A database management system (DBMS) provides a environment with which to interact with a database that integrates data while minimizing pitfalls such as data redundancy. In addition, a DBMS maintains control of the underlying data, which ensures its security, supports backups and recovery, and maximizing concurrency. This module focuses on relational DBMSs as the perennial approach to managing data effectively in organizations.

Learning Objectives

  • Indicate the records and fields of a simple linear file
  • List the four fundamental data operations
  • Compare and contrast sequential and direct access for data retrieval
  • List the problems addressed by a database management system (DBMS)
  • Describe the historical approaches for the design of a DBMS

How to Complete this Lesson

Complete the following learning activities: (3.5 hours total)

  1. Read Fundamentals of Database Management Systems Chapter 3: The Database Management System Concept (60 minutes)
  2. Attend the class meeting (60 minutes)
  3. Complete the optional homework on DBMS concepts (90 minutes)
« ER Modeling III Relational Data Model »