Other Hierarchical Model Structures

Though the tree like structure is perhaps the simplest and also the most desirable form for new users there are other types or structures for this model.

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Hierarchy is also structured as an outline or indented list. It can be found in the indented lists of XML documents.

The example, below, presents information similar to those above that we have created but the tree like form is not used in this Hierarchical Modeling but that of indentation.

• ORGANISATION
  • Department 1
    • Subdivision 1
      • Section 1
      • Section 2
      • Section 3
    • Subdivision 2
      • Section 1
      • Section 2
      • Section 3
    • Subdivision 3
      • Section 1
      • Section 2
      • Section 3
  • Department 2
    • Subdivision 1
      • Section 1
      • Section 2
      • Section 2
    • Subdivision 2
      • Section 1
      • Section 2
      • Section 3

One thing you must keep in mind at all times is that no matter what type of structure you use for the model you need to be able to add categories at any time, as well as delete them.

An idea to ensure that this is possible is to use a list view or tree view with expandable and collapsible categories.

You can also use the model in a visual form, something involving a cylinder or pyramid or even a cube, this visual presentation of the data would be most suitable for a presentation of data to a group of professionals.

This form would be better for smaller less detailed levels. There is an example using some of the same information from above but shown more compact below.

There are various structures of the Hierarchical Model; in fact there are many more then those shown here.

The type you use all depends on the data you are using. The methods differ according to whether your data is people related, mathematical related, or just simple statistics.

Review of the Hierarchical Model Facts

1. This model expresses the relationships between information. How they are related and what they are most closely related to.

2. The Hierarchical Model is often thought of as a hierarchy. The idea is to think of your data as a family.

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3. The model has many different structures and forms. Each is best used depending on the type of data being recorded, the amount of data being recorded, and who it is being recorded for.

4. Speaking in parent/child terms data can have many children but only one parent.

5. The model begins with core data and branches off into supplementing data or smaller related data.

6. One must remember to start with the smallest detail and work their way up.

If you keep to these simple and compacted guidelines your own Hierarchical Model will be successful, clean, clear, and well built. The point is to present information in a simple and easy to read manner.

First Page: The Hierarchical Model