Analysis Memorandum
Running head: Analysis Memorandum
Analysis Memorandum
Steven Aran
University of Phoenix
EDTC 550
Information Technology
Janet Luch (FAC)
11/21/2004
Introduction This is an analysis memorandum proposing the use of Microsoft Access databases within our Security Division’s infrastructure. Many security managers are relying heavily on the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets in order to keep track of their personnel, security violations, inspection programs and training. While spreadsheets are effective means for complex calculations they are also limited in that they basically fall short in showing the relational qualities of security data in relationship to particular fields and queries. Not only do they fall short in relational quality, but they are also very difficult query in order for the user to locate particular records without having to go through entire spreadsheet. Since the success of our jobs and National Security rely heavily on the maintenance and tracking of personnel security clearance information, information security information and industrial security information, what better way of achieve our goals then to develop a relational database which can track and monitor the progress of these three area disciplines. Microsoft Access is a relational database allowing for the quick analysis and retrieval of vital security information. Capron (2000) defines a relational database as, “A relational database organizes data in a table format consisting of related rows and columns” (p.404). Since all of the computers used in our security division are personal computers, it only seems logical to implement a relational database in order to manage our critical and sensitive security data. Nickerson (2001) supports the need for a relational database to effectively manage data on a personal computer by stating, “Almost all common personal computer database programs use the relational approach” (p.80). There are many benefits in using
Analysis Memorandum
Steven Aran
University of Phoenix
EDTC 550
Information Technology
Janet Luch (FAC)
11/21/2004
Introduction This is an analysis memorandum proposing the use of Microsoft Access databases within our Security Division’s infrastructure. Many security managers are relying heavily on the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets in order to keep track of their personnel, security violations, inspection programs and training. While spreadsheets are effective means for complex calculations they are also limited in that they basically fall short in showing the relational qualities of security data in relationship to particular fields and queries. Not only do they fall short in relational quality, but they are also very difficult query in order for the user to locate particular records without having to go through entire spreadsheet. Since the success of our jobs and National Security rely heavily on the maintenance and tracking of personnel security clearance information, information security information and industrial security information, what better way of achieve our goals then to develop a relational database which can track and monitor the progress of these three area disciplines. Microsoft Access is a relational database allowing for the quick analysis and retrieval of vital security information. Capron (2000) defines a relational database as, “A relational database organizes data in a table format consisting of related rows and columns” (p.404). Since all of the computers used in our security division are personal computers, it only seems logical to implement a relational database in order to manage our critical and sensitive security data. Nickerson (2001) supports the need for a relational database to effectively manage data on a personal computer by stating, “Almost all common personal computer database programs use the relational approach” (p.80). There are many benefits in using
References: Capron, H. L. (2000). Computers: Tools for an information age. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Microsoft® Corporation (2001, May 30). Access 2002 product guide. Retrieved Nov 21, 2004, from Microsoft® Office Online Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/office/previous/access/2002guide.asp Nickerson, R.C. (2001). Information systems stored data. [UOP Custom Edition Series]. Information Technology. (pp. 63-89). Boston, MA: Pearson custom publishing.