IS204 Database Development
Semester 1, Week 2
Tutorial 2: Designing Databases
1. State one reason why it’s important to plan and design databases.
Because a good design is the foundation to creating a system that will perform functions
effectively, accurately and efficiently.
2. Identify at least two benefits of using good database design techniques when developing database
systems.
i.
Well-designed database: facilitates data management and generates accurate and
valuable information.
ii.
Poorly designed database: causes difficult-to-trace errors that may lead to poor
decision making.
3. List and briefly describe the basic steps to good database design.
a. Determine the Purpose of the database system
b. Determine the Tables that are needed in the system.
c. Determine the Fields that are needed in the tables.
d. Identify fields with Unique values.
e. Determine the Table relationships.
f.
Refine the design.
g. Populate tables with data.
h. Create other database objects.
i.
Analyze the table(s) and the entire database.
4. Assume you are given the task of developing an inventory system for Diwai Mart. Diwai Mart manager
will use this system to keep record of the products bought from suppliers and to track product inventories
that are being sold every day. Before the inventory system is created, you are to plan and design this
database system. Using your answers in question 3, apply the first four steps of good database design to
plan and design this products inventory system.