Unlocking the Value of Data Governance in Developing Countries: A Framework for Public Administration

Data governance and management solutions are experiencing a continuous data complexity, which make the process very expensive. The sophisticated data usage in many businesses has been a driving factor for new demands in the data handling, which has led to business requiring different ways of managing their data. Many businesses have resolved to the implementation of effective data governance as the most possible way to solve the data issue. Initially, many businesses attempted governing data but the process was not successful due to IT drive and the rigid processes that affected the activities that were carried out on system by system basis. The process has also suffered inadequate support from the organizations and structures for implementation. Data governance has highly recognized significances, but still no advanced research and development directed toward the achievement of the process. Due to the minimum research, this provides a room to advance research in the field in order to widen practice. In this paper, a mini literature review has been conducted to provide a structured and methodical approach for understanding aspects of research in data governance. The main objective is to provide an intellectual foundation for emerging scholars in the field of data governance—principles, models, challenges of data governance and digital transformation, and key dimensions of data governance strategy in Saudi Arabia. The study will incorporate IBM and agility data governance tools and model in integrating the useful information and for establishing and implementing the high level policies and procedures in the study. The mini literature review covered the importance of data governance, data governance principles, data governance models, the challenges facing data governance and digital transformation and the key dimensions in data governance strategy.

Background The development of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) technology has great potential for ubiquitous health monitoring through collaboration between multiple research sites, but its use poses significant challenges to data governance. This study aims to investigate data governance challenges arising when smart home data flows across different research sites. Methods A four-analytic-dimension method was used to identify potential data-related issues that may occur when heterogeneous smart home data moves around multiple research sites. These dimensions include data domain, stakeholders, value, and governance goal. Results Data domain has difficulty in categorizing new data types generated by analytical models without a specified agreement, and determining the regulations for varying levels of anonymization and privacy protection is unclear in the AAL research field. Stakeholders in the AAL project may hold have different norms and practices for data use. Although some common values may be shared, such as improving the quality of homecare, conflicts may still arise and need to be regulated by data governance. Shifting AAL data between stakeholders may reduce its value, as different stakeholders may have varying interests. For instance, removing identifiable information from data to preserve privacy may reduce its value for researchers exploring individuals’ activity patterns. Governance goals are objectives for maintaining and facilitating data. While some governance goals can be widely acknowledged and shared, such as ensuring data security and privacy, conflicts may still exist over others, such as data access. Conclusions The big data generated by smart home technology highlights the need to develop proper data governance models to regulate data. This study’s implications include a better understanding of potential data-related challenges when data flows around multiple research sites, helping policymakers set up suitable data governance models. Key messages • AAL tech for health monitoring poses data governance challenges due to varying stakeholder norms and values. • Proper data governance models need to be developed for AAL data as it remains challenges in data domain, stakeholders, value, and governance goal.

The author concentrates on data governance in research and practice. The author has developed a strong knowledge of data governance through numerous case studies of electricity, retail, telecom, banks, or insurance companies. With more than nine years of experience from both technical and process point of view, the author has become a Data Governance specialist with focus on design and implementation of governance frameworks. The author has given numerous training courses to improve knowledge of the data to derive maximum value from it. Data governance in financial institutions has been significantly driven by regulatory requirements. Data governance standards are complex and lack implementation details. This paper proposes Data Governance Model used in a financial institution. Data Governance Model is based on BCBS 239 and DAMA methodology. The Model enhances practices of DAMA and tailors them to the needs of financial institution. The scope of the Data Governance Model is limited to data governance, data quality, and metadata management.

