Computers for managers notes

COMPUTERS FOR MANAGERS
COURSE CODE : CSIT102
CREDIT UNITS : 3
EXAMINATION SCHEME
INTERNALS. = 30
END TERM EXAMINATION = 70
TOTAL = 100

COURSE CONTENTS
MODULE 1 : WORLD OF COMPUTERS
Module 2 : Computer Networks and Internet
Technology
MODULE 3. : E COMMERCE
MODULE 4 : ERP
MODULE 5 : DBMS
MODULE 6 : OFFICE AUTOMATION

Module -- 1
World of Computers
introduction to world of Computers,Basic Structure of Computer
System, Computers in Home (Reference,Education & Communications,
Entertainment an Digital Media Delivery, Smart Appliances,Home
Computers),Computers in Education, Computers in workplace
(productivity and decisionmaking, customerservices,communications),
Computers on the move (Portable and Hand held computers,Self-
Service kiosks, GPS Applications), Generation of Computer,Types of
Computer(Size and Technologywise), Support Systems - Hardware
and Software, Computer Peripherals,Memory Management..

Computers in Your Life
• Why learn about computers?
– Pervasive computing
• Also known as ubiquitous computing
• Computers have become an integral part of our lives
– Basic computerliteracy
• Knowing about and understanding computers and their
uses is an essential skill today for everyone
• Before 1980
– Computers were large, expensive
– Very few people had access to them
– Computers were mostly used for high-volume processing
tasks
• Microcomputers in the early 80s
– Inexpensive personal computers
– Computeruse increased dramatically
• Today
– More than 80% of US households include a computer, and
most use computers at work
– Electronic devices are converging into single units with
multiple capabilities
• Computers in the Home
• Computers used for a variety of tasks:
– Looking up information and news
– Exchanging e-mail
– Shopping and paying bills
– Watching TV and videos
– Downloading music and movies
– Organizing digital photographs
– Playing games
– Telecommuting
• Convergence
– The computerhas becomethe central part of home
entertainment
– Dual-mode mobile phones
• Wireless networking
– Computers can be used in nearly any location
• Smart appliances
– Traditional appliances with built-in computer or
communication technology
• Smart homes
– Household tasks are monitored and controlled by a main
computerin the house

Computers in Education
• Many students today have access to computers either in a classroom
or a computerlab
• Colleges and universities are even more integrated
– Wireless hotspots allowusage of personal laptops to connect
to the college network
– Some colleges require a computerfor enrollment
• Distance learning
– Students participate from locations other than the traditional
classroom setting using computers and Internet access
• Computers on the Job
• Computers have become a universal on-the-job tool for decision-
making, productivity, and communication
– Used by all types of employees
– Used for access controland other security measures
– Use by service professionals is growing
– Used extensively by the military
– Employees inall lines of work need to continually refresh
their computerskills
• Computers on the Job
• Computers on the Go
• Computers are encountered in nearly every aspect of daily life
– Consumerkiosks
– ATM transactions
– POS systems at retail stores
– Self-checkoutsystems
– Portable computers or mobile devices
– M-commerce systems
– GPS systems
• What Is a Computer and What Does It Do?
Computer:A programmable,electronic device that accepts data,
performs operations on that data, and stores the data or results as
needed
– Computers followinstructions, called programs, which
determine the tasks the computerwill perform
• Basic operations
– Input: Entering data into the computer
– Processing:Performing operations on the data
– Output: Presenting the results
– Storage: Saving data, programs,or output for future use

– Communications:Sending or receiving data
Data vs. Information
• Data
– Raw, unorganized facts
– Can be in the form of text, graphics, audio, or video
• Information
– Data that has been processedinto a meaningful form
• Information processing
– Converting data into information
• The computeras we know it is a fairly recent invention
Generationsof computers
• The history of computers is often referred to in terms of generations
• Each new generation is characterized by a major technological
development
• Pre computers and early computers (before1946)
– Abacus, slide rule, mechanical calculator
– Punch Card Tabulating Machine and Sorter
• First-generation computers (1946-1957)
– Enormous and powered by vacuum tubes
– Used a great deal of electricity, and generated a lot of heat
– ENIAC and UNIVAC
• Second-generationcomputers (1958-1963)
– Used transistors
– Computers were smaller, more powerful, cheaper, more
energy-efficient,and more reliable
– Punch cards and magnetic tape were used to input and store
data
– Computers Then and Now
• Third-generation computers (1964-1970)
– Used integrated circuits (ICs)
– Keyboards and monitors introduced
• Fourth-generation computers (1971-present)
– Use microprocessors
– IBM PC, Apple Macintosh
– Use keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers
– Use magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical disks for
storage
– Computernetworks, wireless technologies,Internet
introduced
– Computers Then and Now
• Fifth-generation (now and the future)

– Infancy stage
– No precise classification
– May be based on artificial intelligence (AI)
– Likely use voice and touch input
– May be based on optical computers and utilize
nanotechnology
Hardware
• Hardware: The physical parts of a computer
– Internal hardware
• Located inside the main box (system unit) of the
computer
– External hardware
• Located outside the system unit
• Connect to the computervia a wired or wireless
connection
– There is hardware associated with all five computer
operations
• Input devices
– Used to input data into the computer
– Keyboards,mice,scanners, cameras, microphones,
joysticks, touch pads, touch screens,fingerprint readers,etc.
• Processing devices
– Perform calculations and control computer’s operation
– Central processing unit (CPU) and memory
• Output devices
– Present results to the user
– Monitors, printers, speakers,projectors,etc.
• Storage devices
– Used to store data on or access data from storage media
– Hard drives, CD/DVD discs and drives, USB flash drives, etc.
• Communications devices
– Allow users to communicate with others and to electronically
access remote information
– Modems,network adapters, etc.
Software
• Software: The programs or instructions used to tell the computer
hardware what to do
– System software: Operating system starts up the computer
and controls its operation
• Without OS computercannot function
• Boots the computerand launches programs at the
user’s direction

• Most use a GUI to interact with the user via windows,
icons, menus, buttons, etc.
• Windows,Mac OS, Linux, etc.
•
• Application Software
– Application software: Performsspecific tasks or applications
• Creating letters, budgets,etc.
• Managing inventory and customerdatabases
• Editing photographs
• Scheduling appointments
• Viewing Web pages
• Sending and receiving e-mail
• Recording / playing CDs/DVDs
• Designing homes
• Playing games
• Computerusers (end users): People who use a computerto obtain
information
• Computerprofessionals include:
– Programmers
– Systems analysts
– Computeroperations personnel
– Security specialists
• Six basic categories of computers:
– Embedded computers
– Mobile devices
– Personal computers
– Midrange servers
– Mainframe computers
– Supercomputers
• Embedded computer:Embeddedinto a product and designed to
perform specific tasks or functions forthat product
• Cannot be used as general-purpose
computers
• Often embeddedinto:
– Household appliances
– Thermostats
– Sewing machines
– A/V equipment
– Cars
• Mobile device: A very small device with some type of built-in
computing or Internet capability
• Typically based on mobile phones

• Typically have small screens and keyboards
• Examples:
– Smartphones
– Handheld gaming devices
– Portable digital media players
Personal Computers (PCs)
• Personal computer:A small computerdesigned to be used by one
personat a time
– Also called a microcomputer
– Range in size from desktop computers to UMPC’s
• Desktop computers:Fit on or next to a desk
– Can use tower case,desktop case, or all-in-one
– Can be PC-
compatible or
Macintosh
– Not designed to be
portable
 Portable Computers
• Notebook(laptop) computers:Typically use clamshell design
• Tablet computers:Can
be slate tablets or
convertible tablets
• Netbooks:Small
notebooks;rapidly
growing type of PC
• Ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs):
Handheld computers
• Thin Clients and Internet Appliances
• Thin client or network computer(NC): Device designed to access a
network for processing and data storage
– Lower cost, increased security and easier maintenance
– Limited or no local storage
– Not able to function as a computerif network is down
• Internet appliance: Specialized network computerdesigned for
Internet access and/or e-mail exchange
– Often set-top boxes
– Can include Internet-enabled gaming consoles
• Thin Clients and Internet Appliances
• Midrange server: A medium-sized computerused to host programs
and data for a small network
– Users connect via a network with a
computer,thin client, or dumb terminal

– May consist of a collection
of individual circuit boards
called blades
– Virtualization: Creating
virtual environments (often
used to share a server for
increased efficiency)
• Mainframe computer: Powerfulcomputer used by several large
organizations to manage large amounts of centralized data
– Standard choice for large organizations, hospitals,
universities, large businesses,banks, governmentoffices
– Located in climate-controlled data centers and connected to
the rest of the company computers via a network
– Larger, more expensive, and more powerfulthan midrange
servers
– Usually operate 24 hours a day
– Also called high-end servers or enterprise-class servers
• Mainframe Computers
• Supercomputers
• Supercomputer:Fastest, mostexpensive, mostpowerful type of
computer
– Generally run one program at a time, as fast as possible
– Commonlybuilt by connecting hundreds of smaller
computers,supercomputing cluster
– Used for space exploration, missile guidance, satellites,
weather forecast,oil exploration, scientific research, complex
Web sites,decisionsupport systems,3D applications, etc.
• Supercomputers
• ComputerNetworks and the Internet
• Computernetwork: A collectionof hardware and other devices that
are connected together.
– Users can share hardware, software, and data
– Users can communicate with each other
• Network servers:Manage resources on a network
• Clients: Access resourcesthrough the network server
• Computernetworks exist in many sizes and types
– Home networks
– Schooland small business networks
– Large corporate
– Public wireless networks
– The Internet
• ComputerNetworks and the Internet

