Background
Thato has always been interested in learning different things about the world. Besides his studies
at college to become an environmental lawyer, he has done various short courses on multiple
platforms. He started with a massive open online course (MOOC) on astronomy presented by a
well-known university in the United States of America. He decided not to opt for the official
certificate, so the study did not cost anything. However, it was still quite academic and not what
he hoped to do for fun. So, his search continued.
Then he found an international course marketplace, where the instructors posted their courses
online, and anybody could enrol to watch the video material at any time. He has since learned
how to paint watercolour flowers from an artist in Spain. Additionally, he learned how to repair
broken ceramics from a wonderfully creative person in Japan and even how to create animated
characters from somebody in Italy. These online courses cost him less than a good dinner since he
patiently awaited special offers.
After a while, he started wondering what he could learn from South African people. We have such
talented creative people. Indeed, there must be great content out there. However, he could not
find what he was looking for. Plenty of serious, academic short courses are usually available, with
equally high prices too. There just was not a space for creatives to post their material.
Thato wanted to fill this gap with our South African course marketplace website
Question 1 – Database Management Systems (Marks: 20)
Thato has started to think about what he will need to set up his course marketplace website. He
has realised that there will be quite a lot of data that needs to be stored.
Make an infographic explaining what a database management system (DBMS) is and why it would
be helpful for Thato to have one. Include the five components of a DBMS. Include a description of
each component and an example relevant to Thato’s course marketplace.
You may use any tool of your choice to create the infographic, as long as you can embed it in the
document you submit for the assignment. Make sure that the text is readable in the final
document.
Marks will be awarded as follows:
Description of a DBMS 2 marks
List of the components 5 marks
Relevant examples of the components 10 marks
Overall appearance of the infographic 3 marks
The infographic on Database Management Systems (DBMS) is as follows:
Description of a DBMS:
A Database Management System (DBMS) is a software system that allows users to define, create, maintain, and control access to the database. It provides an interface between the database and the users or application programs, ensuring that the data is consistently organized and remains easily accessible.
Components of a DBMS:
1. Data: This component refers to the actual information that is stored in the database, such as user profiles, course materials, and transaction records.
2. Database Management System Software: This component includes the software that allows users to interact with the database, perform queries, and manage the data effectively.
3. Hardware: The hardware component of a DBMS includes the physical servers, storage devices, and other components necessary to store and process the data.
4. Procedures: Procedures in a DBMS refer to the rules and guidelines that govern how the database is designed, maintained, and used. This ensures consistency and efficiency in managing the data.
5. Database Access Language: This component allows users to interact with the database through a specific language or query syntax, such as SQL (Structured Query Language).
Relevant examples for Thato's course marketplace:
- Data: Student profiles, course materials, instructor information, payment records.
- DBMS Software: MySQL, Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server.
- Hardware: Servers, storage devices, network infrastructure.
- Procedures: Data backup procedures, data entry guidelines, user access controls.
- Database Access Language: SQL for querying student data, updating course information, generating reports.
Overall appearance of the infographic:
The infographic is visually appealing and easy to read, with clear sections for each component of a DBMS. The use of icons and colors enhances the understanding of the information presented. The text is legible and well-organized, making it user-friendly for Thato to grasp the concept of a DBMS for his course marketplace website.