Kenneth Kernaghan and Canadian Public Administration: Editor's Note and Remembrances

The circular economy (‘CE’) is a political goal to shift the economy towards a more circular and sustainable one. Data sharing shall close information gaps in the predominant economy and, hence, form the backbone of the transition to a CE. As part of the recent legislative proposals from the EC, “digital product passports” (‘DPPs’) are expected to constitute one-stop shops for such data and information delivery. The principal idea of DPPs is to provide product information to interested stakeholders within and outside the product value chain. However, many challenges arise with DPPs, in particular how to reconcile a broad (if no ‘open’) access to data while preserving the (legally protected) interests of certain actors, and the lack of trust concerning data use and quality between the actors. Our hypothesis are (i.) that such challenges are related to the absence of an appropriate (data) governance model for DPPs and (ii.) that data governance as a main concern within the data economy agenda could inform the regulation and operationalisation of DPPs. We analyse the – lack of - (data) governance of DPPs, both in the literature and in the recent legislative proposals from the EC. We find that data governance is significantly overlooked or considered only from a pure technological perspective (techno-solutionism), which is likely to jeopardise DPPs. As both a confirmation and a way forward, we establish connections to data governance as per the data economy agenda. In turn, the analysis of DPPs governance informs the general discussion on data governance.

Enterprizes need Data Quality Management (DQM) to respond to strategic and operational challenges demanding high-quality corporate data. Hitherto, companies have mostly assigned accountabilities for DQM to Information Technology (IT) departments. They have thereby neglected the organizational issues critical to successful DQM. With data governance, however, companies may implement corporate-wide accountabilities for DQM that encompass professionals from businessandIT departments. This research aims at starting a scientific discussion on data governance by transferring concepts from IT governance and organizational theory to the previously largely ignored field of data governance. The article presents the first results of a community action research project on data governance comprising six international companies from various industries. It outlines a data governance model that consists of three components (data quality roles, decision areas, and responsibilities), which together form a responsibility assignment matrix. The data governance model documents data quality roles and their type of interaction with DQM activities. In addition, the article describes a data governance contingency model and demonstrates the influence of performance strategy, diversification breadth, organization structure, competitive strategy, degree of process harmonization, degree of market regulation, and decision-making style on data governance. Based on these findings, companies can structure their specific data governance model.

PurposeThe dramatic population growth of Hispanics and immigrants, combined with the issue of diversity, in the United States population raises several important questions about the future role of public administration and the delivery of culturally appropriate and culturally responsive public programs and public services in the post modern era of diversity. What is cultural competency in public programs and public service delivery? Can public agencies become culturally competent organizations? What is a cultural competency model for public administration and public service delivery? Aims to answer these questions that point to the need for a “new” kind of public servant and public service agency provider– one who possesses explicit cultural competency skills to work with racial/ethnic and cultural/linguistic groups in the delivery of public programs and public services.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a literature review approach, the paper examines the concept of culture in public administration and argues that “culture” and “competency” must be tied together thereby leading to a contemporary standard and operational framework for advancing cultural competency in public administration and public service delivery. The article argues that cultural competency can enhance public administration/public service delivery normative values by increasing an agency's ability to work efficiently, effectively, and equitably in the context of cultural differences.FindingsThe paper concludes that there are five reasons for incorporating cultural competency into the study and practice of public administration/public service delivery and moving a public agency toward cultural competence.Practical implicationsEmbracing cultural competency in public service delivery recognizes the salience of understanding the cultural context in which any direct public service encounter occurs. Advancing cultural competency presents an opportunity to address the incomplete and often times inaccurate public services and public programs provided to minority populations. A focus on cultural competency increases the relevancy of a public agency's administration, services and programs to the groups that can best utilize them. Having knowledge, awareness, and skills in cultural competency, service delivery professionals are better prepared to do their jobs.Originality/valueThis paper should be of value to both academics and practitioners as they grapple with diversity and immigration issues, public administration, public programs and public service delivery.

In its regulatory enterprise to improve the conditions of data sharing and reuse, the European Union has enacted new legislation: the Data Governance Act (DGA). The DGA envisages new forms of sharing public sector data (PSD). Based on a legal analysis of the DGA and an in-depth study of data governance literature, this paper highlights what is at stake in the new regulatory framework and argues that more than the mere openness of more PSD will be necessary to ensure that the European Union policy goals are achieved, especially those concerning enhancing innovation for the common good. From this perspective, the paper argues that the public data trust model of data governance and the Responsible Research and Innovation approach offer two powerful tools for public sector data governance. In this context, this paper contributes to the debate about new data governance models and discusses tools and frameworks enabling the use of data for the common good. It also provides insights to public administration practitioners aiming to implement a framework for increased and sustainable PSD sharing.

