Baffled by acronyms? Fear not. This comprehensive (but brief) guide will outline DMBOK2, and, more importantly, how it can be useful for you and your firm. You can thank us later.
The Basics Of DMBOK2
First things first, DMBOK2 – sometimes known as DAMA-DMBOK2 – stands for Data Management Body of Knowledge, second edition.
Available in six languages, it defines a standard industry view of data management functions, terminology, and best practises, all without getting bogged down in the details of methods and techniques. Simple, right?
While not a complete authority on specific topics within IT, DMBOK2 points readers to widely recognised publications, articles, and websites for further reading.
Way back in 1991 when it was created, the authors of DMBOK had several goals. They aimed to build a general consensus around data management, identify its guiding principles and provide an overview of commonly accepted good practice. Think of it as the bible of data management.
Since then, DMBOK has undergone two revisions, with the latest published in 2017.
Today the framework covers 11 core areas of data management. These are: data governance, architecture, modelling and design, storage and operations, security, integration, documents and content, reference and master data, warehousing and business intelligence, metadata, and quality. In short, all there is to know.

What Are The Potential Uses Of DMBOK2?
For novice data stewards, data management professionals, researchers, educators, and everyone else in between, DMBOK2 has a wide variety of potential uses.
In the workplace, it can help those working with data to better understand their responsibilities and provide the basis of assessing the effectiveness and maturity of their data. More broadly, it offers a guide for implementing and improving data management within an organisation or defining its enterprise data strategy.
Yet, DMBOK2 also has several educational functions. When used well, it can serve to educate new students, employees and executives about data management and its key knowledge areas, while suggesting areas for further research in the field.
The Future Of DMBOK2
As the framework of reference for data management practitioners across the industries, DMBOK2 is constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges. By constantly growing and updating, DMBOK will stay relevant well into the future.
If you want to brush up on your data knowledge, enrol in our data courses and stay up to date.
