In the practice of data management in industry we are moving towards articulating our best practices in order to create standard practices in our organizations. In the midst of this movement, we have the DAMA-DMBOK that is affecting industry, even in its initial Framework format, sponsored by DAMA International. But how do we measure its effectiveness and promote its discussion and use?

We have a plan for the DAMA-DMBOK that has many threads to build momentum, usability and authority.

This plan includes:

1. Giving the basics of the DAMA-DMBOK away free, through posting a downloadable file called the DAMA-DMBOK Framework. We do this at DAMA International in order to get the ‘word out’ to as many people as possible for their reference and to gain feedback to improve the BOK. Revisions have been made since the initial posting in June 2006 and the Framework is now in version 2.1. The DMBOK as a full document is a large effort and must reflect the practice which is constantly growing and evolving through cycles of acceptance, improvement, and innovation. The resulting full DAMA-DMBOK will still be a summarized “Guide to the DMBOK” a primer and starting point, with extensive bibliographies for further deep reading and understanding of topics which are introduced and structured in an overall approach and Framework.
2. Sponsoring by DAMA, the known premier vendor neutral organization on Data Management world-wide, we have the authority to present the unified view of our best practices.
3. Recording statistics on every download. To date over 2000 downloads of the DAMA-DMBOK Framework have been recorded from 59 countries. This penetration into the global Data Management practice should result in better universal understanding of the argument for data management and improved data management functions in organizations that understand and adopt the arguments. This should grow our discipline and common understanding.
4. In DAMA San Diego (March 2008) there will be a DAMA-DMBOK track offering practitioner case studies and reflections on the DAMA-DMBOK. This spin-off from the original DAMA-DMBOK is thrilling to the DAMA as it is evidence that discussion, theory and application of the DAMA-DMBOK is occurring and that there is in fact perceived value in the DAMA-DMBOK.
5. Publishing in Translations. Global penetration requires a global mindset. The DAMA-DMBOK Framework is published in Chinese and Spanish. Other translations are planned.
6. The DAMA Dictionary of Data Management. In order to develop a Body of Knowledge a standard lexicon was a necessary prerequisite. This has in its ultimate format become the DAMA Dictionary of Data Management, to be issued on CD for publication March 2008. This effort started as the glossary for the DAMA-DMBOK. The size of this glossary grew to such an extent that it was obvious to the development team that it should be published on its own and referenced with the DAMA-DMBOK. As a prerequisite to the DAMA-DMBOK, it is ready for publication ahead of the full DAMA-DMBOK.
7. Use of Industry leaders in writing the DAMA-DMBOK. Known leaders and thinkers in our industry on the various Data Management functions. Each chapter leader drafts and reviews drafts with their review team. The result is the collective experience of the profession. The DAMA-DMBOK; is a phenomenon: all writers and reviews are volunteers, writing on what is generally recognized as “true”. Good ‘beta’ drafts are run by editorial board reviewers before finalized. The first issue of the DAMA-DMBOK is anticipated for 2008.
8. Link the DMBOK to the DAMA/ICCP Certification for Data Managers (CDMP). Early on in the development of the DAMA-DMBOK framework, the mapping to the certification exams was obvious in order to develop alignment and to verify the exam streams and content. This is a continuing effort as more candidate exams are being developed for the CDMP. ICCP has issued this mapping. Current exams in the CDMP that are sponsored by DAMA include the Data Management, Database Management, Data Warehousing and the Business Intelligence exams. Under develop is the Data and Information Quality exam.
9. Link the DAMA-DMBOK to Curriculum development in Universities and Colleges. Educating the new crop of data managers has become critical, as the existing data experts in organizations are graying. DAMA has published a survey of professionals that reveals an average background of 8 to 10 years in IT before adopting the specialty of Data Management. The IS2002 Standard for curriculum in IT has adopted DAMA recommendations for data subject areas originally omitted, and will be published in the next version of the Standard. An exit Data Management competency exam for Universities and Colleges is also recently recommended The CDMP certification is out of reach for new graduates. The CCER (Center for Computing Education Research, a Foundation of research associated with the ICCP) has recommended an exit exam that is linked through a formal thread of course content. Job advertisement analysis is further linked to course content to make sure that relevancy to the job market is assured. Course content will be aided by reference to the Recommended Curriculum Framework Model developed by DAMA 2005. This Model is again mapped to the DAMA-DMBOK.
10. Liaise with other organization with their BOKs The GEIA (Government Electronics Information Association) a US volunteer based organization of industries supplying the Government also has a DMBOK. Mapping of their framework to the DAMA-DMBOK expands the reach of both efforts and fosters a common understanding. Other BOK or best practices will continue to be sought out and understood against the DAMA-DMBOK.
    

Links, Mapping and the Ultimate Mosaic

It is evident that the DAMA-DMBOK effort is larger than the current issued Framework for download from the DAMA International website (www.dama.org).

It exists in a network of coordinated efforts that together are the cornerstone of a maturing profession.

• A professional community - DAMA International the Premier Global Organization for Data Management Professionals for over 20 years.
• Continuing professional education – through DAMA International conferences and symposia, and local chapter continuing education programs.
• Professional certification – through the CDMP DAMA sponsored certification program.
• Higher education curriculum – through the DAMA Recommended Curriculum Model.
• A recognized Body of Knowledge – through the DAMA-DMBOK including:
  1. Standard terms and definitions
  2. Standard processes, roles and deliverables
  3. Guiding principles
  4. Best practices

We are working hard at DAMA International to grow the understanding and adoption of this mosaic globally for Data Management professionals reference and for education of new Data Management professionals.

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1. DAMA Membership Survey, DAMA International 2006
2. Development of the CDMIQ Exam for Program Assessment and Job Entry Certification of Data Management and Information Quality: A DAMA and ICCP Sponsored Activity of the Center for Computing Education Research (CCER) Based on IS2002 and SIGITE 2005 Curricula Extensions. Herbert E. Longenecker, Jr., Jeffrey P. Landry, J. Harold Pardue, Deborah Henderson, Patricia Cupoli, Lynn J. McKell, Bruce White, Paul Leidig, Han Reichgeld, Teresa Wagner, David Yarbrough Presented to the MITIQ Conference Nov. 8, 2007.
3. Model Curriculum Framework for Post Secondary Education Programs in Data Resource Management,
   The Data Management Association International Foundation Committee on the Advancement of Data Management in Post Secondary Institutions Sub Committee on Curriculum Framework Development. Deborah Henderson, Chair, Brett Champlin, Deborah Coleman, Patricia Cupoli, Jeffrey Hoffer, Lynn Howarth, Katherine Sivier, Anne Marie Smith, Eva Smith, Final Version: 2005

DAMA-DMBOK Guide (Data Management Body of Knowledge) Introduction & Project Status, ed. Mark Mosley. Report to the DAMA International Board, November 2007.

About the Author

Deborah Henderson, B.Sc., MLS, PMP, and CDMP is President DAMA Foundation, Vice President Education Services DAMA International and chairs the DAMAI Education Committee, and DAMA F DMBOK Committee, to advance Data Management education in post-secondary institutions.

Deborah is a Consulting Data Architect and Project Manager in the Data Management Practice, Capgemini, Toronto. She can be reached at Deborah.henderson@capgemini.ca