What is Data?
Facts used to base ‘reasoning’, ‘inference’ or ‘analysis’ on. These actions create value.
The Wisdom Hierarchy:
From raw data to information to knowledge to wisdom.
Data Management DMBOK: (4)
- Develop execute and supervise business processes.
- Plans, policies, programs and practices in Enterprise Architecture Blueprints.
- Deliver, control, protect and enhance in IT management.
- To extract the value from data.
The definition of a model is:
A model is a formal representation of the target domain, using constructs and construction rules.
Why do we build models? (4)
- They provide helpful documentation of a system in case future upgrades needed
- They help us understand the domain better.
- Models can be useful tools for communicating with various stakeholders
- They can help us better visualise processes within a system
Models are used in DM for: (4)
- Understand the business in order to generate value
- Data Governance
- Integration and metadata management
- Improving data security and quality
Abstract view of information systems
Are models or representations of real-world phenomena and applications (Representation Theory)
The three information systems structures are:
- Deep structure - data and business rules
- Surface structure - user interface to engage with deep structure
- Physical structure - hardware and network
Two methods to analyse complex systems
- Soft Systems Methodology - rich pictures
2. System dynamics - causal loops
Explain the Root Definition
System does X by means of Y in order to do Z
X: What? University awards degrees to qualified students.
Y: How? By means of assessment
Z: Goal? To demonstrate the candidates’ merits to employers
X: The university recruits students
Y: Using an application evaluation process
Z: in order to identify qualified candidates for the MIM program
Explain the CATWOE method
Customers: beneficiaries of the transformation
Actors: help in execution of transformation
Transformation: input and output
Worldview: belief behind the transformation
Owners: who can initiate or stop the transformation
Environment: external factors
Example: C: degree-seeking student A: university staff T: students > graduates W: degrees are a good way of showing quality O: university governing body E: ministry of education, trustees
What is one of the major reasons for IT projects to fail?
Human error
