The Knowledge Area (KA) Context Diagrams describe the detail of the KAs, including detail related to people processes & technology. They are based on the concept of a SIPOC diagram used for product management (Suppliers, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, & Consumers). Context Diagrams put activities at the center, since they produce the deliverables that meet the requirements of stakeholders.

Each context diagram begins with the KA's definition and goals. activities that drive the goals (Center) are classified into four phases: Plan (P), Develop (D), Operate (O), & Control (C). On the left side (flowing into activities) are the Inputs & Suppliers. On the right side (flowing out of the activities) are Deliverables & Consumers. Participants are listed below the Activities. On the bottom are Tools, Techniques, & Metrics that influence aspects of the KA.

Lists in the context diagram are illustrative, not exhaustive. Items will apply differently to different organizations. The high-level role lists include only the most important roles. Each organization can adapt this pattern to address its own needs.

The component pieces of the context diagram:

1. Definition - concisely define the KA
2. Goals - purpose of KA & fundamental principles that guide performance of activities within KA
3. Activities - actions/tasks required to meet goals of KA
a. (P) Planning Activities - set strategic/tactical course for meeting data management goals
b. (D) Development Activities - organized around Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC (analysis, design, build, test, prepare, deploy)
c. (C) Control Activities - ensure ongoing quality of data & the integrity, reliability, & security of systems where data is accessed & used
d. (O) Operational Activities - support use, maintenance & enhancement of systems/processes where data is accessed/used
4. Inputs - tangible things that each KA requires to initiate its activities
5. Deliverables - outputs of KA activities, tangible things each function is responsible for producing
6. Roles & Responsibilities - describe how individuals/teams contribute to activities within KA
7. Suppliers - people responsible to provide/enable access to activity inputs
8. Consumers - those that benefit directly from primary deliverables by the data management activities
9. Participants - people that perform, manage the performance of, or approve the KA activities
10. Tools - applications/other technologies that enable KA goals
11. Techniques - methods/procedures used to perform activities & produce deliverables in the KA
12. Metrics - measurement or performance, progress, quality, or efficiency evaluation standards