Adapted from Jeffery A.

Hoffers
Modern Database Management,
12th Edition
Lecture: Week # 1
Introduction
Basic Concepts & Definition

Lecturer
Shermeen Adnan

1
 Background
Set the context & discuss basic database concepts &
definitions
Data generation, storage & processing is increasing
By 2010
Global enterprises stored more than 7 exabytes of data
Consumers stored more than 6 exabytes of data
Availability of data has opened up opportunities for
everyone
CEOs
Retail industry
Manufacturing industry
Food chains
Railroads
Airlines etc.
2
 Introduction
Data is a strategic asset
Database is one part of information system
Database is used to store, manipulate & retrieve data
Business
Health care
Education
Government
Libraries
Individuals
Employees
Customers
Remote users
3
 Introduction
Web based applications depend on a database
Will the demand for databases & database technology
level off???
Knowledge derived from databases can be used for
competitive advantage.
how????
Sales databases can be mined to determine customers
buying patterns
Procedures can be embedded to warn unusual conditions
There is still a lot to be done in the world of databases
Most databases are developed on the basis of immediate
needs instead of planned strategy resulting in
incompatible, poorly managed databases.
4
 Introduction
Analyze, design, implement & linking &
securing database to web based applications
Consult with end user
Use data base to build decision models & system

5
 Basic concepts & Definitions
Database: organized collection of logically related
data
Data: stored representations of meaningful objects
and events
Structured: numbers, text, dates
Unstructured: images, video, documents
Information: data processed to increase knowledge
in the person using the data
Metadata: data that describes the properties and
context of user data
6
Figure 1-1a Converting data to information-Data in Context

Context helps users understand data 7

Graphical displays turn data into useful
information that managers can use for
decision making and interpretation

8
Descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the
data, including data types, field sizes, allowable
values, and data context