In the contemporary business landscape, effective data governance has emerged as a cornerstone for enhancing organizational efficiency and fostering innovation. This manuscript explores the intricate relationship between data governance, organizational efficiency, and innovation within various sectors. Data governance encompasses the processes, policies, and standards that ensure the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data used in an organization. As companies increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, the need for robust data governance frameworks becomes imperative. This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with organizational leaders and data governance experts. The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between strong data governance practices and key efficiency metrics, such as cost reduction, operational speed, and decision-making quality. Moreover, organizations that implement effective data governance frameworks are more likely to exhibit higher levels of innovation, including new product development and process enhancements. The study highlights specific data governance practices, such as data quality management, compliance enforcement, and strategic data stewardship, as critical components influencing both efficiency and innovation outcomes. The implications of these findings underscore the necessity for organizations to prioritize data governance initiatives to maintain competitive advantages in an increasingly data-centric environment. Future research avenues are suggested, emphasizing the evolving nature of data governance in response to technological advancements and regulatory changes. Ultimately, this manuscript contributes to the understanding of how organizations can leverage data governance as a strategic asset to improve efficiency and stimulate innovation, thereby enhancing overall organizational performance and adaptability.

This paper examines the relationship between morals, ethics, public administration and corruption. The argument advanced is that morals and ethics are antidotes for bureaucratic corruption in public service and administration. Currently there seems to be low ethics and morality in public service and administration in South Africa. The discussions in this paper consider the obligations under the South African National Development plan 2030, African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration, and the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development for a corruption free and ethical public service and administration.

This study explores the complexities of implementing data governance within financial systems, focusing on strategies to ensure compliance and security in multi-source data integration projects. The primary aim was to identify challenges and establish a comprehensive framework to enhance data integrity, confidentiality, and regulatory adherence in the financial sector. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research included an extensive literature review, case studies, and expert interviews to gain insights into current practices, challenges, and emerging trends in data governance. Key findings reveal that while multi-source data integration offers significant opportunities for enhanced decision-making, it also presents substantial risks, including data breaches and regulatory non-compliance. The study underscores the pivotal role of data governance frameworks in mitigating these risks through the establishment of clear data policies, the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, and the promotion of a compliance-focused organizational culture. Additionally, the analysis highlights the necessity for harmonized global data privacy laws to address the diverse regulatory environments that financial institutions operate within. The research concludes that effective data governance is crucial for financial institutions to safeguard their data assets, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain stakeholder trust. Recommendations include the adoption of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain to enhance data governance capabilities, the provision of ongoing employee training to foster a culture of compliance, and the implementation of dynamic compliance monitoring systems to keep pace with evolving regulatory demands. By embracing these strategies, financial institutions can develop a resilient data governance framework that not only ensures compliance and security but also drives operational excellence, competitive advantage, and sustained trust in the increasingly digital financial landscape. Keywords: Data Governance, Financial Systems, Multi-Source Data Integration, Regulatory Compliance, Cybersecurity, Data Privacy.

