Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Data Management and Governance

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_169
Branch of Science
Economics and Business
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Information and Communication Science; Management Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

linda.alksne@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

Students will learn to design and implement data governance programs, develop data policies, ensure data quality, and support enterprise data management. The course will highlight the strategic role of data in decision-making and innovation, preparing students for leadership in data governance. They will gain practical skills to assess, structure, and govern data in line with business goals while fostering a data-driven culture and navigating organizational and regulatory complexities.

Preliminary Knowledge

  • Basic understanding of data analysis and statistical concepts - the ability to interpret analytical results, draw well-founded conclusions, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Basic understanding of business processes and project management - knowledge of how companies organize and manage operations, as well as familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile), ensuring that data and IT project initiatives align with real business needs.
  • Basic knowledge of databases and data modeling - an understanding of how databases (e.g., SQL) are applied and the significance of data models in organizing information.
  • Basic knowledge of IT security - the ability to grasp key security principles, identify risks, and understand data protection (e.g., GDPR compliance).
  • Basic understanding of the business environment - the skill to view technical solutions within the context of value creation and to evaluate how data initiatives can support strategic goals and improve cost-benefit outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Name the basic principles of data management and governance and apply them to describe the organization's data strategy;

Individual work and tests

Case study Test about the Foundations of Data Management and Governance

2.Identify and describe the main tasks in creating a data strategy and management systems;

Individual work and tests

Case study Test about the Foundations of Data Management and Governance

3.Explain the core principles of data security policies, and describe appropriate methods and technologies for data protection within an organization;

Individual work and tests

Case study Test about the Technical Foundations of Data Management

4.Describe the principles of data quality and metadata management, highlighting their importance in ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and compliance;

Individual work and tests

Test about the Technical Foundations of Data Management Case study

5.Explain data integration methods and interoperability principles that support effective data exchange between different systems and organizational units;

Individual work and tests

Case study Test about the Technical Foundations of Data Management

Skills

1.Able to develop and adapt data strategies according to the needs and goals of the organization;

Individual work and tests

Test about the Foundations of Data Management and Governance Case study

2.Able to analyze and identify data management problems in organizations, as well as develop strategic solutions to prevent them;

Individual work and tests

Case study Test about the Foundations of Data Management and Governance

3.Able to propose appropriate protection mechanisms and rules to ensure the security of organizational data;

Individual work and tests

Case study Test about the Technical Foundations of Data Management

4.Able to assess data quality and plan measures to maintain data accuracy, consistency and compliance with organizational requirements;

Individual work and tests

Test about the Technical Foundations of Data Management Case study

5.Able to plan and coordinate data integration between different systems to ensure data compatibility and smooth flow;

Individual work and tests

Case study Test about the Technical Foundations of Data Management

6.Able to effectively present the developed data management solutions and strategies, convincingly arguing for the compliance of the chosen approach with the needs of the organization;

Individual work and tests

Test about the Foundations of Data Management and Governance Case study

Competences

1.Able to plan and organize data management initiatives, as well as participate in the development of the organization's data strategy;

Individual work and tests

Test about the Foundations of Data Management and Governance Case study

2.Able to independently identify and solve data management problems, offering solutions that ensure data security, quality and integration;

Individual work and tests

Test about the Foundations of Data Management and Governance Case study

3.Able to understand and apply data quality and metadata management principles to support the alignment of data with the organization's objectives;

Individual work and tests

Case study Test about the Technical Foundations of Data Management

4.Able to initiate innovations in organizational data management, promoting efficient use of resources and adaptation to the changing data environment

Individual work and tests

Case study Test about the Foundations of Data Management and Governance

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Case study

50.00% from total grade
10 points

In the middle of the course, students will be introduced to the main assessment task - Case study. Students will be able to complete this task individually or in pairs. Several case study examples will be provided, based on real organizational situations, in which various data management and leadership problems are visible. Using the knowledge and skills acquired in the course, students will have to develop a strategic plan and create a presentation, offering solutions to the problems of the relevant organization. The main evaluation criteria for this assignment will be:

