Discuss how the data resource management methods of today will need to evolve as more types of data emerge
The need for data integrity continues to become a critical issue. Most of information such as client details or employee details being stored in databases that can be accessed through a network. Data resource management methods that do not provide the best security measures may result in losses for organizations implementing such methods. Additionally, data resource management methods are designed to handle a specified amount of data. The increase and enlargement of organizations requires them to apply methods that will reduce any incidences of inefficiencies while ensuring the data quality is maintained.
Why the role of a data steward is considered innovative?
A data steward ensures that an organization uses the latest technology in performing its functions. The data stewards are conversant with a broad knowledge in business and technical fields (Brian and Marakas, 2008). They can be able to merge diverse aspects of the various fields. Therefore, data stewards are able to ensure that data quality is maintained in the operational functioning of the organization.
How does effective data resource management contribute to the strategic goals of an organization?
Effective data resource management enhances the consistency of client’s data. Users modify data in the database by making changes to a single file. This ensures that incidences of introducing inconsistencies in the client’s data are reduced. Furthermore, data such as the client’s data and employee data that are stored in databases assist the organization in planning, assessing and evaluating performances of the organization. Lack of proper organization may result to loss of clients and poor assessment of employees. An organization’s goal of improving its profits may be enhanced by reducing operational costs, which are reduced via using effective data resource management. For instance, reducing duplication of data may save the organization some money. For example, at Emerson, their customer database allows them to categorize its customers depending on their location, which assists them in planning. Another organization is Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, which uses database management to track its interactions with health care providers and other clients. DHL has replaced its 50 databases with a single data warehouse in an effort to have a more centralized data warehousing system. According to Thomas (2011), such a system will assist the organization in reducing inefficiencies by further utilizing a real time continuous feed.
Advantages of a Database Management Approach
A database management approaches several advantages over a file system approach since it addresses most of the weaknesses associated with the file processing approach. Firstly, a database management approach reduces data redundancy. According to Shelly, Vermaat, and Quansey (2010), data items are stored in a single file, which reduces instances of duplication of data. Secondly, in a database management approach, there is enhanced data integrity since this approach reduces possibilities of inconsistencies. Thirdly, access of data in a database management approach is easier. Fourthly, users can easily share data over a network. File system approach consumes a lot of time in developing and arranging the files. This is reduced in a database approach, which provides a faster way of developing programs.
Benefits and Limitations of the Relational Database Model
Because of the use of tables in organizing data, relational databases have conceptual simplicity. The tables are easy to visualize while allowing for flexibility to end-users due to its great capability. This model is independent of the navigational data access system. This means that the database structure changes have no effect on data access. They also have ad hoc, powerful query capability that is applicable to real objects (Sumathi and Esakkirajan, 2007).
A relational database is a collection of related databases utilizing tables to organize data models in a systematic manner. Relational database systems have the limitation of misrepresenting entities in the real world due to the normalization process. There is semantic overloading due to lack of a distinguishing mechanism between relationships and entities or between the various relationships. Relational database management systems have a fixed data structure that is restrictive for actual objects. This results in abnormal joints that may be ineffective. Recursive queries are hard to handle since repetition of groups is disallowed (Singh, 2009).
How should a business store, access, and distribute data and information about its internal operations and external environment
A business store can utilize a centralized database or a distributed database. Utilizing a centralized database is more susceptible to fraud and failures. On the other hand, a distributed database is normally accompanied with inconsistencies in data. Application of the either a centralized or a distributed database will depend on the amount of data and finances available to the organization.
Role of Database Management in Managing Data as a Business Resource
Database management plays a crucial role in managing data as a business resource. It actively involves the application of new and developed technologies in data warehousing and tools of managing data. These tools facilitate the management of an organization’s data resources to satisfy the information needs of the clientele. Database management controls access of data while dictating various access modes such as read only or read and update. This plays a significant role in enhancement of security and authorization. DBMS facilitate recovery and back up of hardware and software programs. This may involve restoration of the system to the initial state prior to loss of data. DBMS plays an equally important role in metadata management and performance optimization.
References
Brien, J. A., & Marakas, G. M. (2008). Management information systems (8th Ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Shelly, G. B., Vermaat, M., & Quasney, J. J. (2011). Discovering computers: living in a digital World: fundamentals (2011 Ed.). Boston, Mass.: Course Technology Cengage Learning.
Singh, S.K. (2009). Database Systems: Concepts, Design, and Applications. Delhi: Pearson Education India.
Sumathi, S., & Esakkirajan, S. (2007). Fundamentals of Relational Database Management Systems. Berlin: Springer.
Thomas, D. (2004, May 4). DHL replaces 50 databases with a single worldwide data warehouse.
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