MODELLING DATA

All organizations need to store the information and this is done through database. Data models refer to the conceptual model of the data and the underlying relationships among them. DBMS abstract some generic structures to represent conceptually every possible file structure.

Data models can be classified in two classes viz; Record-based logical Models and Object-based logical models. Record-Based logical data models can be classified (Sadgopan, 1997) into the following categories: 

Hierarchical Models: These are the early data models used in 1970’s. Hierarchical models capture the intuitive hierarchy of the data elements. The early generation of large DBMS e.g. IMS belongs to the hierarchical data models. Even today some large databases are maintained on IMS platform. 

Network Models: Since hierarchical models are unable to represent data items that existing at two different level of hierarchy, network models were proposed. The notable systems built using this model were ADABAS and DBMS-10 on DEC-10 machines. B2Bdata provides world class B2B Phone and email lists for a wide range of industries and regions.  

Relational Models: Though network models were quite powerful, they lacked in elegance. The systems built on this data model were dBase, Xbase and ORACLE. Almost all commercial systems presently available like Oracle 8i, 9i, 11 etc., SQL Server, MySQL are built on the relational models. There are 12 rules that are required to be followed in a relational model. 

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Power and Sources of Power

Concept of Power ?  distinguish between power, authority and influence. What are the various sources of power ?

CONCEPT OF POWER

Power is said to be like love, impossible to define but easy enough to recognise (Martin, 1977). Power is understood as the ability to influence other people and events.

In the words of White and Bednar, "Power is the ability, to influence people of things, usually obtained through the control of important resources."

A comprehensive definition of power is given by Dahl (1957), when he wrote that "A has power over l3 to the extent that he can get B to do something B would not otherwise do." Russell (1938) conceptualizes power as "the production of intended effects."

Dehl's definition suggests that power must overcome resistance in order to succeed whereas according to Russell, power need not imply resistance. All the above definitions suggest that power involves compulsion.

These has been a recent trend towards empowerment, the shifting of power away from managers and into bands of subordinates. Empowerment occurs in varying degrees in different organisations.

DIFFERENTIATING POWER FROM AUTHORITY AND INFLUENCE

Usually, the term power is intertwined with another concept, authority. But there is a difference between the two concepts. Power refers to the capacity to influence others. The person who possesses power has the ability to manipulate or change the behaviour of others. Authority, on the other hand, is the source of power. Authority is legitimate and it confers legitimacy to power. Power itself need not be legitimate.

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Communication and Communication Process

Q. Define Communication. Describe Communication Process and communication channels used in organisation ? 

Communication :

Communication begins when one person sends a message to another with the intent of evoking a response. Effective communication occurs when the receiver interprets the message exactly as the sender intended.

Effective communication is essential for the functioning of any organization. Managers need to transmit orders and policies, build cooperation and team spirit, and identify problems and their solutions. Employees need to clarify directives, provide feedback, and make their problems known. Team members need to share feelings and perceptions to solve problems and resolve conflicts. Communication breakdowns contribute to a host of organizational problems, from failure to carry out simple directives properly to low productivity and quality. Communication in organizations serves three major purposes. It allows members to coordinate actions, share information, and satisfy social needs.  

The Communication Process

The main components communication are the sender, the receiver, the message and the channel. The communication process includes the sequential steps of Encoding, Transmission and Decoding.  

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