Week 6 notes

Thompson Diagrams:

Used for logical modelling of multi-dimensional structures in an OLAP system

Basics:

• Each dimension is represented by a vertical line
• Each dimension is described independently
• Every member of a dimension is represented by a unit interval on the line
• A multi-dimensional model is built by combining the ‘lines’ for the involved dimensions.

However, it's very difficult to show multiple hierarchies, which is why we use ADAPT diagrams.

ADAPT Diagrams:

ADAPT = Application Design for Analytical Processing Technologies

As discussed, it allows for multiple hierarchies, explicit modelling of attributes and also some complex calculations.

Very good from technical perspective, but maybe too complex and technical for business people, who may prefer Thompson's diagram.

COGNOS 24 Ways Approach:

This was pretty useful for me in the assignment, in sorting out which functional areas I can include, plus what kind of business process and KPIs do those functional areas follow.

The main assumption by Cognos is that organisations have a lot in common, and many dimensions are shared across functional and application boundaries. Given that data is available and is of good quality, attention more towards the business that the technical IT side.