Overview

Data

Known facts that can be recorded

Structured - Numbers, text, dates

Unstructured - Graphics, images, sound, and video segments

Must have meaning in the users’ environment

Examples

Names, telephone numbers and addresses of the people that you know

Data in context

Context helps users understand data

How are data captured?

POS, PC, web, phone, Bar code

Overview

Information

Data that have been processed in such a way as to increase the knowledge of the person who uses the
data.
Knowledge communicated in a timely, accurate and understandable fashion

Converting data to information – Summarized data

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

Metadata

Data that describes the properties and context of user data;

Allow database designers & users to understand what data exist, what the data mean and what the fine
distinctions are between seemingly similar data items

Example of Metadata

Descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the data, including data types, field sizes, allowable
values, and data context
Traditional File Processing system

Why study them?

Still widely used today

To avoid the same problems

Data commonality and order

 Files contains entities

 Subsets of files:

Records

Fields

 In manual-based files, data are kept in cabinets, drawers, folders

 In computer-based files, data are physically stored in bytes composed of bits (0s and 1s)

Traditional File Processing system

• No databases; large

• Use for scientific & engineering calculations

• Computers for business; smaller

• Able to store, manipulate, retrieve large files

Example of File Processing system

Filing problem:
Disadvantages of File Processing

Program-Data Dependence

 All programs maintain metadata for each file they use

Duplication of Data

 Different systems/programs have separate copies of the same data

Limited Data Sharing

 No centralized control of data

Lengthy Development Times

 Programmers must design their own file formats

Excessive Program Maintenance

 80% of information systems budget

Problems with DATA DEPENDENCY

Each application programmer must maintain their own data

Each application program needs to include code for the metadata of each file

Each application program must have its own processing routines for reading, inserting, updating
and deleting data

Lack of coordination and central control

Non-standard file formats