Do You Know What It Takes To Design An HRIS Database 459314
Do You Know What It Takes To Design An HRIS Database Management Syste
First, watch the following two (2) videos from the lynda.com course Relational Database Fundamentals with Adam Wilbert. Then, respond to the discussion question that follows:
- “What is a database management system (DBMS)?” (4 min 36 s), located at http://www.lynda.com/Access-tutorials/What-database-management-system-DBMS/145932.html?org=strayer.edu
- “Understanding the relational structure” (3 min 57 s), located at [URL not provided]
A small recruitment firm that specializes in recruiting Information Technology professionals for small to medium-sized organizations has asked you to develop an applicant database. Propose the process that you would use to design the database. Be sure to weave the concepts of relational database structures into your discussion.
Paper For Above instruction
Designing an applicant database for a recruitment firm requires a systematic approach grounded in the principles of relational database management systems (RDBMS). To ensure the database effectively manages applicant information, supports efficient querying, and maintains data integrity, I would follow a structured process encompassing requirements analysis, conceptual design, logical design, and physical implementation, all while integrating core concepts of relational database structures.
Understanding the Foundation of a DBMS and Relational Structures
Initially, understanding what constitutes a database management system (DBMS) is essential. As explained by Adam Wilbert in the referenced videos, a DBMS is software that facilitates the storage, retrieval, management, and manipulation of data within a structured format. It provides a systematic way to define, create, and manage data, allowing for concurrent access, data integrity, and security. The relational model, a predominant type of DBMS, organizes data into tables (also known as relations) where each table comprises rows (records) and columns (attributes). This structure enables powerful querying capabilities using Structured Query Language (SQL), facilitating complex data relationships and ensuring data normalization.
Step 1: Requirements Analysis and Conceptual Design
The initial phase involves gathering detailed requirements from stakeholders—recruiters, HR personnel, and IT staff—to understand the types of data that need to be stored. For an applicant database, core data categories include applicant personal information, employment history, skills, certifications, and application statuses. This stage involves creating an Entity-Relationship (ER) diagram that visually maps the different entities (e.g., Applicant, Job Opening, Interview, Certification) and their relationships. In a relational database, each entity translates into a table, and relationships are established via primary and foreign keys. For example, the Applicant table would have a primary key (ApplicantID), and the Job Application table would include a foreign key linking to ApplicantID to establish a relationship between applicants and their applications.
Step 2: Logical Design and Normalization
Following the conceptual model, the next step is to develop the logical design, translating ER diagrams into relational schemas. The aim here is to refine the database structure to minimize redundancy and avoid anomalies through normalization processes. Typically, normalization involves organizing data into tables where each table contains data about a single entity, and relationships are maintained through foreign keys. For instance, splitting applicant information into separate tables for personal data, skills, and certifications enhances data integrity and ease of maintenance. Achieving at least third normal form (3NF) ensures that each table contains only attributes directly related to the primary key, reducing redundancy and potential inconsistencies.
Step 3: Physical Design and Implementation
Once the logical structure is established, the physical design involves creating actual tables within a database system such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Microsoft SQL Server. Here, considerations include defining data types, indexes for faster querying, and establishing referential integrity constraints. For example, indexes on applicant email addresses or skills can expedite search functionalities. Adequate security measures, such as user authentication and permissions, are implemented to protect sensitive applicant data. During this phase, testing the database with sample data ensures that relationships function correctly and queries produce accurate results.
Integrating Relational Database Concepts
Throughout the design process, key concepts of relational databases—such as entity integrity, referential integrity, and normalization—are fundamental. Entity integrity ensures each table has a primary key that uniquely identifies records, while referential integrity enforces valid relationships between tables via foreign keys, preventing orphaned records. Normalization prevents data redundancy and maintains consistency by decomposing data into related tables. For example, instead of duplicating applicant address data across multiple tables, it resides in a dedicated ApplicantDetails table linked via a primary key. This relational approach makes the database scalable, easier to maintain, and more reliable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, designing an applicant database for a recruitment firm involves a methodical process rooted in the fundamentals of relational database management systems. It begins with comprehensive requirements analysis, followed by creating conceptual models like ER diagrams, moving on to normalization in logical design, and culminating in physical implementation. Emphasizing relational structures—tables, keys, and relationships—ensures data integrity, reduces redundancy, and facilitates efficient data retrieval. By adhering to these principles, the resulting database will effectively support the firm’s operational needs and enable scalable, secure management of applicant information.
References
- Object-Oriented Modeling and Design. Prentice Hall.