Database

Inquiry Paragraph:

A database is a system that records and stores data. Data is recorded through traditional paper
systems or electronic databases with DBMS to access the data remotely through cloud or through
direct positional access. Electronic databases are prominent as Paper-based systems are difficult
to maintain (edit), susceptible to natural damage (fire, water, mold), and it is difficult to find
specific data. Today, Modern data systems are more secure, have a streamlined navigation
system, require less space, and are easily maintained and edited. However, electronic databases
have risks such as hack susceptibility and natural damage (water, fire, hard-drive failure) which
are risks, but through Encryption, Firewalls, Hardware failsafe, fire combat systems, and secure
watertight facilities the data is extremely safe. However, development can ratify the following
risks including natural damage (water, fire, hard-drive failure) through water and fire combat
systems, use of SSDs as electronic data storage and the capability to access data remotely. The
main aspects of a database include hardware (the physical devices and electronics that contain
the data). The software is the software used for database setup, installation, management, data
access, and remote management (examples: access, MySQL, oracle). The data itself is another
component. The procedure for data management, access, and editing which includes the login
information, software setup, and data access. Lastly, the database access language is another
important aspect that dictates how the database is accessed and through what language. What
should be noted is that Excel is not a database as it does not have a primary key id for each data
set, and it only supports data in the form of text. Types of database software include Oracle,
MongoDB, MySQL, Microsoft SQL. Examples of DBMS include:

Hierarchical databases

Network databases

Relational databases
Object-oriented databases

Graph databases

ER model databases

Document databases

NoSQL databases

Hierarchical databases: data is stored in parent-child nodes connected (a node can only have one
parent node)

Network databases: it is a hierarchical database, but child nodes can have more than one parent
node to create a network

Relational databases: The data is stored based on relations using a table like system where
columns are attributes and rows are entities

Object-oriented databases A coding-based database where it is incorporated into a programming

language like C++ and Java

Graph databases: They use a graph structure to store data and does not use an SQL management
system

ER model databases: a graphical (flow-chart) representation of relationships between entities and

attributes

Document databases: Databases that store data as documents (No SQL system required)

NoSQL databases: Any database that does not use SQL as its primary access language

(Arjun Panwar)

Bibliography:
Taylor, Sebastian. “Database.” Corporate Finance Institute, Corporate Finance Institute, 21 Nov. 2023,
www.corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/data-science/database/#:~:text=The%20five
%20major%20components%20of,procedure%2C%20and%20database%20access%20language .
Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.
‌excelandaccess. “Microsoft Excel Is Not a Database.” Excel and Access, LLC, 27 Apr. 2023,
www.excelandaccess.com/blog/excel-is-not-a-database/#:~:text=By%20using%20primary
%20keys%20to,Excel%20does%20not%20do%20this. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Arjun Panwar. “Types of Databases.” C-Sharpcorner.com, 2023,

www.c-sharpcorner.com/UploadFile/65fc13/types-of-database-management-systems/.
Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Strand 1

The problem at hand revolves around the creation of a database as an organizational tool for a
specific business, a database is a form of inputting records as data into specific programs, then by
assigning primary id the information can easily be accessed on command. This problem is most
prominent in local businesses including family-owned restaurants and family-owned
merchandise shops, this is because they lack technological advancement and are typically
unorganized unlike franchised and big chains of businesses. The client is an elderly merchandise
shop owner with no technological knowledge that still uses old methods of record keeping. The
problem is mainly a product of poor business management which results in the loss of different
records and transactions creating problems for business registration and tax deductions.
Therefore, databases in an electronic format are used to organize different information related to
the business itself and its operational means.
Strand 2

The Priority
research of the
Questions about the aspect
aspect in
given aspect Source of
accordance
(Highly based on information
with Access
critical thinking)
Fm

Aesthetics: 1. What are the main Medium ‌

elements of a user Because Secondary
aesthetics Website Article/Research
interface for a
does not paper referencing direct
database affect the evidence
2. What colors function of
should be used in the product,
the user interface but the
for accessing the client’s first
impression
database
of your
3. What is the most product will
optimal design for be
the user interface aesthetics
4. Should the design
differ based on
different user
permissions
5. How will the
aesthetics be
geared for
different cliental
(different age
groups)

