Governance of values in validation tables
- Denise Kidd
Governance considerations
Purpose and Scope: Clearly define the purpose and scope of the validation table. What is its intended use? Is it specific to a particular system or process? Understanding the purpose and scope will help determine the appropriate governance approach.
Stakeholders: Identify the key stakeholders who will be involved in the governance process. This may include domain experts, data owners, data consumers, and other relevant parties. Consider their roles and responsibilities in the decision-making process.
Decision-Making Process: Define a clear and transparent decision-making process for adding new values to the validation table. Consider factors such as who can propose new values, how proposals are evaluated, and how final decisions are made. You may want to establish a dedicated committee or working group to oversee this process.
Data Quality and Validation: Establish criteria for assessing the quality and validity of new values. Consider factors such as data accuracy, reliability, completeness, and relevance. Determine the validation process, including any required documentation or evidence to support the addition of new values.
Documentation and Communication: Document the governance structure and decision-making process in a clear and accessible manner. This documentation should include guidelines, procedures, and any relevant standards. Communicate the governance structure to all stakeholders to ensure a common understanding.
Change Management: Consider how changes to the validation table will be managed over time. Define protocols for updating or removing existing values and addressing potential conflicts or inconsistencies. Establish a review cycle to periodically evaluate the relevance and accuracy of the validation table.
Security and Access Control: Determine appropriate security measures to protect the validation table and prevent unauthorized changes. Implement access controls to ensure that only authorized individuals can propose or modify values. Consider the need for version control or audit trails to track changes.
Training and Support: Provide training and support to stakeholders involved in the governance process. This includes educating them about the purpose and usage of the validation table, as well as the governance structure itself. Offer assistance and guidance to ensure compliance with the established procedures.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and review the effectiveness of the governance structure. Seek feedback from stakeholders and identify areas for improvement. Adapt the structure as needed to address emerging needs or challenges.
Deciding whether to add a new value
Clearly Define Criteria: Establish clear criteria and guidelines for evaluating proposed new values. Define the specific attributes or characteristics that a value must possess to be considered valid and suitable for inclusion in the validation table. This helps create a consistent and objective basis for decision-making.
Involve Relevant Stakeholders: Include representatives from different stakeholder groups in the decision-making process. This ensures that diverse perspectives and expertise are considered when evaluating proposed values. Involve domain experts, data owners, data consumers, and other stakeholders who have a vested interest in the validation table.
Establish a Review Committee or Working Group: Create a dedicated committee or working group responsible for reviewing and making decisions on proposed values. This group should consist of individuals with the necessary knowledge and expertise related to the validation table's purpose and scope. The committee can collectively evaluate proposals, discuss their merits, and make informed decisions.
Document and Communicate the Process: Clearly document the decision-making process, including the steps involved, the roles and responsibilities of committee members, and the criteria for evaluating proposals. Ensure that this information is readily accessible to all stakeholders. Transparently communicate the process to promote understanding and confidence in the decision-making framework.
Collect and Analyze Data: Base decisions on data and evidence rather than personal opinions or assumptions. Encourage stakeholders to provide supporting data or information for proposed values. Analyze the data to assess its validity, reliability, and relevance. This data-driven approach enhances objectivity and credibility in decision-making.
Seek Expert Input: If needed, consult external experts or seek input from specialized advisory groups. These experts can provide additional insights, knowledge, and guidance on evaluating proposed values. Their expertise can be particularly valuable when dealing with complex or specialized domains.
Regular Evaluation and Iteration: Establish a process for regular evaluation and iteration of the validation table. Periodically review the existing values, assess their effectiveness, and identify opportunities for improvement. Solicit feedback from stakeholders and incorporate their input into the decision-making process.
Establish Timelines and Deadlines: Set realistic timelines and deadlines for the decision-making process. This helps maintain momentum and ensures that proposals are evaluated in a timely manner. Adhering to established timelines demonstrates the commitment to efficient decision-making and avoids unnecessary delays.
Learn from Past Decisions: Keep a record of previous decisions and their outcomes. Analyze the impact and consequences of past additions to the validation table. Use this knowledge to inform future decision-making, identify patterns, and learn from any mistakes or successes.
