Data Governance - 7 - Engagement Flashcards
What is a critical factor for starting a data governance (DG) program?
Engagement of all stakeholders
Engagement is essential to ensure commitment beyond just buy-in.
What has the answer changed to regarding selling the need for data governance?
Build the business case and ensure sponsors are engaged from the beginning.
What is the typical number of tasks in a DG deployment plan?
Averages around 400 tasks.
What should the vision of a DG program be clear enough to do?
Keep all stakeholders locked onto the effort.
What type of planning is critical for the success of DG efforts?
Planning activity sets the tone and the team.
What does the term ‘Engagement’ refer to in the context of DG?
The process of involving stakeholders in the DG effort.
True or False: The engagement tasks are done sequentially before moving to the next area.
False.
Fill in the blank: It is critical to ______ the type and amount of activity that can possibly take place.
comprehend.
What is an important early activity in initiating a DG program?
Obtain program approval.
What is the role of the sponsor in a DG program?
To be fully committed and passionate about the program.
What is a common reason for DG programs starting over?
Failure of leadership to engage fully with the prior attempt.
What type of analysis is recommended for larger DG teams?
SWOT analysis.
What should the deployment team include for success?
Experience in data management and data quality.
What does the Definition activity in DG entail?
Framing the DG effort in the context of the organization.
What is the desired output from the Definition activity?
A clear, brief definition of DG.
What misconception do many stakeholders have about DG?
That it is already being done.
What is an elevator speech in the context of DG?
A concise definition of DG and its importance.
What is the main goal of the Engagement theme?
Establish the meaning of DG to the organization.
What should be identified during the Definition activity?
- Business units subject to DG
- Capabilities needing DG
- Data to be governed.
What are the potential ramifications of not having program approval?
The DG effort may be poorly formed and lack sustainability.
What is crucial for leadership to do regarding the DG program?
Support a program that will create and sustain DG capability.
What is a common pitfall when appointing data stewards?
Appointing them without giving them responsibilities initially.
What should a low-profile DG effort have in terms of project plans?
Excessive details.
What is the main difference between buy-in and engagement?
Buy-in is mere support, while engagement involves active participation.
What is the primary goal when defining data governance (DG)?
Comprehension of DG concepts by stakeholders
This involves clear communication about the value and impact of DG.
What common misconception do stakeholders have about DG?
They believe it is already being done and does not merit the same status as financial controls or compliance
This highlights the need for effective communication to change perceptions.
What should be avoided in the definition of DG when communicating with executives?
Vague terms like ‘better data’ and ‘improved decisions’
These terms are often seen as irrelevant by executives.
What is a key benefit of starting with a clear definition of DG?
It results in a smoother process to define a vision for DG
A well-defined vision aids in team alignment and stakeholder buy-in.
What should the elevator speech for DG emphasize?
The benefits such as ensuring value and increasing revenue
This helps in making the case for DG in a business context.
What is a common definition of DG from a financial organization?
A framework of accountabilities and processes for making decisions and monitoring the execution of data management
This definition emphasizes control and oversight.
What does DG represent in a chemical company context?
The exercise of executive authority over business data
This highlights the governance aspect of DG.
What is the importance of identifying business units for DG?
It defines and identifies organizations that will come under DG oversight
This is crucial for understanding the span and depth of the DG program.
How can low-profile DG efforts be initiated?
By addressing areas favorable to data management and helping them adopt formal data oversight
This approach minimizes disruption while establishing governance.
What must be verified before applying DG definitions to business units?
Whether there is a working definition of DG, if DG is sold to leadership, and understanding of long-term success factors
These verifications ensure readiness for DG implementation.
What is the relationship between DG and business capabilities?
DG focuses on improving business capabilities that require better data governance
Identifying these capabilities is essential for effective DG implementation.
What does the scope of DG depend on?
The span across the organization and the degree of penetration into business and IT activities
Different organizations may require varying levels of DG implementation.
What is a key component of defining the scope for DG?
Developing an initial scope and plan for the definition and rollout of the DG program
This includes identifying constraints and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
What is critical for the approval of the DG program’s scope?
True approval based on the scope and approach, not just a rubber stamp
This ensures leadership support and resource allocation.
What does the assessment step in DG involve?
Gathering data about the organization’s ability to govern and be governed
This step is crucial for identifying obstacles and planning for changes.
What dimensions should all assessments cover in DG?
- Organization
- Alignment
- Operations
- Technology
- Data and Information
These dimensions help in understanding the overall effectiveness of DG.
What does information maturity indicate in the context of DG?
Organizations with proactive information approaches achieve better results
Maturity is linked to the effectiveness of data governance efforts.
What does Information Management Maturity (IMM) indicate?
IMM articulates where an organization stands in relation to where it needs to go.
Is there a relationship between maturity and the ability to embark on data governance (DG)?
No, research has shown no connection between data maturity and the ability to implement a DG program.
