An Introduction to Database Technology and Database Management - Essay Example

An introduction to Database Technology and Database management Data, information and knowledge, are correlated and can be defined in terms of each other (Amidon, 1997). Though many definitions have been put across, here are some that differentiates these three terms. Data is a collection of raw and unrefined pieces of information that do not give any meaning, in their present state. It is normally used for analytical purposes and must be organized in a certain manner so as to become useful (Dixon, 2000).

It is mostly comprised of facts and figures about certain events and occurrences that require being organized, analyzed and interpreted to give rise to some required information about this events and occurrences. Data is usually irrelevant and useless (Garvin, 1996), unless processed and interpreted to give some logical information. Hence in this context, it can be defined as the raw material for use in processing of a final product kwon as information. Information refers to that data that have been processed and refined to a logical sense that gives meaning.

The process of transforming these raw data into useful and meaningful information calls for the establishment of logical relationships between the data so provided and some occurrences and events (Garvin, 1996). Thus, information can be said to be the data that have been put in its rightful context, so as to relate the occurrences with the facts surrounding it, as well as the outcomes of the occurrences. Information is meaningful data that explain how things happened, what caused the occurrences, what the outcomes of these occurrences were and how they impacted (Dixon, 2000).

It entails data that been processed and put in a form that can easily be understood, may it be tables, charts, graphs (Amidon, 1997). It is this organization and placement of data in to a given context that creates understanding and enhances judgments. This is the need for information. Knowledge is the impact of information on a person (Dixon, 2000). The process of passing logical and meaningful information from the source to a person creates an understanding on the part of that person. This serves to create some insights in that person that eventually makes them comprehend, why things happened the way they did or what is likely to happen as a result of a given event.

Knowledge entails the application of information in the practical sense, to create experiences that relate to certain events and occurrences. Knowledge gives a person the basis of judging events. It also plays the role of influencing the behaviors of a person. The knowledge that a certain event or occurrence is likely to harm a person makes them avoid such circumstances, while the knowledge that certain events and occurrences are likely to be favorable to the individuals will make them attend them or even associate with them(Garvin, 1996).

Therefore, it can be seen that eventually (Amidon, 1997), data is used to generate information that creates knowledge. Data is the raw material for information that is analyzed and interpreted to become logical and meaningful. This logical and meaningful information, on the other hand, creates some insights and experiences that becomes knowledge. This knowledge in turn, influences the behavior and the judgment of an individual. Database is a large collection of organized data, in one or various forms, for a specific use (Dixon, 2000).

This implies that a database comprises of well and logically organized information, structured in tables or schedules, mostly in a digital form that is used to generate the required information and consequently elicit the desired knowledge regarding a certain occurrence, event or institution. Databases are used in banks, health facilities and education institutions to provide relevant information about the clients, employees, assets, materials among others. The benefit associated with the use of a database is that it enhances quick access to the desired information.

It also reduces the cost related with the storage, access, processing and retrieval of information. The other advantage is the enhancement of data protection and security, while minimizing greatly, the chances of errors associated with data entry and retrieval (Amidon, 1997). Database management system is the software that is used for the creation, control of usage, maintenance and retrieval of a database and its content. It creates the pathway through which a database is accessed, and its content retrieved for use in processing the desired information and give out the required feedback.

There are various types of database management systems. These include the Hierarchical, the Network and the Relational database management systems (Dixon, 2000). The Hierarchical DBMS is that whose records have a relationship in the form of a hierarchy. This means that the information records at the apex of the hierarchy are directly related with those below the and vice versa. Thus, a broad category of information at the base of the pyramid is refined to give more precise and logically organized information above it, which in turn is refined further.

This gives the most precise, useful and ready to use information at the apex of the pyramid. The Network DBMS has a many to many relationship, with only a single entry leading to various data records and files. This is a complex structure. A Relational DBMS has its data well tabulated in the form of rows and columns (Amidon, 1997). References Amidon, M. (1997). Strategic knowledge for the enhanced economy: Data entry, storage and retrieval. California: Heinemann. Garvin, P. (1996). The art of getting informed: The sufficient information for business competitive advantage.

New York, NY: Penguin. Dixon, A. (2000). A common knowledge of how companies can succeed by sharing information, New York, NY: Harvard Press.