Keys to Effective-and Rapid-Data Modeling

Reducing time to market is no longer an optional objective for all business activities. The challenge is how to meet ever decreasing time windows without compromising quality of data models. The answer is to apply workable techniques as applied in eXtreme Programming without acquiescing to its weaknesses.

eXtreme Data Development (XD2™) approach to developing data models is a major tool for Information resource management in the Data Analysis and Modeling process. It applies the principles of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to data model development. QFD is the active involvement of the customer in product design. Here knowledge workers, as information customers actively "design" the enterprise information products.

Benefits include reducing the time required for the modeling process; increasing communications among information systems and business professionals, and enhancing the value and shareability of the resulting data models.

This seminar presents the Who, What, When, Where, and How of conducting effective eXtreme Data Development modeling workshops. You learn techniques for rapid development of conceptual data models. Highlights include tips on how to avoid pitfalls, how to minimize the risk of an incomplete model, how to validate the data model, and how to incorporate modeling tools and other support tools.

You learn how to resolve conflicts over data definition, and how to bridge communication gaps among cross-business area knowledge workers, systems development staff and information resource management to achieve consensus in data model definition.

You learn how to incorporate XD2 workshops along with extreme Programming or JAD (Joint Application Development) and RAD (Rapid Application Development) workshops to expedite the Information Systems development process.

In this seminar you learn the deliverables of the XD2 data modeling workshop and how to manage the documentation process. You learn what skills are required of the workshop facilitator. Seminar participants will receive a self-assessment instrument to assist in understanding facilitator profiles.

You learn the techniques, group dynamics and the process of conducting a workshop approach to developing data models. This seminar includes a role-playing case study in which seminar attendees will participate in and evaluate the data modeling workshop process.

• Define the objectives, tasks, and deliverables of an eXtreme Data Development workshop
• Describe the similarities and differences between eXtreme Programming and eXtreme Data Development
• List the advantages and risks of an XD2 workshop approach
• Identify the skills required of the facilitator of an XD2 workshop
• Identify the steps to organize and schedule an XD2 workshop
• Describe the group dynamics involved in defining data requirements across functional boundaries
• List the components of quality data definitions
• Identify the factors required for successful XD2 workshops
• Actively engage the information customers in the design of their information products

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5. Facilitating the XD2 Workshop

• Characteristics of a good facilitator
• Managing the agenda, expectations, and conflicts
• Full group and break out team session dynamics
• Identifying the "real" requirements
• Knowledge worker-friendly questions for normalization
• Keeping the workshop focused
• Data model results and quality assurance

 

6. XD2 Workshop Case Study

• Case study preparation
• Case study role playing
• Case study feed back

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7. XD2 Workshop Closure and Next Steps

• Concluding the XD2 workshop
• Post XD2 tasks o Communicating XD2 results
• Merging data models from multiple XD2 workshops

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8. Assuring Success

• Potential pitfalls and critical success factors in XD2 data model development