Benefit of Database Environment Compared to Traditional File Environment - Essay Example

Traditional file environment does not guarantee data security while a database environment stores data in electronic form and that is what guarantees the security of the entire data stored there (Shelly and Rosenblatt, 2012, p. 238). Remarkably, the data is warehoused in manifold files and locations, which makes it easily retrieved over the internet.

The multiple locations of data boost the security of the data stored in a database by preventing it from permanent loss. Traditional file environment does not allow for proper organization of data. On the other hand, the database environment allows users to access files from the system. The people accessing information from a database system know immediately that the information they are looking for is in existence. Properly ordering data within a database system of filing prevents redundancy and loss of data files.

A database environment allows easy data editing as information is digitally stored while traditional file environments do not allow users to edit data files or warrant them to send information to other users. Traditional file system stores data in paper form, which cannot be edited directly unless new copies are made or the old files get updated (Shelly and Rosenblatt, 2012, p. 239). Question #2: The Difference between Data and Information Data represents raw and organized facts that await processing while information is data that has been processed fully, organized, structured, and presented in a defining context to make it useful.

Data is usually unorganized and random and only sounds meaningful when processed as information. For example; students' raw test score in the exam a piece of data while student class-average score represents the information (Bee & Bee, 1999, p. 2). Since data is raw it is not able to convey the right information to managers or specialists who want to use it. Information is derived from data by various analysis methods such as bar graphs, correlations, and measures of central tendency, and conclusions and inferences are drawn appropriately.

For example, the number of employees within an organization represents data but when managers divide them into sex, the amount of salary they earn, working positions, and the number of hours they work as per their respective positions; that represents enough conclusive information, which could be used for decision-making (Bee & Bee, 1999, p. 3).Question #3: Information SystemsInformation systems in the context of organization and management refer to the systems, which are centrally coordinated through computer expertise and management.

They include people managers and computers that help to provide information about varied organizational operations. This system entails mainframe systems combined with an organization’s comprehensive network of computer resources. Laudon and Laudon (2000) make it clear that in the twenty-first-century management information system is the main factor that will bring out the difference between achievements and overall organizational failure. The organization must use the content of the information they get from various levels and use it promptly where it is needed.

Consequently, for that to be realized, there must be an efficient system to convert data from internal and external sources into meaningful information. The information is then communicated in the appropriate form, for example in pie charts or reports to managers at all levels of the organization. The managers are then able to make timely and effective decisions and those decisions come in handy during planning, directing, and controlling of activities where they are taking charge (Turban & Aronson, 2001).

It is applied in different management levels that include top-level management, which uses decision support and project management systems; human resources, which utilizes resource and people management applications, and junior-level management which relies on database retrieval applications for the execution of their daily duties. Decisions are made based on the graphical presentation of information and may require an organization to call for input from an expert system and artificial intelligence (Laudon & Laudon, 2000).