WMES1105 PRINCIPLE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS Semester 1 2010/2011 Tutorial 6 Review questions 1.

How can a data dictionary be useful to database administrators and DBMS software engineers? ANS: A data dictionary is valuable in maintaining an efficient database that stores reliable information with no redundancy, and makes it easy to modify the database when necessary. Data dictionaries also help computer and system programmers who require a detailed description of data elements stored in a database to create the code to access the data. 2. In what circumstances might a database administrator consider using an object-oriented database? ANS: Object-oriented databases are useful when a database contains complex data that needs to be processed quickly and efficiently. 3. What is a database schema, and what is its purpose? ANS: A database schema is a description of the entire database. It can be part of the database or a separate file. The DBMS can reference a schema to find where to access a particular piece of data in relation to another. 4. What is business intelligence? How is it used? ANS: Business intelligence is the process of gathering enough of the right information in a timely manner and usable form and analyzing it so that it can have a positive impact on business strategy, tactics, or operations. Business intelligence involves turning data into useful information that is then distributed throughout an enterprise. Companies use this information to make improved strategic decisions about which markets to enter, how to select and manage key customer relationships, and how to select and effectively promote products to increase profitability and market share. 5. What are the advantages of the database approach? ANS: In a database approach, a pool of related data is shared by multiple application programs. Rather than having separate data files, each application uses a collection of data that is either joined or related in the database. 6. What is the purpose of a primary key? How can it be useful in controlling data redundancy? ANS:

The primary key is used to distinguish records so that they can be accessed, organized, and manipulated. Since no other record can have the same primary key, data redundancy is reduced.
7. What is a distributed database system? ANS: A distributed database system is one in which the physical data may be spread across several smaller databases connected via networks or telecommunication devices. Although in separate locations, the data may appear in a single unified schema. 8. What is a flat file? ANS: A flat file is a simple database program that has no relationship between its records and is often used to store and manipulate a single table or file. 9. What is the hierarchy of data in a database? ANS: Bits, characters, fields, records, files, and databases form the hierarchy of data. 10. What is the Bluetooth telecommunications specification? What capabilities does it provide? ANS: Bluetooth is a wireless communications specification that describes how cell phones, computers, personal digital assistants, printers, and other electronic devices can be interconnected over distances of 1030 feet at a rate of about 2 Mbps. 11. What role do the bridge, router, gateway, and switch play in a network? ANS: A bridge is a device that connects two or more networks at the media access control portion of the data link layer (of the OSI model) with common protocols. A router is a device that operates at the network level of the ISO model and features more sophisticated addressing software than the bridge. A specific router works only with a particular protocol and determines preferred paths to final destinations. The gateway operates at or above the transport layer and links LANs or networks that employ different higher level protocols. A switch uses the physical device address in each incoming message on the network to determine to which output port it should forward the message to reach another device on the same network. 12. What is EDI? Why are companies using it? ANS: Electronic data interchange (EDI) is technology that uses network systems and follows standards and procedures that allow outputs from one system to be processed directly as inputs to other systems without human intervention. Companies eliminate the need for paper documentation and reduce reentry errors with this technology. Automated orders and inventory restocking software often employ EDI.