Role of data dictionaries in information resource management

Abstract

The role of information resource dictionary systems (data dictionary systems) is important in two important phases of information resource management: First, information requirements analysis and specification, which is a complex activity requiring data dictionary support: the end result is the specification of an “Enterprise Model,” which embodies the major activities, processes, information flows, organizational constraints, and concepts. This role is examined in detail after analyzing the existing approaches to requirements analysis and specification. Second, information modeling which uses the information in the Enterprise Model to construct a formal implementation independent database specification: several information models and support tools that may aid in transforming the initial requirements into the final logical database design are examined. The metadata — knowledge about both data and processes — contained in the data dictionary can be used to provide views of data for the specialized tools that make up the database design workbench. The role of data dictionary systems in the integration of tools is discussed.