Chapter 4: Relational Databases and Enterprise Systems

attributes

attributes

Data elements that describe instances in a class, very much like fields in a database table; characteristics, properties, or adjectives that describe each class.

cloud computing

Using redundant servers in multiple locations to host virtual machines.

data dictionary

Describes the data fields in each database record such as field description, field length, field type (e.g., alphanumeric, numeric), etc.

database

A shared collection of logically related data for various uses.

database administrator

The person responsible for the design, implementation, repair, and security of a firm’s database.

database management system (DBMS)

A computer program that creates, modifies, and queries the database. Specifically, the DBMS is designed to manage a database’s storage and retrieval of information.

enterprise system (ES)

A centralized database that collects data from throughout the firm. Commercialized information system that integrates and automates business processes across a firm’s value chain located within and across organizations.

entity integrity rule

The primary key of a table must have data values (cannot be null).

foreign key (FK)

Attribute that allows database tables to be linked together; foreign keys are the primary keys of other tables placed in the current table to support the link between the two tables.

form

Forms are utilized by users to enter data into tables and view existing records

hierarchical data model

Organizes data into a tree-like structure that allows repeating information using defined parent/child relationships.

macro

Macros are defined by Access users to automate processes such as opening a specific form.

module

Some Microsoft applications come with modules built in that will be automatically added onto Access.

pages

Access pages allow data to be entered into the database in real time from outside of the database system.

primary key (PK)

An attribute or a combination of attributes that uniquely identifies an instance of a class in a data model or a specific row in a table.

query

Query in Access is a tool used to retrieve and display data derived from records stored within the database.

referential integrity rule

The data value for a foreign key must either be null or match one of the data values that already exist in the corresponding table.

relational data model

Stores information in the form of related two-dimensional tables.

report

are used to integrate data from one or more queries and tables to provide useful information to decision makers.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

A computer language designed to retrieve data from a relational database.