Database design DBDS

Specifying, designing and maintaining mechanisms for storing and accessing data.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Updates for SFIA 9

There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
Content changes have been made to level 5.
You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Activities may include — but are not limited to:

designing operational databases
designing on-premise or cloud-based databases
defining physical or virtual data warehouse structures required to support machine learning, business intelligence or data analytics services
designing operational data stores to integrate data from multiple sources to support data pipelines and enable additional operations on the data.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Database design: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Interprets installation standards to meet project needs and produces database or data warehouse component specifications.

Develops appropriate physical database or data warehouse design elements, within set policies, to meet data requirements.

Database design: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Implements physical database designs to support transactional data requirements for performance and availability.

Develops and maintains specialist knowledge of database and data warehouse concepts, design principles, architectures, software and facilities.

Assesses proposed changes to object/data structures and evaluates alternative options.

Implements data warehouse designs that support demands for business intelligence and data analytics.

Database design: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Provides specialist expertise in the design characteristics of database management systems or data warehouse products/services.

Provides expert guidance in the selection, provision and use of database and data warehouse architectures, software and facilities.

Ensures that physical database design policy supports transactional data requirements for performance and availability.

Ensures that data warehouse design policy supports demands for business intelligence and data analytics.

Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.