Book Description
Three decades ago relational technology put the database field on a sound, scientific foundation for the first time. But the database industry--vendors, users, experts, and the trade press--has essentially flouted its principles, focusing instead on a "cookbook," product-specific approach, devoid of conceptual understanding. The consequences have been costly: DBMS products, databases, development tools, and applications not only don't always perform up to expectation or potential, but they can encourage the wrong questions and provide the wrong answers.
Practical Issues in Database Management is an attempt to remedy this intractable and costly situation. Written for database designers, programmers, managers, and users, it addresses the core, commonly recurring issues and problems that practitioners--even the most experienced database professionals--seem to systematically misunderstand, namely:
Unstructured data and complex data types Business rules and integrity enforcement Keys Duplicates Normalization and denormalization Entity subtypes and supertypes Data hierarchies and recursive queries Redundancy Quota queries Missing information
Customer Reviews:
Informative, padded, flabby, sloppy........2007-08-23
This is a decent book to read within the first year of your dealing with relational databases. Most chapters (particularly the ones on normalization and subtypes) are at least in some way informative and will improve your clarity of thought. Whether the book is really practical is open for discussion, since it deliberately stays away from real products, pointing to their deficiencies and suggesting you should demand improvement from the vendors. OK, I'll send letters to Gates and Ellison today. But it _is_ practical in the sense of improving your thinking on the more fundamental level. Which is nothing to sneeze at, of course.
That said, the book has a strong unprofessional taste to it in terms of overall delivery: it's really half a dozen blog entries, padded with endless recaps, intros, and even a strange assemblage of web pages whose connection to the main body of text is tenuous at best (some of them aren't even referred to! Why is this junk inserted in the book? To achieve the obligatory two-hundred-page volume?) A pile of quotes from online posts, attributionless excerpts from 'trade magazines' supposedly illustrating all-pervading imbecility of the database constituency, and so on. The points the author makes are correct, but he belabours them way too much. Where one quote would suffice he gives you five.
A fair number of typos -- nothing terrible, something like the following: say, there's a picture of a table with fields, and then in the text the fields' names are different -- no big deal, but this is a technical book and small discrepancies like that really slow you down. A couple of openly ungrammatical statements (copy editing, anyone?)
Sometimes the book is illogical: for example, there's one place where a line of argument goes like this, if A and [this and that] then A: well, thanks for this refreshing tautology. Huge amount of muddled quotes from self and Date and Darwen and McGovern. Are there any other people worth reading? This smells a bit of self- and mutual promotion, to be honest; like there's this cabal of ever-crusading brothers at arms who keep dropping each others' and no one else's names.
References are very imprecise: mostly something like: "normalization is very important! ([2])". [2] what? Any particular chapter, page?
Quotes are frequently jumbled with the author's own text: you read and suddenly you see that you've been reading an excerpt from another book. Where did it start? Citations are frequently edited to fit the context to the point where square brackets make you dizzy. If a direct quote is so ill-fitting, why not simply paraphrase?
All in all, I agree with Forrest L. Norvell's and Jeff Unsal's reviews below, though unlike that last gentleman, I don't think the book is useless. I think, you probably _should_ read this book, though chances are high that if you've been working with SQL databases for a while you already know all of this from other sources. But maybe not: the author is fundamentally correct when he complains about pervasive vendor hype in the industry (and literature) and widespread ignorance and misunderstaning of fundamentals. So yes, go ahead and read it; at least check it out. Get a discounted copy; be prepared to skip the vapour and chunks of repetitious text, and figure out a number of confusing typos and sloppy narrative, but there *is* value in this book, at least for some readers. Although, if you read a fair amount of Date, you may not need this one -- and of course Date writes much, much better. Otoh (and for what it's worth), the author writes better than Celko.
Anyway, the book is flawed but worthwhile. I would like to see a new edition -- proofread, better structured, with the web pages and other stuffing removed. Maybe even a half of its current size (for my money I prefer to read a lesser amount of clearly written text than twice as much but muddled).
Enjoy.
This Book Is Terrible.......2006-07-05
I don't know where they came up with the "Practical Issues" part of the title. This book is painfully theoretical.
It might be OK material for academic types, but I'm a SQL DBA and have real-world problems to solve. It goes on and on with this formal language about what the data represents and examples of what can go wrong with obviously-bad table designs. Not much help here.
