Data Modeling in Unified Modeling Language (UML)

Data modeling is how we represent data in an application.
Data in databases can be represented by:

• Relational model
• XML
• Database design model. 

To create a design model we can implement a higher level model which can be a Unified Modeling Language (UML). The data modeling subset of the UML is based on 5 concepts:


1-Classes: In UML the class consists of class name, attributes and methods. There is a primary key assigned to the attributes and the method is normally dropped.

2-Associations: are the relationships between objects of two classes. Inside the associations we have multiplicity. The multiplicity of associations explains how many objects of one class can be related to an object of another class. The types of multiplicity associations are:

• One-to-one: Each object on each class is related to at most one object on the other class.
• Many-to-one: Each object in class 1 is related to at most one object in the class 2, but each object in class 2 can be related to several objects in class 1.
• Many-to-many: There are no relationships on the relationships, multiple objects of each class can be associated to several objects of another class.
• Complete: Every object must participate in 1 relationship.

3-Association classes: are the relationships between the objects of two classes with attributes on relationships.Inside the association classes we can also find self associations which refer to associations of class with itself.

4-Sub classes: are also known as specialization and they derive form the super classes. They can be incomplete, complete exclusive or overlapping. 

5-Composition and Aggregation: Composition is the term used when objects of one class belong  to another class. Aggregation indicates when an object of one class can belong or not to another class.

The definition of relations on databases is a key factor in managing data. There can be multiple associations that determine how the different tables relate one to another. Database design is a really valuable skill, as a student in a sustainability/ environmental studies field I lacked any background in computer science and business. I hope the above description will provide you a simple insight in to basic database relationships.

Things to consider...

What happens when we have massive amounts of data? How can we determine the multiple associations when we have too much information, Is there a tool that can help us link the tables?

Green Products Database

Green Products Database 

Important Tables to be considered.

One of the biggest issues when trying to purchase green products is the lack of a clear and accessible description of the green labels and features of the item. The home depot green guide doesn't display an environmental product profile in an easy and accessible location for the costumers to read. The information is hard to find and is only available after opening several links that display the items description. In my opinion the makes it harder for costumers to make an effective green product purchase. The product content is essential to provide the green product profile of the items. It would be important to detail the carbon foot print of the products, and the environmental impact (positive or negative) that the purchase of the product will cause. This will help create environmental responsibility and create a real change in the purchasing behavior. We could also provide a table where we can specify the post use of the product: is it recyclable, compost able or reusable... Including this columns in the relational data will help customers purchase green products more effectively.

Alternative Tools to achieve a more effective green product purchase.

Should we include a section were costumers or the Chatham community can become familiarized with green labels, logos and certifications?
Chatham is well known for its strong lead in sustainability and green practices, regardless of this not all of the community is familiarized with green terminology, labels and certifications. Should we provide a place where they can become familiarized with the terms? Perhaps not as a table in the database but within the Chatham webpage?

Should we add a table where we include the benefits of purchasing green products?
It was mentioned that the different offices and departments could aim to be green certified and it would be helpful to identify the products that will help them achieve the certification. This table could be associated with the green ratings of the products. If the purchase of greener products increases it will benefit and facilitate the achievement of a green certification for the office or department.