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ABSTRACT
Course curriculum in database management systems encompasses many topics, from data modeling to implementation and testing. These topics establish a strong foundation for Information Technology students to analyze, design, and implement a database system. Beyond these basic skills, Information Technology students must be equipped with the necessary capabilities to address database performance issues, such as when end-user expectations are not met. The topic of database tuning includes various techniques associated with enhancing database performance, and is important in providing a well-rounded database curriculum, but this skill is not generally covered in most database management systems courses. Our study focuses on testing the researcher's assumption that database tuning is not part of current Information Technology curriculums. In addition, its significance and importance in the curriculums is researched. We surveyed academics and professionals to quantify the importance of database tuning and establish an understanding of its role within the education of students taking database related courses.
Keywords: Database Tuning, CIS curriculum, Database education
1. INTRODUCTION
As with most complex subjects, the definition of database tuning varies across the variety of available informative resources on the subject. Instead of trying to identify an all-encompassing definition, we will simply define database tuning as an ongoing process of achieving maximum performance from all components of a database system. Unfortunately, a database management system (DBMS, or alternatively, RDBMS) does not run in isolation; therefore systems other than the database engine can influence the performance of the DBMS. These include the operating system running the database, applications that interface with the database, and the network over which the database system and applications communicate. An oft-confronted reality of the database developer is end-user discontent with the performance of the database application. These applications may be functionally correct, but poor response time or performance frustrates end-users, creating a sense of dissatisfaction that may result in the abandonment of the application (Nielsen, 1999).
The concept of database tuning is critical to the success of most database-centric applications. An organization that establishes a database application with the aim of reducing errors, improving consistency, and increasing employee effectiveness must first convince its employees of the application's benefits. Slow performance can negatively impact employee perceptions, which could lead to a resistance in using the applications, despite...