Week 2 - Transaction processing systems

Question 1

What is transaction processing

Answer 1

A TPS consists of computer hardware and software hosting a transaction-orientated application that performs the routine transaction necessary to conduct businesses

Question 2

What are the drivers to TPS

Answer 2

• process automation
• high transaction volume handling
• data integrity and consistency

Question 3

Objectives of TPS

Answer 3

Carryting out day-to-day transactions
Supplying data to other information systems
Supplying the necessary information to the organisation, whicb would enable proper functioning of the business

Question 4

What are the characteristics of a transaction

Answer 4

• Atomicity
• Consistency
• Isolation
• Durability
• Rapid processing
• Reliability of processing
• Standardization
• Controlled Acess

Question 5

Explain atomicity in terms of a transaction

Answer 5

A transaction is treated as a single, invisible unit of work

Question 6

Explain consistency in terms of a transaction

Answer 6

The execution of a transaction brings the database from one consistent state to another

Question 7

Explain isolation as a characteristic of a transaction

Answer 7

The immediate states of a transaction are not visible to other transactions until the transaction is committed

Question 8

Explain durability as a characteristic of a transaction

Answer 8

Once a transaction is committed, its effects on the database is permanent

Question 9

What is a TPS design based on

Answer 9

• Execution details of the transaction
• Data content and format
• Rules and policies

Question 10

What is a TPS capable of

Answer 10

• Enforcing rules and work procedures
• Detecting errors
• Automating certain decision-making functions

Question 11

What are the 4 phases of data processing cycle

Answer 11

1. Data input
2. Data processing
3. Data Storage
4. Information output

Question 12

Describe phase 1 of data processing

Answer 12

Data input is the collection of data from an emerging business activity

Question 13

What are the four types of Phase 2 of data processing

Answer 13

1. Creating
2. Reading
3. Updating
4. Deleting

Question 14

What are the 3 methods of data processing

Answer 14

1. Batch processing
2. Online real-time processing
3. Online batch processing

Question 15

What is batch processing

Answer 15

This is when transactions are processed in groups or batches at once

Question 16

What is real time data processing

Answer 16

This is when the computer system processes data immediately after capture and provides updated information to users

Question 17

Describe phase 3 of data processing

Answer 17

Data storage refers to magnetic, optical or mechanical media that records and preserves digital information for ongoing future operations