Welcome to another essential revision guide from Armstrong Computers College, where vision meets excellence in ICT education. In this blog post, we explore a carefully selected past question from the November/December 2008 Level One Database Management examination. This resource is part of our mission to make high-quality digital learning accessible to every student at their doorstep.
This question set is designed to help students understand the structure and expectations of database exams, especially in Microsoft Access. It covers both theoretical understanding and practical application—from DBMS concepts to table creation, queries, and reports.
SECTION A – Theory
1. What is Database Management System (DBMS)?
A DBMS is software that manages databases. It allows users to store, retrieve, update, and delete data efficiently. Microsoft Access is an example of a DBMS.
2. What is field property?
Field property defines the characteristics of a database field, such as data type, default value, field size, format, and validation rules.
3. Explain the difference between sorting and indexing
Sorting arranges records in a particular order (ascending or descending), while indexing creates a data structure to improve search and retrieval speed without changing record order.
4. Give THREE (3) benefits of using FORMS for data ENTRY
1. User-friendly interface
2. Data validation during entry
3. Easier to view and update individual records
2. Data validation during entry
3. Easier to view and update individual records
5. Differentiate between design view and datasheet view
Design View is used to create or modify the structure of a table or form. Datasheet View shows the data in rows and columns and allows for direct data entry.
6. What is a relational database management system?
A relational DBMS manages data in multiple related tables connected by key fields. Microsoft Access is a relational DBMS.
7. What is a validity check?
A validity check ensures that data entered into a field meets specified criteria, such as length, type, or format.
8. Explain the term DOMAIN in the context of a database system.
A domain is the set of acceptable values a field can take. For example, a domain for a Gender field could be 'Male' or 'Female'.
9. What is the difference between forms and reports?
Forms are used for entering, editing, and viewing data; reports are used to print or display formatted summaries of data.
10. Give three (3) advantages of a database.
1. Reduces data redundancy
2. Increases data integrity
3. Allows for easier data access and management
2. Increases data integrity
3. Allows for easier data access and management
SECTION B – Practicals
- Create a new database in Microsoft Access and name it
MINING.accdb. - Design a table with the following fields:
- MembershipNo – Short Text (Set as Primary Key)
- BusinessName – Short Text
- BusinessAddress – Long Text (e.g. "Street, City, Country")
- PhoneNumber – Short Text
- ManagingDirector – Short Text
- Add appropriate descriptions to each field (optional for clarity).
- Append 25 records into the table using Form View for easier data entry.
- Create a Query to display Membership Number, Business Name, and Business Address sorted by City:
- Create > Query Design > Add the table
- Select fields: MembershipNo, BusinessName, BusinessAddress
- Use Expression Builder or Sort by address field manually by City
- Create a Report showing the full table with formatted headers and details.
- Save the database as
MININGand print the required outputs.
