Describe Data Management

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:

Define data management and explain its importance.
Identify key activities and processes in data management.
List data management roles and responsibilities.

This module was produced in collaboration with PeerNova. Learn about partner content on Trailhead.

Introduction to Data Management

Northern Trail Outfitters (NTO) is growing rapidly and adopting new technologies. With data spread across different departments and some redundant technologies, it’s essential to have a ‌data management framework that ensures data is accurate, accessible, and secure.

According to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DAMA-I), the go-to data management manual for data professionals, data management is defined as: “[T]he development, execution, and supervision of plans, policies, programs, and practices that deliver, control, protect, and enhance the value of data and information assets throughout their lifecycle. At its core, data management ensures that data is treated as a valuable asset, aligning with organizational goals and supporting decision-making processes.”

In this module, learn more about the fundamentals of data management and discover key concepts for effective strategy planning and execution.

Key Activities and Processes in Data Management

Data management involves a wide range of activities and processes. All of which are essential for maintaining the high-quality and value of data within an organization. Let’s review these activities in more detail.

Data Management Function	Description
Data Governance	Establish policies, standards, and procedures for data management. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards. Assign roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability in data handling.
Data Quality Management	Ensure that data is accurate, complete, and fit for its intended purpose. Implement processes to assess, improve, and monitor data quality.
Data Architecture	Design the structure and flow of data within the organization. Ensure that data is stored, integrated, and managed efficiently across the organization.
Application Development	Create and maintain business applications that collect, process, and deliver data to users across the organization. Develop enterprise-wide solutions, including determining which application or technology will serve as a system of record, system of reference, or system of intelligence, and the associated data sharing architecture.
Data Integration	Ensure that data from different sources can be combined and used together. Implement technologies and processes that support data interoperability so data is available from different systems when and where needed.
Data Security	Protect data from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security threats. Implement access controls, encryption, and other security measures.
Data Operations	Manage the daily operations of data management activities. Monitor data usage, performance, and availability.

Data Management Roles and Responsibilities

Effective data management requires collaboration between business and technology roles. At Northern Trail Outfitters (NTO), where data is distributed across different systems and used by various departments, it’s crucial to assign clear roles and responsibilities. This way, NTO knows that data used in business decisions is reliable and compliant through effective collaboration across different stakeholders. Let’s review some of the key roles in data management.

In this unit, you learned about defined data management–what it involves, why it’s crucial, and who performs each of the key roles. Next, explore the key components of a data strategy and how to align a data strategy with your business goals.

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Describe Data Management

Learning Objectives

Introduction to Data Management

Key Activities and Processes in Data Management

Data Management Roles and Responsibilities

Resources