DMMA Q1. What is/has happened?

How-To Mature your Data?

Author: Howard Diesel

Date: February 23, 2023

The very first question that requires answering. The answers to this question set the stage for all our subsequent questions.

Take your time explaining these answers. Be patient with your audience and allow them not just to respond "yes" but to believe that the answers are correct.

Your story should provide a consensus that accurately reflects the current state of Data Management in their organisation.

You may have radically different views from different people, and you should be able to explain this variance.

I request evidence when I get responses that are way above the current average maturity level.

Certain interviewees will try to increase their maturity level on the first few questions and back off after being asked to produce evidence.

Other interviewees will claim low maturity levels. These claims come from the belief that people must produce deliverables according to their level of satisfaction.

This variation demonstrates the need for shared understanding and behaviour across the organisation. The high level of variance will disappear when we achieve the DEFINED level.

From my experience, these assessments can be highly emotional and qualitative until you reach DEFINED.

The last point I want to address is that these assessments should be done at a deliverable level and not the process level.

I am still looking for an organisation operating below the DEFINED level that has accurate data about the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. Without sufficient historical process data that support statistical process control (SPC), people will not be able to produce the required evidence.