Data Models Hierarchical Data Model Data Model Characteristics This is a way of organizing a database with an association of one to many. The model is made on rule that a parent is able to have several children while the children are restricted to just one parent. It gives an opportunity for information to be recurrent. It was created by IBM and came into application mostly in its Information Management System. Application, Advantages and Disadvantages The model makes it possible for one to add and remove new data. The data that is found at the top most part is quick to access while it became easy to use the model as it connected in the best way with linear form of data storage like tapes (Silverston, and Agnew, 2011). The model associates appropriately with natural hierarchies like assembly plants and staff firms in companies. Additionally, it associates will a model that operates through one to many relationship. For instance, there is the CEO for a company and several heads of departments below him, and those heads of departments have staff working below them but all of the staff have just one departments. However, the model calls for data to be recurrently stored in several entities. The Database is slow when looking for information on the entities below the model. Currently, linear data storage models are not used, a good example is tapes hence advantage is null (Kumar, 2011). Searching for calls for the database management system to operate using the whole model till the data needed is gotten. This makes queries to be slow. It has the ability to just model one to several relationships; many-to-many relationships are not viable. This calls for skilled organization and use of the model so as to make the many-to-many relationships. Source: Kiskea.net 2013 Network Data Models Data Model Characteristics and Application Similar to the hierarchical model, the network data model makes use of pointers to the stored data, but it is not necessary to use a downward tree structure. The model’s application is based on three things: they represent a complicated data relationship in a better way, advancing database performance and applying a database standard (Wang, and Wang, 2011). The model is similar to the hierarchical model. Another feature is that the model comprises of an owner (same as the parent) and a member (same as the child). The contrast arises from the schema, subschema and data management language. The schema is a conceptual association of the whole model as the administrator desires (Kumar, 2011). While the subschema describes the database aspect as acquired by the application program which create the data from raw form as found in the database. The network database model applies a database management language that describes data features and framework so as to manage the data. The model’s management language applies schema and subschema data definition language. The schema language makes it possible for definition of the model while the subschema’s language allows definition of the schema parts. Advantages and Disadvantages The network model has certain advantages, it has a simple conceptual framework, data can be easily accessed, the model aligns to standards, and it can handle more relationship types, advance database integrity and tolerates data independence. The disadvantages of the model is that the structure is had to alter, it is complicated and does not have structural independence. Source: Kiskea.net 2013 Relational Data Model Data Model Characteristics and Application The relational data model is the conceptual basis for relational databases. It structures data with the help of relations that are grid-like mathematical forms comprising of columns and rows. The rows in the data model are termed to as tuples while the columns as termed as the attributes. There are no two tuples that are the same and the manner they are arranged is not of significance. There are some fields that may be termed to as keys, stating that searches for precise values of the field will apply indexing to increase their speed. In cases where two different tables acquire values from a single set, an integrated operation can be undertaken to choose some related records in the tables through matching values in the fields (Wang, and Wang, 2011). In certain cases, the fields may take a single name in the tables. Like an ˜orders’ table may have the attributes (client-ID, product-No.) pairs and the ˜products’ table may have (Product-No., Price) pairs. Hence, if one wanted to get the price of a product bought by a single client, one has to join the product-No. of the two fields from the tables (Kumar, 2011). This can extent to join several tables on several fields. Since this relationships are specific during time retrieval, the data model are categorized as flexible DBMS. The database is similarly commonly referred to as Relational Algebra. The model’s application involve Oracle DB, Microsoft SQL, and MySQL among others. It makes use of mathematical aspects and formulas. Advantages and Disadvantages The data model is easy to use since they are organized in rows and columns that are easy to understand. Flexibility is accorded through the connection of the tables and data acquisition is made possible through operators. Additionally, precision is acquired through relational algebra and calculus while security can be applied through shifting sensitive features in a table with their authorization controls that allow their use. However, the model lacks in effective performance when the tables are huge. The physical storage consumption is great in the model, the operability of the system is reliant on the physical storage. Additionally, the acquisition of meaning from data is sluggish. Client ID Product-No. Address Date Location 100 200 300 Object-Oriented Model Characteristics, Application, Advantages and Disadvantages The object-oriented database model improves the operability of the object programming languages. They add value to the model than just storage of the programming language objects. The model goes beyond the semantics of C++ and Java programming languages so as to provide a comprehensive database programming ability, while sustaining the native aspect. A major advantage of this technique is the integration of the application and database development to a seamless data model and language setting (Ponniah, 2007). Therefore, applications need limited code, use more natural data modeling and code bases which are easier to sustain. The object developers are able to be through with the database application with a limited amount of effort. The object-oriented database model is an integration of the model’s programming language and obstinate systems. The ability of the object-oriented database model arises from the seamless handling of the persistent data as acquired from databases and transient data as acquired in using programs. On the other hand different from the relational database model where complicated data framework are flattened to connect well into the tables or integrated to create the in-memory structure. The model has no performance overhead to acquire a web or hierarchy or connected objects. The connected programming language of the model to database objects has two advantages when compared to other storage approaches: it accords them higher performance control of objects and it offers them improved control of the complicated interrelationships for the objects (Kumar, 2011). This enables the object-oriented database system which are well appropriate to uphold applications like financial portfolio risk assessment systems, telecommunications service applications, internet document models, design and processing systems and hospital patient record systems that have complicated structures in the data. The model offers the model that businesses use to manage and interact business process advancements and policies. It offers the vital connection that lacks from tr additional methods to systems advancement and process engineering. Source: Kiskea.net 2013 Recommendation I would recommend the relational data model for the JKUAT Library Information Systems. As the model gives users the ability to easily get precise details of books. It offers one the ability to sort books on any field and acquire generate reports that have just some fields from every record. The data model applies tables to store data. The fields and records are presented as columns and rows in the table. With using the relational data model, one can easily compare details of books due to the arrangement of the information in the table column. It prides of uniformity to create new tables from information needed from tables already present. Basically, it applies the relationship aspect to elevate speed and versatility of the model. Additionally, the model can create over 1000 tables of books with their details making it suitable and appropriate for use in a library like JKUAT. With storing details in a table, the database can build a smaller table with the location of use of several purposes by other tables. The database can be used with SQL that adds on operability. It helps users to find specific details of books easily and fast. Bibliography Kiskea.net 2013. DBMS Models. Acquired on 28th October 28, 2013 from: Kumar, S. 2011. Database Systems: Concepts, Design and Applications. New Delhi: Pearson Education India. Ponniah, P. 2007. .Data Modeling Fundamentals: A Practical Guide for IT Professionals. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Silverston, L. and Agnew, P. 2011. The Data Model Resource Book: Volume 3: Universal Patterns for Data Modeling. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Wang, S. and Wang, H. 2011. Database Design and Implementation. Florida: Universal- Publishers.