ICADBS409A
Monitor and administer a database

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage, monitor and administer a database.

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.