A comparative study of a hierarchical database management system, IMS (Information Management System), and a relational-like database management system, Model 204 was performed. The comparison of the two database management systems was limited to data definition, data manipulation, data independence, data protection, and storage organizations. A classroom reservation system was the scheduling problem which provided the comparative tool. An on-line classroom reservation system was developed using Model 204. A brief overview of of the capabilities of the two systems is provided under each topic, before a comparison is performed. Initially the underlying data models have been discussed to set the ground work for the following discussion.