Question

Discuss the seven factors that analysts consider where selecting a file organization. Evaluate each file organization with respect to each of the seven factors. Review Table 9-3 to review how each of these factors can easily be summarized.

Answer 1

1. Frequency of update: A file that needs to be updated every now and then needs an organisation method that will allow easy retrieval of information and ease of updating, example of such a file is the transaction file.
2. File activity: Different files have different activities, example a sort file is used to sort data in sequential order and therefore sequential method would be appropriate for such a file.
3. File access method: Definately different files have different methods of being accessed, example a reference file is accessed using random method for easy retrieval of data.
4. Nature of the system: Files that are used in a particular system will depend on the nature of the system i.e the suitable organisation method for that particular system.
5. Masterfile medium: The masterfile is the main file for keeping permanent updates of records from transaction files and other sources, the medium by which it is updated will determine the organisation method to be used.