Relation

In addition to the taxonomy structure (based on entity characteristics), the Data Model contains natural relationships among the entities. For example, in the Data Model taxonomy, the Student entity is not close to the Class entity, but the Data Model stores and reflects the relationships between them. The figure below shows examples of the types of relations contained in the Data Model.

The relationship descriptors include verbs or short verb phrases that connect the subject with the object. For example, “student” (subject) “receives services from” (relation) “teacher” (object). This information within the Data Model allows for intelligent searching and for creation of subparts of a model. As the Data Model grows, so too will the types of relationships captured among its entities. Below is a list of relationships that is expected to change as the Data Model continues to be updated.

• isDirectProviderOf

Directly provides goods or services.


• isEvaluationResultOf

An evaluation of a student or other learner's performance.


• hasDelimiter

One entity is modified or limited by another. For example, a calendar date can delimit a count of students.


• determines

Determines in part or in whole the content, structure or value the object entity.


• hasAssociated

The object entity must have the associated subject entity in order to exist. This is similar to a foreign key relationship. For example, a disruptive event (subject) has an associated victim (object).


• hasCausalRelationship

A strong relationship in which one entity causes a change in another entity.


• isAValueOf

Used to enumerate the possible values, or states of an entity.


• receivesServicesFrom

Subject receives services from the object.


• isPartiallyDefinedBy

The subject is defined in part by the object. Or, the subject is a narrower concept than the object.


• hasFunctionalComponent

Reflects the construction of an entity through functional components represented by other entities.


• participatesIn

A person-type entity participates in an activity-type entity.


• isIndirectProviderOf

Indirectly provides goods or services.


• isACountOf

A non-duplicated count


• isDerivedFrom

One entity is a derivation of another. This means that some or all of the important features of an entity is also in its sub-entities. This is different from functional components.


• providesServicesTo

Subject receives services from the object.


• isOrganizationalComponentOf

This relation is used to indicate an organizational structure of non-person entities such as schools, districts, etc.


• isFunctionalComponentOf

This relation indicates that subject entity makes up, in part or in whole, the function of the object entity.


• isAlignedWith

Used mainly in Teaching and Learning entities. One entity is constructed to align in meaning or function with another.


• isASynonymOf

Similar in meaning. This could indicate an exact or inexact similarity.