Cost 1. How much should High Primary

the client pay for Because the Survey
cost will not
the database
only affect
2. How much does a
 database cost to how the
build product will
be made but
3. Are there any extra
it will also
accessories that affect the
must be bought pool of
when designing a potential
database clients
Customer 1. Who are the ideal High Primary
clients for a Because the Survey/ Interview
customer
database
should
2. What age should always be
the client be prioritized,
3. How will the and
client's everything
background affect revolves
around the
their need for my
customer
product
4. Is there a high
volume of clients
or is it strictly
limited
Environment 1. Is an electronic Low Secondary
database Because the Website
product is Article/Governmental
environmentally
not Resources
friendly obligated to
2. How does this be morally
database improve considerate,
the environmental and it does
considerations not affect
the product
from paper records
directly
3. Should the
environment be
taken into
considerations, or
is the effects of
this database
negligible
Safety 1. What security High Secondary
system interface Because the Website
safety of the Article/Encyclopedia
 (firewall) should I data is what
use to protect the determines
the
data inside the
effectivenes
database s of the
2. How will database
encryption be and unsafe
utilized to protect data will
data leave clients
dissatisfied
3. Are there any
physical safety
considerations that
must be taken into
account
Size 1. How much storage Medium Primary
capacity should be Because the Survey/Interview
size of the
allocated to a
database
databases will
2. Is it necessary to determine
improve storage its use case
capacity physically and whether
for a database or it will be
suitable
3. How will the size
however the
affect ease of database is
accessibility, will still
lagging or glitches modular and
become more can be
frequent as size upgraded
increases
Function 1. What is the High Secondary
function of a Because the Website
function of Article/Encyclopedia
database
the product
2. How will the determines
database store data who the
3. Are there any client is,
dependencies that and how the
a database may product will
work, and
need
what is the
4. How will the database
database function capable of
for different forms doing
 of data
5. How will the user
interface be
created
6. How will the
database
management
system be
integrated with the
database

Materials 1. What are the Medium Secondary

physical materials Because the Website article
materials
needed for the
are
database important
2. What is the for the
software needs for creation of
the database the database
3. What type of however
different
database system
quality of
should be used materials
with the specific will not
type of data the directly
client may use affect the
product

Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/G4QTcLdNsg

Study: https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/66926.66946

Research Paper:

ETS Department of Digital Design

Vol.1 Issue.3 February 24th, 2024

ETS Publishing Inc.2006

Qais Al-Jariri, ETS IB Student

The application of database systems for commercial use

 Abstract
A database is a system that records and stores data. Data is recorded through traditional paper
systems or electronic databases with DBMS to access the data remotely through cloud or through
direct positional access. Electronic databases are prominent as Paper-based systems are difficult
to maintain (edit), susceptible to natural damage (fire, water, mold), and it is difficult to find
specific data. Today, Modern data systems are more secure, have a streamlined navigation
system, require less space, and are easily maintained and edited. However, electronic databases
have risks such as hack susceptibility and natural damage (water, fire, hard-drive failure) which
are risks, but through Encryption, Firewalls, Hardware failsafe, fire combat systems, and secure
watertight facilities the data is extremely safe. However, development can ratify the following
risks including natural damage (water, fire, hard-drive failure) through water and fire combat
systems, use of SSDs as electronic data storage and the capability to access data remotely. The
main aspects of a database include hardware (the physical devices and electronics that contain
the data). The software is the software used for database setup, installation, management, data
access, and remote management (examples: access, MySQL, oracle). The data itself is another
component. The procedure for data management, access, and editing which includes the login
information, software setup, and data access. Lastly, the database access language is another
important aspect that dictates how the database is accessed and through what language. What
should be noted is that Excel is not a database as it does not have a primary key id for each data
set, and it only supports data in the form of text. Types of database software include Oracle,
MongoDB, MySQL, Microsoft SQL.

Introduction and Research Objective

In this research paper, the main objective is to investigate how a database can be utilized in an organized
business-oriented environment to store several types of data. The research paper will focus on small scale
locally owned businesses that do not consist of franchises or any corporate elements; as these businesses
are more likely to have not modernized and to have been relying on insufficient and unadvanced data
storage methods. Thus, the research conducted in this paper will offer an insight into what these clients
would prefer and how an electronic database system may conform to their needs. Moreover, as different
clients require different database types, each database must be order-specific, thus different clients and
different pools of client will have a mass effect on how the database is constructed, how the user interface
is created, the user access permissions, and such. However, the research done will explore how live
databases are utilized within commercial industries which is in this case is a restaurant to change
information from different points of access simultaneously. In short, the main research objective is to
investigate how a client (local restaurant owner) can employ a digital database for ease of use, security,
and versatility.
 Research Methodology
Man will only become better when you make him see what he is like-Anton Chekhov (Provided by The
Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene). Research has always been descriptive and precise as to
maintain integrity, if the previous quote is applied to the concept of data management through database
system it is clearly impeding that you can only improve on what you already have, you cannot improve
something that does not exist. Thus, the database system is just a modernized method to storing data that
has improved on the original paper filling system, and therefore to is of the utmost significance that
throughout the research the contribution of other data filling and storage methods is valued.

