This document provides an overview of chapter 1 from the textbook "Principles of Accounting Information Systems". It discusses key concepts such as the general model for information systems, the differences between accounting information systems and management information systems, and the roles of accountants in information systems as users, designers, and auditors. The chapter objectives are outlined and there are diagrams illustrating topics like internal information flows, the evolution of different information system models, and the REA model for representing economic events in a business.
Solves the following problems of the flat file approach
no data redundancy - except for primary keys, data is only stored once
single update
current values
task-data independence - users have access to the full domain of data available to the firm
A database is a set of computer files that minimizes data redundancy and is accessed by one or more application programs for data processing.
The database approach to data storage applies whenever a database is established to serve two or more applications, organizational units, or types of users.
A database management system (DBMS) is a computer program that enables users to create, modify, and utilize database information efficiently.