Read Me First - University of Phoenix



Read Me First HCI/520

Week Four

INTRODUCTION

Week Four’s focal points are on database life cycle concepts, a review of how database design strategies can support health care delivery, how to test and validate queries and distinguish between operational and informatics use of health care databases.

In chapter 4, you will review entity relationship components, examine how the entity relationships are defined, refined and incorporated into the database design. In chapter 5, you will review the extended relationship model, examine how clusters are used to represent multiple entities and relationships, and review the classification of key assignments and their use in software management. In chapter 9 you will examine successful database design, examine the framework of a systems development life cycle, and review top down and bottom up design strategies. Finally you will review and differentiate between centralized and decentralized design.

THIS WEEK IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE COURSE AND THE PROGRAM

In Week Three you learned the differences between database design models and database systems. You also reviewed issues associated with distributed database systems. Week Four expands the concepts of database design. Data modeling is the first step in database design. The importance of data modeling details cannot be overstated. It is from the modeling details that we develop the graphic representation of relationships among entities. It is important to note that the extended relationship model (EER) builds on the ER concepts and adds fields for subtypes which can be grouped or collected together. As we move toward the notion of true database systems, the evolution of the systems follows a pattern called the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The SDLC is the process of creating, maintaining, and enhancing a database system. This is the process that all successful database life cycles undergo to become useful and successful.

Information systems do not just occur. They are a part of a carefully planned and evolved process. As you read in earlier chapters, systems analysis is part of the process to determine the need for a database system and design that will meet the needs of your business or corporation. It is in the analysis stage of planning that the design of the information or database system is created. Through the SDLC process it is determined if the system continues to meet the needs of the company. When the database system no longer meets the business needs, it must be upgraded or replaced with a newer system.

HINTS FOR A READING STRATEGY OF THE ASSIGNED MATERIALS

When reading materials for Week Four, you will learn important details about database design life cycle concepts. Select components from your readings which you can apply to your Week Four individual assignment of creating a poster which graphically depicts the initial study and designing a database to meet your business needs. Look for the concepts which apply to a database life cycle (DBLC) and how this differs from a systems life cycle (SDLC). Note in your readings that a SDLC maps out the history of a software application used within your information system. It is divided into five phases: planning, analysis, analysis, detailed system design, implementation and maintenance. Think about when selecting a system, how these phases would fit into your business activity whether it is finance, general business, a corporation or health care.

SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK AS YOU HONE YOUR CRITICAL THINKING

1. What is an information system? What purpose does it have in a business environment?

2. What is the difference between the acronyms SDLC and DMLC?

3. What is the difference between a centralized and decentralized database model?

4. What is the difference between top-down and bottom-up design models?

5. What is a data dictionary? Why is it a vital part of database design and performing queries?

SUMMARY

As a future manager, leader or administrator, you will benefit from understanding database life cycle concepts. Understanding database life cycle concepts will aid you when designing a database system for your business or corporation. Understanding the type of queries that you will need to run as part of your business process will also aid you when developing a system to meet your needs as an end user or manager.

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