1.1 INTRODUCTION
An organization must have accurate and reliable data (information) for effective decision making. Data (information) is the backbone and most critical resource of an organization that enables managers and organizations to gain a competitive edge. In this age of information explosion, where people are bombarded with data, getting the right information, in the right amount, at the right time is not an easy task. So, only those organizations will survive that successfully manage information.
A databasesystem simplifies the tasks of managing the data and extracting useful information in a timely fashion. A databasesystem is an integrated collection of related files, along with the details of the interpretation of the data. A Data Base ManagementSystem is a software system or program that allows access to data contained in a database. The objective of the DBMS is to provide a convenient and effective method of defining, storing, and retrieving the information stored in the database.
The database and databasemanagementsystems have become essential for managing business, governments, schools, universities, banks etc.
1.2 BASIC DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTS
In an organization, the data is the most basic resource. To run the organization efficiently, the proper organization and management of data is essential. The formal definition of the major terms used in databases and databasesystems is defined in this section.
1.2.1 Data
The term data may be defined as known facts that could be recorded and stored on Computer Media. It is also defined as raw facts from which the required information is produced.
1.2.2 Information
Data and information are closely related and are often used interchangeably. Information is nothing but refined data. In other way, we can say, information is processed, organized or summarized data. According to Burch et. al., "Information is data that have been put into a meaningful and useful content