A Mechanism For Converting A Relational Database Into An Object-Oriented Model: An AIS Application

Abstract

The object-oriented (OO) approach in system design and development is gaining popularity.  In the management information systems literature, OO system development is viewed as superior to conventional systems development because of advantages such as easier modeling, more efficient model reuse, and more convenient maintenance (Booch 1994; Briand, et al. 1999; Coleman, et al. 1994; Cockburn 1999).  Several studies have explored the applicability of the OO paradigm for the design and implementation of accounting information systems (AIS) and the advantages of OO design for this purpose (Adamson and Dilts 1995, Chu 1992a, 1992b; Kandelin and Lin 1992; Murthy and Wiggins 1993; Verdaasdonk 2003).  Nevertheless, OO techniques are often applied only to front-end applications while a relational database is generally used to store data at the back-end.  Based on an existing relational database model for a retail enterprise, this paper contributes to the AIS literature by providing a mechanism for transforming a relational database into an OO data model.