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Data Element Naming Standards

Published

Author(s)

J J. Newton

Abstract

Naming conventions for data elements are part of the toolset of data administrators. Using them helps to achieve a set of standardized data elements. When gathered into a repository or data registry, this collection of meta data assists users to achieve efficient use and reuse of data while maximizing understanding of information both within and outside their organization. Data elements are ideally the result of a process of development, involving several levels of abstraction. The name at each level reflects the process, as name components are combined into the final product. Also, one data element may have many names depending on context of use. Naming conventions must reflect this multiplicity. The standard names of data elements are formed from the names of their components. The components are developed by a process of specification from the highest conceptual level; and by assigning a representation which may in turn be derived from a structure set or process. A naming convention is a collection of rules, which, when applied to data, results in a set of data elements named in a logical and standardized way. These names will inform the user about the contents of the data value domain, and the usage of the data element, in a concise manner. Several kinds of rules form a complete naming convention.
Citation
Data Element Naming Standards
Publisher Info
Model for Data Resource Management Standards Chapter to be included in A Model for Data Resource Management Standards, Third Edition, published by the Chicago Chapter of DAMA (Data Management Association),

Keywords

DAMA, data administration, data element, data element naming convention, data management, Data Management Association, data standardization, metadata, metadata standard

Citation

Newton, J. (1998), Data Element Naming Standards, Model for Data Resource Management Standards Chapter to be included in A Model for Data Resource Management Standards, Third Edition, published by the Chicago Chapter of DAMA (Data Management Association), (Accessed December 7, 2024)

Issues

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Created December 1, 1998, Updated February 17, 2017