Case3-3DataModeling..docVIP

MILESTONE 3 – DATA MODELING Synopsis T he requirements analysis phase answers the question, “What does the user need and want from a new system?” The requirements analysis phase is critical to the success of any new information system. In this milestone we need to identify what information systems requirements need to be defined from the system users’ perspectives and draw graphical, logical, models to document the data requirements for a new and improved system. Data modeling is a technique for organizing and documenting a system’s data. Data modeling is sometimes called database modeling because a data model is usually implemented as a database. Data is viewed as a resource to be shared by as many processes as possible. As a result, data must be organized in a way that is flexible and adaptable to unanticipated business requirements – and that is the purpose of data modeling. In this milestone you will first discover those entities in the system that are or might be described by data. With each entity we identify, we will define it in respect to the business. Then, we will construct a Context Data Model that graphically depicts each of the entities and the relationships they have with each other. Next, we will refine the context data model to include primary and foreign keys. The resulting model is called a Key-Based Data Model. Finally, we refine the key-based data model to include any hierarchies and attributes, and this model is referred to as the Fully- Attributed Data Model. Objectives After completing this milestone, you should be able to: Understand and perform the techniques for entity discovery. Define each entity with respect to the business and complete an entity/definition matrix. Perform the necessary data modeling techniques to organize and document the data requirements for the proposed system. Construct the Context, Key-Based, and Fully-Attributed data models. Prerequisites Before starting this milestone the following topics should be cove