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How Data Strategists can use the Aiken Pyramid to Structure their Work
The optimal structure for prioritization and communication
All too often, data initiatives fail.
Business leadership optimistically pursues a solution that involves advanced machine learning without first developing a solid understanding of the health of the organization’s data supply chain.
The Aiken Pyramid is a framework that aims to direct data-related efforts. It lays out a dozen aspects of Data Strategy in a hierarchy that is easy to understand and communicate across stakeholder groups.
This article will teach you how to use the Aiken Pyramid to prioritize your work as a data practitioner. It’s a handy tool for visually communicating your efforts to anyone at your organization. Mastering this methodology will help you advocate for investment in foundational capabilities, such as Data Governance, Data Quality, and Metadata, that will enable the success of advanced analytics down the road.
Background
The framework is named for Peter Aiken, a Data Strategist, author, and professor at Virginia Commonwealth University with over thirty years of experience. His books include The Case For The Chief Data Officer, Monetizing Data Management, and Data Literacy. He has provided consulting services to notable organizations, such as Deutsche Bank, Nokia, and the US Department of Defense. Moreover, Aiken currently serves as the President of DAMA, the organization that administers the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) exam.
Rationale
The Aiken Pyramid outlines how twelve core Data Strategy concepts build upon each other. Just like a tower of Jenga blocks will crumble if enough foundational pieces are pulled out, Data Strategy initiatives cannot proceed successfully if there are gaping holes in the pyramid.
The concepts in the Aiken Pyramid are described in detail below:
