AM9: Data Modeling in a Big Data World

The big data phenomenon expands the purpose and changes the role of data modeling. The level of uncertainty about data modeling in today’s data ecosystems is high. Most practitioners have more questions than answers:

Has data modeling become obsolete?
Does unstructured data make modeling impractical?
Does NoSQL imply no data modeling?
What are the implications of schema-on-read vs. schema-on-write for data modelers?
Do entity-relationship and star-schema data models still matter?

Data modeling is still an important process – perhaps more important than ever before. But data modeling purpose and processes must change to keep pace with the rapidly evolving world of data. This course examines the principles, practices, and techniques that are needed for effective modeling in the age of big data.

You will learn:

To distinguish between data store modeling (schema on write) and data access modeling (schema on read) and when each is useful.
The elemental characteristics of data that provide a common denominator for data modeling for all types of data.
How the common denominator is used to map various kinds of databases including relational, dimensional, NoSQL, NewSQL, graph, and document databases.
When traditional logical-to-physical modeling works and when it makes sense to reverse the process as physical-to-logical.
Trade-offs between methodological rigor and discovery-driven exploration in data modeling.

Dave Wells is an advisory consultant, educator, and research analyst dedicated to building meaningful connections throughout the path from data to business impact. He works at the intersection of information and business, driving value through BI, analytics, and innovation. More than 40 years of information management experience combined with over 10 years of business management create a unique perspective about the connections among business, information, data, and technology. Knowledge sharing and skills building are Dave's passions, carried out through consulting, speaking, teaching, research, and writing. He is a continuous learner – fascinated with understanding how we think – and a student and practitioner of systems thinking, critical thinking, design thinking, divergent thinking, and innovation. Dave fills many roles including independent consultant, instructor and Education Director at eLearningCurve, Research Consultant at Eckerson Group, and TDWI faculty member.