DATA BASE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

In our previous post, we discussed what data is and the distinction between data and information. This post shares with you what a database management structure is and goes further to explain the importance of data at the Metropolitan,Municipal and District Assembly Level.

If this is your first visit to this blog, you are Welcome.This is the Official Devt Plan Consult blog. 

Devt Plan consult amongst other services facilitates training and workshop programs for Metropolitan,Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana in the area of Local Governance and Decentralization.

participants in a group discussion

We are sharing with you topics from a workshop we facilitated for the Obuasi Municipal Assembly on Database Development and Management. Hope you enjoy this post.

What is a Data Base Management Structure?

A  Data Base Management Structure DBMS is a system in which related data is stored in an ‘efficient’ and ‘compact’ manner. The word ‘Efficient’ means that the data stored in the DBMS is easily accessed in a timely manner. In the above definition the phrase “related data” implies the data stored in the DBMS are connected by a common topic (example: education in the district).

Importance of Data at the Metropolitan, Muncipal and District Assembly Level.

Why is there a need for the effective data collection and utilization at the MMDAs?

Data collection is vital because relevant data from the community level are used to inform MMDA planning and decision-making processes, and provide accountability and transparency to stakeholders (communities Government of Ghana, and Developing Partners).

At the MMDA level data is used in the following processes; 

• Every four years data are trended in the form of indicators to identify issues at the MMDA and develop the 4-year Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP)
•       Every year, MMDA activities, projects and programmes are defined on the basis of the MTDP to create the Annual Action Plan (AAP). Data are used to prioritize and select activities that target the issues and communities of greatest need. 
• The AAP is implemented and input, output and outcome data are gathered through monitoring activities. 
•   Data gathered through monitoring activities are evaluated to define improvements to plans, projects and programmes at the MMDAs.

 Love to Read from  You!

What have you learnt in reading this post? Do you have issues we need to clarify? Or a suggestion you would love to pass on? Please drop us your comment below. Join us in our next post as we share with you four roles data plays in supporting the functions of the MMDAs.