Application
This unit applies to database support staff who are required to maintain a database, monitoring its performance and access, and administering its security.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Start up a database | 1.1 Configure system for database start-up 1.2 Monitor database start-up and operation for irregularities |
2. Manage database | 2.1 Take action to ensure that a data dictionary has been compiled and that data structures are in place 2.2 Maintain data integrity constraints according to business requirements 2.3 Create and design indexes and multiple-field keys according to business requirements 2.4 Monitor the locking options chosen for the database 2.5 Confirm that recent backups of the database have been stored and that backups can be retrieved as a full working copy 2.6 Monitor the data storage space for ongoing viability and resize as needed 2.7 Update data according to organisational guidelines |
3. Manage database access | 3.1 Allocate or remove access privileges according to user status 3.2 Monitor network server log-in log file for illegal log-in attempts or for security breaches 3.3 Manage system resources in the context of database administration |
4. Document database maintenance tasks | 4.1 Document changes to database start-up procedures 4.2 Itemise database management structures 4.3 File authorisations for access changes 4.4 Detail procedures for monitoring log files 4.5 Record procedures to manage systems resources |
Required Skills
Required skills
analytical skills to determine database start-up and operation irregularities
literacy skills to write technical and business reports
problem-solving skills to resolve database irregularities
research skills to identify, analyse and evaluate features of a particular database.
Required knowledge
backup and recovery methodologies
architectural design of relational databases
database security
selection and use of appropriate database management tools
structured query language (SQL)
tasks involved in database administration
tuning methodologies.
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the ability to: configure a database start-up ensure data integrity monitor data storage requirements for database update data update database access. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: live database, preferably on a LAN on which there is a server that offers log-in functionality appropriate learning and assessment support when required modified equipment for people with special needs. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: review of candidate’s database verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of: database security database space requirements function of indexes and data dictionaries monitoring of database access evaluation of candidate’s database documentation detailing: start-up and operation irregularities network server logs of security breaches maintenance tasks performed, by whom and when. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate. Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support. In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Database may include: | commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) database packages: DB2 DB4 Informix Ingres Microsoft Access Microsoft Structured Query Language (MS SQL) server Mini SQL (mSQL) MySQL Oracle Postgre Structured Query Language (Postgre SQL) Sybase object-relational databases proprietary databases relational databases. |
Business requirements may include: | customer inventory payroll supplier tax requirements. |
Organisational guidelines may include: | communication methods content of emails dispute resolution document procedures and templates downloading information and accessing particular websites financial control mechanisms opening mail with attachments personal use of emails and internet access virus risk. |
Network server may include: | Linux Mac Novell NetWare 5 or above operating system that has multi-user ability Windows 2000 or above. |
System may include: | components that run a computer: hardware software. |
Sectors
Database
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.