DAMA Guide to DMBOK

Review by David Haertzen

I need to make something clear to start with – I am a long-time DAMA member and have made good use of the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK) framework before it became the basis of the current book. My efforts to create and explain data strategies have been organized around the DMBOK topics, so I had high expectations for this guide, given that some of our industry’s best talents have contributed to the book. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. The book is a must-have, and one that I plan to consult frequently as I explain and improve data architectures. In addition, I will be referring to the companion book, The DAMA Dictionary of Data Management, which provides definitions and descriptions of more than 800 data management terms.

The clear audience for this book is the data management professional. Data architects, data modelers, data stewards and data administrators will find this book to be very useful. In addition, students and others who want to enter the ranks of data management professionals will benefit. The book should appeal to a diverse audience beyond the data management professional including: data stewards, managers, business intelligence people, business analysts, educators, researchers and consultants.

The book is clearly written and well illustrated. Editors Mark Mosley, Michael Brackett and Susan Earley have done an exceptional job in producing a book with a consistent style. This is amazing considering the hundreds of people who have contributed their ideas and expertise to this work. A data management hub-and-spoke diagram gives a unifying view to what could be complex and diverse subject. The organization and approach is patterned on other books of knowledge such as the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK).

Full review in Information Management