The document discusses starting a database project and provides guidance on key initial steps:
1. Explore the project scope and obtain information from stakeholders
2. Review the data to be modeled and develop a statement of work (SoW)
3. Develop an entity relationship diagram (ERD) and normalize the data model
It emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs through use cases and business rules. A use case describes how a user will interact with the system while business rules define constraints and policies. It also provides guidance on creating a data dictionary to document the database design as it is developed.