• What Are the Internet and the
World Wide Web?
• Internet: The largest and mostwell-known computernetwork in the
world
• Individuals connect to the Internet using an Internet service
provider (ISP)
• World Wide Web:One resource (a vast collectionof Web pages)
available through the Internet
– Web sites contain Web pages stored on Web servers
– Web pages viewed using a Web browser (Internet Explorer,
Chrome, Safari, Firefox,Opera, etc.)
• A wide variety of information is available through the Web
Accessing a Network or the Internet
• Need a modem or network adapter
• Some networks require a username and password
• Internet connections can be:
– Direct (always-on) connections
– Dial-up connections
• Internet addresses are used to access resources on the Internet
– IP address:Numeric address that identifies computers
(207.46.197.32)
– Domain name: Text-based address that identifies computers
(microsoft.com)
– Uniform resource locator (URL): Identifies Webpages
(http://twitter.com/jobs/index.html)
– E-mail address:Identifies people fore-mail exchange
(jsmith@cengage.com)
– IP Addressesand Domain Names
• IP addressesare numeric and unique
• Domain names: Correspond to IP addresses
– Top-leveldomains (TLDs)
identifies type of organization
or its location
– Custom TLDs may soonbe allowed
• Uniform Resource Locators(URLs)
• URL: Uniquely identifies a Web page
– Consists of:
• Protocolor standard being used
• Identificationof the Web server
• Names of folders in which the Web page file is stored
• Web page’s filename
• Protocols:

– Hypertext Transfer Protocol(http://) is typically used to
display Web pages (https:// is used for secure Web pages)
– File Transfer Protocol(ftp://) is often used for file exchange
• Uniform Resource Locators(URLs)
• E-mail addressesconsistof:
– Username: A person’s identifying name for a particular
domain
– The @ symbol
– Domain name for the computerthat will be handling the
person’s e-mail (mail server)
• Pronouncing Internet addresses
• Surfing the Web
• Web browser:Used to display Web pages
• Browser starting or home page: The first page displayed when the
browser is opened
• To navigate to a Web page, you can:
– Type a URL in the Addressbar
– Click a hyperlink on a displayed Web page
– Selecta Favorite/Bookmark or page from the History list
• Surfing the Web
• Searching the Web
• Search site: Web page that helps you find Web pages containing
the information you are seeking
– Typically search using keywords
• Online Video
• E-Mail
• Electronic mail (e-mail): electronic messages exchanged between
computers on a network
– Can be conventional or Web-based
– Can contain photos,attached files, etc.
• Computers and Society
• The vast improvements in technology over the past decade have
had a distinct impact on daily life, both at home and at work
• Many benefits of a computer-oriented society:
– Ability to designproducts before constructionleads to safer
products
– Earlier medical diagnoses
– Devices that allow challenged people to perform job tasks
– Documents e-mailed or faxed in moments
– Download information, music, programs,movies, and more
on demand
• Computers and Society
• Computer-oriented societyalso has risks

– Computerviruses and malware
– Identity theft and phishing
– Privacy issues
• Differences inonline communications
– Less formal than traditional
– Netiquette
– Emoticons
• The anonymity factor
• Information Integrity
– Check your source,not all information on the Internet is
accurate.
Module2
ComputerNetworks and InternetTechnology
Introduction to ComputerNetworks, Networking components,
Classificationand types of Networks, Network Topologies – Overview
with Advantages and Disadvantages, CommunicationChannels, Client
Sever Architecture, LAN concepts,Introductionto Internet (History,
Concepts,& Myths), Difference betweenInternet, Intranet and Extranet,
Domain Name Service,Internet Protocols and Addressing,Services of
Internet, Internet and SupportTechnologies,Censorship and Privacy
issues

ComputerNetwork : is a collectionof computers and other hardware
devices connected togetherso that the network users can share
hardware, software and data as well as electronically communicate with
each other
Networking and Communications applications
• Mobile phones: cellular , Satellite phones
• Paging and Messaging
• Global Positioning System GPS): A system that uses a satellite
and a receiver to determine the exact location of the receiver
• Monitoring systems:Medical
• GPS based monitoring
• RFID Technology
• Satellite Radio
• Video conferencing:A real time meeting that takes place between
people in differentlocations via computers and communications
media
• Collaborative computing
• Telecommuting
• Digital Data distribution
• Telemedicine:The use of communications technology to provide
medical information and services
• Telesurgery:A form of robot –assisted surgeryin which a doctoris
in a differentlocation from the patient and controls the robot
remotely over the Internet or another communication medium
Typesof Networks
• Networks can be classified in terms of their topologies,or physical
arrangement
• Commonnetwork Topologies
• Star network: Typically consists of a central device ( Hub, switch ,
or router) to which all these computers are and other devices in the
network connectforming a star shape
• Ring networks: Do not have a central hub ,but the computers and
other devices are connected in a ring formation from one device to
the next. Data travels in one direction only
• Bus network: Does not have a central hub. Instead it consists of a
central cable to which all the network cables are attached .
• Mesh network : Each computeror network device is connected to
all other devices
• Combination topologies:Some networks do not confine to a single
topology.Some networks combine topologies . E.g. Two star
networks may be joined by a bus line

Star ,Ring and Bus networks-Advantages and Disadvantages
• A star network is considerablyless reliable than a ring network,
since the other computers are heavily dependanton the central
host computer . If it fails there is no back up and processing and
communication capability, and local computers are cut of from
each other
• Ring networks are consideredto be more reliable and less costly
for the type of communications in Local area network. If one
computergoes down in the network the other computers can
continue to processtheir own work and continue to communicate
with each other
Network Architecture
• Architecture : They way they are designed to communicate .
• Client Server Networks : Include both clients (PC,s and other
devices that request and utilize the network resources)and
servers( computers that are dedicated to Processing client
requests )
• Peer to Peer Networks : A central server is not used . Instead all
the computers on the network work at the same level
LAN’s WAN’s and other types of networks
• A LocalArea Network (LAN) is a network that covers a relatively
small geographicalarea, such as a building ,college,or an office
building .
• Wide Area Network:(WAN) Is a network that covers a large
geographicalarea. Typically a WAN could consist of 2 or more
LAN’s. A WAN can be a private owned or a public network
• Metropolitan Area MAN :A network designed fora city or a country
• Intranets and Extranets
• Virtual Private Network (VPN):is a private , secure path
communications network (usually the Internet) that is se up to
allow authorized users private , secure access to the company
network.
How is data transmitted over a network
• Analogue Transmission: The data is transmitted in the form of
continuous waves
• Digital transmission: Data is transmitted in 2 discrete states-
representing 1 or 0)
• Serial transmission :Data is sent 1 bit at a time
• Parallel transmission :Message is sent at least 1 byte at a time
• Bandwidth: Amount of data that can be transmitted over the
medium at one time
Transmission Media

• Wired Network
• Twisted Pair Cable
• Untwisted Pair (UTP)of cables
• Coaxial cable
• Fiber Optic Cables
• Wireless Networks
• Broad cast radio transmissions
• Microwave signal transmission using
• Microwave stations
• Satellite communications
• Cellular radio Transmissions
CommunicationProtocols
• A communicationprotocolis an agreed upon standard for
transmitting data between two devices
• Ethernet: is one of the most widely used wired networking protocol
typically used with LAN’s that have a bus or a Star topology
• Token Ring : Is usually used with ring networks
• Wi-Fi:(Wireless fidelity):A family of Wireless Networking
standards(Less than 300 ft.)
• WiMAX: Provides Internet access over 30 miles
• Blue tooth: designed forshort range ( Less than 10
meters)appropriate for communications between computers or
mobiles and peripheral devices
• TCP/IP:A protocolused for transmitting data over Internet
• WAP(Wireless ApplicationProtocol):A standard for delivering
content to mobile devices , smart phones, and other wireless
communication devices using the cellular network
Networking Hardwarefor small networks
• Network Adapters:(NIC)Used to connect the PC to a network (e.
g. Ethernet card)
• Modem: A device that connects the PC to the Internet
• Hub: A central device to connect all the devices in a network
• Switch: Identifies the data for which it is intended and sends the
data to that node
• Routers : Not only identifies the intended recipientbut also plans
the path through multiple routes to ensure that the data reaches its
destination in the most efficientmanner
• Gateway : used to Connecttwo dissimilar networks
• Bridge : Used to connect two networks using similar technology
Evolution of the Internet
Internet : A world wide collectionof separate, but inter connected net
works, that are accessed daily by millions of people to obtain
information , disseminate information , or communicate with each other

Internet furnishes a standard way of sending messages and information
over virtually any type of computerplatform and transmission media
• ARPANET:Advanced ResearchProjectAgency was created in
1969 by DOD USA-A projectaimed to create a network that would
allow researcherto located in differentpaces to communicate with
each other . This over the years evolved as the internet
• Uses of the internet infrastructure :
• Exchanging e-mails and messages
• Participating in discussiongroups
• Chat sessionsand video conferences
• Downloading software and music
• Purchasing goods and services
• Accessing computers remotely
• Transferring files between computerusers
World Wide Web
• WWW.:The collectionof Web Pages over the Internet
• One of the most widely used resources
• A Way to organize information in the form of Pages linked through
selectable text or images (Today’s Hyperlinks) on the screen
• Today’s Web Pages are true multimedia experience
• They can contain text, graphics ,animation sound video, and 3-D
virtual reality objects
Services on the Internet
• Electronic mail
• World Wide Web
• Discussiongroups:(also called message boards ,news groups,
online forums)facilitate written discussionbetweenpeople on
specificsubjects
• File sharing
• On line chat
• Instant messaging :is a form of a private chat that allows you to
exchange real time messageseasily with people on your “buddy”
list. AOL Instant messenger,MSN MessengerYahoo, Messenger
,Windows Messenger
• File transfer: For uploading and down loading files – FTP, Telenet,
HTTP
• Teleconferencing : refers to the use of computers , video
cameras, microphones and other communication technologies to
conduct face to face meetings among people located in different
locations over the Internet
• Telecommunications –(Internet telephony)VoIP: A technology that
allows you to make voice telephone calls over the internet

