In our previous discussion, we learned what we should include in our evaluation report. Today’s article is a summary of the major outcomes of each step in the design process for databases. Typically, a technician from outside the organization will create the database. All stakeholders will benefit from understanding what the M&E system should deliver, thanks to these procedures.
1.     Planning the Database.
2.     Analyzing Information for the Database.
3.     Designing the Database.
4.     Implementing the Database.
5.     Testing the Database.
6.     Maintaining the Database.
Let’s break each of the steps down with what each entails.
Step 1: Planning the Database
After putting together a database development team, gather facts to comprehend the issue that the database is attempting to address.
Next, specify the overall objectives of the database.
Deliverable: Statements of database requirements.
Step 2: Analyzing information for the Database
This comprises the functional needs as well as the user requirements, such as what will be kept, how it will be used, and what reports can be anticipated (i.e., how these user requirements will be addressed in the database).
Deliverable: Specifications for a database system.
Step 3: Designing the Database
Each technical component of the database is designed using the database system specifications from Step 2 and documented in a technical specifications document. This agreement outlines the technical requirements for the database (database design) and database operations (process design).
Deliverable: A conceptual database technical specifications document.
 Step 4: Implementing the Database
This requires creating the database’s real design from scratch and installing it on the necessary computers.
The implementation may be tiered to ensure that each component of the database is operating properly. This step includes developing applications, testing the system, generating operational procedures and documentation, educating the users, and populating the database.
Deliverable: The actual database.
Step 5: Testing the Database
The database must be tested after it is operational to make sure it satisfies all of the requirements outlined in Step 2 of the development process. The database is set up on all required computers at this time, and any links between database components ought to be tested.
Deliverable: Functional database.
Step 6: Maintain the database
Monitoring database functioning is one of the maintenance duties carried out to guarantee the database’s continuous operation. Maintenance tasks can be proactive or reactive, and they can be either preventive (like backup services) or corrective (like recovering lost data), or adaptive (to meet changing requirements). This entails allocating user access, routine observation, and sporadic functioning testing.
Deliverable: An ongoing database with backed-up data that has been modified over time to meet changing requirements.
Since this is just a summary of what is to be expected at each step of the database design process, our Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) course gives a broader view of this and more in the field of humanitarianism. Enroll today for a 10% discount!
