A small local business operating from a single site store their business data in a database with two tables called tblClients and tblOrders - NSC Information Technology - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 4
A small local business operating from a single site store their business data in a database with two tables called tblClients and tblOrders.
The table design for th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A small local business operating from a single site store their business data in a database with two tables called tblClients and tblOrders - NSC Information Technology - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
4.1 No primary key is indicated.
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Answer
Indicating a primary key in a database table is crucial to ensure that each record is unique. In this case, the 'ClientSAID' can serve as the primary key for the tblClients table since it uniquely identifies each client.
Step 2
4.2 Only orders with the value of an amount of at least R500.00 will be inserted into the tblOrders table. Suggest a data validation technique that can be used to enforce this condition.
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A range check validation rule can be implemented to ensure that the 'Amount' field in the tblOrders table does not accept any values less than R500.00. This can be enforced through constraints in the database management system.
Step 3
4.3.1 Which fields can be used to set a relationship between the tables?
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The 'ClientSAID' field from the tblClients table and the 'ClientSAID_Ref' field from the tblOrders table can be used to establish a relationship between the two tables.
Step 4
4.3.2 Identify the type of relationship which will be formed AND indicate the table that will appear on each side of the relationship.
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This relationship is a one-to-many relationship. On the one side, tblClients will be present, while on the many side, tblOrders will be present.
Step 5
4.4 Evaluate why this suggestion would lead to a poor table design.
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Adding the 'ClientAge' field can lead to data redundancy since the client's age can be derived from the 'ClientSAID'. Storing derived data is considered poor design as it may lead to inconsistencies and has the potential to violate normalization principles.
Step 6
4.5 Suggest whether the business should use a desktop or server database management system. Motivate your answer.
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A Server DBMS would be more scalable and provide better accessibility, especially if the business plans to grow beyond its current size. However, a Desktop DBMS may suffice given the small scale of current operations and the single site of business.
Step 7
4.6.1 Is the error message above caused by a syntax, runtime or logical error?
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The error message is indicative of a runtime error, which occurs when the program attempts to access a data that does not meet the set conditions.
Step 8
4.6.2 Name the database design concept related to the error message above.
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The database design concept related to this error is 'referential integrity', which ensures that relationships between tables remain valid and consistent.
Step 9
4.7 Define the term mirroring.
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Mirroring refers to the process of maintaining an exact copy of a database on another server to ensure data availability and redundancy. If one database fails, the mirrored copy can be used to restore operations.
Step 10
4.8 Suggest TWO guidelines for a good password policy in terms of the compilation of passwords.
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Use different passwords for different accounts to enhance security.
Avoid using easily guessable information, like common words or personal details.
Step 11
4.9 What is meant by the term invisible data capturing?
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Invisible data capturing refers to the unauthorized collection of personal information from individuals, often without their explicit knowledge or consent.
Step 12
4.10 Explain the concept of data mining.
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Data mining is the practice of analyzing large datasets to discover patterns and trends, which can then be used to inform decisions and strategies. It often involves the use of algorithms to extract meaningful information from raw data.
Step 13
4.11 Briefly discuss how an audit trail can be used to assist the auditing firm in their investigation.
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An audit trail serves as a record of all the transactions and changes made in a database system. It allows auditors to trace actions back to their source, helping ensure accountability and facilitating error detection during an investigation.
Step 14
4.12 Explain how record locking works.
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Record locking is a mechanism that prevents multiple users from altering the same record simultaneously in a database. When a record is being edited, a lock is placed on it, allowing only the current user to make changes until they complete their work or release the lock.