  • Problem analysis (10 points)
  • Proposed solution (15 points)
  • Application of governance principles (10 points)
  • Use of industry best practices (5 points)
  • Clarity and coherence (10 points)

The final assignment will have to be submitted and the presentations made at the end of the course.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Test about the Foundations of Data Management and Governance

25.00% from total grade
10 points

The test is designed to assess whether students understand the fundamental principles of data management, data strategy, and data architecture. The test includes both open-ended and multiple-choice questions.

2.

Test about the Technical Foundations of Data Management

25.00% from total grade
10 points

The test is designed to assess students' knowledge of the key principles covered in the remaining course lectures, such as data storage, solution development, data protection, metadata management, data quality, and other related topics. The test includes both open-ended and multiple-choice questions.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data management
Description

Discover why data is often referred to as the "new oil" and explore its transformative potential. We'll discuss its critical importance, delve into common organizational challenges like data silos and poor quality, and examine the guiding principles that ensure data is managed effectively.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data strategy
Description

Learn how to create a vision for your organization’s data future. This lecture will cover practical steps for building both short-term and long-term data strategies, how to align these with business objectives, and the art of communicating your strategy to win stakeholder buy-in.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data ethics
Description

Data is powerful, but with great power comes great responsibility. This lecture will navigate the ethical dimensions of data usage, from avoiding bias to understanding the societal implications of your decisions. Real-world examples will highlight the consequences of ethical lapses in data management.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data governance
Description

Explore the backbone of any effective data program - Data governance. You'll learn about governance structures, the roles and responsibilities within a governance framework, and actionable tips for implementation. We'll discuss how good governance ensures data is usable, secure, and aligned with organizational goals.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data architecture and data models
Description

Learn how to design and structure data systems with a focus on architecture and modeling. Explore the principles of data lifecycle planning and the different types of data models: conceptual, logical, and physical, while understanding their critical role in building scalable solutions.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data storage and operations
Description

Examine the strategies and technologies behind data storage and operational efficiency. Delve into integration techniques, the role of data warehousing, and approaches to ensure interoperability between systems.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Advanced data management
Description

Focus on managing critical organizational assets like reference data, master data, and content. This lecture will also explore big data systems and strategies for handling vast, complex datasets with precision and scalability.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Unlocking data value
Description

Transition from management to action by understanding how master data usage, business intelligence (BI), and data science drive decision-making. Learn how to harness these tools to generate insights and enhance business outcomes.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data protection, privacy, security and risk management
Description

Explore strategies for securing data against threats, ensuring privacy, and managing risks. Learn about compliance frameworks, risk mitigation techniques, and the critical role of data protection in maintaining trust.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Metadata management
Description

Discover the power of metadata in making data discoverable, usable, and valuable. This lecture will cover best practices, tools, and frameworks for managing metadata effectively within an organization.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data quality management
Description

Dive into the dimensions and pillars of data quality, understanding the cost of poor quality and how to implement robust quality management practices to ensure reliability and trustworthiness.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Recap
Description

Bring it all together in this final lecture, where you’ll present your case study solutions and demonstrate how to integrate governance, technical foundations, and quality assurance into a cohesive data management strategy.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

DAMA-DMBOK Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd edition) by DAMA internationalSuitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Data Governance: How to Design, Deploy and Sustain an Effective Data Governance Program (2nd edition) by John LadleySuitable for English stream

2.

The Chief Data Officer's Playbook by Caroline Carruthers and Peter JacksonSuitable for English stream

3.

Non-Invasive Data Governance by Robert S. SeinerSuitable for English stream

4.

Data Strategy by Bernard MarrSuitable for English stream

5.

Data Driven Business Transformation by Caroline Carruthers and Peter JacksonSuitable for English stream