An industrial supply company wants to create a database where management can obtain a corporate-wide view of sales information to identify best-selling products in specific geographical areas, key customers, and sales trends. The sales and product information are stored in several different systems: a divisional sales system running on a Unix server and a corporate sales system running on IBM servers. Management would like to create a single standard format that consolidates these data from both systems. The following format has been proposed.

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1. What business problems are created by not having these data in a single standard format?
2. How easy would it be to create a database with a single standard format that could store the data from both systems? Identify the problems that would have to be addressed.
3. Should the problems be solved by database specialists or general business managers? Explain.
4. Who should have the authority to finalize a single company-wide format for this information in the database?

Assignment Expectations

Your paper should be short (3-5 pages, not including cover sheet and references) and to the point. It is to be structured as a point/counterpoint argument, in the following manner: take a definite stand on the issues and develop your supporting argument carefully. Using material from the Background information and any other sources you can find to support specific points in your argument is highly recommended; try to avoid making assertions for which you can find no support other than your own opinion.

You will be particularly assessed on:

• Precision: You see what the module is all about and structure your paper accordingly. You draw on a range of sources and establish your understanding of the historical context of the question. You carry out the exercise as assigned or carefully explain the limitations that prevented your completing some parts. (Running out of time isn’t generally considered an adequate limitation).
• Support for assertions: You use examples, citations (especially from the required readings), and elaboration to support assertions. You provide evidence that you have read the required background materials.
• Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic. You see what the module is all about and structure your paper accordingly.
• Critical thinking: The paper incorporates your reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business and illustrates your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts. It is important to read the “Required Reading” in the Background material plus other sources you find relevant.
• Breadth and depth: You provide informed commentary and analysis—simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper. The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning outcomes of the module.
• Overall quality: You apply the professional language and terminology of systems design and analysis correctly and in context; you are familiar with this language and use it appropriately. Your paper is well written and the references, where needed, are properly cited and listed (refer to the APA Purdue Online Writing Lab at https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ ) if you are uncertain about formats or other issues.