Data Governance - 1 - Executive Overview

Question 1

What does it mean for an organization to be ‘data driven’?

Answer 1

To manage data as an asset.

Question 2

Who is the primary audience for the concepts discussed in this chapter?

Answer 2

An organization’s top leadership.

Question 3

What are some consequences of poor data management?

Answer 3

Fraud, security breaches, loss of customers, inaccurate inventory.

Question 4

What is the estimated cost of errors and lost opportunities due to poor data management?

Answer 4

$US trillions.

Question 5

What does data governance (DG) oversee?

Answer 5

The operation and evolution of essential capabilities to manage data assets.

Question 6

What are some risks associated with mistreating data?

Answer 6

Privacy breaches, errors, reputation damage.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: Organizations need to be as rigorous with data as they are with _______.

Answer 7

inventory, suppliers, employees, or finances.

Question 8

What is often the usual resourcing of a typical initial data governance effort?

Answer 8

Under five full-time equivalents (FTEs).

Question 9

True or False: Data governance is a new and unknown area for organizations.

Answer 9

False.

Question 10

What do organizations that succeed with data governance show?

Answer 10

Measurable business improvement.

Question 11

What is a common misconception among executives regarding data controls?

Answer 11

That basic data controls and oversight are in place.

Question 12

What is the role of the Chief Data Officer?

Answer 12

To ensure strong alignment to strategy, leadership, and sponsorship in data governance.

Question 13

What is a key point regarding executive engagement in data governance?

Answer 13

Executives must demonstrate engagement for the program to succeed.

Question 14

What does data governance provide for data assets?

Answer 14

Guardrails for using and taking care of the data assets.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Data governance is similar to corporate governance in that it ensures _______.

Answer 15

policies are followed.

Question 16

What is a significant challenge organizations face regarding data management?

Answer 16

Departments managing data in their own unique ways.

Question 17

What is the relationship between data governance and organizational strategy?

Answer 17

Strong alignment is necessary for success.

Question 18

What does the author compare data governance to in terms of organizational capability?

Answer 18

Lean, Six Sigma, BPR.

Question 19

What does the author suggest about the cost of implementing data governance?

Answer 19

DG does not mean an increase in overhead.

Question 20

What does DG ensure regarding data quality?

Answer 20

It sets parameters for consistency and acts as quality assurance.

Question 21

True or False: Data governance should be treated as an inconvenience.

Answer 21

False.

Question 22

What is the author’s call to action for executives?

Answer 22

Engage in a movement toward new business capabilities regarding data.

Question 23

What are the consequences of bad data driving bad AI models?

Answer 23

Bad actions and potential harm to individuals or society.

Question 24

What is the fundamental shift in how organizations view data, according to the author?

Answer 24

Data governance is now a required capability.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: DG is the true indicator of a shift in how organizations view and _______.

Answer 25

manage data.

Question 26

What does DG stand for?

Answer 26

Data Governance ## Footnote DG refers to the framework for managing data assets in organizations.

Question 27

How is DG viewed in relation to Lean or Six Sigma?

Answer 27

As significant as Lean or Six Sigma ## Footnote DG represents new capabilities required for modern times.

Question 28

What is the primary goal of DG?

Answer 28

To set parameters for consistency ## Footnote DG is seen as the quality assurance aspect of data management.

Question 29

According to Deming, what is the difference between quality assurance and quality control?

Answer 29

Quality assurance is 'doing the right things', while quality control is 'doing things right' ## Footnote This highlights the philosophical distinction in managing quality.

Question 30

Is implementing DG associated with increased overhead?

Answer 30

No, DG does not mean an increase in overhead ## Footnote Properly implemented DG should not require additional funding for manpower or capital.

Question 31

What should be the outcome of perfect DG deployment?

Answer 31

Zero increase in costs with no separate DG area ## Footnote This indicates that DG can be integrated seamlessly into existing processes.

Question 32

What does DG aim to modify in organizations?

Answer 32

People’s behaviors and business processes ## Footnote DG encourages clearer thinking about data management.

Question 33

What challenges do organizations face regarding DG?

Answer 33

Short attention spans and resistance to new initiatives ## Footnote Organizations often abandon new strategies if they seem difficult.

Question 34

What mindset is crucial for the success of DG?

Answer 34

The mindset of leadership ## Footnote Leadership plays a key role in fostering a culture that embraces DG.

Question 35

How does DG compare to other initiatives like HR programs or Six Sigma?

Answer 35

DG receives less attention despite its significance ## Footnote Organizations often prioritize other initiatives over DG.

Question 36

What is the purpose of Chapters 2–6 in the book?

Answer 36

To orient management and newcomers to DG ## Footnote These chapters aim to increase awareness and understanding of DG.

Question 37

What can additional awareness of DG help organizations achieve?

Answer 37

Monetize data assets correctly, with minimal risk, in an ethical fashion ## Footnote This emphasizes the importance of ethical data governance.