MGMT221
4.5 Assignment: Module Review
Part One: 1. Discuss the advantages of a database management approach to the file processing approach? Give examples to illustrate your answer.
A database management approach can be much more advantageous than a file processing approach. With database management all data stored is processed in a way that independent files are compiled into a pool of records. This allows data to be consolidated and indexed so that it can be searched through quickly and takes up less space than a traditional file processing approach. One example of a database management approach is the FBI’s Next Generation Identification system (NGI). This database is used by law enforcement to instantly identify any individual suspected of a crime. The database contains many different types of data such as fingerprints, a list of individuals of special concern, an interstate photo system, palm prints, criminal history information, and iris recognition. All of the data contained in this database would take years to search using a file processing approach. However, thanks to database management the data can be searched instantaneously by law enforcement around the world. https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/fingerprints_biometrics/ngi/ngi2 2. Outline the benefits and limitations of the relational database model for business applications today?
The benefits and limitations of the relational database model for business applications vary greatly. Some of the benefits are the smaller size which reduces data redundancy and that this is the most common way to store data. There are some limitations as well. Relational database models require multiple tables to store data, and they tend to become inefficient the bigger the data being stored becomes. 3. How will wireless information appliances and services affect the business use of the Internet and the Web? Explain.
Wireless information appliances and services have had a major effect on the business use of the internet. Wireless appliances have changed the business world to the point that every company must have a website to be competitive. Consumers have become reliant on the internet to gather information about a company before deciding to become a customer. If a company does not do business online they will potentially lose many customers. Businesses have also become reliant on the internet. The introduction of cloud storage in recent years has created a way for businesses to outsource their data storage potentially saving them money and allowing data to be more assessable to employees when and where they need it. 4. What are some of the business benefits and management challenges of client/server networks? Network computing? Peer-to-peer networks?
Client/server networks are beneficial because they facilitate downsizing, are cost effective, and can be very easy to deploy. These networks can also present a variety of management challenges. Client/server networks are not suitable for large organizations and can be very expensive to upgrade as your business grows. A crash of the server for this type of network will freeze the whole system as well. Network computing is beneficial because it is relatively inexpensive, easy to manage, and puts an emphasis on sharing information among employees. Network computing is not for everyone however because it can be very complicated to understand the whole system which may cause management challenges. Using network computing also increases the chance of data leakage to unauthorized users. Peer to peer networks are beneficial because they facilitate ecommerce and e business. Peer to peer networks are also the backbone of the internet and a powerful tool for a variety of business applications. These types of networks tend to be very expensive so a peer to peer network may not be suitable for small organizations. Peer to peer networks are also very complicated in the structure and pattern so a business may need to hire an IT professional to maintain the network.
Part Two: a)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not as of yet found any evidence to suggest that non-ionizing radiation at any exposure level causes adverse health effects. Many studies were cited on their website and so far no study has shown any negative effects. However cell phones are still relatively new technology so research has only been going on for a short time. At this time no study exists to determine long term effects of cell phone usage. Using the short term studies as an example the long term effects are expected to be negligible. b)