Aesthetics
The most prominent aesthetics present in the database are the aesthetics aspects that apply to the user
interface utilized to access the data. The main elements of a user interface include a search bar, a filters
section, different parameters for search based on the given data, protection and encryption using a
passcode login system. In addition, the colors that should be used include all neutral colors plus one or
two standout colors that match the business's color and branding, an example would include grey and
purple for a popular restaurant chain. The most optimal design for the user interface would just be a
simple access page where you enter login information, then you get access to a new page where you can
enter search parameters, view the data, and use different sorting methods. Moreover, the design will differ
based on user permissions as administrators will have extra permissions that will give them access to
other utilities and functions to edit the database, extract data, preform executive actions, etc. Lastly, the
aesthetics will be based on different cliental age as older age will constitute a simpler user interface that is
easier to traverse.

Cost
The client should pay a net sum between 3000-5000 JOD all-inclusive of software cost, taxes, and other
miscellaneous fees. There will be a recurring maintenance fee of 500 JOD at a monthly rate. A database
costs anywhere from 300 USD for software and an electronic device to a couple thousand for commercial
and corporate applications. The cost is very much dependent on the client themselves and the
requirements they may provide, for instance if a client requests additional features such as a system
specific user interface or a database that can be accessed remotely additional charges may rack up,
moreover as the price increase te pool of clients also changes from local owners to big commercial stores
and or corporate companies.

Customer
The ideal customer for this service is the owner of a local commercially based business that offers
products/services and needs a more efficient and effective method for data storage of anything from order
numbers to customer data. The client should ideally be of an older age as they will require more
technological help whereas younger owners may be able to construct a database by themselves using
online expertise. Moreover, the client's background should ideally not be related to technology as any
client with technological prowess will not need a dedicated database construction service. Lastly, there is
a high volume of available clients, however this only applies in 3rd world and developing countries. Thus,
after the client has been chosen, they will be responsible for all decisions pertaining to their database,
each aspect of the database will be decided by the client as it is their database and each database is order-
specific with specific considerations for different functions that may be used. As restaurant owner, the
client will require a live database that will allow for employees to change food status based on order
status, different order requirements, delivery information, etc. This in turn will also need a high storage
cache which in this case will be the computer specific Random-Access-Memory, it will be of DDR5
generation with a speed of 4600 megahertz, the capacity will come out to a total of 32 GB which will
allow for a fully functional lie database with multiple access points based on available equipment.

Environment
The electronic database is an extremely environmentally friendly option for a database. As this
database does not use paper filing records that utilize wood-based paper that is not
environmentally friendly, therefore the electronic version of a database is extremely
environmentally friendly. Lastly, in my thesis I believe that environmental conditions should not
manipulate a client's preference and that any effect will be negligible, however this decision is
completely in the hands of the client. Thus, if the client prefers functionality, he/she may choose
a more powerful system that may use more electricity, and if he/she shall have ethical obligations
as a priority the client may choose an eco-friendlier system that takes into account environmental
considerations. The client may also utilize software limitations to prioritize saving electricity for
environmental considerations as to uphold the client’s moral obligation.

Safety
As the software that will be used is access, the firewall that will be used is a system-based
version of windows firewall that controls access to the database. An encryption password will be
used for further protection. Plus, all methods of external physical data input will be stopped by
disabling all USB and other data access interfaces. This in, turn would firstly prevent any
unauthorized access from users who are not verified and are not employees of the business,
secondly all malware and viruses will be prevented thus business secrets are protected along with
financial data. Lastly, the encryption will also limit user permissions thus only higher-ranking
employees can perform certain functions that may only pertain to their job description.

Size
The database will have a base storage capacity of 1-2 Terabytes that is affordable and has a great
value ratio. As the business expands and grows that storage capacity will need to be improved.
Moreover, as the size of the database increases ease of accessibility will decrease since there is
an increase in the amount of data that needs to be searched when using search parameters thus
causing some glitches or even causing a system crash.

