MIS310 Database Management Systems Assignment 3 Total Points

Mis310 Database Management Systems Assignment 3total Points 100the

Transform the data model to a physical model (database design).

a. Draw the physical entity-relationship diagram (ERD) in Crow’s foot notation using MS Visio 2013/2016 or Lucid Charts, including all tables, columns, data types, primary keys, foreign keys, and relationships with cardinalities. Foreign keys must be required (not null). Use only the provided notation template. There must be no many-to-many relationships.

b. Convert the physical model to an actual database in MS Access 2013/2016 using SQL statements; do not use QBE. Define all tables with compatible data types, enforce referential integrity, and populate each table with at least 5 rows of fabricated data.

Paper For Above instruction

The transformation of a logical data model into a physical database schema is a critical step in database design. It entails translating entity-relationship diagrams into relational tables with defined columns, data types, primary keys, foreign keys, and integrity constraints. This process ensures the database is structured effectively for data storage, retrieval, and maintenance while adhering to normalization rules to prevent redundancy and inconsistency.

Designing the Physical ERD

Starting with the high-level ER model provided for the Garden Glory project, the first task involves developing a detailed physical ERD. Utilizing Microsoft Visio 2013/2016, one should select the appropriate crow's foot notation template. This notation is essential for clearly depicting entities, relationships, cardinalities, primary keys, foreign keys, and attributes with data types. An alternative for Mac users is Lucid Charts, where the diagram can be created and then inserted into a Word document. Accuracy in representing relationships is vital; thus, many-to-many relationships must be resolved into two one-to-many relationships with an associative entity.

Physical Data Model Components

The physical data model comprises several core elements:

  • Entities as tables: Each entity from the ER diagram becomes a table.
  • Attributes as columns: All attributes are represented as columns, with precise data types selected based on the nature of the data (e.g., VARCHAR for text, INT for integers, DATE for dates).
  • Primary keys: Each table's primary key is clearly marked; essential for uniquely identifying each record.
  • Foreign keys: Relationships are established through foreign keys, enforcing referential integrity. These must be non-nullable, ensuring that every record references existing data in the related tables.
  • Cardinalities: Relationship symbols depict one-to-many or one-to-one relationships, conforming strictly to the model's original constraints and avoiding many-to-many associations.

Implementation in MS Access

After designing the ERD, the next phase is implementing the physical model within MS Access 2013/2016. This process involves creating each table via SQL DDL statements, explicitly defining all columns with appropriate data types. Enforce referential integrity by setting up relationships with cascading updates or deletes if appropriate. The use of SQL (Structured Query Language) allows precise control and automation, avoiding reliance on QBE. Sample data—at least five rows per table—should be inserted using INSERT statements, ensuring the data satisfy all constraints and simulate real entries for testing.

Additional Considerations

The entire process hinges on meticulous attention to details—correct data types, consistent naming conventions, complete relationship definitions, and accurate data population. Proper normalization is key to prevent redundancy, anomalies, and data inconsistencies, supporting efficient database operations. Validation includes checking referential integrity constraints enforcement, data accuracy, and completeness. Documenting the entire design and implementation ensures clarity and facilitates future maintenance or modifications.

Conclusion

Transforming a logical ER model into a physical database schema involves careful translation of entities, relationships, and attributes into well-structured tables with defined data types and constraints. The use of appropriate tools like MS Visio or Lucid Charts for diagramming, and MS Access with SQL for implementation, ensures that the designed database aligns with best practices in database normalization, integrity, and performance. This structured approach underpins robust database systems capable of supporting complex applications like the Garden Glory project.

References

  • Codd, E. F. (1970). A relational model for large shared data banks. Communications of the ACM, 13(6), 377-387.

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