Last updated on Aug 24, 2024

You're torn between IT projects and data governance initiatives. How do you prioritize effectively?

In the fast-paced world of technology, you may find yourself caught between the demands of IT projects and the necessity of data governance initiatives. Both are crucial for the success of your organization, but limited resources and time constraints often force you to make tough decisions on where to focus your efforts. Data governance, the management of the availability, usability, integrity, and security of the data employed in an enterprise, is not just a compliance necessity but a strategic asset. However, IT projects that keep your company's infrastructure running cannot be ignored. Prioritizing effectively requires a strategic approach that aligns with your organization's goals and regulatory requirements.

1 Assess Needs

Begin by thoroughly assessing the needs of your organization. Consider the immediate benefits of IT projects against the long-term value of data governance. IT projects often provide visible short-term improvements, while data governance initiatives are more strategic, ensuring data quality and compliance over time. Evaluate which areas have the most pressing requirements based on factors such as risk management, regulatory compliance, and business objectives. This assessment will help you understand where to allocate resources that will have the most significant impact on your organization's success and resilience.

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Ashish Singh

Senior Director Data Strategy | Data Engineering | Data Analytics | Data Governance | Paving path for AI & ML | Speaker | Ex Yahoo, Credit Suisse, UBS, Fintech
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I've found it crucial to ensure both IT projects and data governance initiatives directly contribute to organizational goals. - Identify areas where data quality improvements can drive significant business value. - Prioritize initiatives that address compliance obligations and mitigate risks. - Quantify the potential benefits and costs of each project to make informed decisions. - Collaborate with business leaders, IT teams, and data governance experts to gain diverse perspectives. - Use a structured approach (e.g., scoring matrix, weighted factors) to rank projects based on importance and urgency.

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2 Align Goals

Aligning your priorities with the broader goals of your organization is essential. Understand how each IT project and data governance initiative supports these objectives. For instance, if your company aims to enhance customer experience, an IT project improving the customer service portal might take precedence. Conversely, if ensuring compliance with data protection regulations is a priority, data governance efforts might need to be ramped up. By aligning your efforts with organizational goals, you ensure that your work directly contributes to the overarching mission and vision.

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3 Risk Evaluation

Conducting a risk evaluation is a critical step in prioritization. Determine the potential risks associated with neglecting IT projects or data governance initiatives. For example, failing to update security systems through an IT project could leave your organization vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Similarly, inadequate data governance could result in non-compliance with laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), leading to hefty fines. Weighing the risks against the benefits can provide a clear picture of which tasks demand immediate attention.

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4 Resource Allocation

Resource allocation involves making decisions about where to invest your time, money, and personnel. You might find that certain IT projects require immediate resource allocation due to their urgency or potential to drive revenue. On the other hand, data governance initiatives may need sustained investment over time to build a robust framework. Consider the resources available and how they can be best utilized to support both immediate needs and long-term strategic goals.

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Soon Heng TAN 🇸🇬 ᴰᵃᵗᵃ ᔆᵗʳᵃᵗᵉᵍᶦˢᵗ

Head of Data & Analytics (Data Management) at Public Service | Master of Technology (Knowledge Engineering) | CDMP | TOGAF | AWS-SAA | GCP-DE | GCP-MLE | DCS-DS | CSM | CSSLP | EDHL Enterprise Data Harmonisation Leader💡
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Balance IT projects and data governance initiatives by strategically PRIORITIZING and DELEGATING tasks: 1) Assess the work that have a direct impact on business operations, regulatory compliance, or strategic goals. 2) Prioritize these work based on urgency and importance, and assign them to team members based on their expertise. Delegate project management responsibilities to a capable PM who can oversee timelines, resources, and deliverables. Delegate routine tasks such as data quality checks, or data lineage documentation to data stewards. 3) Ensure everyone understands their role and how it contributes to the overall objectives. 4) Establish regular check-ins, and reporting structures to keep track of progress on both fronts.

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5 Stakeholder Input

Gathering input from stakeholders can provide valuable insights into prioritization. Engage with various departments, from IT to legal and compliance, to understand their perspectives on the importance of different projects and initiatives. Stakeholders may highlight considerations you hadn't thought of, such as legal implications of data governance or operational necessities for IT projects. Their feedback can help you make more informed decisions that reflect the diverse needs of your organization.

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6 Monitor Progress

Finally, it's important to monitor the progress of both IT projects and data governance initiatives. Establishing metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) will help you track their impact and effectiveness. Regularly reviewing progress allows you to adjust your priorities as needed. If an IT project is falling behind schedule or a data governance initiative isn't meeting its targets, you can redirect resources accordingly to ensure both areas are advancing towards their goals.

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You're torn between IT projects and data governance initiatives. How do you prioritize effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Needs

2 Align Goals

3 Risk Evaluation

4 Resource Allocation

5 Stakeholder Input

6 Monitor Progress

Data Governance

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You're torn between IT projects and data governance initiatives. How do you prioritize effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Needs

2 Align Goals

3 Risk Evaluation

4 Resource Allocation

5 Stakeholder Input

6 Monitor Progress

Data Governance

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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