Moreover, when taking into consideration the size of a database you need to consider the needs
of the client, so the type of data they need to store will play a major role in how much storage
they need. Therefore, business who need to store data in the form of text won’t require such high
storage capacity but business who are storing ither documents or high-quality images/videos may
 require petabytes of storage capacity. Thus, to determine the storage capacity and individual
must look at the operational capacity of the business itself.

Function
The database's main function will be to store and protect valuable data pertaining to the client.
The Access software will be used to store data in multiple forms including text, tables, and
documents. A database will need a dependency which is a DBMS which is a database
management system that allows the user to access the database. In addition, when pertaining to
different forms of data, search parameters can be set to only search one type of data. The user
interface will be created using a form wizard provided by Microsoft access. A DBMS base
system is already built into the Microsoft access software.

As the client is a local business owner, the database will mainly pretian to storing customer,
food, and delivery data. All the data will be interconnected. Firstly, when a customer places an
order their information will be saved allowing the restaurant to access it in the future for
marketing purposes. Secondly, their order is then placed into the database along with its status,
when the order is prepared the food status changes from being prepped, to the order is served and
finished. Thus, the information then is moved out of a cache into the long-term storage of the
restaurant database. In the case of deliveries, the same thing happens but the database will log the
delivery company used, the river issued the order, and the food order that is with the driver to
prevent any stealing of the food itself.

Materials
The physical materials needed for a database include an electronic device and a solid-state drive,
the Microsoft access software system will be used. The access database system is universally
applicable and can be integrated with any form of data.

As the designer I would recommend that the client first use a solid-state drive at the NVME
capacity with a storage capacity of 1TB raging anywhere from 60-90 USD based on inflation
rates. I would also recommend a dell latitude laptop system to operate the database as it is
extremely portable and easy to use. The system will range from 500-1500 USD depending on
chosen model and inflation rates. The Microsoft software will require the Microsoft 365 suite
which will cost a monthly membership of anywhere from 10-40 USD depending on chosen
subscription and the current inflation rates.

References
Lecture Notes for 15.564: Information Technology I 1 Microsoft Access GUI Building.
ocw.mit.edu/courses/15-564-information-technology-i-spring-
2003/1824e705a0a69af81dfe6bd1108ee82a_lec9.pdf. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.

Introduction. “Create a User Interface (UI) Macro - Microsoft Support.” Microsoft.com, 2021,
support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-user-interface-ui-macro-12590d3b-b326-4207-bfe5-
19234f53f08b. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.

“IBM Documentation.” Ibm.com, 5 Mar. 2021, www.ibm.com/docs/tr/tsm/7.1.7?

topic=requirements-hp-ux-maximum-number-files. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.

“Database Firewall 101: Everything There Is to Know about a Database Firewall.” Satori, 4 Nov.
2023, satoricyber.com/database-security/database-firewall-101-everything-there-is-to-know-
about-a-database-firewall/. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.

“Encrypt a Database by Using a Database Password - Microsoft Support.” Microsoft.com, 2021,

support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/encrypt-a-database-by-using-a-database-password-12aa0e5c-
34c6-4957-af3b-b5f5cfa9a766. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.

“Database Design Prices: How Much Does a Database Design Service Cost?” Costowl.com,
2021, www.costowl.com/b2b/design-services/design-services-database-cost/. Accessed 24 Feb.
2024.

Group, VinciWorks. “Do Businesses Have a Responsibility to Protect the Environment? |

DeltaNet | DeltaNet.” VinciWorks, 31 Mar. 2022, vinciworks.com/blog/do-businesses-have-a-
responsibility-to-protect-the-environment/#:~:text=For%20a%20business%20to
%20continue,and%20practice%20of%20environmental%20awareness. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.

