You Have Just Been Named Director Of Data Administration

You Have Just Been Named Director Of Data Administration Of General Ha

You have been appointed as the Director of Data Administration at General Hardware Co., which maintains a large central information system (IS) organization with multiple operational relational databases located at its headquarters and regional offices. The organization also hosts databases on LAN servers, some at headquarters and others in regional facilities, as well as databases on individual employees’ PCs. Data is regularly transmitted from the central databases to LAN servers nightly. Your task is to design the data and database administration functions, including their responsibilities, and explain how they will add value to the company.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The role of data and database administration is pivotal in ensuring the integrity, security, and efficiency of an organization's information systems. At General Hardware Co., with its extensive network of centralized and localized databases, establishing robust data and database administration functions is crucial for maintaining data quality, safeguarding information assets, and facilitating effective decision-making. This paper presents a comprehensive design for data and database administration functions, outlining their responsibilities and how they will contribute to the company's strategic objectives.

Data Administration Function

The data administration function encompasses policies, standards, and procedures for managing data as a valuable corporate asset. Its primary responsibilities include data governance, data quality, data security, and metadata management. These responsibilities ensure data consistency, accuracy, and security across all systems and locations.

Responsibilities of Data Administration

• Data Governance: Establishing policies for data ownership, accountability, and stewardship to ensure data is appropriately managed and compliant with regulations.
• Data Quality Management: Implementing processes for data validation, cleansing, and standardization to maintain high data integrity.
• Data Security and Privacy: Defining policies to protect sensitive information, including access controls and encryption standards.
• Metadata Management: Maintaining data dictionaries and documentation for all data assets to facilitate understanding and proper use.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensuring data management practices adhere to legal, regulatory, and industry standards to mitigate risks.

Adding Value to the Organization

By establishing clear data management policies, the data administration function ensures that decision-makers have access to accurate and consistent data, reducing errors and improving operational efficiency. It also safeguards company data, minimizing risks of data breaches and non-compliance penalties. Metadata management enhances data usability and supports data governance initiatives, thereby aligning data practices with organizational objectives.

Database Administration Function

Database administration focuses on the technical management of databases, ensuring their availability, performance, security, and integrity. This function supports the operational and analytical needs of the organization.

Responsibilities of Database Administration

• Database Design and Implementation: Creating scalable and reliable database schemas tailored to organizational needs.
• Performance Monitoring and Tuning: Optimizing database performance through indexing, query optimization, and resource management.
• Backup and Recovery: Establishing robust procedures for backing up data and restoring services in case of failures.
• Security Management: Implementing user access controls, encryption, and auditing to protect data stored in databases.
• Patch Management and Upgrades: Keeping database software current with patches and upgrades to ensure security and functionality.
• Capacity Planning: Monitoring storage and processing needs to plan for future growth.

Adding Value to the Organization

Effective database administration ensures high availability and optimal performance of critical data systems, which are essential for daily operations and strategic analysis. Reliable backup and recovery processes minimize downtime during failures, preserving business continuity. Security measures protect sensitive information from cyber threats, and capacity planning ensures that the infrastructure scales with organizational growth.

Integration and Coordination

To maximize efficiency, the data and database administration functions must work in concert. Shared responsibilities include establishing standards for data privacy, security, and integrity, and coordinating efforts to manage data across diverse environments, from central servers to individual PCs.

Conclusion

Implementing dedicated data and database administration functions will substantially enhance General Hardware Co.'s information management capabilities. Clear responsibilities and coordinated efforts will improve data quality, security, and system performance, providing the organization with reliable information assets that support strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and compliance. This structured approach will also foster a culture of best practices in data management across all organizational levels, ensuring that the company remains agile and secure in the face of evolving technological and regulatory challenges.

References

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