1. What is Summary Information?
Summary Information is the area in data warehouse where the predefined aggregations are kept.
The dimensions are the entities with respect to which an enterprise keeps the records.
Metadata is simply defined as data about data. In other words, we can say that metadata is the summarized data that leads us to the detailed data.
Data mart contains the subset of organization-wide data. This subset of data is valuable to specific groups of an organization. In other words, we can say that a data mart contains data specific to a particular group.
5. List the Schema that a data warehouse system can implements?
A data Warehouse can implement star schema, snowflake schema, and fact constellation schema.
6. How many fact tables are there in a star schema?
There is only one fact table in a star Schema.
The view over an operational data warehouse is known as virtual warehouse.
8. List any five applications of data warehouse?
Some applications include financial services, banking services, customer goods, retail sectors, controlled manufacturing.
9. What does Metadata Respiratory contain?
Metadata respiratory contains definition of data warehouse, business metadata, operational metadata, data for mapping from operational environment to data warehouse, and the algorithms for stigmatization.
10. Explain what is Normalization?
Normalization splits up the data into additional tables.
11. What does subject-oriented data warehouse signify?
Subject oriented signifies that the data warehouse stores the information around a particular subject such as product, customer, sales, etc.
12. Out of star schema and snowflake schema, whose dimension table is normalized?
Snowflake schema uses the concept of normalization.
13. Which one is faster, Multidimensional OLAP or Relational OLAP?
Multidimensional OLAP is faster than Relational OLAP.
14. What is the very basic difference between data warehouse and operational databases?
A data warehouse contains historical information that is made available for analysis of the business whereas an operational database contains current information that is required to run the business.
15. What in your terms is ideal operations management team?
Mostly Operations head would like to have is a team that is like minded. But you could indicate what kind of people you would like to work with. You could say that you intend to work with result driven people and surround yourself with self-motivated people who work in a team towards a common goal. Most of all you like to be surrounded by positive thinking people. You could cite examples where how one of your best projects went well with the team members details.
16. What kind of costs are involved in Data Marting?
Data Marting involves hardware & software cost, network access cost, and time cost.
17. How many dimensions are selected in Slice operation?
Only one dimension is selected for the slice operation.
18. How do you manage budgets? At your previous employer what steps did you take to cut costs?
Head of Operations carries out tasks bearing in mind the budget restraints. He/she will be involved in budgeting for all the departments and also review to see how much is utilised and how much is remaining. From that they will decide for making the purchase based on the restraint. Their aim is to know where to cut costs and where it is needed. Future resource planning is also in their job scope. Hence, you will need to revive all the work executed with examples to show case your skill in managing within budget. Sometimes Operations Manager are involved in procuring loans for the company. In case you had been involved make it clear about the type of loan depicting the examples.
19. Which language is used for defining Schema Definition?
Data Mining Query Language (DMQL) is used for Schema Definition.
20. Define the functions of a load manager?
A load manager extracts data from the source system. Fast load the extracted data into temporary data store. Perform simple transformations into structure similar to the one in the data warehouse.
21. Have you handled Management Information Systems or Cost Analysis or variance Analysis?
From this question it is obvious, that it is posed to know whether you are familiar with the technical aspects required for your job. Sometimes you might not have complete knowledge about it as you would have some expert handling it. In such cases you could indicate how you handled them. But you could show your eagerness to harness that field as well. On the other side, if you had opportunity to explore that section do indicate the details.
22. Have you had any experience bar-coding and labeling boxes?
Yes. I am familiar with bar-coding procedures, protocols and tools. I am also knowledgeable in labeling boxes according to their lot and item numbers.
Operations Managers are always working with teams. Team members are to be motivated and appraised on the situations around them. Here the operations head handles his /her team with ease using their management skill. You could explain the details of team that you had handled wherein how you moved within the team by walking the talk showing them the details. Also you could tell what the most difficult situation was where you had to take the call and smoothen out. Here you display your method of planning, leadership skills, communications skill, ability to address a group, know how to resolve problems. Take care when you answer this particular section of the interview question.
24. List the phases involved in the data warehouse delivery process?
The stages are IT strategy, Education, Business Case Analysis, technical Blueprint, Build the version, History Load, Ad hoc query, Requirement Evolution, Automation, and Extending Scope.
25. What experience do you have in this field and warehouse operations manager position?
Speak about specific matters that are relevant to the position you are applying for. If you do not have any specific experience, get them as close as you can.
If you are being asked this question from your employer, you can explain about your experience. Tell the employer what responsibilities you were performing in your previous job. You can tell about the programs you have developed and modules you have worked on. You can also tell about your achievements in different programs.
26. How do you ensure safe stacking of boxes of various sizes and weights on a pallet?
The first thing I do is separate same sized boxes. I then place the bigger and heavier ones ate bottom and lighter and smaller ones at the top. As far as sizes are concerned, it is always better to make separate stacks. Where boxes marked as fragile are concerned, I do not stack them. I just place them alongside each other. It is better to make more trips than end up breaking something.
27. What language is the base of DMQL?
DMQL is based on Structured Query Language (SQL).
Data Warehousing is the process of constructing and using the data warehouse.
Since I would be in a position of extreme responsibility, I would refuse to issue a tool to an employee if he refuses to sign for it. I would also report the said incident to a supervisor. I believe that if an employee does not want anyone to know that he has taken warehouse property he is either indulging in nefarious activities or using the tool for personal purposes, both of which are not permitted.
Operations Head need to be equipped with making presentations as it is the best method to display to the inside and outside part of the organisation. As they are constantly posed with displaying the progress of the company or any new projects and/or future expansions that are envisaged. This part of communication skill is best utilised in this aspect. You will need to have some sample work projects that you had developed to give as examples. Indicate the methodology that you have employed to make the message clear.
Data warehouse is a subject oriented, integrated, time-variant, and nonvolatile collection of data that supports management's decision-making process.
32. Define a warehouse manager?
Warehouse manager is responsible for the warehouse management process. The warehouse manager consist of third party system software, C programs and shell scripts. The size and complexity of warehouse manager varies between specific solutions.
33. How would you describe your experience as a warehouse worker?
The first word that comes to my mind is challenge. To many it seems like a mundane job. In actuality, working as a warehouse worker makes one come across many challenges in a day. Every day is a new day and every day brings more learning than the previous one. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past three years working in a warehouse.
34. How would you know you were successful on this warehouse operations manager job?
There are several ways to assess: You set big challenges for yourself and met them. Your achievement is a big success. Your boss told you that you were successful.
I am sure that I was successful. I have dreamt to work for your company and I can do anything to make my dream become true. And I am really interested in this job, for my passion not for money.
35. What are the reasons for partitioning?
Partitioning is done for various reasons such as easy management, to assist backup recovery, to enhance performance.
