Chapter 3-Database Planning

Question 1

Name the 11 steps of planning a database.

Answer 1

1. Create a database strategy.
2. Define the scope of the database application.
3. Create a database requirements document.
4. Design the database.
5. Select a DBMS.
6. Design the database application.
7. Create a database and database application prototype.
8. Test the database and database application.
9. Implement the database and database application.
10. Convert legacy data and load new data into the database.
11. Maintain the database and a database application.

Question 2

Requirements document

Answer 2

A formal definition of the specifications for software, an application or a database.

Question 3

List the three objectives of the database design stage.

Answer 3

1. To designate the data and the data relationships required by the users.
2. To present a data model that delineates the transactions required on the data.
3. To create a design that is structured to achieve the specified performance goals of the database system.

Question 4

What are the three stages of database design?

Answer 4

1. Conceptual.
2. Logical.
3. Physical.

Question 5

What is meant by design the database application?

Answer 5

To create a user interface for the database.

Question 6

What is the main reason for creating a prototype?

Answer 6

To test the system.

Question 7

White box testing

Answer 7

The use of internal knowledge of the code for an application conducting test.

Question 8

Blackbox testing

Answer 8

Testing an application without internal knowledge of the code.

Question 9

What are some suggestions for conducting interviews for your database?

Answer 9

1. Limit the number of people interviewed at one time.
2. Try to interview management personnel separately from users.
3. Before conducting the interview provide the interviewees with a list of the topics of discussion.
4. Ensure that someone adept at notetaking attends the interviews or records the interview.

Question 10

Name the nine types of information a requirements document should contain.

Answer 10

1. A well-defined mission statement.
2. The data requirements for all participating departments and individuals.
3. The data processing requirements for all participating departments and individuals.
4. A set of objectives and requirements for the database system from the users perspective.
5. Possible constraints placed on the database designer including speed requirements, and hardware platforms.
6. The description of the graphical user interface.
7. Description of operational scenarios.
8. Security, reliability, maintainability, portability and extensibility.
9. A preliminary schedule and budget.

Question 11

Name the 10 concerns of creating a GUI for a database.

Answer 11

1. Descriptive page titles.
2. Clear instructions.
3. Consistent grouping of input fields.
4. Logically labeled fields.
5. Consistent color use.
6. Properly sized data entry fields.
7. Logical cursor movement.
8. Error messages.
9. Clearly indicated optional fields.
10. Completion message.

Question 12

Name the six activities you need to accomplish in the conceptual design phase.

Answer 12

1. Space identify entities.
2. Identify attributes and attribute domains for entities.
3. Identify relationships.
4. Identify candidate and primary keys for entities.
5. Create and ER diagram.
6. Review ER model by user and design team.