What is the key aspect of discussions around maturity in IT organizations?
There is a predictable maturity curve to climb around information production and usage.
How is the assessment of an organization’s information management typically performed?
Usually performed online over the company intranet focusing on how well the company uses and manages data.
What are some formal maturity assessments available?
- DCAM™ assessment for financial services companies
- CMMI™ assessment for other companies
What should the first metric pursued be if driving DG from compliance?
Tied to a maturity level.
True or False: A formal IMM survey is always required for low-profile efforts.
False.
What is a common concern regarding the length of surveys for assessing IMM?
It may alienate stakeholders or lower response rates.
What kind of questions should be included in an IMM assessment?
Questions need to be unambiguous to avoid second-guessing by responders.
What is the purpose of using a Likert scale in surveys?
To get a decent distribution regarding the answers and assess how the organization feels about data usage.
What does a high percentage positive response in a survey indicate?
It may reflect beliefs about data usage and management effectiveness.
What are the five levels of Information Management Maturity?
- Level 1: Initial
- Level 2: Repeatable
- Level 3: Defined
- Level 4: Managed
- Level 5: Optimized
What is a key objective of measuring change capacity in organizations?
To locate potential resistance points to change.
What is the recommended approach for conducting a Change Capacity assessment?
Conduct a survey revealing glaring issues now, then revisit during implementation.
Why is it vital to assess cultural issues in organizations regarding DG?
To ensure the DG program is sustainable and can accommodate and leverage the organization’s culture.
What should be done if there is resistance to assessing culture from a technical team?
Bury the change-capacity instrument in another survey.
What is the recommended method for surveying larger efforts and scopes?
Conduct an online survey or focus groups with all management and stakeholders.
What are some common factors leading to failures in large technology efforts?
- Poor communication
- Lack of alignment with business
- Ineffective training
- Lack of business sponsorship
What is the purpose of the data collected from the Change Capacity assessment?
To be used throughout the program design and measure DG adoption.
What should the presentation of results from assessments ideally include?
A simple visual representation.
What does the data collected from the initial step in DG provide?
An excellent baseline to measure DG adoption.
This data will be used throughout the program design and for a long time after rollout.
What is the purpose of the third survey in the DG process?
To assess the current state of people, process, technology, and data within the organization.
What does the data landscape/inventory help understand?
The readiness of the human element, current deficiency and capacity of technology, and existing mechanisms for data management.
What is important to assess regarding the human element in DG?
Readiness for DG, covering cultural aspects, skill sets, and resource capacity.
Why is it important to understand current data processes?
To know how far the journey will be to a future state of data management.
What is a common visual representation of data issues known as?
Spaghetti diagram.
What should a full data landscape assessment include?
An inventory of data sources, external data sets, interfaces, downloaded files, and Access databases.
True or False: Understanding the data environment is critical for getting DG operational.
True.
What is the purpose of the Vision phase in DG?
To show stakeholders and leadership what DG will look like and engage leadership.
What does a vision establish for an organization?
A picture of where the organization aspires to be at a certain point in time in the future.
What is the difference between vision and mission in DG?
Vision conveys where the organization wants to be, while mission describes what gets delivered to achieve that vision.
What are the key activities in the Vision and Plan phase?
- Identify obvious business benefits and metrics
- Describe new capabilities
- Identify obvious requirements
- Develop representations of future DG
- Complete DG start-up plan
Why is it important for the DG team to understand business needs?
To clearly speak to the value of DG and align it as a business program.
What are the components of a business capability in DG?
- Process
- Technology
- Data
- People
What is the role of capability-based modeling in DG?
To align explicitly to strategy and promote agile thinking.
What should the DG team do if they lack business context?
Add a businessperson to the team who can speak to business needs.
What are the examples of measurable attributes in a business goal?
- Market share
- Same store sales
- Store visits
- Surveyed opinions
What is the significance of data lineage in DG?
It tracks where data starts, goes, is used, and who used it.
Fill in the blank: The total cost of data is often _______ higher than initially thought.
four to five times.
What does the DG team need to review before identifying business benefits?
Any prior effort at business alignment or building a business case.
What is the impact of not keeping the DG team informed about business goals?
It can lead to disconnection between DG efforts and actual business needs.
What is a key consideration for the DG team during the Vision phase?
Avoid defining a stated period for fulfilling the vision.
What can result from poorly executed vision activities?
A stalled effort in the DG program.
What does the acronym DG stand for?
Data Governance.
What is the purpose of a readiness assessment?
To gauge the current state against benchmarks.
Identify one example of a business benefit that DG can support.
Using analytics to create new products.
What is the significance of understanding the total cost of ownership of data?
It provides insight into the financial implications of data management.
What is the purpose of Data Governance (DG)?
To ensure that data assets are being managed effectively and to link business goals to required capabilities.
What are the key components of DG capabilities?
