A.5 Governance


A.5 – Governance

Governance of Complex Data-Informed Business Processes

Implementing or advancing data informed TAM business processes will increase the amount, complexity, and integration of data collected and managed by DOTs.  Data management challenges will grow as practices advance, requiring increased emphasis on governance to sustain advanced practice.

Figure 3-5. Example Data Governance Structure

Data Governance Structure

A commonly used governance structure consists of an upper-level committee establishing governance policy and direction, supported by one or more lower level committees. These governance committees establish data stewardship roles to provide accountability for data within individual business units, functional areas and/or data subject areas.

Data Governance Policy

Adopt policies that establish data governance roles and responsibilities, and ensure data is treated as an agency asset. Such policies can define data of agency-wide interest and lay the groundwork for data standardization and other processes to ensure coordination across business units on data collection and development.

Important Terminology

The following terms are used within this Section.

Change Management or Change Control:

Processes in place to review, evaluate, and coordinate changes to data products, applications, and systems to minimize impacts to users and reduce any change-related errors.

Community of Interest:

A group of stakeholders with a common interest in a type of data or other topic area. In contrast to a Community of Practice – where members have similar job functions, Community of Interest members may come from different parts of the organization and have different goals.

Data Governance:

The accountability for the management of an organization’s data assets to achieve its business purposes and compliance with any relevant legislation, regulation, and business practice.

Data Stewardship:

The formal, specifically assigned and entrusted accountability for business (as opposed to information technology) responsibilities ensuring effective control and use of data and information assets.

Conceptual Examples
Data Governance Roles and Responsibilities
Upper-Level Policy Committee (e.g. Governance Council)

A decision- and policy-making authority, typically reporting directly to high-level executive management, providing oversight and direction to the enterprise governance program.

Technical Working Committee (e.g. Enterprise Data Stewards Committee)

Develop governance policy, standards, practices, and guidance, address implementation issues, and promote adherence within the agency.

Enterprise Data Stewards

Represent enterprise interest in data within a specific subject area, facilitating coordination and agreement across business units.

Data Stewards

Are accountable for data within a specific business area, working with individual business owners to ensure data is well managed and providing value to the organization.

Data Custodians

Technical staff responsible for execution of governance and data management activities by supporting direct entry, quality control, and maintenance of data under the direction of the data steward.