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Database management systems for microcomputers are described, including the basic features of database management systems and factors which should be considered in selecting a microcomputer system. A method for ranking database management systems is explained and applied to a defined need, i.e., software support for indexing a weekly newspaper.

The five principal management objectives of database management systems are discussed, as are the four basic criteria for comparing systems. Database management systems organized along hierarchies and networks are illustrated and compared to relational database systems, which are also illustrated. Backend processors, emphasizing database machines, are described as important means of improving database management system performance and of exploiting the potential of relational databases in particular.

Wide implementation of computer‐based operations management systems now faces a new information problem. In many manufacturing companies the management system consists of several disconnected subsystems. Each subsystem uses its own database, which is physically situated in a PC of a specific manager. Each subsystem represents one or several managerial problems, which are being solved regularly at given intervals of time. The multiple data transfers between the databases are performed manually, and this reduces the efficiency of the system and the possibilities for its development. Implementation of file servers only place databases under one roof but does not automatically provide transfer of data. To unite the system effectively in a network environment, a scheduling model has been developed, which uses an information model of the operations management process and a system clock as a basis for its functioning.

Relatively little microcomputer software has been designed specifically for the storage and retrieval of bibliographic data. Information retrieval packages for mainframes and minicomputers have been scaled down to run on microcomputers, however, these programs are expensive, unwieldy, and inflexible. For this reason, microcomputer database management systems (DBMS) are often used as an alternative. In this article, criteria for evaluating DBMS used for the storage and retrieval of bibliographic data are discussed. Two popular types of microcomputer DBMS, file management systems and relational database management systems, are evaluated with respect to these criteria. File management systems are appropriate when a relatively small number of simple records are to be stored, and retrieval time for multi‐valued data items is not a critical factor. Relational database management systems are indicated when large numbers of complex records are to be stored, and retrieval time for multi‐valued data items is critical. However, successful use of relational database management systems often requires programming skills.

A comparison was made between CDS/ISIS, its Windows version WINISIS, and InMagic’s INMAGIC and DB/TextWorks software. Packages were evaluated for their database creation, information retrieval and report production capabilities. Windows versions were found to provide significant enhancements over DOS versions of software. The evaluation aimed to determine the advantages to a developing country of creating bibliographic databases using commercial software.

Data processing has undergone evolutionary changes in the past 30 years. Processing with a database management system offers a number of advantages. Presents the basics of today′s dynamic database management systems. Reviews the relevant professional magazines and concludes that systems now are more user‐friendly.

This article describes the evolution of the medium sized (500 page) Biblio Tech Review web site, from conventional management methods to advanced content management. The article covers design considerations, authoring tools, database publishing and content management techniques. Problems and their solution are described. The implications for digital preservation are outlined. Diagrams illustrate site architecture and database structure.

Changes in market and production profiles require a more flexible concept in manufacturing. Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) describes an integrative concept for joining business and manufacturing islands. In this context, database technology is the key technology for implementing the CIM philosophy. However, CIM applications are more complex and thus more demanding than traditional database applications such as business and administrative applications. Systematically analyses the database requirements for CIM applications including business and manufacturing tasks. Special emphasis is given on integration requirements due to the distributed, partly isolated nature of CIM applications developed over the years. An illustrative sampling of current efforts in the database community to meet the challenge of non‐standard applications such as CIM is presented.

Conventional methods practiced by the Development and Facilities Management Unit (UPPF) have faced issues due to management deficiencies and incompetent staff members who were unable to handle facilities management assessment processes at Malaysian Polytechnics. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

The prime objective of this paper is to improve the conventional methods which tend to be both cumbersome and ineffective in the UPPF Maintenance Management Systems (MMSs) at Malaysian Polytechnics. Primary data were gathered through interviews to develop the proposed system. Eight Polytechnics were selected based on major problems arising from using conventional methods. A comparison was then conducted to investigate the maintenance management practices at each Polytechnic. There are around 32 Polytechnics in Malaysia and most are using conventional methods.

The major conclusion drawn from the interview results was that comprehensive MMSs are lacking, specifically those that integrate operation and maintenance (O&M) processes of facilities management and software programming that provides guidelines for decision-making processes. The interview results also revealed irregularities within the Malaysian Polytechnics’ maintenance management database. This paper explores the concepts of Electronic Form Defect Assessment (E-Form Defect Assessment), relational databases and online customer complaints to adapt their role as dynamic maintenance management tools.

The paper concludes that the developed system is able to accommodate recording of data, such as complaints and specific items needed for maintenance, through the internet and intranet. MMSs potentially transform facilities management O&M processes into one of the most sophisticated technologies by providing access to all information published by each Malaysian Polytechnic institution. This technology was established in order to foster financial cooperation with the idea being that Polytechnics which compete with one another become financially interdependent with the goal of promoting successful facilities management in the construction of new facilities and infrastructure.

In the context of the study, soft skill means identifying efficient and effective approaches for improving operation and maintenance (O&M) processes in facilities management and extending the management of building facilities and infrastructure. Applying the concept of soft skill to the O&M processes of facilities management at polytechnics in Malaysia, the paper aims to identify problems with conventional working practices in this area and to recommend potential solutions.

The paper reviews evidence that conventional working methods generate significant problems related to paper-based forms, improper database management and flawed decision-making processes.

The paper finds that the application of the concept of soft skill reveals the need for more sophisticated management solutions in the O&M processes of facilities management.

The concept of soft skill will guide future improvements and developments in maintenance management systems (MMS) to fulfil requirements in this area.