Information Systems Program
Module 2
Introduction to Databases and DBMSs
Lesson 1: Database Characteristics
Lesson Objectives
• Define basic terminology and database
characteristics
• Provide an example of a databases
Information Systems Program
Motivation
• Databases crucial for daily operations and
decision making in organizations
• Database management technology
– Major part of software industry
– Revolutionary evolvement over 40 years
– Foundation for management of long term memory
of organizations
• Vibrant field with employment opportunities
Information Systems Program
Initial Vocabulary
• Data: raw facts about things and events
• Information: transformed data that has value for
decision making
• Essential to organize data for retrieval and
maintenance
Information Systems Program
Database Characteristics
Persistent
Inter-related Shared 5
Information Systems Program
University Database
Faculty
Registration
Entities: Assignment
students, faculty, courses,
offerings, enrollments
Relationships:
faculty teach offerings,
Grade students enroll in Course
Recording offerings, offerings made Scheduling
of courses, ...
University Database
6
Information Systems Program
University Database (ERD)
Student Offering Faculty
StdNo OfferNo FacNo
StdClass OffLocation Teaches FacSalary
StdMajor OffTime FacRank
StdGPA Has FacHireDate
Supervises
Accepts
Registers Course
Enrollment CourseNo
CrsDesc
EnrGrade
CrsUnits
Information Systems Program
Summary
• Databases and database technology vital to
modern organizations
• Database technology supports daily operations
and decision making
• Emphasize structured data
• Essential characteristics of shared, inter-related,
and persistent
Information Systems Program