Database Differentiation, Essay Example

Introduction

Considering the procedures of information management in a computer-defined society, it could be analyzed that the directive creation of databases have become a common ground of distinction on how modern systems of operation are directed to be able to store and control information release. In healthcare institutions, it is of course an utmost concern that files regarding important information especially in connection with patient records be properly kept and easily accessed when needed. This is the reason why in the discussion that follows, understanding the worth of database, it models and its management systems shall be given attention to. Comparing the different types of database models and management systems is expected to create a specific understanding that would provide healthcare managers a chance to choose the best aspect of database distinction that they need in relation to the operations that they handle in their own facilities.

Comparison of Database Design Models

Given that different types of information are kept and distributed based on different operations considered, there are also specific database models that have been designed for each assumed task. Each model is consisted with the expectation of the managers as they intend to use the program to manage the information they need for the completion of the tasks that they are expected to accomplish. In this section, five specific models of database designs shall be given attention to.

One specific model is that of the hierarchical model. This model is specifically designed like an information-tree structure. The arrangement of information stored in the system follows a particular hierarchical pattern that has been set to be followed depending on the importance or the authenticity-access that each information may provide from its users. The IMS or the information Management System by IBM first utilized this most common model of database design. It is assumed to take simpler and more directive form that allows its users to manage information better and at an easier pace.

Another model to consider is the network model. This model specifically takes a branched out system whereas the information stored is categorized into two sections most likely referred to as the set and the other is the record. Relatively, the information stored under this condition of database frame are separated into different sets and the incoming information is recorded according to the category it belongs to. It is most often than not that one set is branched out to more than one subsection. This means that the categorization of information is further defined and is more specific in form allowing it to be readily accessed by more than one user requiring several set up of information categories access at one time.

The relational model database design is more based on the independence of each information. Nonetheless, the operation recognizes that even though an information may be considered independent, it is still expected to take on certain connective relationship with another information. Separated by columns and rows, the independence of an information is identified however it is related to others according to its form, its importance and its connection with other data kept in the base.

On the other end, the dimensional model is more a specialized system of database programming. It responds to a specific command and expectation from the users. This means that the users have the capacity to dictate how the database would be setup early on in the process. This specific form of database model allows users to be directed easily to access the information they need based on how the company or the organization using it directs the information to be categorized accordingly.

The last model to be discussed is that of the multivalue model. This is often regarded as the storage of ‘lumpy’ information. Like the relational model, this form of database model allows information to be subcategorized according to the columns and rows that the information directed belongs to. However, in the multivalue model [as defined in the name itself], the categorization of the information could go as far as desired by the primary users of the program. Like the dimensional model, this form of database programming makes it easier for primary users to establish distinguishing characteristics in the information it keeps hence releasing more specific results for information access and utilization operations.

Comparison of Database Management Systems

Database management systems or DBMS is often noted as the organized computerized operation of maintaining, storing and managing information. While it is the database design models that are often used to define how a specific information system is to be designed according to user-specifications, database management systems refer to the actual management of the information in the program where it is stored. It usually consists of internal procedures that allow for external operations that are directed by the end-users of the program. To make it easier to define, DBMS refers to the actual control of information based on the authorization of the users to access the information they request to be released to them. It is every important that organizations make sure that the DBMS approach they choose fits the operation they handle in the company among their internal members and their external users of the system.

The hierarchical DBMS usually comes with the hierarchical database design model which indicates the condition of arranging information according to the categorization that the primary users have set for the data stored in the system. Relatively, such management calls for a specific direction from the primary users hence allowing them to categorize the information accordingly. The information-tree then makes it easier for the users to access information based on the hierarchical categorization of each file as directed by the head personnel of the company or the organization.

The network DBMS on the other end is a type of management that relates information based on a ‘many-to-many’ connection. This indicates that one information, while independent, could be related to more than one other data that would define its category in the system. Finally, the object-oriented DBMS or OODBMS is considered in other forms of database models. Relatively, this form of information management system insists that small information, although noted as unrelated chunks of data, could be used to define the overall set of information being categorized in a specific branch of the management operation. Being focused on what the information actually is, this system allows all possible information to be connected to each other and stand as connectors that could be used as specific directives for the users and the control-managers of the system itself.

Conclusion

Realizing what databases are, what their models are and what their management systems are all about, it could be noted herein that information is to be considered valuable especially for organizations related to the healthcare industry. Being able to organize information in a database that is specifically designed for the need of an organization allows the users to not only create an effective management of data but also form an accurate approach to using such information for better organization operation and overall patient care. Understandably, it could be seen through the discussion presented herein that each model and each information management system corresponds to particular tasks that the users would best be able to benefit from. Hence, choosing the right one to define their organizational operations with is an essential part of establishing a central database system that would be used by the entire organization and its external stakeholders.

References:

Codd, E.F.(1999). “A relational model of data for large shared data banks“. In: Communications of the ACM archive. Vol 13. Issue 6(June 1970). pp.377-387.

Lightstone, S.; Teorey, T.; Nadeau, T. (2007). Physical Database Design: the database professional’s guide to exploiting indexes, views, storage, and more. Morgan Kaufmann Press.

Teorey, T.; Lightstone, S. and Nadeau, T. (2005). Database Modeling & Design: Logical Design, 4th edition, Morgan Kaufmann Press.