Coming into the Enterprise Data Management course, my outlined goals were to understand enterprise and management information systems, become familiar with logical data models and database designs and strengthen communication and presentation methods. While in the class, I learned about the concepts, tools and technologies necessary to implement an EDM solution. I was able to learn about vendors that specialize in BI/EDM and how they compared to other vendors. Also, I was able to obtain the skills to write an EDM plan. Overall, I learned that EDM is a multi-step process that takes time, collaboration, buy-in/support, effective planning, communication, research, knowledge and active participation. There are times where it may not be successful and challenges can cause costly problems and time, but there are solutions and strategies available to achieve success.
Going into the next course, Business Intelligence Technologies, I will apply architecture concepts learned from EDM. I will be able to apply strategies learned from Kimball, to explore architectures and physical design. I will also apply what I learned from the EDM plan assignments to work on my capstone project. Lastly, the terms that I learned in the course will assist me in understanding additional topics and concepts that will be learned in the BI program.
Though the work was extensive and challenging, it was not without purpose. I enjoyed being able to utilize the concepts and visio skills learned in the previous course (Foundations of Business Intelligence). The FBI course assignments helped me to complete the EDM assignments. Each assignment and course ties into the proceeding assignment and course. This is very helpful and encouraging to know that each moment and opportunity will be useful for us along this challenging journey. I am happy to have been a part of this course and I am glad to say I am another step further on this journey, upon completing the EDM course.
