1) The document is a midterm exam for a Database Management Systems course consisting of 5 parts with multiple choice and short answer questions. 2) Part A defines key database terms like database, null value, and weak entity. Part B requires discussing functions and factors of DBMS software selection. 3) Part C includes drawing an ERD from table structures, creating a data dictionary from the tables, and answering other questions related to normalization, relationships and attributes in the tables. The exam tests students' understanding of core database concepts.

1. CONFIDENTIAL IM/MEI 2012/IMS504/IMS506/SMI614
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
MID TERM TEST
COURSE : DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
COURSE CODE : IMS504/IMS506
EXAMINATION : MEI 2012
TIME : 1 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
1. This question paper consists of three (3) parts : PART A (1 Question)
PART B (3 Questions)
PART C (1 Questions)
2. Answer ALL questions from PART A PART B and PART C.
3. Do not bring any material into the examination room unless permission is given by the
invigilator.
4. Please check to make sure that this examination pack consists of :
i) The Question Paper
DO NOT TURN THIS PAGE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO
This examination paper consists of 4 printed pages
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2. CONFIDENTIAL 2 IS/NOV2012/IMS504/IMS506
PART A
Define the following terms:
a. Database
Is a shared, integrated computer structure that stores a collection of end-user
data or metadata or
Is a collection of related tables and other structures
b. Null Value
- Empty space, no value for the intersection of row and column in relational table.
c. Weak Entity
- meets two conditions: Existence-dependent and Primary key partially or totally
derived from parent entity in relationship
(6 marks)
PART B
QUESTION 1
Briefly discuss any two (2) functions of Database Management System (DBMS).
a. Data dictionary management
b. Data storage management
c. Data transformation and presentation
d. Security management
e. Multiuser access control
f. Backup and recovery management
g. Data integrity management
h. Database access language and application programming interfaces
i. Database communication interface
(4 marks)
QUESTION 2
Briefly discuss any two (2) factors that are important in a DBMS software selection?
(4 marks)
Answer:
Although the factors affecting the purchasing decision vary from company to company, some of
the most common are:
 Cost. Purchase, maintenance, operational, license, installation, training, and conversion
costs.
 DBMS features and tools. Some database software includes a variety of tools that
facilitate the application development task. For example, the availability of query by
example (QBE), screen painters, report generators, application generators, data
dictionaries, and so on, helps to create a more pleasant work environment for both the
end user and the application programmer. Database administrator facilities, query
facilities, ease of use, performance, security, concurrency control, transaction processing,
and third-party support also influence DBMS software selection.
 Underlying model. Hierarchical, network, relational, object/relational, or object.
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3. CONFIDENTIAL 3 IS/NOV2012/IMS504/IMS506
 Portability. Across platforms, systems, and languages.
 DBMS hardware requirements. Processor(s), RAM, disk space, and so on.
QUESTION 3
Figure 2: Relational diagram
Based on figure 2, construct the business rule reflecting to the relational diagram.
(6 marks)
Answer:
One region can be the location for many stores. (1Mark)
Each store is located in only one region. (1Mark) Therefore, the relationship between REGION and
STORE is 1:M.
Each store employs one or more employees. (1Mark)
Each employee is employed by one store. (1Mark) (In this case, we are assuming that the business
rule specifies that an employee cannot work in more than one store at a time.) Therefore, the
relationship between STORE and EMPLOYEE is 1:M.
A job can be assigned to many employees. (1Mark)
Each employee can have only one job assignment. (1Mark)
(In this case, we are assuming that the business rule specifies that an employee cannot have more
than one job assignment at a time.) Therefore, the relationship between JOB and EMPLOYEE is 1:M.
QUESTION 4
Table 1
Based on the file structure shown in Table 1, answer the following problems:
A. Data type for manager phone?
Answer:
TEXT
B. How many records are there per record?
Answer:
Each of the records is composed of seven (7) records
C. How many fields are there per record?
Answer:
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4. CONFIDENTIAL 4 IS/NOV2012/IMS504/IMS506
Each of the records is composed of five fields (PROJECT_CODE through
PROJECT_BID_PRICE.)
D. Identify one (1) field can be consider as composite attribute
Answer: either project_manager or manager_phone or manager_address
(4 marks)
QUESTION 5
Figure 1: Dependency Diagram
nd
Based on figure 1, complete the normalization process to second normal form (2 NF) by illustrating
the entities that can be derived.
(6 marks)
Answer: (with name of entity and attributes for each entity)
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5. CONFIDENTIAL 5 IS/NOV2012/IMS504/IMS506
PART C
Answer all question.
QUESTION 1
Based on Figure 3 below:
Figure 3 Tables structure for Project
a. Draw Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) that meets the tables structure.
(12 marks)
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6. CONFIDENTIAL 6 IS/NOV2012/IMS504/IMS506
b. Using template such below, create the data dictionary using template that meets
overall tables structure.
(8 marks)
Table Name Attribute Name Type PK or FK
EMPLOYEE Emp_num TEXT/INTEGER PK
Emp_lname TEXT
Emp_fname TEXT
Emp_initial TEXT
Emp_hiredate DATE/TIME
Job_code TEXT/INTEGER FK
ASSIGNMENT Assign_num TEXT/INTEGER PK
Assign_date DATE/TIME
Proj_num TEXT/INTEGER FK
Emp_num TEXT/INTEGER FK
Assign_hours NUMBER/DOUBLE/FLOAT
Assign_charge_hours CURRENCY/NUMBER
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7. CONFIDENTIAL 7 IS/NOV2012/IMS504/IMS506
Assign_charge CURRENCY
JOB Job-code TEXT/INTEGER PK
Job_description TEXT
Job_chargehour CURRENCY/NUMBER
PROJECT Proj_num TEXT/INTEGER PK
Proj_name TEXT
Emp_num TEXT/INTEGER FK
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