• On Line music
• On Line education
• Gaming
• Social Networking
• Publishing
• Video on demand
• E-Books
• ON line News and research
• ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
• On line shopping and Investing
• On line auctions
• Online banking
•
•
•
•
InternetProtocols
• Simple Mail TransferProtocol(SMTP):To send and receive
electronic mail
• File transfer protocol(FTP):To transfer file between computers
• Hyper text Transfer protocol(HTTP):To transmit information on the
WEB.
• Network News transfer Protocol:(NNTP):To transmit discussion
forum messages
• Transfer Control Protocol/InternetProtocol(TCP/IP)-A
communication protocol
• Provides a service that allows reliable connectionoriented end to
end communication
• TCP
1. Sets up calls
2.Facilitates data exchange
3. Clears up calls
• Data is transferred in the form of Packets
• Two or more packets are combined to form an IP Data gram
• TCP breaks up higher level data stream into IP data grams
• IT verifies that all packets at their destination
• Resends anything that get lost
• TCP packets may take differentroutes
• Reassemblesthe data in correctorder at the receiver.
Internetaddressing
• A way to locate computers peopleand resources on the internet
Host

• IP address or Domain Name uniquely identifies a computeron the
internet
• 32 bit IP address is used :
• URL: Uniform resource Locator : Identifies a web page
• A major concernfor users
• Computercrime : An illegal act involving a computerincluding:
1. Breaking through the security of a network
2. Theft of financial assets
3. Manipulating data for personaladvantage
4. Act of sabotage:e.g. Releasing a computervirus or shutting down
a web server
• Unauthorized access:Gaining access to a computernetwork or file
, or other resource without permission
• Unauthorized Use: Using a computerfor unauthorized activities
• Hacking: The act of breaking into another computersystem
WI FI hacking : Gaining free access to the internet via a Wi Fi network(
War driving or Wi Fi piggy banking
Interceptionof communications : Gaining
unauthorized access to data s it is being sent over the internet. Once
intercepted the contents can be read , altered or otherwise used for
unintended purpose
• Computersabotage :Acts of malicious destructionto a computer
resource
• BOT: A PC that is controlled by a computercriminal- could be
used to send spam, launch internet attacks and malware
• Malware(Malicious software program
ComputerVirus : Malicious program embedded ina file that is designed
to cause harm to a computersystem.
Computerworm : Malicious programs designedto spread rapidly by
sending copies of itself to other computers
Trojan Horse: Malicious program that masquerades as something else
• Logic bomb:A malicious program designed to execute(explode)at
some predetermined time in the future.
• Denial of service attacks : Acts of sabotage that flood the WEB
server with so much of activity that it is unable to function
• Data or Program alteration : When a hacker breaches a computer
system in order to delete or change the data
• Protecting against unauthorized Access,Use, or Sabotage
• Accesscontrol systems :
• 1. IdentificationSystems : Verifies whether the person is
authorized to access the system

• A. Possessedknowledge access systems Sys : User names,
PIN’s Passwords
• B Possessedobjectaccess systems:Uses physical objects that an
individual has in his possession.-Smart card, Magnetic card,
encoded badges,RFID card
• 2.Authentication systems:Determines if the person is who he or
she claims to be.
• Cognitive Authentication : Uses information the individual knows
e.g. date of birth, teachers name, birth place
• Biometric access systems : Use a unique physical characteristic
of an individual in orderto grant access
• Finger print
• Voice print
• Face
• Hand geometry
• Iris
• Fire wall : Security system that provides a protective boundary
between a computernetwork and the outside world
• Encryption :Method of scrambling a message or a file to make
them unreadable. The recipient uses a electronic KEY to read the
message
• Antivirus software: Used to detectand eliminate computerviruses
and other type of malware
• Digital signature: Unique digital code that can be attached to an e-
mail or a document used
• To verify the identity of the sender
• To guarantee the message or file has not beenchanged

MODULE 3
E-COMMERCE
Introduction, E-CommerceVs E-Business,Advantages & Disadvantages
of E-Commerce,E-CommerceTransaction Models, E-Commerce
Business Models, E-Commerce Technologies,Hosting E-Commerce
Site – Planning and constructing web services,Electronic Payment
System, E-Commerce Applications,E-Core Values – Ethical, Legal,
Taxation and International issues,E-Commerce SecurityIssues,

What Is E-Commerce?
E-commerce:Actof doing business transactions over the Internet or
similar technology – Has existed for years via private networks
(electronic funds transfers, etc.) – Now most oftenperformed via the
Internet
• Dot-com:An internet-only store with no physical presence
• Brick-and-mortar store: A conventional store with a physical presence.
• M-commerce:E-commercecarried out via phones and other mobile
devices – Near Field Communications (NFC) uses RFID
Advantages of E-Commerce
• Advantages for businesses: – Reduced costs
• Dot-coms are less expensive than brick-and- mortar stores because
there is no physical storefrontto maintain – Increased customer
satisfaction
• If shopping experience is convenient (open all the time, no driving, etc.)
• Can send customers personalized information
– Broadercustomerbase (less geographicalrestrictions)
– Potentially higher sales
– Convenience – Easier comparisonshopping
• Higher number of merchants to choose from
• Geographicallocation is not an issue
• Shopping bots and other comparisonshopping tools are available –
Higher degree of selection – Potential costsavings – Customized
products
Disadvantages of E-Commerce
• Disadvantages for customers:
– Potential for fraud and other potential security problems
• Buyer protectionprograms and using credit card protectioncan help –
Not being able to see or touch the goods
• 3D online stores may help – Possible expense of returning
merchandise
• Some brick and mortar stores allow returns to local stores
Typesof E-CommerceWeb Sites
• Manufacturer and e-tailer Web sites:Sell products and services directly
to the end user
– Physical goods
– Electronic goods
• Subscriptionsite: Sells access to its online content
– Journals – Video-on-demand
– Premium social networking services Financial brokerages:Allow
individuals to sell stocks, bonds,etc. – Consumerbrokerages:Assist
consumerin finding resources they desire
• Real estate

• Airline tickets
• Hotel reservations, etc.
– Market and commodityexchange sites: Match organizations with
goods or services to sell with potential buyers
• Energy, cattle, chemicals, and metals
Implementing Web-BasedE-Commerce
Step 1: Selectappropriate business models and types of Web sites
– More than one can be selected
– Some businessesadd additional types later on
Step 2: Selectthe desired e-commerceapplications
– Determine electronic customerrelationship management (eCRM)
activities to be included
– Determine which other business systems the Web site will be linked to
Step 3: Develop procedures forhandling electronic financial transactions
– Need to determine which types will be accepted
– Most sites acceptcredit cards Understanding
– Other payment options
• Smart cards
• OTP credit cards for additional security
• Online payment service (such as PayPal): A type of payment service
accessedvia the Internet and used to make electronic payments to
others
– Deposited funds,bank account, or credit card
– Some transactions require a fee
– Can add or remove funds as needed
Digital gift certificates,gift cards, and coupons:Appropriate codes are
entered into the Web site at time of purchase
• Digital wallet: Holds a buyer’s information that can be used to speed up
online purchase transactions
– Digital wallet programs (used with computers and mobile phones)
– Online digital wallets (Google Checkout)
– Site-specificdigital wallets (store this information for each customeron
a business’Web serverfor use with purchases on that site only e.g.
Amazon.com
SpecialB2B considerations because of the volume of B2B transactions
– B2B transaction processing:Allows merchants to customize their
payment processing plans to fit their needs
• Can process payments,do credit checks,track expenses,do billing,
etc.
– Order fulfillment companies:Take care of physically filling orders for a
business
• Can provide ordermanagement, CRM services,marketing tools,etc.
Implementing Web-Based E-Commerce

• Step 4: Designand develop an effective Web site
– Sites should be carefully designed,developed,and tested
– Ensure order forms and checkout pages are located on a secure Web
server
– Continue evaluation of security and collecteddata
– E-commerce features can be created using:
• Storefrontsoftware: Facilitates the creation of an online store (either
packaged or Web-based)
• Shopping cart software: Designed to add only ordering capabilities to
an existing Web site
Step 5: Implementappropriate sales and marketing strategies
– Use an appropriate domain name and URL
• URL should be easy to rememberand type
• Visitors should not have to type a page name (such as index.html) to
view the home page of the site
– Include adequate customerservice features
– Collecttaxes from customers only if required by law Implementing
Web-Based E-Commerce
– Display a privacy policy and security statement
– Promote your Web site sufficiently
• Use appropriate meta tags (description,keywords)
• Submit your site to search sites
• Considersponsored listings Understanding
• Optimize your site (SSO)
• Advertise your site on business cards, ads, etc.
• Considerusing banner ads
– Use of rich media ads is growing
– Can display sponsorbanner ads on site
– Banner ad exchanges
– Use of behavioral (targeted) ads is growing
• Update your site regularly and consideradding incentives for return
visits (contests,coupons,etc.)
• Use e-mail marketing techniques (free shipping offers,new product
notifications, etc.)
Security Issues
• Security is essential for e-commerce Websites
• Some guidelines for e-commerce sites:
– Secure transactions (use a secure Web server)
– Secure sensitive documents and files (use encryption) – Authenticate
online business partners (use digital certificates and digital signatures)

MODULE 4
Enterprise ResourcePlanning
Introduction, History of ERP, Scope and Benefit, ERP and related
technologies (BPR,MIS, DSS,EIS, SCM, OLAP),ERP implementation
methodology– implementation life cycle, ERP and its success factors,
Pitfalls and management concerns,ERP Market – renowned vendors
and the packages

