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Discussion on: Discuss what is a database and how they relate to data warehouses

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ujjwal_poudel

If we see today’s information management system then it relies on the database and the software that manages it. Wallace (2015), in their book Introduction to information systems, the database is an integrated collection of information that is logically related and stored in such a way as to minimize duplication and facilitate rapid retrieval.

For instance; I worked for Jobs Dynamics, recruitment agency. Recently, we announced vacancy in the position of Management Trainee for Janata Bank Nepal Ltd. and there were almost 1600 numbers of applicants for that position. For every applicant, they have to visit website, log in to jobsdynamics.com and apply to the position with their all documents required. So far, this system has helped to store all the profiles of the candidates (database) in a systematic way that can be retrieved at any time.

Its major advantages over file processing systems include:

  • Reduced redundancy and inconsistency: Previously, Jobs Dynamics should hold the applicant profile in a hardcopy which today has turned into softcopy in a systematic order.

  • Improved information integrity and accuracy: The times that need to hold the hardcopy for every individual has reduced. The system has made easy for applicant and store data in a system which is accurate.

  • Improved ability to adapt to changes: The manual work would need numbers of staffs for the short listing process. But, the system has made ease that a single person can hold the whole data.

  • Increased security: The data stored in a system has its backup which will be secured for long time period. Mostly all large organizations don’t just store all their records in a single computer of an individual but rather a system which is centrally hosted (Wang, Shen & Sun, 2013). Here, Jobs Dynamics also using a system with the inclusion of controlled access, power backup, security and much more precautions in place to get physical access to the facility.

Another integration strategy involves data warehouses. The data warehouse is a central data repository containing information drawn from multiple sources that can be used for analysis, intelligence gathering, and strategic planning. The process to build a data warehouse is called extract, transform, and load (ETL). For instance; OLAP cube data warehouse using data mining techniques, to support the university’s public relations, admissions, and planning divisions in the efficient recruiting of students by surveying, through interviews; the opinions of management and operational personnel, and through documents; the attributes in application forms and annual reports (Poonnawat, Komlayut, & Henchareonlert, 2010).

The data warehouse makes data easily accessible for strategic planning, and opens up a wealth of opportunities for managers seeking insights about their markets, customers, industry, and more. It often becomes the main source of business intelligence that managers tap to understand their customers and markets, and make strategic plans.

For instance; the database of all the requirements of the company stored at website ( jobsdynamics.com ) and Jobs Dynamics extracts its analysis of every month to the requirements and the position that are very in need in the market. This has helping company to forecast the future requirements by positions and salary details. This is how the database is working as a data warehouse for strategic planning, and opens up a wealth of opportunities for managers seeking insights about their markets, customers, industry, and more.

References

Poonnawat, W., Komlayut, S., & Henchareonlert, N. (2010). The enhancement of ODL student recruiting campaign with data warehouse development and data mining techniques. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 5 (1), 41-47.

Wallace, P. (2015). Introduction to information systems . Pearson Higher Ed.

Wang, X. G., Shen, J., & Sun, C. (2013). Data Warehouse Oriented Data Integration System Design and Implementation. In Applied Mechanics and Materials (Vol. 321, pp. 2532-2538). Trans Tech Publications.