Database Administration
Applying methods, practices and policies to the design and management of databases.
Level 1. Demonstrates introductory understanding, directing people to the appropriate source for further information.
BEHAVIORS
- Describes basic concepts in database management, design concepts, and levels of database security.
- Follows established steps and procedures to resolve simple performance issues.
- Extracts and manipulates data using simple queries.
- Assists in providing access to existing databases.
QUESTIONS
- Describe a situation where you demonstrated your understanding of database concepts and tools.
Probing Questions
* What was your role and responsibilities in this project?
* What concepts/tools did you need to grasp in order to be effective in the situation?
* How did your understanding of these concepts/tools allow you to be more effective?
* What was the outcome?
- Describe a situation where you had to rely on your skills to build simple queries to extract the right data from a database.
Probing Questions
* What was the situation?
* What difficulties did you encounter?
* How did you resolve them?
* What was the outcome?
Level 2. Applies the competency in common situations that present limited difficulties, working with a moderate level of guidance.
BEHAVIORS
- Explains the key elements and principles of data manipulation language and data definition language.
- Test simple database access modules.
- Follows established steps and procedures to perform database backup and recovery.
- Applies concepts of database release management, applications business rules, data integrity, database security implementation, workload management and interaction with DBMS.
- Transforms simple requirements into populated and tested physical database structures.
- Conducts basic impact analysis for database change management.
QUESTIONS
- Describe a situation in which you created a database for your organization?
Probing Questions
* What was the situation?
* What database management systems did you use?
* What was your step-by-step approach?
* What elements did you consider when constructing this database?
* What challenges did you face?
* What was the outcome?
- Describe a situation where you had to test a simple database access module (for adding records, pulling a report, etc.)
Probing Questions
* What was the situation?
* What were the requirements?
* What was your step-by-step approach?
* What challenges did you face?
* What was the outcome?
Level 3. Applies the competency in the full range of typical situations, requiring guidance in only the most complex or new situations.
BEHAVIORS
- Makes recommendations on the transformation of data models into database schema / logical model.
- Translates complex requirements into releases of fully developed and tested database access modules.
- Automates diagnostic and monitoring tools to prevent problems, and enhance performance and availability.
- Develops strategies for backup and recovery, data population and migration.
- Performs simple changes to the databases based on maintenance and update releases.
- Conducts general impact analysis on database change management.
- Resolves data integrity issues and implements data integrity safeguards.
QUESTIONS
- Describe a situation in which you were required to maintain data integrity and database reliability through diagnostics and monitoring.
Probing Questions
* What tools did you use?
* What types of problems were you trying to prevent?
* How did you achieve your goal of improving organizational performance?
* What criteria did you use to assess improved organizational performance?
* What was the outcome?
- Describe a time when you developed, recommended, and implemented strategies for backup and data recovery.
Probing Questions
* What were the circumstances surrounding the situation?
* How did you develop the strategies?
* How did you evaluate the viability of the strategies?
* What recommendations did you put forward?
* How did you implement the strategies?
* What was the outcome?
Level 4. lies the competency in new or complex situations and advises others.
BEHAVIORS
- Recommends strategies for the integration of new technologies and standards within the corporate network.
- Solves unusual database problems or problems with a significant impact on the business.
- Liaises with database designers to make recommendations on changes to existing databases to improve performance and responsiveness.
- Leads the development and/or reviews the testing scenarios used to certify database systems.
- Develops standards and procedures for implementing new database technology.
- Provides guidance to others on database management and the existing designs of databases.
QUESTIONS
- Discuss a time when you developed standards and procedures for the implementation of new database technology.
Probing Questions
* What was the situation?
* What methodologies did you employ in order to develop the standards and procedures?
* What did you find most challenging in developing these specifications?
* How did you overcome these challenges?
* What was the outcome?
Level 5. Develops new approaches and methods in the area. Is recognized as an expert within the organization.
BEHAVIORS
- Provides expert advice to others regarding corporate data management and data stewardship.
- Develops an overall strategy for data management within an established architecture to meet current and future business needs.
- Leads the procurement for data management solutions and related services.
- Collaborates with database design and application development teams to ensure the proper mix of technologies and resources.
QUESTIONS
- Describe a situation in which you identified a business case for an enterprise-wide data management initiative designed to address a business challenge.
Probing Questions
* What was the scope of the business challenge?
* How did the data management initiative address the challenge?
* What were the main elements of the business case?
* Was the business case successful?
* What were the benefits to the organization?
- Describe a time in which you provided strategic direction, guidance, and oversaw multiple-concurrent data management projects.
Probing Questions
* Describe the scope and type of projects you have managed concurrently.
* What approach, methods, and tools do you use to strategically manage projects?
* What challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome these?
* What results were you able to achieve for the organization?