Advanced Data Governance test (Advanced)

Sample questions

5 sample questions from the Advanced Data Governance test, with the answers. Samples are taken out of the live test, so you will not meet these when you sit it.

1. A bug is discovered in the master data management system that has caused a duplicate customer record to be created. Which of the following is the most appropriate and correct action to take according to master data governance incident response principles?

   1. The data steward should investigate the issue, identify the root cause, and collaborate with the MDM team to correct the master data records.
   2. The MDM team should be notified, but they are not responsible for resolving the issue as it falls under the data owner's domain.
   3. The data owner should be informed, but no action is required unless the issue affects financial reporting.
   4. The data custodian should immediately delete the incorrect master data record without further investigation.

   Answer: A. The data steward should investigate the issue, identify the root cause, and collaborate with the MDM team to correct the master data records.

   In the context of master data governance, when a bug or inconsistency is identified in master data (such as a duplicate or incorrect customer record), the data steward is responsible for investigating and resolving the issue. They ensure the master data remains accurate and consistent across systems by working with the MDM team to correct the data. Other options either ignore the role of the data steward or suggest improper handling of the issue.

2. Which approach is most effective for finding and fixing a bug related to policy change tracking in a data governance framework?

   1. Implement a version-controlled repository for data governance policies and use automated tools to track changes and notify stakeholders.
   2. Rely on verbal communication among stakeholders to track policy updates.
   3. Manually log all policy changes in a shared document and distribute updates via email.
   4. Use a single shared spreadsheet to track all policy changes without version control.

   Answer: A. Implement a version-controlled repository for data governance policies and use automated tools to track changes and notify stakeholders.

   Implementing a version-controlled repository ensures that all changes to data governance policies are tracked systematically and transparently. Automated tools can help monitor changes, notify stakeholders, and enforce compliance, making this the most effective approach for bug detection and resolution. Other options lack the systematic tracking or automation necessary for efficient policy change management.

3. In a data governance project, which of the following is an appropriate KPI to measure the quality of data across critical data elements?

   1. The total number of data breaches experienced.
   2. Data quality scores per critical data element (e.g., percentage passing rules for completeness, validity, etc.) with thresholds and trends.
   3. The number of data stewards trained.
   4. The number of data governance policies written.

   Answer: B. Data quality scores per critical data element (e.g., percentage passing rules for completeness, validity, etc.) with thresholds and trends.

   Data governance KPIs should focus on measurable outcomes and adoption, not just activity. Data quality scores per critical data element are a key KPI because they track the quality of data against defined rules and thresholds, enabling organisations to monitor improvements over time. Other options are not directly aligned with the core focus of data governance KPIs, which is to measure data quality, coverage, process efficiency, and compliance outcomes.

4. Which of the following is the most effective approach for communicating data governance policies to ensure understanding and compliance across all stakeholders?

   1. Data governance policies should be communicated exclusively through automated tools and systems to reduce human error.
   2. Data governance policies must be communicated through training, documentation, and regular audits to ensure understanding and compliance across all stakeholders.
   3. Data governance policies can be communicated through informal channels like Slack or email without any need for formal documentation.
   4. Data governance policies need not be communicated explicitly since they are self-explanatory and only apply to technical teams.

   Answer: B. Data governance policies must be communicated through training, documentation, and regular audits to ensure understanding and compliance across all stakeholders.

   Effective data governance policy communication requires a multi-faceted approach that includes training, documentation, and audits to ensure that all stakeholders understand and comply with the policies. This ensures that the policies are not only created but also implemented and followed consistently across the organization. Other options may focus on tools or individual actions, which are not as comprehensive or aligned with the principles of governance frameworks.

5. Which of the following is true regarding the roles defined in data governance operating models?

   1. Data owners are responsible for day-to-day definitions and quality.
   2. Data custodians are responsible for day-to-day definitions and quality.
   3. Executive sponsors are responsible for day-to-day definitions and quality.
   4. Data stewards are responsible for day-to-day definitions and quality.

   Answer: D. Data stewards are responsible for day-to-day definitions and quality.

   In data governance operating models, data stewards are responsible for day-to-day definitions and quality, while data owners are accountable for the data, and data custodians manage the technical controls. This distinction is critical for ensuring effective data governance.