McCarthy, Dennis, and Umeshwar Dayal. “The Architecture of an Active Database Management
System.” ACM SIGMOD Record, vol. 18, no. 2, June 2019, pp. 215–24,
https://doi.org/10.1145/66926.66946.
‌

Strand 3:
Product No.1:

Strengths Weaknesses
 Design is organized and separated by  The aesthetics are not ideal, and they are
function overall unaesthetic
 Labeling is clear and easily readable  The database is based on functionality and
(Suitable font, size, and color) is not easy to use as the aesthetics create a
 No technical expertise required to operate hard to use interface
 Colors are neutral so a color-blind  The functions are not organized, and they
individual can still operate the system are distributed randomly
 The number of functions available is high  This interface is tailored only for specific
as different functional actions are readily system and cannot be used effectively
available with non-touchscreen and commercial
systems

Opportunities Threats
 Employ a more effective aesthetic that is  Businesses prefer to use a more user-
more appealing to the eye friendly system that does not require
 Use a more organized interface that is employ specific training, thus this system
better distributed is out of favor
 Utilize full system compatibility with  Unaesthetic databases typically signify a
application to all commercial systems business which does not take care to
 Create business specific designs that are specific minor details and rather only
tailored to the design of the business and focuses on profit
their specific marketing  Employs will prefer to go to a business
  Add a protective login screen to protect where the database interface signifies a
the system from all security/data breaches professional business that is efficient,
effective, and does not overwork its
employees.

Inspiration Paragraph: The above interface provides a semi-ideal form of a user interface for the database,
the interface is function oriented and can be utilized effectively in a commercial business, however, the
level of complexity may prove to be challenging for employees to adhere to and learn to utilize.

Product No.2:

Strengths Weaknesses
 The ER diagram is extremely detail  The ER diagram is too complicated for
oriented; it has multiple key properties some employees to understand how to
that branch out into different other minor reorganize specific portions
properties. They are named the entities  The ER diagram is not aesthetically
and their attributes pleasing in the slightest
 The number of attributes is extremely  The entities can be expanded by adding
high and considers all potential data more entities that are business specific
which may need to be stored  No login information is required and thus
 The ER diagram is significantly it is not secure
organized, and each attribute is linked  The database holds some customer
together effectively and efficiently specific information that shouldn't be
 found in the open, a data breach could
breach the security of all customers
Opportunities Threats
 The er diagram can be easily improved by  The ER diagram is extremely complex,
linking the er diagram directly to delivery thus different competition with simpler
programs such as UberEATS and Talabat data correlation may be much easier to
to improve functionality, increase the use
potential customer pool for the restaurant,  The ER diagram does not have a specified
and lower all additional costs of in-house input site where the data moves through
delivery each entity
 We can also add different automation  The ER diagram does not utilize any login
systems to streamline the data insert or passkey access which will allow any
process, and to also change data based on capable user to access the data which may
the different statues of each entity constitute a security concern

Inspiration Paragraph: This product has inspired me by providing an ample example of how an ER
diagram should look like. It also provided me inspiration for the type of entities to use and which
attributes would need to be included. Thus providing a well overall product which I hope to rival by
creating my own product.

Product No.3:

Strengths Weaknesses
 The ER diagram is extremely detailed, it  The ER diagram does not look to support
contains many different unique attributes newer versions of access and interface
taking into consideration any and all data system, also being based on an older
which can be gathered, changed, or used version of a database builder may
for any and all purposes such as constitute the need for a port to a newer
marketing, rewards systems, etc. version so it can support the system which
  The ER diagram makes direct links and the client may wish to use
correlations between each and every  The product does not include any security
entity, thus providing a well-built feature or a user permission system to
foundation for creating a live database control access to the data the client wishes
to store which may cause different
security breaches
Opportunities Threats
 The ER diagram should improve the  The ER diagram is too complex for many
organizational structure by making it local restaurant owners to use, it also
much simpler by adding main attribute includes many unnecessary entities which
and then using a drop-down menu to much of the local restaurant owners will
access the sub-attributes which the client not use such as hotel catering clients and
will need to access such
 Adding a delivery entity will allow for the  The ER diagram does not include a 3rd
restaurant to increase revenue by adding a party delivery service thus cutting down
delivery service that is independent, then on a revenue stream which local
by adding support the system can create a restaurants typically attempt to exploit by
separate stream of revenue for the offering a delivery service
restaurant

Inspiration Paragraph: This product has inspired me to add many different and unique functions to my
product by adding different unique entities such as the reservation and call back entities. Furthermore, the
extremely detailed attributes and their high number will also inspire me to add different unique attributes.

Product No.4:

Strengths Weaknesses
 The user interface is extremely simple  The product does not have any of the
and easy to use thus locally owned functions allowing for editing data. Thus,
businesses will prefer it over more it is extremely hard to fix mistakes after
complex systems intended for corporate they have been enter in
 applications
 The functions are highly effective and
include many different functions that can
be utilized effectively for local business
owners to use
Opportunities Threats

Relevance
Summary
Features
Conclusion impact of solution expected outcome