SUMMARY

This chapter introduced the concept of a corporate data model by looking at the purpose of such a model. Two new data modelling concepts, entity subtypes and the exclusive arc, were then introduced. The way that the broad scope of a corporate data model affects its form and composition was then discussed. Three approaches to the development of a corporate data model – bottom-up attribute trawling, joining project or business area models and taking a top-down approach – were discussed. We then established six principles of corporate data modelling: develop the model ‘top-down’; give primacy to the core business; cover the whole enterprise; future-proof the model; develop cooperatively; and gain consensus, not perfection.