DM 201 – Conceptual Data Modeling – Resisting the Urge to go Physical

This seminar will demonstrate the problems caused by starting the data modeling process with a physical or logical model, and how following a phased data modeling approach, starting with a Conceptual Data Model (CDM), will result in systems that meet business expectations for quality data and information.

Conceptual Data Models, as part of the requirements gathering phase, will help set better expectations, identify resource requirements, and reduce costs because of the business understanding the CDM provides to IT and business. When proper entities and relationships are identified at the start of the project, costly mistakes are avoided in downstream models and implemented systems. This course will teach participants how to develop and use CDMs in the context of a phased modeling approach.

This course is workshop-focused since design concepts are best learned through practice. The course workshops are oriented to solving problems in participants’ current projects. These exercises allow participants to learn how the concepts are applied and to develop skills in all phases of modeling for all types of systems.