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Data Modelling

The document discusses data modelling, including the meaning and importance of data modelling. It describes different types of data models like hierarchical, network, relational and entity-relationship models. It also discusses conceptual, logical and physical data modelling as well as standard data models.

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70 views

Data Modelling

The document discusses data modelling, including the meaning and importance of data modelling. It describes different types of data models like hierarchical, network, relational and entity-relationship models. It also discusses conceptual, logical and physical data modelling as well as standard data models.

Uploaded by

almightyfavourite
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DATA MODELLING I

Meaning: Data modelling is the process of creating a specific data structured for a
determined problem domain. (Problem domain refers to clearly defined area within
the real-world environment with well-defined scope and boundaries that will be
systematically addressed).
In other word, a problem domain is the area of expertise or application that needs
to be examined to solve a problem. A problem domain is simply looking at only the
topics you are interested in, and excluding everything else. For example, in the
case of a lift control system, it would include any existing hardware (lifts, motors,
buttons, indicators, sensors, etc), the building characteristics (number of floors and
lift-shafts), the anticipated pattern of usage, the characteristics of users, the lift
usage policy of the client (e.g. should users be discouraged from using a lift for
short journeys?) and so on.
Within the lift control problem domain, the problem, as stated above, is, ‘a control
system is needed that will make more efficient use of the lifts in the building’. In
order to solve the problem, it is necessary for the solution system to produce some
effects within the problem domain. It is these desired effects that constitute the
requirements.
So, the problem domain can equally be regarded as that part of the world within
which the new, solution system will operate and produce the required effects.
Data modeling is also a process that will help you arrange your data by defining
and categorizing it, and establishing standard definitions and descriptors so that
your data can be consumed by all information systems in the organization.

Importance of Data Model


1. It makes database design looks much simpler
2. Data modelling techniques and tools help to capture and translate complex
system designs into easily understood representation of data flows and processes,
creating a blueprint for construction and re-engineering.
3. Good modelling yields good database design that is the basis for good
application.
4. It acts as a bridge from real-world information to database storing relevant data
content.
5. A data model helps to reduce unnecessary columns, by constructing an optimal
data structure with the fewest tables and columns. It thus helps reduce system
complexity and hence reduce cost (i.e. other types of data model that doesn’t
constructing a table can be put to use, since we have more than one type. Tables
can only be created where it’s deemed necessary).
6. Data Model shows the dataflow and logical interrelationship among different
data elements.

The term data model actually refers to two different things: a description of data
structure and the way data are organized using Database Management System
(DBMS).

Data Structure
A data model describes the structure of the data within a given domain and, by
implication, the underlying structure of that domain itself.

Data Organisation
A data Model also describes how to organized data using a database management
system.

APPROACH IN DATA MODELLING


There are different approaches to data modelling, including;

Conceptual Data Modelling: The conceptual data modelling identifies the highest
level relationships between different entities. This is the first step in organising the
data requirements.

Logical Data Modelling: The logical Data modelling illustrates the specific
entities, attribute and relationships involves in a business function. It serves as the
basis for the creation of the physical data model.

Physical Data Modelling: The physical Data Modelling represents an application


and database-specific implication of a logical data model and describes the
physical means used to store data.

Types of Data Model


i. Hierarchical model
ii. Network model
iii. Relational model
iv. Entity-Relationship model
Hierarchical model: This model was developed with the aim of managing large
amounts of data which are needed for complex manufacturing projects.
Hierarchical model represents data as a hierarchical tree structure. Each branch of
the hierarchy represents a number of related records. Hierarchical model has one
parent entity with several children entity but at the top we should have only one
entity called root. For example, department is the parent entity called root and it
has several children entities like students, teachers and many more.

Network model: This is a database model conceived as a flexible way of


representing objects and their relationships. This model represents data as record
types and a limited type of one to many relationship called a set type. Network
model has the entities which are organized in a graphical representation and some
entities in the graph can be accessed through several paths.

Relational model: In Relational model, all the information is stored in the forms
of rows and columns. The basic structure of a Relational model is tables and these
tables are called relations
Example: in this example, we have an Employee table.
Entity-Relationship model: An Entity-Relationship model describes the structure
of a database with the help of a diagram, which is known as Entity-Relationship
Diagram (E-R Diagram). An ER model is a design or blueprint of a database that
can later be implemented as a database. The main components of E-R model are:
entity set and relationship set.

DATA MODELLING II
SIGNIFICANCE OF DATA MODEL & STANDARD DATA MODEL
Significance of Data Models

Data model is a great communication tool because it facilitates interaction and


communication between the designers, programmers and end users. In essence it
does not allow one party’s bias towards a certain view of a data (whether they
consider to be most important) to take hold.
 A well-developed data model can even foster improved understanding of the
organization for which the database design is developed.
 Data model help in structuring and organizing data. These data structure are
then typically implemented in a database management system which is used
mostly by organization for decision making.
 In addition to defining and organizing the data, data modelling will impose
(implicitly or explicitly) constraints or limitation on the data placed within
the structure
 Models document important concepts and jargon, proving a basis for long-
term maintenance. The documentation will serve you well through staff
turnover.
 The documentation inherent in a model serves as a starting point for
analytical data mining. You can take day-to-day business data and load it
into a dedicated database, known as a “data warehouse.” Data warehouses
are constructed specifically for the purpose of data analysis, leveraging that
data from routine operations.

Standard Data Model


A standard data model or industry standard data model (ISDM) is a data model that is
widely applied in some industry, and shared amongst competitors to some degree. They
are often defined by standards bodies, database vendors or operating system vendors.

The most effective standard models are developed in the banking, insurance,
pharmaceutical and automotive industries, to reflect the stringent standards applied to
customer information gathering, customer privacy, and consumer safety or just in time
manufacturing.

One major benefit of standard data model is to enable easier and faster information
sharing because heterogeneous organizations have a standard format, and quality
standards for exchanged data. The standardization affects software architecture as
solutions that vary from the standard which may cause data sharing issues and problems
if data is out of compliance with the standard.
Examples of Standard Data Models

1. ISO 10303: this is an ISO standard for computer-interpretable representation and


exchange of product manufacturing information.

2. ISO 15926: This is a standard for data integration, sharing, exchange, and hand-over
between the computer systems.

3. IDEA Group: This is the International Defense Enterprise Architecture Specification


for exchange group. The deliverable of the project is a data exchange format for military
Enterprise Architectures.

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