DATA GOVERNANCE

MATURITY MODEL
What it is, how to select it, & how to use it

DATA GOVERNANCE MATURITY MODEL

by George Firican, Founder of LightsOnData.com

In the digital age, data is the lifeblood of organizations, driving

decisions, strategies, and ultimately, success. However, managing
this critical asset effectively is a complex task that requires a
structured approach.

This is where a Data Governance Maturity Model comes into play.

Much like a personal growth journey, a maturity model helps
organizations understand their current state, envision a more
advanced future, and chart a course for improvement.

This whitepaper distills the essence of the Data Governance

Maturity Model, serving as a guide for organizations seeking to
enhance their data governance capabilities.

© www.lightsondata.com Author: George Firican

WHAT IT IS
Understanding maturity models

Imagine you're learning to cook. Initially, you might

struggle to boil water, but over time, with practice and MATURITY MODEL
guidance, you can become a gourmet chef. This DEFINITION
progression is akin to an organization's journey
“A measurement of
through a Data Governance Maturity Model.
the ability of an
It's a framework that measures an organization's organization to
capability to continuously improve in managing its undertake continuous
data governance program. It helps you understand: improvement in a
particular discipline.”
Where you are: Assessing your current data
governance practices.
Where you want to be: Envisioning a more
advanced state of data governance.
How to get there: Identifying steps to close the gap
between current and desired states.

A Data Governance Maturity Model can also allow one

to benchmark the results against oneself and peers.

© www.lightsondata.com
Maturity levels
Explained through a cooking chef analogy

A Data Governance Maturity Model tends to have a number of levels, most

often 1 -> 5, but it can differ. As one progresses in levels, the overall value,
impact, productivity, quality and the overall capabilities brought by data
governance increase. At the same time, the risks and inefficiencies decrease.

Each level comes with a description of its characteristics. For example:

Level 1: Initial (The Novice Chef)

Characteristics: Data governance is non-existent or ad-hoc. Processes are
manual and poorly defined, with no formal team or council in place.
Analogy: Just like a novice chef, the organization is at the beginning of its
journey, often reacting to situations rather than having a structured approach.

Level 2: Developing (The Apprentice)

Characteristics: Standards begin to form, and some processes are defined. The
organization starts adopting data governance, and the foundation of a Data
Governance Council is laid.
Analogy: Similar to an apprentice chef, the organization starts learning and
applying basic governance principles.

Level 3 to 5: Managed to Optimizing (The Expert to Master

Chef)
Characteristics: As organizations move up these levels, they exhibit mature
data governance practices with advanced metrics, optimized processes, and
a culture of continuous improvement.
Analogy: Just as a chef progresses to become an expert and then a master,
organizations develop sophisticated and proactive data governance
capabilities.

© www.lightsondata.com
various models
Which one do you choose?

There are various models available, such as the ones

offered by CMMI, TDWI, and others offered by
industry giants like Gartner and IBM, just to name a
few. Some are free, some are paid. There are also
those that are custom made and done in-house.
Each model has its unique structure, focus, and “Selecting the
method of assessment.
right Data
Selecting the right one is akin to choosing a cooking Governance
style that suits your taste and goals. It's essential to Maturity Model is
consider: akin to choosing a
cooking style that
Your organization's specific needs: What are
your data governance goals and challenges?
suits your
The model's focus: Does it align with your preference, needs,
industry and data governance objectives? and goals.”
Resource availability: Do you have the time and
personnel to commit to the free, purchased or
custom built model?

© www.lightsondata.com
WORKFLOW
The steps required to use a maturity model

Selection
Selecting the right Data Governance Maturity Model is akin to choosing a cooking style
that suits your preference, needs, and goals. In this case you can select a free one, an off-
the-shelf one (paid), or an in-house built one.

Assessment
Conducting an assessment is like taking stock of your kitchen before you start cooking. It
involves understanding your current capabilities and identifying areas for improvement.
You need to see what maturity level you are at. This is done in various ways, depending
on the maturity model.

Analysis
This step is about deciphering the assessment results. What ingredients do you have, and
what do you need? It helps prioritize the areas that will bring the most significant benefit
and that will allow you to move up a level.

