Course Overview

Data Modelling

Data Modelling covers the two key approaches to modelling data: entity relationship modelling and third normal form analysis. The first day examines the importance of modelling data using an approach that reflects the business users needs and priorities. The second day covers the more mechanistic approach offered by normalisation and then brings the two resultant views of the data together. During the course, participants will apply both data modelling techniques to a range of exercises.

This course is delivered by trainers with extensive experience of data analysis and modelling. A student manual, containing information about data modelling techniques and providing references for further reading, is supplied as part of the course.

SFIA Mapping

This course supports skill DTAN, levels 2 and 3.

Course Content

1. Principles of data modelling
   • Entities
   • Attributes
   • Relationships
   • Keys
   • Entity descriptions
2. Data relationships
   • Cardinality
   • Optionality
   • Exclusivity
   • Recursion
   • Naming relationships
   • Relationship descriptions
3. Data modelling - further concepts
   • Attribute descriptions
   • Domain descriptions
   • Sub-types, super-types
   • Partitioning data models
   • Transferable and non-transferrable relationships
   • Entity aspects
4. Relational data analysis
   • Relations
   • Primary and candidate keys
   • Third normal form analysis
5. Drawing third normal form models
   • Rationalising the results of relational data analysis
   • Representing relations and keys
   • Rules for building the TNF model
   • Comparing the TNF model with the data model
6. Validating the data model
   • Validating against requirements
   • Access paths
   • Entry points and input attributes
   • Navigation
   • Volumetrics