>>As for the table names - it is not exactly a personal preference. I think there should be some good standards in naming database objects. I do know many high regarded Database Experts who favor plural for table names.
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>I've seen some literature that suggests singular for master tables containing business entities and then plural for tables containing historical transactions.
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>But I agree with Mike Yearwood, the best practice is one of consistency. A truly "high regarded database expert" is not going to fall on his/her sword on this topic, and is far more interested in practices than standards.

I am with Joe Celko in this regard. He is a great authority when it comes to standards. In fact, he would prefer Personnel to Employees as a table name.