ERP Basics
• ERP : An Acronym for Enterprise resource planning
• Essentially a Management Information System
Some Basic concepts
• System: A set of elements or components that interact to
accomplisha goal
• Information system : A set of interrelated components that collect,
manipulate and disseminate data and information and provide a
feed back mechanism to meetan objective
• Computerized information system :Computers ,people,procedures
and software that store organize and deliver information
• Components of an IS: People (Specialists , end Users , Hardware,
Software (Processesand procedures),dataand network resources
• Management Information System :An IS designed to cater to the
requirements of Mangers
1. Support business operations (increase efficiency)
2. Support Managerial decisionMaking (Increase effectiveness
3. Enhance competitive advantage or reduce your competitive
disadvantage
Functionalareas ofoperation /Businessprocesses
• Business Function: A particular area of responsibility,or decision
making. Eg. HR , Marketing, Finance Accounting Productionetc.
• Functional areas are interdependent – Each requires data from
others
• Better integration of these functional areas leads to improvement
in communications,work flow and success of the company
• Process :A processis a specific ordering of activities across time
and place ,with a beginning and an end , and clearly defined inputs
and out puts- structure for action
• Business Process:Any set of activities designed to produce a
specified output for a customeror market
OR
• Collectionof activities that takes some inputs and creates an
output that is of value to the customer
• Business Processesin an organization fall into three levels
• Strategic planning
• Management control
• Operational control
• Thinking in terms of business processeshelps manger to look at
their organization from a business perspective.
• Managing inputs( Men, Machines , Material Money) and business
Processes effectivelyrequires accurate and up to date information

• Business Process Re-engineering: The fundamental rethinking
and radical redesignof business processesto achieve dramatic
improvements such as cost, quality ,service speed.
ERP- A cross functionalintegratedIS
• ERP systems are computersystems that integrate application
programs in Accounting , Sales ,manufacturing marketing, HR and
other functions in the firm. This integration is accomplished
through a data base shared by all application programs .Integrated
IS facilitates sharing of data among functions
• ERP has been promoted as solutions for supporting or
streamlining processesat all levels
• This is done by sharing data effectivelyand efficientlybetween and
within functional areas leads to a more efficientbusiness process
•
What is ERP
• ERP integrates all data and processes of an organization
into a unified system
• A typical ERP system use multiple components of hardware and
software to achieve the integration
• A key ingredient of most ERP is the use of a unified data base to
store data for various system modules
• Primary Goal : To improve and streamline internal business
processes
• ERP utilizes ERP software applications to improve the
performance of the organizational resources(Men, Money,
Materials Machines), Planning, Managerial control and Operational
control.
• It is a multi-module application software that integrates activities
across functional departments from ProductionPlanning , Parts
planning ,Purchasing ,Inventory control, Product distribution ,to
order tracking,. ERP software may include application modules for
Finance , Accounting, and Human resource aspects of business
ERP Software modules
• Module base software is the core of an ERP system.Each
software module automates business activities of a functional area
of an organisation (mimics a major functional are of an
organization )
• Commonsoftware modules include
• Productionplanning : Optimizes utilization of manufacturing
capacity , parts components and material resources
• Purchase : Streamlines procurementof raw material by automating
the purchase process.

• Inventory control : Facilitates the process ofmaintaining the
appropriate level of stock in a warehouse and automates the
replenishmentsystem . This module is integrated with the
purchase and finance
• Sales : Implements functions of orderplacement , order scheduling
, shipping and invoicing
• Marketing : Supports lead generation , direct mailing , and
campaigns
• Finance / Accounting : Gathers financial data from various
departments and generates financial reports such as – Balance
sheet, General ledger,Costing , profit and loss statements
• Human Resources : Streamlines management of human resources
• ERP Users : The users of an ERP system are employees, of the
organization at all levels , from workers , supervisors,mid level
managers to executives
• ERP Vendors : SAP, ORACLE,JD Edwards, BANN, i2
technologies
• Vendors have developed specialized ERP to cater to a specific
industry
• E.g. Erp’s Apparel industry, Pharmaceutical industry , Healthcare ,
hotels , Hospitals , automobile , paper cement, Retail stores etc .
OrganizationalBenefits
 Facilitates operational coordination across departments
 Supports decisionmaking
 Facilitates real time monitoring of activities, tracks costs , check
order completionstatus.
 Supports strategic planning , and facilitate improved operational
and managerial control --- which leads to
Benefits
• Better management of Resources( Men , Machines , Material and
Money)
• Cost reduction :Lower inventory carrying costs , productioncosts ,
marketing costs.
• Cycle time reduction :From order to delivery
• Productivity improvement:-Higher operational efficiencyand
enhanced managerial effectiveness
• Quality Improvement:Thru reduced -errors and Product defectives
• Performance improvement:
I. Better customerdeliveries
II. Better customerservice
III. Reductionin customerresponse time

• Problems tackled by ERP
i. Material shortages
ii. Productivity enhancements
iii. Customerservice
iv. Cash management
v. Inventory problems
vi. Quality problems
ERP Implementation methodologies
• Differentcompanies may install the same ERP software in totally
differentprocesses.The same company may implementdifferent
ERP software in the same approach. There are three commonly
used methodologiesforimplementing ERP systems.
The Big Bang Approach
• Companies layout a grand plan for their ERP implementation. The
installation of ERP systems of all modules happens across the
entire organization at once.The big bang approach promised to
reduce the integration costin the condition of thorough and careful
execution.
• Modular Implementation
• This method of modular implementation goes after one ERP
module at a time. This limits the scope of implementationusually
to one functional department. This approach suits companies that
do not share many commonprocesses across departments or
business units.
• Process -Oriented Implementation
• The process-oriented implementationfocuses on the support of
one or a few critical business processeswhich involves a few
business units. The initial customization of the ERP system is
limited to functionality closelyrelated to the intended business
processes.
Implementing an ERP Life cycle successfully
• ERP Life Cycle: Highlights various stages of implementation of an
ERP
• Differentstages of implementation are
 Pre-evaluation screening:Done to eliminate those packages( from
several ERP packages commerciallyavailable)that are not suitable
for the organization
 Evaluation of the package: Must be Done rigorously against a well
designed selectioncriteria.
 Projectplanning : Includes schedule of implementation , roles
,responsibilities identifying personneletc.
 Gap analysis : Done to determine the extent to which a package
meets the organizational requirements

 Re- engineering : Implementing ERP requires a large number of
processesto be modified.
 Team training : Training the employeesin using the module and
running the system
 Testing : Must be done under both real case scenario and
extreme conditions to identify bugs or weak links
 Post Implementation: To ensure smooth running and updating of
the system with changes in technology
5 Steps to successfulimplementationof ERP
 Strategic Planning
 Assigna projectteam
 Examine current business process and information
flow.
 Set objectives
 Develop a project plan
 Procedure review
 Review software capabilities
 Identifymanual processes
 Develop standard operating procedures
 Data collectionand clean up
 Convert data
 Collectnew data
 Review all data inputs
 Clean up data
 Training and Testing :
• Pretestthe data base
• Verify testing
• Train the trainees
• Final testing
 Go Live and evaluation :
• Develop a go live check list
• Evaluate the solution
• Managerial Concerns
• End user adoption problems
• Training
• Application maintenance
• Future Upgrades
ERP CriticalSuccessfactors
 Clear understanding of strategic goals
 Top Management commitment
 Projectmanagement implementation
 Great implementation

 Cope with technical issues
 Organizational commitmentto change
 Extensive education and training
 Data accuracy
 Focused performance measures
 Resolutionof multisite issues
MANAGEMENT INFORMATIONSYSTEM
Meaning Of Information Systems
 An information system is an organized combination of people,
hardware, software, communications Networks and data resources
that collects,transforms, and disseminates information in an
organization.
 The MIS is defined as a system based on the database of the
evolved for the purpose of providing information to the people in
the organization.
 Management information systems are distinct from regular
information systems in that they are used to analyze other
information systems applied in operational activities in the
organization. MIS involve three primary resources:technology,
information, and people.
 Management information systems are regarded to be a subsetof
the overall internal controls proceduresin a business, which cover
the application of people,documents,technologies,and
procedures usedby management accountants to solve business
problems such as costing a product, service or a business-wide
strategy.
Role Of MIS
 The role of MIS in an organization can be compared to the role of
heart in the body.
 The information is the blood and MIS is the heart. In the body the
heart plays the role of supplying pure blood to all the elements of
the body including the brain.
 The MIS plays exactly the same role in the organization.
 The system ensures that an appropriate data is collectedfrom the
various sources,processed,and sent further to all the needy
destinations.
 The system is expected to fulfill the information needs of an
individual, a group of individuals, the management functionaries:
the managers and the top management.