- Data quality
- Data mastering
- Data lineage and provenance support
- Data lifecycle management
- Data ethics support
True or False: Data Governance is primarily concerned with technology solutions.
False
What are common drivers for Data Governance?
- Compliance obligations
- Risk management
- Business process improvement
- Enhanced data quality
Fill in the blank: Data Governance requires consideration of the business __________.
[drivers]
What is the significance of drafting preliminary DG requirements?
It helps to organize the first cut at what is going to be governed based on business needs and known issues.
What are the potential negative outcomes of rushing into a DG effort?
- Loss of flexibility
- Over-purchasing of tools and consultants
- Lack of alignment with business needs
What is the role of metadata management in DG?
To provide a structured approach to data assets, ensuring clarity and usability.
What is meant by ‘data debt’ in the context of DG?
The accumulation of data quality issues that need to be resolved over time.
What are the components of a successful DG communication strategy?
- Communicated expectations
- Artifacts of success
- Regular updates and issue resolutions
True or False: Data Governance efforts should always begin with technology solutions.
False
What is the importance of aligning DG with MDM efforts?
It helps to identify business drivers and ensures that data governance supports business objectives.
What should a mission statement in DG include?
A clear description of what the organization does to support its vision and goals.
List three business benefits from effective Data Governance.
- Improved data quality
- Enhanced compliance
- Increased operational efficiency
What is the impact of lack of DG-induced discipline?
- Increased risk of non-compliance
- Loss of reputation
- Potential lawsuits
Fill in the blank: Data Governance should ensure that Analytics, AI, BI, MDM, and DQ all __________.
[stick]
What should be considered when developing representations of future DG?
Clear and simple visualizations that illustrate the aspirational state of data governance.
What is the ‘collect and pray’ syndrome in data science?
A process where data scientists collect data without proper governance, leading to unreliable models.
What is meant by ‘stakeholder engagement’ in DG?
Involving stakeholders in the DG process to ensure their needs and perspectives are considered.
What are some common challenges faced by new DG programs?
- Resistance to change
- Misalignment with business needs
- Lack of understanding of data governance
What is the goal of drafting a change plan in DG?
To manage organizational change effectively and ensure the smooth implementation of data governance.
What is the relationship between DG and data quality?
DG is essential for maintaining and improving data quality across the organization.
What should be included in a Data Governance elevator speech?
A concise message about the value DG brings to the organization, emphasizing business outcomes.
Fill in the blank: DG requires a collaborative framework for __________.
[sustaining data governance]
What are ‘effectiveness and efficiency metrics’ in the context of DG?
Measurements used to evaluate the performance and impact of data governance initiatives.
What does ‘data literacy’ refer to in DG?
The ability of individuals within an organization to understand and effectively use data.
What is the significance of an ‘operating framework definition’ in DG?
It provides a structured approach for how data governance will be implemented and managed.
What role does accountability play in Data Governance?
It establishes clear responsibilities and ownership for data management and governance processes.
What is the purpose of the Engagement activity in a DG effort?
To understand contributing factors before finalizing the approach.
This activity can occur at any point within the Engagement set of activities.
What can be adjusted during the detailed planning phase of a DG effort?
Scope.
This adjustment helps prevent the DG effort from pursuing too much at once.
In a program-driven DG effort, what is crucial to grasp?
The impact and interactions with the sponsoring effort.
What should be ensured when applying DG to existing efforts like analytics or AI?
Coordinate planning with other efforts.
What is a key tip for managing a DG plan?
Develop detail plans for the next few months and add details as necessary.
What does Rocky Health’s DG initiative aim to change?
Data behaviors.
What is the focus of Rocky Health’s DG?
Defining a new way to work, not new work.
What is mandatory for the success of DG at Rocky Health?
Behavior changes in data and information handling.
What is the first order of business for a new Chief Data Officer (CDO)?
To get external assistance to reenergize the DG program.
What was the issue with RREC’s first DG initiative?
It was poorly implemented with a lack of attention to data policy and cultural issues.
What is one of the ongoing struggles with data at RREC?
Over 10,000 Access databases used for reports.
What was a significant consequence of the chaotic customer service at RREC?
Long delays in getting new customers hooked up to the grid.
Who is responsible for ensuring safety standards at RREC?
The Director of Standards and Safety.
What is a key component of a successful DG program initiation?
Engaging stakeholders and constituents.
What are the essential steps to initiate a DG program?
Define meaning of DG, define scope, assess capacity, identify new capabilities, and create a vision.
True or False: You always need to conduct maturity assessments in DG.
False.
Fill in the blank: DG at Rocky Health is a change in _______.
behavior and approach to work.
What type of team did Diana assemble for the DG program?
A team with key stakeholders from business and IT areas.
How long did it take to engage stakeholders and develop a vision for RREC’s DG program?
About 3 weeks.
What was one of the problems faced by the previous DG initiatives at RREC?
Isolated DG teams without proper integration or support.