And instead of offering usable recommendations, the obviously-annoyed author makes worthless suggestions. For example, he suggests that instead of denormalizing for performance benefits, my best course of action is to "demand better soltions from DBMS vendors". I guess that instead of finishing my current project, I'll call Microsoft and demand a new release first.
Skip this one.
Matt
Flabby and lacking clarity.......2006-02-10
I came to this book with high hopes after having read much of Fabian Pascal's writing on the Web, which is very specific in calling out the many weaknesses of contemporary database practice and much less specific when it comes to strategies for dealing with those weaknesses. Unfortunately, the writing in this book is much like his writings online.
Pascal is clearly a seasoned professional and also someone who understands the relational model well. However, his frustration with the current state of the art bleeds over into this book, and is unhelpful. I now very clearly understand that SQL is incapable of dealing with a truly relational view of data, and that SQL (and by extension almost all contemporary DBMSes) is flawed and illogical in many ways, but there's only so much that I, as a database designer and software developer, can do with that information. In many cases, only a change in phrasing would have been necessary: I think the book would have been much more useful if it had been written prescriptively, as a "style guide" or best practices manual (DON'T use NULL. DO normalize your relations to at least 3NF) with his impassioned critiques of current technology provided as rationales for his guidelines.
Also, there's more than a whiff of the amateur to the presentation in this book. Aside from the baffling reprints of web pages included as appendices to the first chapter, he recycles exhortations across chapters and reuses the same examples over and over (down to the same explanatory text), without necessarily explaining what's different about this usage from all the others. Add to that a large, wide text face and the book, not particularly long at 256 pages, starts to feel significantly padded.
Most interested parties would be much better served by C.J. Date's excellent "Database In Depth". As it is, Pascal cribs heavily from Date's work (2/3 of the book's citations are credited to either Date or his frequent partner Hugh Darwen), and I can't help but feel that Date expresses the same concepts much more clearly and concisely. There's a lot of good material in this book, but it's a frustrating slog to get to it.
Essential book.......2005-07-29
This book has been essential in my work as a consultant and developer in the database application field. I use it whenever I need a short, easy to read, and no-nonsense summary of data management fundamentals. This book explains "how it should be", "how it often is", and "what you can do about it", making it a really perfect recommendation in many situations.
Excellent Primer for Fundamental Database Issues.......2004-07-09
This may be the most practical database book I will ever read. While it is not wriiten for the complete novice, I would say it is important as a good second book to read (an excellent first book would be Access Database Design and Programming by Steven Roman, or Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes by Ben Forta), after you have developed a rudimentary understanding of SQL. After working with SQL in any DBMS, you will begin to run accross some of the problems he addresses in his book - inconsistent treatment of nulls, duplicate information, etc. Each chapter stands on its own, making it valuable as a reference guide, and in many instances he provides SQL workarounds for problems brought on by...SQL. Although he does lay blame at feet of current DBMS vendors for not fully implementing the relational model, he addresses the fundamental lack of knowledge on the part of practitioners. By far the best chapter is the one on normalization, particularly his discussion on the fourth and fifth normal forms.
Average customer rating:
|
Practical Systems Thinking
Alan E. Waring
Manufacturer: Int. Cengage Business Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
MIS
| Industries & Professions
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Systems Analysis
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Manager's Guides to Computing
| Business & Culture
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Information Systems
| Software Engineering
| Computer Science
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Business & Investing
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Computers & Internet
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Reference
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 1861526148 |
Book Description
This textbook examines three principal methods of applied systems thinking: systems failures, hard and soft systems methods. Other systems methodologies are described briefly. The book is written in an open learning style with activities, exercises and case studies with an emphasis on practice and technique. It is supported by numerous illustrations, in keeping with the diagramming techniques of systems work.
Average customer rating:
|
Strategy and Uncertainty: A Guide to Practical Systems Thinking (Studies in Cybernetics, Vol 17)
T. Clementson
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Popular Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Systems & Planning
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Artificial Intelligence
| Computer Science
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Systems Analysis & Design
| Computer Science
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Neuroscience
| Neurology
| Internal Medicine
| Medicine
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 2881246540 |
Product Description
The Theseus Learning System is a fun and challenging way to develop higher order thinking skills. It's a course in critical thinking with a software component that actually helps you visualize thought. Arrange your ideas in a colorful, interactive learning environment, and get feedback that can help you frame clear, compelling arguments. Get the hang of using its diagrams, and critical thinking, critical reading, and persuasive writing will all come much more easily. You can use the Theseus Learning System to develop persuasive essays or presentations, to analyze written arguments or simply to give your brain a stimulating workout.
