Core Concepts in Data Modeling and Database Design

Data Modeling Concepts: True or False

• False: ProcessAnalyst typically focuses on business process modeling, not primarily on designing detailed entity-relationship models.
• False: An analyst's concerns extend beyond just designing an information system; they include requirements gathering, process analysis, and more.
• False: Referential integrity is a rule ensuring consistency between related tables, typically involving primary and foreign keys, not governing general data types within attributes.
• True: A domain is a constraint that governs the permissible data types and values for an attribute.
• True: An occurrence (or instance) of an entity is uniquely identified by a primary key.
• True: A Data Architect initiates the process by building a conceptual data model (CDM), independent of the final physical implementation.
• True: PowerDesigner is a modeling product offering comprehensive solutions for information system analysts and designers.
• True: Key functions of a Data Architect include verifying the validity of the data design and representing the data organization.
• False: The construction of a Physical Data Model (PDM) typically requires a well-defined Conceptual Data Model (CDM) as its foundation.
• True: A database (DB) can be generated from a database engine using tools like PowerDesigner, based on a Physical Data Model (PDM).

Database Design & PowerDesigner Q&A

• Q: What type of model is a PDM recognized as?
  A: Physical Data Model.
• Q: What tool is used to represent connections between entities?
  A: Relationships tool.
• Q: Which tool is fundamental for interaction when designing a CDM?
  A: Pointer (selection tool).
• Q: Where in the menu can the designed model be checked?
  A: Via the Check Model feature (often results shown in an Output or Dictionary window).
• Q: How are entities typically represented when designing a CDM?
  A: Using a rectangle symbol.
• Q: What are key concepts in a relational database?
  A:
  • Referential integrity
  • Normalization
  • Primary keys
  • Relations
• Q: What capabilities does PowerDesigner offer?
  A:
  • Modeling for structured analysis
  • Design and construction of databases
  • Coordinating workgroups
• Q: What are the functions of a Data Architect?
  A:
  • Represents the organization of data
  • Generates the PDM
  • Verifies the validity of the design
• Q: What is the process to insert a new attribute as the second item in a table using DataArchitect/PowerDesigner?
  A: Select the table, go to Attributes, select the attribute that should come *after* the new one (e.g., the current second attribute), and choose Insert (or Insert Before).
• Q: Which PowerDesigner package handles structured analysis models?
  A: ProcessAnalyst.
• Q: What tool connects entities?
  A: Relationships tool.
• Q: What is the name of the row or record that forms part of a relation?
  A: Tuple.
• Q: Which PowerDesigner component designs and builds databases?
  A: DataArchitect.
• Q: What model conceptually describes data relationships?
  A: Conceptual Data Model (CDM).
• Q: What is chosen as the unique identifier for an entity?
  A: Primary Key (PK).
• Q: What is a primary key called when it appears in another table to link them?
  A: Foreign Key (FK).
• Q: Which function key is typically pressed to list errors in a model within PowerDesigner?
  A: F4 (Check Model).
• Q: In the database generation dialog box, which button is often pressed for configuration options?
  A: Options or Settings (may vary, 'Setup' could be relevant in specific contexts).