This paper describes the different database structures used in various functional departments of Abu Dhabi Airport. This paper will begin by identifying four database structures used in at least four functional departments of Abu Dhabi Airport. After that, it will discuss how Abu Dhabi Airport benefits from the identified database structures.
This paper will then discuss the types of transaction processing that are possible with these databases. In addition, this paper will highlight how such database structures can be connected or linked, and the benefits and problems associated with this procedure.
Abu Dhabi Airport has eight different functional departments, and they include supportive services department, Air Navigation services department, Strategic and International Affairs department, Safety Affairs department, Air Accident Investigation department, Security Affairs department, Procurement Department, and Planning and Development Department.
The supportive services department is the chief database center of Abu Dhabi International Airport. As a result, it has the organization’s database dictionary. A database dictionary contains the logical structure of the organization’s information. All other departments gather relevant information such as clients’ information, orders, bookings, or security details from the Support Services department.
On the other hand, the Planning and Development department has a database structure which stores information of all the investors and business partners. In addition, this department keeps all relevant information related to planning and development.
The list of all investors and business associates is also stored in the procurement department. The procurement department also stores information of the current and future projects (Procurement Department, 2012).
Moreover, Strategic and International Affairs has a database structure which stores data related to all international business associates. This department also has a database structure with relevant information on potential threats to the organization’s international affairs, international relations, and operations.
Abu Dhabi Airport relies heavily on the database structures present in its different functional departments. First, the supportive services department has all the critical information required in the monitoring and running of the airport (Abu Dhabi News, 2012).
This department has database structures which store all the organization’s critical data. As the information center of the organization, the supportive services department necessitates the functioning of all other departments. As a result, the Airport can operate even if other departments have problems with their database structures.
The procurement department is another key department. Since it is involved in the management of procurement goods, works, and services, the database structure in this department helps to document all the current and future projects.
Thus, other departments like the Planning and Development department can easily track all the developmental activities that are ongoing or those that are yet to commence. On the other hand, Abu Dhabi airport relies heavily on the database structure present in the Planning and Development department.
This is because this department has crucial information on of all the investors and business partners. Such information enables the organization to stay in touch with its key business partners and also plan its activities accordingly.
Furthermore, the database structures present in the Strategic and International ensures that the organization stays in touch with its international business partners. In addition, the database structures in this department help in the identification of potential risks to the international affairs of the organization.
Looking at the database in the procurement department, it is evident that online transaction processing is commonly used. Potential contractors often submit their application fee via the department’s online transaction processing. In addition, the supportive services department uses online transaction processing to handle online payments.
This is very essential when clients submit payment for various services including flight tickets. On the other hand, the database structures present in the Strategic and International Affairs rely heavily on online analytical processing. This is exceptionally essential in building business intelligence.
Online analytical processing is used in database structures of the Planning and Development department (Qatar News, 2011). This also assists the department to gather business intelligence.
Most of the Airport’s database structures are linked via the internet (ACI, 2011). As a result, information from all the departments can be accessed through computer networking. Such networking is exceptionally beneficial to the airport’s performance and decision making processes.
Linking the department’ data structures saves time. The airport’s staffs do not need to move from one department to the other in order to collect the necessary information; rather, they can locate the intended information by simply logging into the prospective database structures. This has been necessitated through the use of the internet.
Connecting the various databases from the airport’s departments provides each department with timely information essential in decision making. Such connection also enables other departments to plan for their activities. It minimizes workload, delays, and improves the overall efficiency of the functional departments.
Such connection has its own demerits. Sometimes the internet’s service provider encounters technical problems which at times hinder internet connectivity. Such connection might also lead to the sharing of confidential information.
In addition, it may lead to the loss of company secretes and plans. Furthermore, such connections might compromise the airport’s operations in case one of the department’s database structures is misleading. Delays may also be experienced during system failure.
References
Abu Dhabi News (2012). Flying from the Best Airport in the Middle East. Web.
Airports Council International (ACI). (2011). Abu Dhabi International Airport. Web.
Procurement Department. (2012). Procurement and Tenders. Web.
Qatar News. (2011). Etihad Airways to Ho Chi Minh City. Web.