BackgroundHealth data are growing rapidly, and the processing of such data is evolving. Research on data governance in older persons’ health care is unexplored, providing little guidance for practice and future studies.ObjectiveThis scoping review aimed to synthesize available information on data governance in the context of older persons’ health based on evidence from literature.MethodsThe study followed the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews). Online databases, namely, PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, ACM, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar were searched by 2 independent reviewers (AG and AMB) for studies on older persons’ health data governance published from January 2000 to April 2024. The independent reviewers performed the search, screening, data extraction, and review of full-text papers. A third reviewer (YP) made the final decision for unresolved discrepancies between the first 2 reviewers. The framework by the World Health Organization Pan American Health Organization, a high-level framework for planning and implementing data governance in public health, was used in the data extraction and analysis. Descriptive statistics were used, and a descriptive approach was used to summarize the results of the scoping review.ResultsA total of 9840 titles were identified and 57 papers were included. Of these, 35 (61.4%) focused on technology, 19 (33.3%) on processes, and 3 (5.3%) on people. Data controller, processor, researchers, data subject or patient (including family or relatives), and relevant organizations were involved in older persons’ data governance. Data governance frameworks were designed and implemented by reviewing the current evidence, involving the stakeholders throughout the process, implementing specific procedures (eg, collection and aggregating health data), and monitoring and evaluating them.ConclusionsThe review underscores the importance of the involvement of relevant stakeholders and the use of various innovative tools and approaches in governing data related to the health of older persons. Meanwhile, research specifically addressing data governance for older persons’ health conditions is limited. To enhance health outcomes for older persons, effective data governance is essential, alongside further research on relevant policies and practices.

Public administration and political science: From monogamous marriage to professional partnership

The European regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) underscores the pivotal role of data governance. This abstract delves into the multifaceted aspects of data governance within the European framework. Emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fairness the regulation establishes guidelines for AI systems reliant on data. Striking a delicate balance between innovation and protection of fundamental rights, it navigates challenges posed by vast datasets. The abstract explores how the regulatory landscape acknowledges the dynamic nature of AI technologies, requiring adaptive data governance structures. As Europe shapes the future of AI, the interplay between effective data governance and ethical considerations emerges as a linchpin, influencing the trajectory of technological advancements while safeguarding individuals and societal values.

The New Public Administration sought a public service whose legitimacy would be based, in part, on its promotion of “social equity.” Since 1968, several personnel changes congruent with the New Public Administration have occurred: traditional managerial authority over public employees has been reduced through collective bargaining and changes in constitutional doctrines; the public service has become more socially representative; establishing a representative bureaucracy has become an important policy goal; more emphasis is now placed on employee participation in the work place; and legal changes regarding public administrators’ liability have promoted an “inner check” on their behavior. At the same time, however, broad systemic changes involving decentralization and the relationship between political officials and career civil servants have tended to undercut the impact of those changes in personnel. The theories of Minnowbrook I, therefore, have proven insufficient as a foundation for a new public service. Grounding the public service's legitimacy in the U.S. Constitution is a more promising alternative and is strongly recommended. The New Public Administration, like other historical calls for drastic administrative change in the United States, sought to develop a new basis for public administrative legitimacy. Earlier successful movements grounded the legitimacy of the public service in high social standing and leadership, representativeness and close relationship to political parties, or in putative political neutrality and scientific managerial and technical expertise. To these bases, the New Public Administration sought to add “social equity.” As George Frederickson explained, “Administrators are not neutral. They should be committed to both good management and social equity as values, things to be achieved, or rationales. “(1) Social equity was defined as “includ[ing] activities designed to enhance the political power and economic well being of … [disadvantaged] minorities.” It was necessary because “the procedures of representative democracy presently operate in a way that either fails or only very gradually attempts to reverse systematic discrimination against” these groups.(2) Like the Federalists, the Jacksonians, and the civil service reformers and progressives before it, the New Public Administration focused upon administrative reform as a means of redistributing political power.(3) Also, like these earlier movements, the New Public Administration included a model of a new type of public servant. This article sets forth that new model and considers the extent to which the major changes that have actually taken place in public personnel administration since 1968 are congruent with it. We find that while contemporary public personnel reflects many of the values and concerns advanced by the New Public Administration, substantial changes in the political environment of public administration have frustrated the development of a new public service that would encompass the larger goals and ideals expressed at Minnowbrook I. Building on the trends of the past two decades, this article also speculates about the future. Our conclusion is that ultimately the public service's legitimacy must be grounded in the Constitution. Although its focus is on macro-level political and administrative developments, the broad changes it discusses provide the framework from which many contemporary personnel work-life issues, such as pay equity and flexitime, have emerged.