W10_ISHAQ_Database_Selection

Problem Definition

As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs (Tendering Process), we are in the process of procuring the Market Management System (MMS) for Oman Electricity Market. Mainly, the system consists of a client-server application and a database to store the processed data. There are many type of databases that can be used but we are looking for a stable, well-known and cost effective one.

Development of Feasible Alternatives

There are four feasible alternatives for database engines:

1. Oracle
2. Microsoft SQL (MSSQL)
3. MySQL

Development of the Outcome for Alternative

The following attributes are considered to check which alternative is more suitable for this problem

• Operating Systems Compatibility
• Fundamental features
• Data size limits
• Database capabilities
• Price
• Durability

Table 1 lists the comparison date for the three alternatives.

Table 1. Data Alternative

 Analysis and Comparison of the Alternative

Using the compensatory approach, which consists of two models: Non-Dimensional Scaling and Additive Weighting Technique, the following results are calculated.

1.       Non-Dimensional Scaling

The below table shows the dimensionless values with a range from 0 to 1. Turning each attribute into a Base of 1 or dimensionless value, the scoring 1 means the highest/optimum value of attribute (preference decision). On the other hand, the scoring 0 means the minimum value (avoided decision).

Table 2. Dimensionless Scoring model

Table 3. Dimensionless Relative Weighting

Using the quantitative comparison for each attribute in table 2, the total score is calculated to represent the rank of an alternative (table 3). Using the non-dimensional scaling, Oracle Database System scored the highest rank with a total score 4.

2.       Additive Weighting Technique

Table 4 below, shows the calculation using the additive weighting technique, where ranking the considered attributes by giving higher rank to the preferred attribute. The totals show that using Oracle Database ranked the highest value as the best option with a total score of 0.571.

Table 4. Additive Weighting Score

Selection of the Preferred Alternative

According to table 4 results, the best alternative is Oracle

Performance Monitoring and the Post Evaluation of Result

Although Oracle is very costly, the importance of having a stable market management system requires a durable database engine. So, it is visible to purchase Oracle since the analysis shows it as the best option. Another study should be conducted later, maybe after 5 years, that results in migrating Oracle to another system that might provide better capabilities.

References

1. Triantaphyllou, E. (2000). Multi-criteria decision making methods. In Multi-criteria decision making methods: A comparative study (pp. 5-21). Springer, Boston, MA.
2. Comparison of relational database management systems. (2018, January 15). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_relational_database_management_systems
3. Relational DBMS - DB-Engines Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://db-engines.com/en/article/Relational+DBMS?ref=RDBMS
4. Werick, S. (n.d.). Migrating from Oracle to SQL Server 2016. Retrieved from http://blog.pragmaticworks.com/migrating-from-oracle-to-sql-server-2016
5. Afshari, A., Mojahed, M., & Yusuff, R. M. (2010). Simple additive weighting approach to personnel selection problem. International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology, 1(5), 511.
6. GUILD OF PROJECT CONTROLS COMPENDIUM and REFERENCE (CaR) | Project Controls - planning, scheduling, cost management and forensic analysis (Planning Planet). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.planningplanet.com/guild/gpccar/managing-change-the-owners-perspective