What should a database administrator focus on to maintain control over system changes and ensure stability?

• A. Change approval
• B. Database replication
• C. Performance benchmarks
• D. Automated scripts

Answer: (A)

Focusing on change approval is essential for a database administrator (DBA) because it establishes a formal process for assessing and managing changes to the database environment. This ensures that any modifications—whether they are related to database design, application integration, or system configuration—are carefully reviewed and authorized before implementation. By emphasizing change approval, the DBA can mitigate the risk of unauthorized changes that might introduce instability or errors in the system. Additionally, a structured change approval process often involves assessing the potential impact of changes, thus enhancing the overall reliability of the database infrastructure.

The other options, while significant in their own right, do not directly support the structured control over system changes. Database replication, for instance, is vital for data redundancy and availability but does not inherently focus on regulating changes. Performance benchmarks are important for measuring and maintaining system efficiency but do not provide a method for managing changes to the system. Automated scripts facilitate repetitive tasks and processes, which can improve efficiency, yet they may lead to unintended impacts if not accompanied by a proper change approval process. Hence, while all factors play a role in the overall health and performance of a database system, the prioritization of change approval establishes a critical foundation for maintaining stability and control.