Select ANY TWO and write an essay on it.

Topic I: Database Life Cycle

The text discusses the database life cycle (DBLC). In the discussion, it outlines six phases. Briefly describe the DBLC and each of the six phases. What is the difference between "top-down" and "bottom up" design strategies?
Topic II: Data Warehouse

Assume that you are working for a low profit margin retailer, such as a grocery store chain, and you have just attended a conference in which the principles of data warehousing have been presented. You see a lot of potential benefit of having a data warehousing, but also some risks as well. Upon your return to the company, your boss asks you to make a short presentation on data warehousing at the next staff meeting.

Write of brief summary of the basic ideas behind a data warehouse. What is it supposed to do? How does it differ from a traditional transaction processing database management system? What types of analyses are possible with a data warehouse that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with a standard operational database? What risks do you see?


Topic III: Database Administrator

Imagine that you are the Chief Information Officer of a small but fast growing company that currently has about 500 employees. Your IT area has developed in a rather haphazard manner over the past three years and you realize that as it grows in size and importance, the company is in danger of losing control over the IT function. The company has never had a database administrator
(DBA), but you now see that such a position needs to be created.

Based on this background, write the job description for the DBA position that you wish to fill. Include educational and experience background, personal characteristics, specific skills and knowledge, and anything else that a successful candidate should have. Include a suggested salary range.