Graeme will cover a wide range of important strategic, management and technical issues on Data Modeling including:

• Clarifying the boundaries and deliverables
• Demonstrating the value of data modeling
• The role of specialist data modelers – what they need to know
• Language and notations
• Quality criteria for data models
• Resolving differences amongst models and modelers
• Working with different approaches – including agile methods
• Building data modeling into project plans
• Selecting and getting value from tools
• Engaging the business – and getting informed input
• Conceptual, Logical and Physical – defining boundaries and responsibilities
• Working with DBAs and clarifying responsibilities
• The role of enterprise models
• How a data architecture team can add value

He’ll also offer clear direction on resolving some of the detailed technical issues that come up again and again – and how to communicate the reasons to others:

• Choice of keys
• Choosing the right level of generalization
• The time dimension
• Representing rules
• Implementation of subtypes
• Normalization (including clear guidance on handling the higher normal forms)
  
  

As every data professional knows, the toughest part of the job is engaging the business: understanding their requirements, winning their support, and meeting their expectations. These are consulting skills – and even if you’re “only” providing services within your own organization, you’re a consultant – like it or not! Many of the techniques that the best external consultants use are equally relevant to you.

In this workshop, Graeme will share principles, techniques and tips learned from 20 years of building and managing a successful consultancy. He’ll show you how to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of business needs and priorities
• Define high-value projects and gain business buy-in
• Negotiate and manage expectations
• Deal with problems – and difficult people
• Build effective long-term relationships

This part of the seminar is intended for every person involved in meeting the needs of the business – and is particularly relevant for those in administration or support functions such as data management / architecture groups. We should add that external consultants, particularly those working independently, have also found Graeme’s consulting skills workshops extremely valuable in improving the success of their client engagements.