SCOPE OF FUNCTION
The purpose of this function is to design physical data
bases, both at the enterprise and application levels, that will
be easy to modify and maintain in the most cost effective means
possible.
This is an operational level function that shares primary
responsibility with Data Communications Administration for
performing the following phases in the Data Base
Engineering Methodology (DBEM):
- Phase 4 - "Enterprise Physical Data Base Design"
- Phase 5 - "Application Physical Data Base Design"
- Phase 6 - "Project Audit"
Data Base Administration also participates in a consulting
capacity to Data Engineering in Phase 1 of DBEM, "Data Base
Study & Evaluation."
The physical file designs produced by Data Base
Administration in Phase 5 of DBEM are delivered to
Program/Software Engineering during Phase 4-II of ISEM,
"Software Engineering."
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Implements all IRM related policies and procedures,
including the use of the "PRIDE" products.
- Reports administratively to Data Resource Management
on all activities, and to Project Management on all project
specific activities.
- Maintains a line of communication with Data Engineering,
Data Communications Administration, Data Processing
Operations, and IRM support functions.
- Reviews pertinent deliverables resulting from "PRIDE"
methodologies, particularly DBEM, with Project
Management and the IRM support functions.
- Specifies physical data base requirements. This is based
on processing specifications for the various applications
that the data base must serve.
- Participates in project planning activities, including
estimating and scheduling, and cost evaluation.
- Designs the physical data base for either the entire
corporation or a specific application. This includes
the use of suitable file management techniques.
- Prepares file layouts for use by Program/Software
Engineering in computer procedure design.
- Evaluates and selects Data Base related hardware and
software in cooperation with Data Communications
Administration.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
- A thorough understanding of "PRIDE" products,
particularly as they relate to the Data Base
Administration function.
- An in-depth understanding of in-house IRM standards,
tools, and techniques and knows where they apply in the
"PRIDE" methodologies.
- The ability to estimate Data Base Administration
activities within tolerances as established by the
installation.
- Good interpersonal relations/communications skills.
- Effective writing skills.
- Possess good analytical and problem solving skills.
- Must be results oriented.
- The ability to prepare and conduct project review
meetings and participate in those reviews in a professional
manner.
- A thorough understanding of the functions of Information
Resource Management related functions.
- The experience and ability to assume responsibility for
performing assigned tasks and meeting objectives within
time and cost constraints.
- Knowledgeable in logical and physical data base design.
- Knowledgeable in the documentation of existing Data Base
structures.
- Experience and in-depth knowledge in evaluating alternative
approaches, for physical Data Base implementation.
- In-depth understanding of file management tools and
techniques. This includes consideration for performance
related issues, security, back-up/recovery, etc.
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
The following list is intended as a guide to evaluate the
performance of the Data Base Administration function.
Evaluation will be based upon observation by Data Resource
Management, Project Management, Data Engineering, Data
Communications Administration, and IRM Quality Assurance.
- Data Base Administration personnel adhere to all
Information Resource Management related policies and
procedures.
- "PRIDE" products, as they pertains to this
function, is successfully implemented and used
productively.
- Data Base Administration personnel have a thorough
understanding and knowledge of all Data Resource
Management related functions and responsibilities.
- Data Resource Management, Project Management, Data
Engineering, Data Communications Administration, and
IRM support functions are aware of all Data Base
Administration activities.
- Data Base Administration personnel assume responsibility
for performing assigned tasks and achieves them within time
and cost constraints.
- Data Base Administration activities are performed according
to approved plans.
- The Data Base Administration staff produces quality work
(few mistakes).
- Works closely with the various IRM support functions to
assure that all IRM installation standards are properly
followed.
- Work is thorough and professionally prepared.
- Data resources are standardized and controlled; they are
also easy to modify and maintain.
- Physical data base designs are prepared correctly,
according to specifications, and are reliable.
- Data base designs serve the needs of information systems in
the most cost effective means possible.
- Data base designs are creative and practical.
- Writes effectively and clearly.
- Data bases are well tested and free of known defects.
- Back-up/recovery and security procedures adequately protect
the data base.
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Function is administratively subordinate to Data Resource
Management and operationally subordinate to Project Management
for project activities. Maintains a lateral working
relationship with Data Engineering, Program/Software Engineering,
Data Communications Administration, Data Processing Operations,
and IRM support functions.
METHODOLOGY RELATIONSHIPS
This function participates in the following phases
and activities of the "PRIDE" methodologies: