Developing High Quality Data Models

6. Some General Principles for Conceptual, Integration, and Enterprise Data Models

Chapter Outline

6.1 Data Modeling Approach 64

6.1.1 The Difference between Normalization and the Ontological Approach 65

6.1.2 Normalization 66

6.1.3 Ontological Approach 67

6.2 General Principles 68

6.2.1 Ensuring That the Statements and Rules a Data Model Makes Are Always True 68

6.2.2 Definitions 70

6.2.3 Meaning, Model Theory, and Intended Model in Formal Ontology 71

6.2.4 Rules 72

6.2.5 Naming Conventions 73

6.3 Understanding Relationships 74

6.3.1 Relationships in the Real World 74

6.3.2 Relationship Type as a Data Model Element 74

6.3.3 Turning a Relationship Type into an Entity Type 74