DB Design Approach!

[amitstora]

Hi all!

Query:

Working on Oraclev8i 8.1.6.0.0 with OS as NT.

1.When we go for Database Design,what should be the appropriate approach:

P.S:We are designing Manually and not following any DB design tools like Oracle Designer,
ERWIN,Rational Rose!

a.Should we design individual modulewise or,

b.Should we design taking the whole module at the same time say 15 modules for a Project!

c.Upto what stage of Normalization is followed to-day in the IT Industry for DB Design!

c.Do DBAs get involved in the DB Design.

d.Who is the person responsible for DB Design in a Project!What is his Designation!

Thanks & Regards,

Amit.

[venudba]

a. If you want You can design Individual Module wise. It is better to have over all scope of the Project( like process flow), What is the impact in the next modules. Giving the flexibility to integrate the remaining modules means identifying dependencies.

b. Not necessarily. But for that particular module the process flow should be clear and you have to leave the provisions to integrate the modules later point of time. You have to take care that the Data Model should not change much.

c. Normally 3 Normal Form. But based on the type of application and performance point of view you can normalize more or Denormalize( Based on the Functionality of the Modules)

c. Yes, DBA's get involved the DB Design

d. Designation is Data Modeler
In this role you will be accountable for analyzing and developing complex logical database designs, logical data models, and relational data definitions in support of corporate and customer information systems requirements. You will need to understand the methodologies and technologies that depict the flow of data within and between technology systems and business functions/operations. You will be responsible for the identification and resolution of information flow, content issues and the transformation of business requirements into logical data models. This position identifies opportunities to reduce data redundancy, trends in data uses, and single sources of data.
Responsible for the DB Design in the project is who designed the Project.

[dknight]

Some remarks:

When designing, discuss the business rules with a subject matter expert and identify the nouns. They will lead you to entities and eventually tables.

The relationships are very important and should be driven by business rules. While the DBA, Developer, Modeller, or Project Manager may all have some responsibilty, it is essential that the Subject Matter Expert (the business side) participates in a walkthrough and signs (in blood if possible) a document that agrees that the data model reflects business needs.

Good luck.