The Theseus Learning System includes:
graphic-oriented software for organizing ideas; a patented logic guide that walks you through a process used by highly effective thinkers; a friendly and engaging 124-page Lesson Book filled with colorful examples and diagrams; explicit instruction in the revolutionary Thought Tree Method; 99 learning activities, challenges, and exercises; and an answer key, on-board tutorial, and complete help system.
These components work together to provide a rich and challenging learning experience. By working through the lessons, you can improve logical acumen, boost scores on standardized reasoning tests (like the SAT), prepare for college, and develop abilities that employers rank among the most important of all.
Theseus will continue to provide benefits long after you've completed the program. For one, the lessons are designed to last a lifetime. For another, many conclude that their Theseus software is simply a better place to think, so they continue to use the software on real thinking and writing assignments for years afterwards. Because Theseus is right there, reinforcing key lessons at point of application, focus becomes habitual, curiosity becomes second nature, and clarity becomes a way of life. Format: Lesson Book is CombBind / Software on CD Rom.
Average customer rating:
|
Artificial intelligence and creativity: A practical guide
William L Truett
Manufacturer: Classe Copy Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Expert Systems
| Artificial Intelligence
| Computer Science
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Artificial Intelligence
| Computer Science
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Creativity & Genius
| Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B0007242GY |
Product Description
The Theseus Learning System is a fun and challenging way to develop higher order thinking skills. It's a course in critical thinking with a software component that actually helps you visualize thought. Arrange your ideas in a colorful, interactive learning environment, and get feedback that can help you frame clear, compelling arguments. Get the hang of using its diagrams, and critical thinking, critical reading, and persuasive writing will all come much more easily. You can use the Theseus Learning System to develop persuasive essays or presentations, to analyze written arguments or simply to give your brain a stimulating workout.
The Theseus Learning System includes: graphic-oriented software for organizing ideas; a patented logic guide that walks you through a process used by highly effective thinkers; a friendly and engaging 124-page Lesson Book filled with colorful examples and diagrams; explicit instruction in the revolutionary Thought Tree Method; 99 learning activities, challenges, and exercises; and an answer key, on-board tutorial, and complete help system.
These components work together to provide a rich and challenging learning experience. By working through the lessons, you can improve logical acumen, boost scores on standardized reasoning tests (like the SAT), prepare for college, and develop abilities that employers rank among the most important of all.
Theseus will continue to provide benefits long after you've completed the program. For one, the lessons are designed to last a lifetime. For another, many conclude that their Theseus software is simply a better place to think, so they continue to use the software on real thinking and writing assignments for years afterwards. Because Theseus is right there, reinforcing key lessons at point of application, focus becomes habitual, curiosity becomes second nature, and clarity becomes a way of life.
Format: CD Rom - includes ebook and software
Average customer rating:
|
Prices, Profits and Rhythms of Accumulation
Gilbert Abraham-Frois , and
Edmond Berrebi
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Economic History
| Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Microeconomics
| Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Theory
| Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Popular Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Production & Operations
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Finance
| New & Used Textbooks
| Stores
| Books
History & Theory
| Economics
| Business & Finance
| New & Used Textbooks
| Stores
| Books
General
| Economics
| Business & Finance
| New & Used Textbooks
| Stores
| Books
Microeconomics
| Economics
| Business & Finance
| New & Used Textbooks
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0521395321 |
Book Description
This book is concerned with the relationship between processes of accumulation and aspects of distribution. The analyses of Ricardo and Marx are reevaluated and redeveloped in the light of advances made by von Neumann, Sraffa and more contemporary theoreticians. Joint production systems are integrated into the analysis, which allows the authors to define the effect of the theorem of non-substitution, and to reconsider the problem of obsolescence and the choice of technique.
Book Description
Thrive on challenge!
Some professionals, feeling overburdened by challenging job tasks, struggle through projects and avoid additional responsibilities that might prove enriching. They often find their careers unsatisfying, and their job performance may suffer as a result. This field-tested profile shows employees how to seek challenge and to develop valuable skills from their professional lives.
Professionals will use their feedback from the JCP to assist them in:
- Handling unfamiliar tasks
- Driving workplace transformation
- Seeking additional responsibilities
- Dealing with external pressure
- Managing group diversity . . . and much more!
The Facilitator's Guide, which includes a sample copy of the Participant's Workbook, details the essential workshop procedures--including setup, administration, and follow-up--and provides you with reproducible overhead and handout masters. You don't need to be a training professional to use this tool in your organization: this guide gives you all the basics.
Your participants will quickly be able to score and interpret the inventory using the practical Participant's Workbook. With the aid of this action guide, they will determine what and how much they are learning, what parts of their jobs hold key challenges, and what strategies they might adopt to derive maximal learning from these experiences. Every participant will need a copy. Use the world-renowned expertise of CCL to create a learning environment where challenge is welcome!
Helps participants:
- Gauge the challenges in their jobs
- Turn challenges into prime learning experience
TIMING: 2 to 4 hours
AUDIENCE: Managers, leaders, and executives at all levels
Book Description
Thrive on challenge!
Some professionals, feeling overburdened by challenging job tasks, struggle through projects and avoid additional responsibilities that might prove enriching. They often find their careers unsatisfying, and their job performance may suffer as a result. This field-tested profile shows employees how to seek challenge and to develop valuable skills from their professional lives.
Professionals will use their feedback from the JCP to assist them in:
- Handling unfamiliar tasks
- Driving workplace transformation
- Seeking additional responsibilities
- Dealing with external pressure
- Managing group diversity . . . and much more!
The Facilitator's Guide, which includes a sample copy of the Participant's Workbook, details the essential workshop procedures--including setup, administration, and follow-up--and provides you with reproducible overhead and handout masters. You don't need to be a training professional to use this tool in your organization: this guide gives you all the basics.
Your participants will quickly be able to score and interpret the inventory using the practical Participant's Workbook. With the aid of this action guide, they will determine what and how much they are learning, what parts of their jobs hold key challenges, and what strategies they might adopt to derive maximal learning from these experiences. Every participant will need a copy. Use the world-renowned expertise of CCL to create a learning environment where challenge is welcome!
Helps participants:
- Gauge the challenges in their jobs
- Turn challenges into prime learning experience
TIMING: 2 to 4 hours
AUDIENCE: Managers, leaders, and executives at all levels
Average customer rating:
|
Learning from Work Experience - Job Challenge Profile, Participant Workbook (Paper Only)
McCauley
Manufacturer: Pfeiffer Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
| Accounting
| Audiobooks
| Biography & History
| Business Life
| By Publisher
| Economics
| Finance
| General
| Industries & Professions
| International
| Investing
| Job Hunting & Careers
| Management & Leadership
| Marketing & Sales
| Organizational Behavior
| Personal Finance
| Popular Economics
| Real Estate
| Reference
| Skills
| Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Women & Business
General
| Education
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 078795151X |
Books:
- Pricing Strategy: An Interdisciplinary Approach
- Project Planning Using Primavera SureTrak for Windows Version 2.0
- Public Management Systems: Monitoring & Managing Government Performance
- Readings in the Strategy Process (3rd Edition)
- Real Business Plans & Marketing Tools: Samples to Use in Starting, Growing and Selling Your Business (Business Success Series (Prep Publishing).)
- Real World Career Development Strategies That Work
- Rebuilding the Corporate Genome: Unlocking the Real Value of Your Business
- Restaurant Basics: Why Guests Don't Come Back...and What You Can Do About It
- Say It with Confidence: Overcome the Mental Blocks that Keep You from Making Great Presentations and Speeches
- Security Design: The Process & the Basics
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- GM Century/Regal/Lumina/Monte Carlo/Cutlass Supreme/Grand Prix 1997-00
- A-List #8, The: Heart of Glass: An A-List Novel
- The Natural House: A Complete Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Environmental Homes
- There's a Dolphin in the Grand Canal
- The Surface of Mars
- A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition
- YEAR OF THE FROG: A Novel
- Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice
- Theoretical Anxiety and Design Strategies in the Work of Eight Contemporary Architects
- Vinas Solamnus
Database in Depth: Relational Theory for Practitioners
The Database Relational Model: A Retrospective Review and Analysis : A Historical Account and Assessment of E. F. Codd's Contribution to the Field of Database Technology
An Introduction to Database Systems, Eighth Edition
Temporal Data & the Relational Model (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Data Management Systems)
Handbook of Relational Database Design
