The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Data modelling and design DTAN

Developing models and diagrams to represent, communicate and manage data requirements and data assets.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Application of SFIA skills for digital health.
  • Content changes have been made to level 3 and 4.
  • 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

Data modelling supports activities such as, but not limited to:

  • helping organisations understand their data assets, develop software systems and map relationships between real-world entities
  • engaging with stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure data models align with business objectives
  • facilitating data engineering, integration and interoperability
  • enhancing data retrieval
  • supporting data governance and master data management
  • incorporating industry reference data standards to ensure consistency, interoperability and compliance.

Data models typically include components such as entities, relationships, attributes and domains. There are various types of data models, including relational, object-oriented, NoSQL and time-based.

Data models communicate different levels of detail, including conceptual, logical and physical. 

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.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

2 3 4 5

Data modelling and design: 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.

Establishes, modifies or maintains simple data structures and associated components.

Uses specific data modelling and design techniques under guidance.

Data modelling and 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.

Applies standard data modelling and design techniques based upon a detailed understanding of organisational requirements.

Establishes, modifies and maintains data structures and associated components.

Communicates and explain the details of data structures and components to others.

Data modelling and 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.

Investigates enterprise data requirements where there is some complexity and ambiguity.

Plans data modelling and design activities, selecting appropriate techniques and levels of detail to meet objectives.

Provides advice and guidance to others using the data structures and associated components.

Data modelling and 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.

Sets standards for data modelling and design tools and techniques, advises on their application and ensures compliance.

Manages the investigation of enterprise data requirements based on a detailed understanding of information requirements.

Coordinates the application of analysis, design and modelling techniques to establish, modify or maintain data structures and their associated components.

Manages the iteration, review and maintenance of data requirements and data models.

Keywords
Guidance notes