Improvement
Moving up the maturity levels is a gradual process. It involves implementing changes,
monitoring progress, and continuously refining your approach.

Reassessment
Improvement is a continuous process. Regular reassessment ensures that you are on the
right track and allows for course corrections.

Communication: The Key Ingredient

Throughout your data governance journey, communication is crucial. Just like in a
restaurant or kitchen, without proper communication things will quickly go awry.
Regularly sharing progress, challenges, and successes ensures everyone is aligned and
engaged.
© www.lightsondata.com
 WANT TO LEARN MORE?
then check out:

PRACTICAL
DATA
GOVERNANCE:
IMPLEMENTATION
ONLINE COURSE
WWW.LIGHTSONDATA.COM

LOOK
INSIDE

8 MODULES
~4 HOURS OF VIDEO LESSONS
10+ READY TO USE TEMPLATES
© www.lightsondata.com
TESTIMONIALS
Very enjoyable and informative course
"I really enjoyed the course, so much really useful information for the practical
implementation of Data Governance, in particular really great templates. I also
really like the emphasis on the people side, change management and how to
manage different types of people."
Connie, Data Architect

AMAZING
"I loved the amount of knowledge this course gave me. The delivery was so easy to
comprehend and follow along. The short videos for each module was perfect for
segmenting each topic and allowed me to take notes in between.
I can't wait to apply what I've learned and add more value to the organisation I work
for."
Rachel McCranor, Reporting and Data Management Officer

Best data governance course out there

"This is a highly engaging course with a lot of practical takeaways. The templates
alone are worth the investment, but the lessons, examples, and advice that George
provides are invaluable. In my pursuit of becoming a better data governance
professional I've taken other courses, but this is by far the best data governance
course out there."
Gabriel Reyes, Data Steward

WWW.LIGHTSONDATA.COM

Read more testimonials at:

https://www.lightsondata.com/practical
THE COURSE
-data-governance-implementation/ ABOUT
TEMPLATES
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10+
EDITABLE TEMPLATES
PRE-FILLED WITH REAL-LIFE
EXAMPLES
READY TO USE
MORE
MODULE 1-2

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There are 8 modules, with a mix of video lessons, written

content, real-life examples, templates, and extra
resources to help you create and implement a successful
data governance program.
MODULE 3

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The lessons provide you with practical takeaways, advice

and examples from real-life data governance
implementations. All you need to do is apply these
learnings to your specific needs.
MODULES 4-5

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The course material draws from award-winning

implementations of data governance programs, but also
from the experience, mistakes and best practices made
by data governance professionals.
MODULES 6-8

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Implementing data governance can sometimes seem like

you're trying to boil the ocean. How can you be successful at
it? By following the best practices taught in this course.
TESTIMONIALS
Concise, useful, and easy to grasp
"I actually learned more practical, clear to apply concepts, hands-on tools than
when I read the DAMA DMBOK2. [...] In my first two weeks in my new role as a Data
Management Executive, I've used the course's basic concepts, metrics & KPIs, and
tools deployment & selection lessons in shaping our roadmap towards becoming
an insight-driven organization.
George really knows his stuff! The video tutorials and downloadable templates are
concise, useful, and easy to grasp. Please keep producing such great content to help
us data professionals! Thank you!"
Aiza-Cecilia, Data Management Executive

Very detail-oriented & easy to follow

"Very detail-oriented, easy to follow step by step instructions/content with
corresponding templates for individuals ready to hit the ground running on their
Data Governance journey."
Jessie Hundal, Senior Programmer Analyst, Enterprise Data & BI

Excellent course
"Excellent course, I really enjoyed the practical aspects of the course and it clearly
helps to set up a direction in an organization willing to take Data Management
practices to the next level. Thank you!"
Victor Adafinoaiei, Senior IT Audit Manager

WWW.LIGHTSONDATA.COM

Read 100 more testimonials at:

https://www.lightsondata.com/practical-data-governance-
implementation/ GUES
S WH
AT?
NOW AVAILABLE AS A
COURSE BUNDLE

You can now enroll into:

Practical Data Governance: Implementation
+ Data Governance Maturity Model
+ Business Glossary
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Learn the practical steps and best practices,
and use the provided templates to put
together and implement your data
governance program from scratch or
improve the one you have.

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