systems (DBMS)–Contain multiple files or tables–Are programs that enable data to be

stored, modified, and extracted from a database

–Are more difficult to learn than file management systems

Slide 8


Relational Database Management Systems

Data in several files are related through the use of a common key field.

Relational database management systems are the most widely used type of DBMS.

Slide 9


Data Warehousing and Data Mining

Data Warehousing:– Supplements DBMSs by bringing

together all data into one huge database– Organizes management’s decision-

making process– Uses a technique called drill-down to

view performance data of the entire company

Slide 10


Data Warehousing and Data Mining

Data marts support one division of an organization rather than an entire firm.

Data Mining: Is a data-exploration technique Is used to find unknown patterns of data

Slide 11


Client/Server Database Systems

Query:–Specially phrased question used to access specific information

Slide 12


The Internet Connection: Going Public with Data

Web-based integration is the latest trend in database software.

Slide 13

Information is stored in databases that are available through the Internet.


Advantages of Database Management SystemsThe areas of importance for building a

quality database are:– Data integrity– Data independence– Avoidance of data redundancy– Data security– Data maintenance

Slide 14


Advantages of Database Management Systems Data integrity is the validity of the

data. Data validation defines acceptable

input ranges for each field. Types of data validation are:

Alphabetic checkNumeric checkRange checkConsistency checkCompleteness check

Data security makes sure data are not accessible to unauthorized users.

Data is also protected from loss due to equipment failure.

Slide 15


Advantages of Database Management Systems Data independence refers to how data is stored

so that it can be used with different types of application programs. It also refers to the separation of the data in a database to control forms and reports.

Avoidance of data redundancy refers to avoiding the repetition of data.

Data maintenance refers to the procedures for adding, updating, and deleting records.

Slide 16


Information Systems: Tools for Global CompetitivenessAn information system is designed

to bring data, computers, procedures, and people together to manage information important to an organization’s mission.

Slide 17


Information Systems: Tools for Global CompetitivenessTo be valuable, information must be:

Accessible Accurate Complete Economical Relevant*Definitions of each can be found on page 109, Figure 4.13

Reliable Secure Simple Timely Verifiable

Slide 18


Functional Divisions of an Organization

Slide 19


Transaction Processing System (TPS)

A TPS handles an organization’s accounting needs, including purchasing, sales & payroll.

Early TPSs used batch processing. Online processing consists of entering transaction

data and viewing the results immediately. TPSs enable managers to make operational

decisions. TPSs can produce summary and exception reports.

Slide 20


Management Information System (MIS)

An MIS is a computer-based system that supports the information needs of different levels of management.

MISs help managers make informed tactical decisions. MISs work with transaction processing systems. MISs create reports that tell managers if their goals are being

met. Drawbacks of MISs:

Reports may contain unwanted information. Information may not be available when needed. Reams of printouts are often produced.

Slide 21


Decision Support System (DSS)

A DSS enables a manager to retrieve information that can’t be supplied by fixed and predetermined MIS reports.

Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) enables managers to import up-to-the-minute reports from transaction databases.

Slide 22


Executive Information System (EIS)An EIS is also known as an executive

support system (ESS).EISs support strategic decisions made

by top-level management that will affect the entire company.

EISs filter critical information so that trends are apparent.

Slide 23


Knowledge Management Systems

Knowledge management systems are used to capture knowledge created by employees and make it available when needed.

Slide 24


Expert Systems

Expert systems are systems that deal with expert knowledge in a particular area.

Expert systems: Help in making decisions Use artificial intelligence principles Provide technical support for customers

Slide 25


Computers and Databases in the Retail Sector

At the checkout stand: Point of sale terminals are replacing the cash

register. Optical scanners read the universal product

code (UPC) label that identifies items, their costs, and any sale prices.

Slide 26

Computers and databases are used for the checkout process and strategic purposes.


Computers and Databases in the Retail Sector

At the checkout stand (continued): Credit card authorization terminals are used to

process credit card transactions by placing a call to a call center, which provides authorization numbers.

Check-screening systems read the check’s account number, then compare it with delinquent accounts.

Signature capture systems capture a customer’s signature on a pressure-sensitive pad.

Photo checkout systems display a customer’s photo when a credit card is used.

Slide 27

Computers Are Your Future

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