The Business Case for Data Quality

In this chapter, I will focus on a key step of any data quality initiative – how to explain the need for it internally in the organization and get the support required to get started. Chapter 1 established that data quality initiatives do not always get assigned as much value as other initiatives. In this chapter, I will explore the reasons behind this in greater depth and what can be done to maximize the chances of a successful outcome.

I will consider what motivates decision-makers, how their decisions are typically made, and how to position data quality in this context. Then, I will explore the elements of a successful data quality initiative (people, processes, and technology) and how to estimate the costs. The chapter will also discuss how to create a picture of the likely benefits of your initiative in a way that convinces decision-makers to support you. It will give practical examples of successes and what contributed to these outcomes...