Page 151 - DMGT505_MANAGEMENT_INFORMATION_SYSTEM

Management Information Systems

Notes Data Dependence

The applications in file processing systems are data dependent, i.e., the file organization, its
physical location and retrieval from the storage media are dedicated by the needs of the particular
application.

Example: In order processing application, the file may be organized on customers records
stored on their last name, which implies that retrieval of any customer’s records has to be
through his/her last name only.

Program Dependence

The report produced by the file processing system are program dependent, which implies that
if any change in the format or structure of data and records in the file is to be made, a
corresponding change in the programs have to be made. Similarly, if any new report is to be
produced, a new program will have to be developed.
It is because of these drawbacks in the traditional files approach of organizing data that led to
the development of databases.

Figure 8.1: File System Approach

Task Discuss the main functions of a database.

8.2.2 Database – The Modern Approach

An alternative approach to the file processing system in the modern approach known as the
database approach. A database is an organized collection of records and files which are related
to each other. In a database system, a common pool of data can be shared by a number of
applications as it is data and program independent. Thus, unlike a file processing system, data
redundancy and data inconsistency in the database system approach are minimized. The user is
free from the detailed and complicated task of keeping up with the physical structure of the data.
Features of Database Approach

 Creates and maintains databases
 Eliminates requirement for data definition statements

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