Re: [egov] Tactics on data alignment / standardization

[john.borras@e-envoy.gsi.gov.uk]

Thomas

Apologies for the delay in replying but I have been on holiday amongst many other things.

I am glad you like our Data Standards Catalogue.  We have developed it in XML and I can let you have the source code if you would like to create your own version?

As you have identified getting agreement on data elements is not easy and there are politics and business rules that make this a very difficult process.  However without these agreements the delivery of joined-up e-government services is almost impossible.  So there has to be a common culture and vision accepted by all players across government.  One of our very important early agreements was that we would use open international or national standards where they exist, so for some elements that made the task easy.  If you are able to mandate the use of these standards as we are then that makes the task a little easier.

We have sent many hours in committee meetings debating the data elements and agreeing final standards.  These committees include representatives of all government agencies and our process allows for escalation to senior management of any unresolvable issues.  Clearly in this work there have to be compromises and  for many agencies it can mean significant changes have to be made, but the implementation of those changes has to be managed in a pragmatic way.   

Our initial focus has been on the common data elements that most agencies use, eg names, addresses, dates, reference numbers etc.  It is essential to get these agreed early on although they are probably some of the hardest to deal with.

So based on our experience I can say the task is not easy, there is no quick solution, it is essential to involve all stakeholders, get their early agreement on the strategic use of common data elements, then grind your way through the individual elements trying to reach agreement.

I hope this helps but if you would like to discuss this further we could set up a telephone conference including some of your other colleagues.  Let me know if you want to do this.

Regards,

John

Thomas Lee <ytlee@cecid.hku.hk> 23/07/2003 10:17

To:        egov@lists.oasis-open.org         cc:                 Subject:        [egov] Tactics on data alignment / standardization

Dear John and other eGov experts,

The Government team and my team are very impressed by UK Government's 
achievement on the production of the Data Standards Catalogue.  After 
the production of our XML Guide, our priority will be to gather 
different Government departments to concertedly align Government data 
elements and develop XML schemas for those elements. We forsee there 
will be considerable politics in arriving at commonly agreed data 
representations among different departments.

Do any of you kindly share with us your tips, tactics, experiences, and 
reference materials on handling politics in  Government-wide data 
standardization? Have you created / referenced any standardization 
process for this purpose?

Regards,
Thomas

P.S. Please see the following email messages from my Government partner.

-----
Dear Thomas

Re the preceeding email, the UK's Government Data Standards Catalogue is 
a useful reference. 
(http://www.govtalk.gov.uk/schemasstandards/eservices.asp)

We are looking for things beyond what's stated in volume 1.    We want 
tacit knowledge, including how to deal with politics.

Thanks a lot.

Regards,

Marianne

-----
Dear Thomas

While we are making preparation to pursue with the progressive alignment 
of common data elements across government  departments, can you share 
with us some tips or tactics on data alignment / data standardization, 
so that we can be more tactful in this exercise.

Thank you in advance for your advice

Regards,

Marianne



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