 The MIS satisfies the diverse needs through a variety of systems
such as Query Systems,Analysis Systems,Modeling Systems and
DecisionSupportSystems.
 The MIS helps in Strategic Planning, Management Control,
Operational Control and Transaction Processing.
Characteristicsof MIS
 Management-oriented:The basic objective of MIS is to provide
information supportto the management in the organization for
decisionmaking.
 Managementdirected: WhenMIS is management-oriented, it
should be directed by the management because it is the
management who tells their needs and requirements more
effectivelythan anybody else.
 Integrated: Itmeans a comprehensive or complete viewof all the
subsystems in the organization of a company.
 Common database: This is the basic feature of MIS to achieve
the objective of using MIS in business organizations.
 Computerized: MIS can be used without a computer.But the use
of computers increases the effectiveness and the efficiencyof the
system.
 User friendly/Flexibility: An MIS should be flexible.
 Information as a resource: Informationis the major ingredient of
any MIS.
 Features of MIS
 Timeliness
 Accuracy
 Consistency
 Completeness
 Relevance
Componentsof MIS
1) MarketingResearchSystem (MRS)
Marketing research can be seen as the systematic and objective
search for and analysis of data and information relevant to the
identification and solution of any problem in the field of marketing.
2) MarketingIntelligenceSystem (MIS)
The process of acquiring and analyzing information in order to
understand the market (both existing and potential customers);to
determine the current and future needs and preferences,attitudes
and behavior of the market; and to assess changes in the business
environment that may affectthe size and nature of the market in
the future.
3) InternalRecord System (IRS)

Marketing managers rely on internal reports on orders, sales,
prices,costs,inventory levels, receivables,payables, and so on.
By analyzing this information, they can spotimportant
opportunities and problems.
4) Decision SupportSystem(DSS)
A decisionsupportsystem (DSS) is a computer-based information
system that supports business or organizational decision-making
activities. DSSs serve the management, operations, and planning
levels of an organization and help to make decisions,which may
be rapidly changing and not easily specifiedin advance.
Aim of ManagementInformation System
 The main aim of MIS is to inform management and help them
make informed decisions about management and the way the
business is run.
 TypesOf MIS
 Transaction processing systems: These systems processa
large volume of routine, recurring transactions.
 Operations information systems: These systems gather
comprehensive data, organize it and summarize it in a form that is
useful for managers.
 Decision supportsystems: These systems help mangers with
the necessaryinformation to make intelligent decisions.
 Expertsystems: They are meant to mimic humans in making
decisions in a specific field.
Elements of MIS
1.Hardware
2.Software
3.Control
4.Databasesand applicationprograms
5.People
6.Telecommunications and Networks
Outputs Of a MIS
 Scheduled reports which are produced periodically,or on a
Schedule (daily, weekly, monthly).
 Key-indicator report which summarizes the previous day’s critical
activities and also it is typically available at the beginning of each
day.
 Demand report which gives certain information at a manager’s
request.
 Exceptionreport which is automatically produced when a
situation is unusual or requires management action.

Benefits of MIS
 It improves personalefficiency.
 It expedites problemsolving(speed up the progress of problems
solving in an organization).
 It facilitates interpersonal communication
 It promotes learning or training.
 It increases organizational control.
 It generates new evidence in supportof a decision.
 It creates a competitive advantage over competition.
 It encourages exploration and discoveryon the part of the decision
maker.
 It reveals new approaches to thinking about the problem space.
 It helps automate the Managerial processes.
BRP
*Automation
refers to computerizing processesto speed up the existing tasks.
Improves efficiencyand effectiveness.
*Rationalization of Procedures
refers to streamlining of standard operating procedures,eliminating
obvious bottlenecks,so that automation makes operating procedures
more efficient.
improves efficiencyand effectiveness.
 Business Process Reengineering
refers to radical redesign of business processes.
 Aims at
eliminating repetitive, paper-intensive, bureaucratic tasks
reducing costs significantly
improving product/service quality.
 Paradigm Shift
refers to a more radical form of change where the nature of business
and the nature of the organization is questioned.
improves strategic standing of the organization.
 Business Process Reengineering
“Reengineering is the fundamental rethinking and radical redesign
of business processesto achieve dramatic improvements in critical,
contemporarymeasures of performance such as cost, quality,
service, and speed.”
Key Word
Fundamental
Why do we do what we do?
Ignore what is and concentrate on whatshouldbe.

 Radical
Business reinvention vs.business improvement
 Dramatic
 Reengineering should be brought in “when a need exits for
heavy blasting.”
 Companies in deep trouble.
 Companies that see trouble coming.
 Companies that are in peak condition.
 Business Process
 a collectionof activities that takes one or more kinds of
inputs and creates an output that is of value to a customer.
 What is a Process?
A specific ordering of work activities across time and space,with a
beginning, an end, and clearly identified inputs and outputs: a
structure for action.
 What is a Business Process?
A group of logically related tasks that use the firm's resources to
provide customer-oriented results in support of the organization's
objectives
Why Reengineer?
 Customers
 Demanding
 Sophistication
 Changing Needs
 Competition
 Local
 Global
 Why Reengineer?
 Competition
 Local
 Global
 Change
 Technology
 CustomerPreferences
Why Organizations Don’t Reengineer?
 Complacency
 Political Resistance
 New Developments
 Fear of Unknown and Failure
 Performance
BPR seeks improvements of
 Cost

 Quality
 Service
 Speed
Business Process Flowchart Symbols
 Business Process Flowchart Symbols
 Data Flowchart Symbols
 Data Flowchart Symbols
 Rules For Data Symbols
 Version Management
 For differentversions of a business processor data flow some
mandatory information must be on the flowchart.
 Name of the business process
 Unique number of the business process
 Revision number
 Date of last change
 Author
 Page number with total pages
 The C’s related to
Organization Re-engineering Projects
Key Steps
1. Selectthe Process & AppointProcess Team
 Two Crucial Tasks
 SelectThe Process to be Reengineered
 Appoint the ProcessTeam to Lead the Reengineering
Initiative
 Selectthe Process
Review Business Strategy and Customer Requirements
Select Core Processes
Understand Customer Needs
Don’t Assume Anything
Select the Process
Select Correct Path for Change
Remember Assumptions can Hide Failures
Competition and Choice to Go Elsewhere
Ask - Questionnaires, Meetings, Focus Groups
Appoint the Process Team
Appoint BPR Champion
Identify Process Owners
Establish Executive Improvement Team
Provide Training to Executive Team

Core Skills Required
Capacity to view the organization as a whole
Ability to focus on end-customers
Ability to challenge fundamental assumptions
Courage to deliver and venture into unknown areas
Ability to assume individual and collective responsibility
Use of Consultants
Used to generate internal capacity
Appropriate when a implementation is needed quickly
Ensure that adequate consultation is sought from staff so that the
initiative is organization-led and not consultant-driven
Control should never be handed over to the consultant
2. Understand the Current Process
Develop a Process Overview
Clearly define the process
 Mission
 Scope
 Boundaries
Set business and customermeasurements
Understand customers expectations from the process(staff including
process team)
Clearly Identify ImprovementOpportunities
Quality
Rework
Documentthe Process
 Cost
 Time
 Value Data
3. Understand the Current Process
 Carefully resolve any inconsistencies
Existing -- New Process
Ideal -- Realistic Process
Develop & Communicate Vision of ImprovedProcess
Communicate with all employeesso that they are aware of the vision
of the future
 Always provide information on the progress of the BPR initiative -
good and bad.
 Demonstrate assurance that the BPR initiative is both necessary and
properly managed
 Promote individual developmentby indicating options that are
available
 Indicate actions required and those responsible

 Tackle any actions that need resolution
 Direct communication to reinforce new patterns of desired behavior
4. IdentifyAction Plan
 Develop an ImprovementPlan
 Appoint ProcessOwners
 Simplify the Processto Reduce ProcessTime
 Remove any Bureaucracy that may hinder implementation
 Remove no-value-added activities
 Standardize Process and Automate Where Possible
 Up-grade Equipment
 Plan/schedule the changes
 4. IdentifyAction Plan
 Construct in-house metrics and targets
 Introduce and firmly establish a feedbacksystem
 Audit, Audit, Audit
 5. Execute Plan
 Qualify/certify the process
 Perform periodic qualification reviews
 Define and eliminate process problems
 Evaluate the change impact on the business and on customers
 Benchmark the process
 Provide advanced team training
Benefits From IT
 Assists the Implementationof Business Processes
 Enables Product& Service Innovations
 Improve Operational Efficiency
 Coordinate Vendors & Customers in the Process Chain
BPR Challenges
 CommonProblems with BPR
 Process Simplificationis Common - True BPR is Not
 Desire to Change Not Strong Enough
 Start Point the Existing Process Not a Blank Slate
 Commitmentto Existing Processes Too Strong
 REMEMBER - “If it isn’t broke …”
 CommonProblems with BPR
 Process underreview too big or too small
 Reliance on existing process too strong
 The Costs of the Change Seem Too Large
 BPR Isolated Activity not Aligned to the Business Objectives
 Allocation of Resources
 Poor Timing and Planning
 Keeping the Team and Organization on Target
How to Avoid BPR Failure

 To avoid failure of the BPR process it is recommended that:
 BPR must be accompanied by strategic planning, which addresses
leveraging Information technologyas a competitive tool.
 Place the customerat the centre of the reengineering effort,
concentrate on reengineering fragmented processesthat lead to
delays or other negative impacts on customerservice.
 BPR must be "owned" throughout the organization, not driven by a
group of outside consultants.
 Case teams must be comprised of both managers as well as those
who will actually do the work.
 How to Avoid BPR Failure
 The Information technology group should be an integral part of the
reengineering team from the start.
 BPR must be sponsored bytop executives,who are not about to
leave or retire.
 BPR projects must have a timetable, ideally between three to six
months, so that the organization is not in a state of "limbo".
 BPR must not ignore corporate culture and must emphasize constant
communication and feedback.
Summary
 Reengineering is a fundamental rethinking and redesignof business
processesto achieve dramatic improvements
 BPR has emerged from key management traditions such as scientific
management and systems thinking
 Rules and symbols play an integral part of all BPR initiatives
 Summary
 Don’t assume anything - rememberBPR is fundamental rethinking of
business processes
EIS
*An executive information system is a type of management
information system that facilitates and supports senior executive
information
and decision-making needs.
*It provides easy access to internal and external information
relevant to organizational goals.
*EIS are enterprise-wide DSS that help top-level executives
analyze, compare,and highlight trends in important variables so

that they can monitor performance and identify opportunities and
problems.
*In recent years, the term EIS has lost popularity in favor of
business intelligence .
The basic hardware neededfor a typicalEIS includes four
components:
1) Input data-entry devices.These devices allow the executive to
enter, verify, and update data immediately
2) The central processing unit, which is the kernel because it controls
the other computersystem components
3) Data storage files. The executive can use this part to save useful
business information.
4) several EIS products fornetworked workstations became
available. These systems require less supportand less expensive
computer hardware.
A typicalEIS includes four software components:
1) Text-handling software—documents are typically text-based.
2) Graphic base—graphics canturn volumes of text and statistics into
visual information for executives.
3) Typical graphic types are: time series charts, scatter diagrams,
maps, motion graphics, sequence charts, and comparison-
oriented graphs.
Model base—EIS models contain routine and specialstatistical,
financial, and other quantitative analysis
Advantages of EIS
 Easy for upper-levelexecutives to use, extensive computer
experience is not required in operations
 Provides timely delivery of company summary information
 Information that is provided is better understood
 Filters data for management
 Improves to tracking information
 Offers efficiencyto decisionmakers
Disadvantages of EIS
 System dependent
 Limited functionality, by design
 Information overload for some managers
 Benefits hard to quantify
 High implementationcosts
 System may become slow,large, and hard to manage
 Need good internal processesfordata management

