Western Governors University (WGU) BUIT3000 C724 Information Systems Management Practice Exam

A flat file database resembles a file cabinet in terms of functionality because both are structured to store information in a simple, unorganized manner. In a flat file database, all data is stored in a single table, similar to how files in a cabinet might be organized in isolation without any relational structure connecting them.

The flat file approach limits data manipulation capabilities, as it lacks the complex querying features and relationships found in a relational database; thus, it behaves more like a collection of single, discrete documents. This similarity to a file cabinet reflects a more traditional method of data storage, where items are accessed individually without the benefit of relationships or indexing that modern databases typically provide.

In contrast, a dynamic relational database, spreadsheet, or object-oriented model incorporates more advanced structures that support relationships, computations, and data management that are not present in a flat file system, making them fundamentally different in terms of how data is organized and accessed.