Process

The University’s data maturity is low but the complexity of our systems and processes is high.

Data is critical to every area of our operation so the Data Strategy needs to move the University towards a common platform.

Current state
The Student Lifecycle Programme (SLP) and Corporate Processes & Systems (CPS) Programme have completed early work in delivery of the Data Strategy. Work is underway to improve data architecture, standards and governance. The University now has a system for data cataloguing, profiling and quality management, but this needs longer term support.
To date, we have used informal knowledge-sharing systems to engage contributors but this approach is limited in scope. Although several important groups are involved other key stakeholders are not, and all contributors have primary commitments elsewhere. In these developmental stages,
we have created a vision and supported it with guidance documents, but this needs expansion if we are to establish and embed mature practices.
It is clear that the transition from a highly decentralised and informal data management model to a well-conformed and systemised model will take five to ten years. This evolution is essential if any current or future investment in technology is to offer good value, or we are to exploit modern data disciplines such as analytics, AI and machine learning. Without investment in our Data Strategy we risk being left behind as the sector moves to an increasingly data-driven model of teaching and research.

Target state
The aim is for the University to become sufficiently data mature that it is able to run its activities efficiently and confidently, and for staff at all levels to trust data in
making evidence-based decisions. We want to reduce data management overheads, freeing staff and students to focus on teaching or research rather than administration. The Data Service will take responsibility for data governance (‘design’), creating frameworks, developing common data standards and implementing data quality rules. Once these frameworks exist, the Data Service will undertake the ‘build’ phase of the project, using the frameworks to integrate systems and create a common data platform. This will provide the University with a coherent view of current and historic data for reporting, business intelligence and analytics. This common data platform will support future transformation programmes and facilitate continuous service improvements.