 May lead to less reliable and less secure data

.MODULE 5
Database ManagementSystem
Introduction, Need for DBMS, Components of DBMS, Benefits of DBMS
over Traditional File System, classificationand types of Database
Models, Database Approach – Its benefits and disadvantages

Introduction
• Data Management: In moderntimes the success of a business
organization is heavily dependenton its ability to provide its
mangers and decisionmakers with timely, accurate and relevant
information based on data
• For data to be transformed into meaning full information it must
first be organized in a meaning full way.
Data base &DatabaseManagementsystems
• What is a Data Base ?
• Data base is data organized in a manner which facilitates easy
access and retrieval of data
• What is a Data Base Management system(DBMS)?
• A group of programs that manipulates the data base and provides
an interface between the Data base and the user of the data base
and other application programs
Data organization
• Data is generally organized in a hierarchy that begins with the
smallest piece of data used by the computer(a bit)and progresses
through the hierarchy to a data base
• Character(Byte): Basic building blocks of information, consisting
upper case letters , lower case letters , numeric digits , or special
numbers
• Field :Typically a name , number, or combination of characters that
describesan aspectof a business objector activity
• Record : A collectionof related data fields
• File : A collectionof related records
• Hierarchy of data: bits, characters, fields,records , files ,data base.
The Hierarchy of Data

• Entity: generalized class of people,or things, for which data is
collected stored and maintained
• Attribute: A characteristic of an entity
• Data item : The specificvalue of an attribute.
• Key: A field or a set of a fields in a record to identify the record
Primary key: A field or set of fields that uniquely identifies the record.
The TraditionalApproachTo Data Management
The Database Approach to Data Management
Advantages of the DatabaseApproach

Disadvantages of the DatabaseApproach
Entity Relation ships
How entities are related to each other
One to One : one instance of one entity is related to only one instance
of another entity

One to many : One instance of one entity is related to one or more
instances of another entity
Many to Many : Many instances of one entity are related to many
instances of another entity
DatabaseModels
• Hierarchical (tree) Data is organized in a top -down tree or inverted
tree , structure.-Bestsuited for situations in which logical
relationships between data can be representedwith a many to one
approach
• Net work :An expansion of the hierarchical data base modelwith
owner membership in which a membermay have more than one
owner
Major deficiency: Once the relationships are established , it is difficultto
modifythem or to create new relationships
• Relational : A data base model that describes data in which all
data elements are placed in 2 dimensional tables, called relations ,
that logically equivalent to files
• Advantage: Easy to create or modifyrelationships
HierarchicalDatabaseModel
Network DatabaseModel

Using Data base Mgt Software
• A DBMS is a set of computerprograms that controls the creation ,
maintenance and use of the data base
• Data base development -
• Database Interrogation
• Data base Maintenance
• Application development
• Functions of a Data Base Management Systems
• Providing user views
• Creating and modifying the data base
• Storing , retrieving and manipulating data
• Generating Reports
Providinga User View
• Schema - a descriptionof the entire database
• Subschema - a file that contains a descriptionof a subsetof the
database and identifies which users can modify the data items in
that subset
Creating and Modifying the Database
• Data definition language (DDL) - a collectionof instructions and
commands used to define and describe data and data
relationships in a specific database
• Data dictionary– detailed descriptionof data in a database
• TypicalUses of a Data Dictionary
• Provide a standard definition of terms and data elements
• Assistprogrammers in designing and writing programs
• Simplify database modification
• Reduce data redundancy
• Increase data reliability
• Speed program development
• Ease modificationof data and information
Popular Database ManagementSystems
• Paradox database

• FileMaker Pro
• MicrosoftAccess
• Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet
• ORACLE
• MS SQL Server
Worldwide Database MarketShare
(2001)
• Selecting a Database ManagementSystem
• Database size: Depends onthe number of records or files in the
data base
• Number of concurrent users :Refers to the number of simultaneous
users that can access the contents of the database
• Performance:How fast the data base can up date records
• Integration :Ability to integrate with other applications and data
base
• Features :Security, privacy protection, Wizards , ready to use
templates etc.
• Vendor: Size reputation and financial stability of the vendor
• Cost : Total costof ownership– acquisition+ Training +
Maintenance +Personnel+additional hardware and software
Summary
• Data - one of the most valuable resources a firm possesses.
• Entity - a generalized class of objects for which data is collected,
stored,and maintained.
• Attribute - a characteristic of an entity.
• DBMS - a group of programs used as an interface between a
database and application programs.

MODULE 6
Introductionto Office Automation using MS-Office
Concepts of Office Automation, Components of OfficeAutomation,
Word Processing & Text Documentation, Spreadsheets & Data
Management, Staging and Managing Presentations, Setting up of
Mail Client Services,Management of Internet Services.

Office automation refers to the integration of officefunctions usually
related to managing information. There are many tools used to automate
office functions and the spread of electronic processors inside
computers as well as inside copiers and printers is at the centre of most
recent advances in office automation. Raw data storage,electronic data
transfer, and the management of electronic business information
comprise the basic activities of an office automation system.
The modern history of office automationbegan with the typewriter and
the copy machine, which mechanized previously manual tasks. Today,
however, office automation is increasingly understood as a term that
refers not just to the mechanization of tasks but to the conversion of
information to electronic form as well. The advent of the personal
computerrevolutionized office automation, and today, popular operating
systems and user interfaces dominate office computersystems.This
revolution has been so complete,and has infiltrated so many areas of
business,that almost all businesses use at least one commercial
computerbusiness application in the course of daily activity. Even the
smallest companies commonlyutilize computertechnology to maintain
financial records,inventory information, payroll records,and other
pertinent business information. "Workplace technologythat started as
handy (but still optional) business tools in the 1980s evolved into a high-
priority requirement in the 1990s," summarized Stanley Zarowin
in Journalof Accountancy."As we enter the new millennium, it has taken
another quantum leap, going from a priority to a prerequisite fordoing
business."
THE BASICSOF OFFICE AUTOMATION
Generally, there are three basic activities of an office automation
system: storage of information, data exchange, and data management.
Within each broad application area, hardware and software combine to
fulfil basic functions.
Information Storage

The first area within office automation is information storage which is
usually considered to include office recordsand other primary office
forms and documents.Data applications involve the capture and editing
of files,images, or spreadsheets.Word processing and desktop
presentation packages accommodate raw textual and graphical data,
while spreadsheetapplications provide users with the capacity to
engage in the easy manipulation and output of numbers. Image
applications allow the capture and editing of visual images.
Text handling software and systems cover the whole field of word
processing and desktop publishing. Word processing,the mostbasic
and commonoffice automation activity, is the inputting (usually via
keyboard) and manipulation of text on a computer.Today's commercial
word processing applications provide users with a sophisticated set of
commands to format, edit, and print text documents.One of the more
popular features of word processing packages is its preformatted
documenttemplates. Templates automatically set up such things as font
size, paragraph styles, headers and footers,and page numbers so that
the user does not have to reset documentcharacteristics every time he
or she creates a new record.
Desktop publishing adds another dimension to text manipulation. By
combining the features of a word processorwith advanced page design
and layout features, desktop publishing packages have emerged as
valuable tools in the creation of newsletters,brochures, and other
documents that combine text and photographs, charts, drawings and
other graphic images.
Image handling software and systems are another facet of office
automation. Examples of visual information include pictures of
documents,photographs,and graphics such as tables and charts.
These images are converted into digital files, which cannot be edited the
same way that text files can. In a word processoror desktop publishing
application, each word or character is treated individually. In an imaging
system, the entire picture or documentis treated as one whole object.
One of the most popular uses of computerized images is in corporate

presentations or speeches.Presentationsoftware packages simplify the
creation of multimedia presentations that use computervideo, images,
sound, and text in an integrated information package.
Spreadsheet programs allow the manipulation of numeric data. Early
popular spreadsheetprograms such as VisiCalc and Lotus 123 greatly
simplified commonbusiness financial recordkeeping.Particularly useful
among the many spreadsheetoptions is the ability to use variables in
pro-formastatements. The pro-formaoption allows the user to change a
variable and have a complexformula automatically recalculated based
on the new numbers. Many businesses use spreadsheets forfinancial
management, financial projection,and accounting.
Data Exchange
While data storage and manipulation is one componentof an office
automation system,the exchange of that information is another equally
important component.Electronic transfer is a general application area
that highlights the exchange of information among multiple users.
Electronic mail, voice mail, and facsimile are examples of electronic
transfer applications. Systems that allow instantaneous or "real time"
transfer of information (i.e., online conversations via computeror audio
exchange with video capture) are considered electronic sharing
systems.Electronic sharing software illustrates the collaborative nature
of many officeautomation systems.
Office automation systems that include the ability to electronically share
information betweenmore than one user simultaneously are sometimes
referred to as groupware systems.One type of groupware is an
electronic meeting system.Electronic meeting systems allow
geographically dispersed participants to exchange information in real
time. Participants in such electronic meetings may be within the same
office or building, or thousands of miles apart. Long-distance electronic
sharing systems usually use a telephone line connectionto transfer
data, while sharing in the same ofteninvolves just a local area network
of computers (no outside phone line is needed).The functional

