Sunday, March 28, 2010

Week 11: Clear

Databases start off simple but gradually get harder depending upon what data one is working with. Let's start off with the basics of database management. First of all it is important to know why exactly we use databases; databases can be used for a variety of reasons ranging from decision making to enterprise uses. Some of the key uses for databases are as follows: charts, reports, stats, web analytics, Customer Relations Management, social networks, user preferences, etc. When utilizing a database, we are inputing unorganized data and receiving organized useful information. Databases allow you to add, change and delete data, which is how most of us facilitate our need for information. One can also sort and retrieve the given data and perform reports and charts.



The database we have worked with in this course is called Microsoft Access. Access is utilized by a multitude of people who may need a database for personal or professional purposes. It is important to understand that the basis for databases is the data that you may input into the program. There are many integral parts that make databases work properly, but data integrity is one of the most important attributes. Data integrity is based upon the quality of the information at hand. One common saying is "Garbage in, Garbage out," which basically means incorrect or insufficient data will reap incorrect or insufficient results leading to inconclusive databases.



Going off this topic is the idea of the importance of valuable information. Just what exactly is valuable information when forming a database? Well, there are a few qualities that can lead you in the right direction. Information must be free of errors in order to escape the clutches of "Garbage in, Garbage out." Information must be verifiable meaning one could check the resources of a given data in order to prove the data is up-to-date and correct. Speaking of being up-to-date, data should be within a given time period that is relevant to the current question at hand. Would you want to know about customer loyalty from twenty years ago without knowledge of current customer loyalty? Maybe, but more present information sheds light on to current situations. Information should be organized, accessible, and useful or else the information has no bearing on a certain topic. Last but certainly not least, information must be cost-effective; if information is quite costly and reaps little to no profits in comparison, one is, in fact, losing money on the research.



As you can see, database management can be timely and must be carefully executed in order to reap targeted results. In the business world, it is of utmost importance to gain valuable knowledge and following these helpful hints will certainly put you on your way. For more information visit: database management,

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