Designing appropriate data repositories of integrated information using the two-dimensional table structures found in
most databases is a process of decomposition. The integrated data must be decomposed properly into its constituent
parts, with each part stored in its own table. Further, the relationships between these tables must be carefully considered
and implemented so the integrated view of the data can be re-created later as information for the end user. A well designed
database facilitates data management and generates accurate and valuable information. A poorly designed
database is likely to become a breeding ground for difficult-to-trace errors that may lead to bad decision making—and
bad decision making can lead to the failure of an organization. Database design is simply too important to be left to
luck. That’s why college students study database design, why organizations of all types and sizes send personnel to
database design seminars, and why database design consultants often make an excellent living.