Driving Data Projects : A Comprehensive Guide

Digital transformation and data projects are not new and yet, for many, they are a challenge. Driving Data Projects is a compelling guide that empowers data teams and professionals to navigate the complexities of data projects, fostering a more data-informed culture within their organizations. With practical insights and step-by-step methodologies, this guide provides a clear path how to drive data projects effectively in any organization, regardless of its sector or maturity level whilst also demonstrating how to overcome the overwhelming feelings of where to start and how to not lose momentum. This book offers the keys to identifying opportunities for driving data projects and how to overcome challenges to drive successful data initiatives. Driving Data Projects is highly practical and provides reflections, worksheets, checklists, activities, and tools making it accessible to students new to driving data projects and culture change. This book is also a must-have guide for data teams and professionals committed to unleashing the transformative power of data in their organizations. Front Cover Half-Title Page Bcs, The Chartered Institute For It Title Page Copyright Page Contents List of figures, tables and exhibits Abbreviations Acknowledgements Foreword INTRODUCTION A word about the book cover Intended audience How to use this resource 1. DATA FOUNDATIONS The basics What is data? Why data terms matter The data journey, from information to asset Key points 2. DATA TRANSFORMATION 101 Driven by data and informed Make an impact: raise all boats Five key ideas for making data projects work Getting started Key points 3. SCOPE THE PROJECT Understanding data wants and needs Using to-do lists to identify project needs Common needs that data projects can meet Four best practices for great data projects Scoping the project Building a data project team Leading data projects and initiatives Creating a roles and responsibilities template Conduct a pre-implementation review Key points 4. DETERMINE RESOURCES Right-sizing an approach that works for you The importance of sponsorship The project change triangle and assessment Designing the project team Designing the data team Key roles on a data project team Data project approach Key points 5. MANAGE THE WORK Determining complexity of projects 0. Plan 1. Kick-off 2. Discovery 3. Build 4. Implement 5. Evaluate and acknowledge Key points 6. TUNE THE CHANGE Becoming data-driven Shifting culture to be data-centric The tuning process Level one: observer Level two: practitioner Level three: learner Level four: skilled Key points CONCLUSION Your role in the data supply chain Reasons to develop data projects strategically Pitfalls to avoid ANNEX: PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES APPENDICES Appendix A: Determining multiyear goals Appendix B: Potential data projects Appendix C: Working agreements, data contracts and service-level agreements Appendix D: Types of data projects Appendix E: Pre- and post-implementation review templates Appendix F: Data terms, jargon and phrases WORKSHEETS Worksheet 1: Building a vision Worksheet 2: Reflection: recall your past data project experiences Worksheet 3: To-do list based needs assessment Worksheet 4: Project vetting checklist Worksheet 5: Scoping template Worksheet 6: Change management preparation task list Worksheet 7: Assessing your organisation for change Worksheet 8: Integration of project and change management activities Worksheet 9: PCT assessment summary and risk profile Worksheet 10: PCT sponsor assessment Worksheet 11: PCT group member assessment Worksheet 12: Mapping discovery at the end of Phase Three Worksheet 13: Mission and guiding principles (observe) Worksheet 14: Three hows – multiyear goals (practice) Worksheet 15: To-dos list (practice) Worksheet 16: Augment core competencies (learn) Worksheet 17: Data supply chain: core systems Index Back Cover This book is a compelling guide that empowers readers to navigate the complexities of data projects, fostering a more data-informed culture within their organizations. With practical insights and step-by-step methodologies, this guide provides a clear path on how to drive successful data initiatives in any organization.