Database Design for Mere Mortals Ch. 6 Flashcards
What are some goals of analyzing the current database?
— Determine the types of data the organization uses
— How the organization manages and maintains their data
— How the organization views and uses their data
True or False: You can adopt the current database structure as the basis for the new structure.
False
What is a legacy database?
A database that has been in existence and in use for five years or more
State two steps of the analysis process.
— Reviewing the way data is collected
— Reviewing the manner in which information is presented
— Conducting interviews with users and management
What types of computer software programs should you review during the analysis?
All the computer programs that the organization uses to collect data. Ex, word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and web pages
Why should you conduct interviews after you gather data and information presentation samples?
— They provide details about the samples you assembled during the previous reviews
— They provide information on the way the organization uses its data
— They are instrumental in defining preliminary field and table structures
— They help to define future information requirements
How do you use ‘open-ended’ and ‘closed’ questions?
Open-ended questions are more general in nature and enable you to focus on specific subjects, whereas closed questions are more specific and allow you to focus on particular details of a certain subject
What is the Subject-Identification Technique?
Allows you to identify subjects within a participant’s response to a given question
How do you identify specific attributes for a particular subject?
By using the Characteristic-Identification Technique. Ask open-ended questions and pay attention to any details that describe particular aspects of that subject. Ex, phone numbers, addresses
True or False: You should interview users and management at the same time.
False
What three basic types of information requirements must you identify?
- Current
- Additional
- Future
What is the Preliminary Field List?
Represents the organization’s fundamental data requirements and constitutes the core set of fields that you must define in the database.
State why each item on the Preliminary Field List should have a unique name
To ensure that the characteristic appears only once on the list
What is a Value List?
Specifies the acceptable range of values for a particular characteristic and often enforces a given business rule
What are calculated fields? What (if anything) should you do about them?
The result of a string concatenation or mathematical expression as its value. You should remove calculated fields from the Preliminary Field List and place them on a dedicated Calculated Field List
