SCOPE OF FUNCTION
The purpose of this function is to design the enterprise
logical data base so that it is easy to modify and maintain in
the most cost effective means possible.
This is an operational level function that has primary
responsibility for performing the following phases in the
Data Base Engineering Methodology (DBEM):
- Phase 1 - "Data Base Study & Evaluation"
- Phase 3 - "Enterprise Logical Data Base Design"
Data Engineering also serves in an advisory capacity in the
following DBEM phases:
- Phase 2 - "Application Logical Data Base Design"
(to assist Systems Engineering)
- Phase 4 - "Enterprise Physical Data Base Design"
(to assist Data Base/Data Communications Admin)
- Phase 5 - "Application Physical Data Base Design"
(to assist Data Base/Data Communications Admin)
- Phase 6 - "DBEM Evaluation"
Data Engineering provides assistance to Enterprise
Engineering in the following EEM phases:
- Phase 1 - "EEM Project Planning"
- Phase 2 - "Logical Enterprise Analysis"
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Implements all IRM related policies and procedures,
including the use of "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 Systems Engineering
Enterprise Engineering, Data Base Administration, Data
Communications Administration, User Management, and IRM
support functions.
- Reviews pertinent deliverables resulting from "PRIDE"
methodologies, particularly DBEM, with Project
Management and the IRM support functions.
- Prepares project scopes subject to Project Management
approval.
- Document existing data structures.
- Specify data requirements for an application.
- Prepare a Data Base approach and feasibility. This is
performed in cooperation with Data Base Administration,
and Data Communications Administration. This includes a
complete rough design of a new or modified data base.
- Participates in project planning activities, including
estimating and scheduling, and cost evaluation.
- Review and approve of application logical data base designs
as prepared by Systems Engineering.
- Designs the logical data base model for the enterprise.
This includes a definition of the "objects," "views," and
data elements required by all information system. In this
regard, Data Engineering merges comparable application
"objects" and "views."
- Eliminates data definition redundancy and promotes data
sharing.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
- A thorough understanding of "PRIDE" products,
particularly as they relate to the Data
Engineering 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 Engineering 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.
- Experience and in-depth knowledge in documenting existing
Data Base structures.
- Experience and in-depth knowledge in defining logical
"objects" pertaining to the enterprise.
- Experience and in-depth knowledge in performing logical
data base designs, both at the enterprise and application
levels.
- Experience and in-depth knowledge of evaluating alternative
approaches, for physical Data Base implementation.
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
The following list is intended as a guide to evaluate the
performance of the Data Engineering function. Evaluation
will be based upon observation by Data Resource Management,
Project Management, Data Base Administration, Data
Communications Administration, and IRM Quality Assurance.
- Data Engineering 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 Engineering personnel have a thorough
understanding and knowledge of all Data Resource
Management related functions and responsibilities.
- Data Resource Management, Project Management, Data Base
Administration, Data Communications Administration, and
IRM support functions are aware of all Data Engineering
activities.
- Data Engineering personnel assume responsibility for
performing assigned tasks and achieves them within time and
cost constraints.
- Data Engineering activities are performed according to
approved plans.
- The Data Engineering 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.
- Logical 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.
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 Enterprise Engineering, Systems Engineering,
Data Base Administration, Data Communications Administration,
User Management, and IRM support functions.
METHODOLOGY RELATIONSHIPS
This function participates in the following phases
and activities of the "PRIDE" methodologies: