AL-502 Database Management Systems - Nov 2022 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 8 Marks
   aWhat is Database Management System (DBMS)? What are the major components of this system? Explain each component with neat sketch.
   How to answer

   • Definition of DBMS as integrated collection of data and set of programs
   • Major components: hardware, software, data, users, procedures
   • Explain role of each component
   • Neat sketch of DBMS architecture/components
2. 6 Marks
   bWhat are the different Data Modules of DBMS? Explain in detail.
   How to answer

   • Meaning of data models/modules in DBMS
   • Types: hierarchical, network, relational, object-oriented
   • Characteristics and example of each
   • Comparison of usage
3. 7 Marks
   aExplain strong and weak entities. How weak entity can be converted to a strong entity.
   How to answer

   • Definition of strong entity with key and example
   • Definition of weak entity, partial key, identifying relationship
   • Steps to convert weak to strong by adding primary key
4. 7 Marks
   bExplain Super key, primary key and candidate key with examples.
   How to answer

   • Definition of super key with example
   • Definition of candidate key with example
   • Definition of primary key and selection criteria
5. 7 Marks
   aWhat are integrity constraints? Explain various types of integrity constraints with suitable example.
   How to answer

   • Definition of integrity constraints
   • Types: domain, key, entity, referential integrity
   • Suitable example for each type
6. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss about Relational algebra operations like Select, Project, Join with examples.
   How to answer

   • Definition of relational algebra
   • Select operation with example
   • Project operation with example
   • Join types with example
7. 8 Marks
   aDefine join dependency. How is it different to that of Multivalued dependency and Functional dependency? Justify.
   How to answer

   • Definition of join dependency
   • Definition of multivalued and functional dependency
   • Difference in conditions and lossless decomposition
   • Justification with example
8. 6 Marks
   bDefine Normalization. Explain second normal form with the help of an example.
   How to answer

   • Definition of normalization
   • Conditions for second normal form
   • Example of partial dependency removal
   • Resulting decomposed tables
9. 7 Marks
   aExplain why 4NF is more desirable than BCNF with the help of an example.
   How to answer

   • Definition of BCNF and 4NF conditions
   • Multivalued dependency handling in 4NF
   • Example where BCNF fails but 4NF succeeds
   • Why 4NF is more desirable
10. 7 Marks
    bWhat do you mean by transaction processing? Explain ACID properties of transaction in brief.
    How to answer

    • Definition of transaction processing
    • Meaning of ACID acronym
    • Brief explanation of atomicity, consistency, isolation, durability
    • Example of transaction
11. 7 Marks
    aHow concurrency is performed? Explain the protocol that is used to maintain the concurrency concept.
    How to answer

    • Meaning of concurrency in DBMS
    • Need for concurrent execution
    • Concurrency control protocols: lock-based, etc.
    • How protocol maintains serializability
12. 7 Marks
    bWhat is time stamping? Explain a mechanism of concurrency control that uses time stamping with the help of an examples.
    How to answer

    • Definition of timestamping
    • Timestamp ordering mechanism steps
    • Example of read/write with timestamps
    • Handling conflicts
13. 7 Marks
    aExplain the advantage of stored procedures with an example.
    How to answer

    • Definition of stored procedure
    • Advantages: performance, reusability, security
    • Example SQL procedure
    • Explanation of use case
14. 7 Marks
    bWhat is Trigger? Explain in detail with an example.
    How to answer

    • Definition of trigger and its types
    • Trigger syntax and firing conditions
    • Detailed working with example
    • Use cases
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any two of the following:

    1. a)Nested and Parameterized Cursors
    2. b)Single level and multilevel indices
    3. c)Domain Relational Calculus
    How to answer

    • Brief note on first chosen topic with definition and example
    • Brief note on second chosen topic with definition and example
    • Diagrams or syntax where applicable
    • Applications or advantages