effectivenessof such electronic sharing systems has been one factor in
the growth of telecommuting as an option for workers. Telecommuters
work at home, maintaining their ties to the office via computer.
Electronic transfer software and systems allow for electronic
transmission of office information.Electronic mail uses computer-based
storage and a commonset of network communicationprotocols to
forward electronic messages from one user to another. Most of these
systems allow users to relay electronic mail to more than one recipient,
although they refer to this in an old-fashioned way as carbon copying or
"ccing." Electronic mail, or e-mail systems,provide security features,
automatic messaging,and mail management systems like electronic
folders or notebooks.Voice mail offers essentially the same applications,
but for telephones,not computers.
Other traditional office machines continue to undergo changes that
improve their data exchange capacities as well. Digital copiers,for
example, are increasingly multifunctional (with copying, printing, faxing,
and scanning capabilities) and connectable to computernetworks.
Laptops,Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and Blackberries (wireless
cell phone and PDA units) use wireless data transfer technologies to
provide users with almost instant access to information stored on a
company's computernetworks and servers from just about anywhere
within reach of a cell phone tower or wireless Internet transmitter. That
means just about anywhere within an urban area of the United States
these days.
Data Management
Office automation systems are also often used to track both short-term
and long-term data in the realms of financial plans, workforce allocation
plans, marketing expenditures, inventory purchases, and other aspects
of business.Task management or scheduling systems monitor and
control various projects and activities within the office.Electronic
management systems monitor and control office activities and tasks
through timelines, resource equations, and electronic scheduling.

OFFICE AUTOMATIONCONSIDERATIONS:PEOPLE,TOOLS,AND
THE WORKPLACE
Businesses engaged inlaunching or upgrading officeautomation
systems must considera wide variety of factors that can influence the
effectivenessof those systems.These factors include budgetary and
physical space considerations,and changes in communication
infrastructure, among others. But two other factors that must be
considered are employee training and proliferating office automation
choices:
 Training—People involved with officeautomation basically include
all users of the automation and all providers of the automation
systems and tools. A wide range of people—including software
and hardware engineers, management information scientists,
executives, mid-level workers, and secretaries—are just a few of
the people that use office automation on a daily basis. As a result,
training of personnelon these office automation systems has
become an essentialpart of many companies' planning. Afterall,
the office automation system is only as good as the people who
make it and use it, and smart business owners and managers
recognize that workplace resistance to these systems can
dramatically lessentheir benefits."It's true that as technology
matures the need for specialtraining will decline—because
tomorrow's software and hardware will be much more intuitive and
loaded with built-in teaching drills—that time is not here yet," wrote
Zarowin. "Training is still essential."
 Choice—A dizzying array of officeautomation alternatives are
available to businessesof all shapes, sizes,and subjectareas.
Such systems typically involve a sizable investment of funds, so it
is wise for managers and business owners to undertake a careful
course of study before making a purchase. Primary factors that
should be considered include:cost of the system,length of time
involved in introducing the system, physical condition of the facility
into which the system will be introduced,level of technical support,
compatibility with other systems,complexityof system (a key

factor in determining allocations of time and money for training),
and compatibility of the system with the business area in which the
company is involved.
As the high-tech economy,information age economy,or new economy
continues to evolve, business experts warn small businesses notto fall
too far behind. Some small businesses remain resistant to change and
thus fall ever further behind in utilizing office automationtechnology,
despite the plethora of evidence that it constitutes the wave of the future.
The entrepreneurs and managers who lead these enterprises typically
defend their inaction by noting that they remain able to accomplishtheir
basic business requirements without such investments, or by claiming
that new innovations in technology and automation are too expensive or
challenging to master. But according to Zarowin, "those rationalizations
don't acknowledge what many recent converts to technology are
discovering:the longer one delays, the larger the gap and the harder it is
to catch up. And though many businesses still can function adequately
with paper and pencil, their customers—and their competition—are not
sitting on their hands."

ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS IN VIEW OF
EXAMINATION
1] What are the advantages and disadvantagesof traditionalfile
systems ?
Ans : Advantages
1. Simple and low cost
2. Can be managed well
3. Provides timely accurate and reliable info
4. It is flexible enough and well documented
5. Good file management , efficientinformation systems can be built
Drawbacks:
1. Data redundancy
2. Program dependence
3. Inflexibility
4. Poor data security
5. Lack of data integration
2] describe ofapplications of computersystems in various business
activities ?
Ans The importance ofComputer in Business:-Computerspeed up
the business processesand systems with top quality. Today’s world
computeris important to use to start an online and offline business. A
computeris important to use in business to automate the manufacturing,
marketing and, distribution process.
Computers help in research, production,distribution, marketing, banking,
team management, business automation, data storage, employees
management and very helpful to increase the productivity in lower cost,
less time with high quality. That’s why the use of the computeris

important in business.And the computeris the 1st and main tool in
business that generates and manage profits.
Computerhelp business to collectmanages, calculate, arrange, and
visualize customerdata and information by us computerapplications
such as Microsoftword, excel, lower power point and tally. A computer
helps to communicate faster with the customerby using the internet,
online communication tools, and internet phone system.It’s really
important for the administration of the big or small organization and each
field that manage resources and Opportunities.
Computers Are Used for Communication
When it comes to establishing contact with clients, computers are a vital
tool; they are also vital when it comes to maintaining that contact. This is
a very important computerapplication inbusiness, enabling a business
to communicate with its clients via email, IM, Skype, collaboration
software, and via various other communicationsolutions that a business
might wish to use.
When a business can keep in touch with its clients, it becomeseasierfor
the clients to make inquiries of the business or to ask for more
information about the services and products the business offers.It also
becomes easierfor the business to offercustomersupportto its clients
in a timely, efficientmanner. The business will also be able to keep the
clients updated about any new developments concerning the business.
Communication goes beyond a business' clients.A business also needs
to communicate with its employees,and computers play an important
role. Rather than have time-wasting one-on-one meetings with
employees,managers can simply email their employeesor they can
message them on any other acceptable communicationplatform. This
saves time, and it also improves the internal communicationof the
business.

Computers Are Used for Marketing
Computers allow a business to perform a variety of tasks. For starters,
with the help of the internet, computers help put a business on the map.
With a computer,a business’s team of IT developers can create a
professionalwebsite complete with enticing graphics and content with
differentforms of media, such as text, images,and videos. They can do
search engine optimization – SEO – for the website so that it appears
prominently in Google’s search results, which then attracts traffic, which,
ultimately, will enable the business to sell those products to website
visitors.
With a computer, a business can create and execute entire marketing
campaigns that span across every social media platform on the internet.
The business can create ads to run on websites and social media
platforms,using specialsoftware, and it can also buy marketing services
from other businesses – all connected to the internet. The computeris
likely the greatest marketing device ever built!
Computers Are Used for Accounting
Accounting is a function in which accuracy is of the utmost importance.
When you perform accounting functions – and you have nothing nothing
exceptpen and paper - and you're relying solely on brain power, you
expose yourself to errors. Accounting software helps prevent that from
happening.
Accounting software enables a business to quickly and accurately obtain
large- and small-scale pictures of the company's financial situation. All
the employees needto do is to input his financial information into the
software and – with a few clicks – the employees understand everything
about the financial health of the business' operations.
Computers are also critical for tasks such as invoicing clients;
maintaining data about debtors and creditors;calculating payroll,
calculating and filing tax forms, as well as for a lot of other functions.

With the computer,accountants can now focus on the higher level
picture of a business’s finances,leaving the lower level stuff to the
machines.
Computers Are Used for Storage
Businesses have come a long way from the era of filing cabinets thanks
to computers.Although a filing cabinet will occupya very large space but
will store only a small amount of information, a computerwill occupy only
a fraction of that space but it will store thousands of times the amount of
information. With computers and servers, businessesare able to store
and sort millions of files,to enable the business to access at any time.
Computers also enable a business to store its data in differentways.
The business could store the data in a central location, and it could have
other computers on the network access the data whenever the business
needs to; when the business has the permissionto; or, when the
business could store the data locally on individual computers.
Not only is digital storage much larger than physical storage in terms of
capacity, but it is also much more efficientbecause of the level of sorting
that takes place, which is one of the greatest benefitsof the computer.
Digital storage is also more secure, as it is more difficultto lose or steal
files from a well-protected database.
Computers Are Used to Produce Documents
Most businesseswill need to produce numerous documents,either in
the form of written documents or spreadsheets.Computers provide word
processors and spreadsheetsoftware to help with this.
With these two types of software, a business can generate virtually
everything, from memos to letters to tutorials to reports to ads for the
company’s services and products or company events.
With spreadsheetapplications, a business has the power to manipulate
alphanumeric data and organize it into tables, charts, graphs, and
reports. Another kind of software that businesses make use of is
presentation software. With presentation software, a business can make

slides for presentations,either internal ones or external ones meant for
clients. Businesses can also make letters, memos,and reports,using
word processing software,either for disbursementto the client or for
internal use.
In general, a computerhas plenty of productivity software that a
business can use to make its functions easier; this is software that
enables a business to be much faster and more efficientthat it was only
20 or 30 years ago.
Computers Are Used for EducationalPurposes
Computers can be used to educate employees.A business can use a
computerto educate the employeeson such things as the company
policy, software use, as well as standard procedures and safety.
Rather than hire teachers to teach its employees,a business can let
employees learnwhat the employee needs,by learning at their own
pace via webinars and live Q&A sessions.Withthe internet, a business'
employees will have access to a world of information, and the business
will not need to create all of its own educational content.
Computers also enable employees to learn in a way that they enjoy.
Employees canlearn via differentmedia, such as videos,text, and even
games,enabling them to better understand the subject matter.
Computers Are Used for Research
Computers allow a business to do a variety of things, including research
about the competition,as well as what its customers want. With modern
data-mining techniques,a business can acquire insightful information
about its customers and competitionfrom all kinds of places,including
forums,search engines,industry-specific websites and even from social
networks.
3] advantages and dis advantages of bus star and ring topologies?
Bus Network

-Advantages
 Easy to implement and extend
 Well suited for temporary networks (quick setup)
 Initially less expensive than other topologies
 Cheap
-Disadvantages
 Difficultto administer/troubleshoot.
 Limited cable length and number of stations.
 If there is a problem with the cable, the entire network goes down.
 Maintenance costs may be higher in the long run.
 Performance degradesas additional computers are added or on heavy
traffic.
 Low security (all computers on the bus can see all data transmissions).
 One virus in the network will affectall of them (but not as badly as a star
or ring network).
 Propertermination is required.(loop must be in closed path).
 If one node fails, the whole network will shut down.
 If many computers are attached, the amount of data flowing causes the
network to slow down.
Ring Network
–Advantages
 Data is quickly transferred without a ‘bottle neck’. (very fast, all data
traffic is in the same direction)
 The transmission of data is relatively simple as packets travel in one
direction only.
 Adding additional nodes has very little impact on bandwidth
 It prevents network collisions because of the media access method or
architecture required.
-Disadvantages
 Data packets must pass through every computerbetween the sender
and recipient therefore this makes it slower.
 If any of the nodes fail then the ring is broken and data cannot be
transmitted successfully.
 It is difficult to troubleshootthe ring.
 Because all stations are wired together, to add a station you must shut
down the network temporarily.
 In order for all computers to communicate with each other, all computers
must be turned on.
 Total dependence uponthe one cable

Star Network
-Advantages
 Good performance
 easy to set up and to expand. Any non-centralised failure will have very
little effecton the network, whereas on a ring network it would all fail with
one fault
-Disadvantages
 Expensive to install
 Extra hardware required
4] what do you mean by network protocols
In the world of technology, there are vast numbers of users'
communicating with differentdevices in differentlanguages. That also
includes many ways in which they transmit data along with the different
software they implement. So, communicating worldwide will not be
possible if there were no fixed 'standards' that will govern the way user
communicates for data as well as the way our devices treat those data.
Here we will be discussing these standard set of rules.
Yes, we're talking about "protocols" which are set of rules that help in
governing the way a particular technology will function for
communication. In other words, it can be said that the protocols are
digital languages implemented in the form of networking algorithms.
There are differentnetworks and network protocols,user's use while
surfing.
There are various types of protocols that support a major and
compassionate role in communicating with differentdevices across the
network. These are:
1. TransmissionControl Protocol(TCP)
2. Internet Protocol(IP)
3. User Datagram Protocol(UDP)

4. Post officeProtocol(POP)
5. Simple mail transport Protocol(SMTP)
6. File Transfer Protocol(FTP)
7. Hyper Text TransferProtocol(HTTP)
8. Hyper Text TransferProtocolSecure (HTTPS)
9. Telnet
10. Gopher
Let's discuss each of them briefly:
1. TransmissionControl Protocol(TCP): TCP is a popular communication
protocolwhich is used for communicating over a network. It divides any
message into series of packets that are sent from source to destination
and there it gets reassembledat the destination.
2. Internet Protocol(IP): IP is designed explicitly as addressing protocol.It
is mostly used with TCP. The IP addressesin packets help in routing
them through differentnodes in a network until it reaches the
destination system.TCP/IP is the most popular protocolconnecting the
networks.
3. User Datagram Protocol(UDP): UDP is a substitute communication
protocolto Transmission Control Protocolimplemented primarily for
creating loss-tolerating and low-latency linking between different
applications.
4. Post officeProtocol(POP): POP3 is designed forreceiving incoming E-
mails.
5. Simple mail transport Protocol(SMTP): SMTP is designed to send and
distribute outgoing E-Mail.
6. File Transfer Protocol(FTP): FTP allows users to transfer files from one
machine to another. Types of files may include program files,
multimedia files, text files, and documents,etc.
7. Hyper Text TransferProtocol(HTTP): HTTP is designed fortransferring
a hypertext among two or more systems.HTML tags are used for
creating links. These links may be in any form like text or images.
HTTP is designed onClient-server principles which allow a client
system for establishing a connectionwith the server machine for
making a request. The server acknowledges the requestinitiated by the
client and responds accordingly.
8. Hyper Text TransferProtocolSecure (HTTPS): HTTPS is abbreviated
as Hyper Text Transfer ProtocolSecure is a standard protocolto

secure the communication among two computers one using the
browser and other fetching data from web server. HTTP is used for
transferring data between the client browser (request)and the web
server (response)in the hypertext format, same in case of HTTPS
exceptthat the transferring of data is done in an encrypted format. So it
can be said that https thwart hackers from interpretation or modification
of data throughout the transfer of packets.
9. Telnet: Telnet is a set of rules designed forconnecting one system with
another. The connecting process here is termed as remote login. The
system which requests for connection is the local computer,and the
system which accepts the connectionis the remote computer.
10. Gopher: Gopheris a collectionof rules implemented forsearching,
retrieving as well as displaying documents from isolated sites. Gopher
also works on the client/serverprinciple
5] explain various ecommercebusiness models ?
E-commerce business models can generally be categorized into the
following categories.
 Business - to - Business (B2B)
 Business - to - Consumer(B2C)
 Consumer - to - Consumer(C2C)
 Consumer - to - Business (C2B)
 Business - to - Government(B2G)
 Government - to - Business (G2B)
 Government - to - Citizen (G2C)
Business- to - Business
A website following the B2B business model sells its products to an
intermediate buyer who then sells the product to the final customer. As
an example, a wholesalerplaces an orderfrom a company's website and
after receiving the consignment, sells the endproduct to the final
customer who comes to buy the product at one of its retail outlets.

Business- to - Consumer
A website following the B2C business modelsells its products directly to
a customer. A customer can view the products shown on the website.
The customer can choose a product and order the same. The website
will then send a notification to the business organization via email and
the organization will dispatch the product/goods to the customer.
Consumer -to - Consumer
A website following the C2C business modelhelpsconsumers to selltheir
assets like residentialproperty, cars, motorcycles,etc.,or rent a room by
publishing their information on the website. Website may or may not
charge the consumer for its services.Another consumermay opt to buy
the productof the firstcustomerbyviewing the post/advertisementonthe
website.
Consumer -to - Business
In this model, a consumer approaches a website showing multiple
business organizations for a particular service.The consumerplaces an
estimate of amount he/she wants to spend for a particular service. For
example, the comparison of interest rates of personal loan/car loan

provided by various banks via websites. A business organization who
fulfills the consumer's requirement within the specified budget,
approaches the customer and provides its services.
Business- to - Government
B2G model is a variant of B2B model. Such websites are used by
governments to trade and exchange information with various business
organizations. Such websites are accredited by the government and
provide a medium to businesses to submit application forms to the
government.
Government - to - Business
Governments use B2G model websites to approach business
organizations. Such websites support auctions, tenders, and application
submission functionalities.
Government - to - Citizen
Governments use G2C model websites to approach citizen in general.
Such websites support auctions of vehicles, machinery, or any other
material. Such website also provides services like registration for birth,
marriage or death certificates.The main objective of G2C websites is to
reduce the average time for fulfilling citizen’s requests for various
government services.
**
*]] what is dbms explain its advantages and disadvantages
A databasemanagementsystem (DBMS)is a collectionof programsthat
manages the database structure and controls access to the data stored in
the database".

The DBMS serves as the intermediary between the user and the
database. The database structure itself is stored as a collectionof files,
So, we can access the data in those files through the DBMS.
The DBMS receives all application requests and translates them into the
complexoperations required to fulfill those requests.The DBMS hides
much of the database’s internal complexityfrom the application
programs and users
Advantage ofDBMS
1. Improved data sharing:
 The DBMS helps create an environment in which end users have
better access to more and better-managed data.
 Such access makes it possible forend users to respond quickly to
changes in their environment.
2. Improved data security:
 The more users access the data, the greater the risks of data
security breaches.Corporations invest considerable amounts of
time, effort,and money to ensure that corporate data are used
properly.
 A DBMS provides a framework forbetter enforcementof data
privacy and security policies.
3. Better data integration:
 Wideraccess to well-managed data promotes an integrated view
of the organization’s operations and a clearer view of the big
picture.
 It becomes mucheasierto see how actions in one segmentof the
company affect other segments.
4. Minimized data inconsistency:
 Data inconsistencyexists when differentversions of the same data
appear in differentplaces.
 For example, data inconsistencyexists when a company’s sales
department stores a sales representative’s name as “Bill Brown”
and the company’s personneldepartment stores that same
person’s name as “William G. Brown,” or when the company’s

regional sales office shows the price of a productas $45.95 and its
national sales office shows the same product’s price as $43.95.
 The probability of data inconsistencyis greatly reduced in a
properly designed database.
5. Improved data access:
 The DBMS makes it possible to produce quick answers to ad hoc
queries.
 From a database perspective,a query is a specificrequest issued
to the DBMS for data manipulation—for example, to read or
update the data. Simply put, a query is a question, and an ad hoc
query is a spur-of-the-momentquestion.
 The DBMS sends back an answer (called the query result set) to
the application.
 For example, end users
6. Improved decision making:
 Better-managed data and improved data access make it possible
to generate better-quality information, on which better decisions
are based.
 The quality of the information generated depends on the quality of
the underlying data.
 Data quality is a comprehensive approachto promoting the
accuracy, validity, and timeliness of the data. While the DBMS
does not guarantee data quality, it provides a framework to
facilitate data quality initiatives.
 Increased end-userproductivity
 The availability of data, combined with the tools that transform data
into usable information, empowers end users to make quick,
informed decisions that can make the difference betweensuccess
and failure in the global economy.
Disadvantage ofDBMS
1. Increased costs:
 Database systems require sophisticated hardware and software
and highly skilled personnel.

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