Data requirements framework

This is a guidance document to help use case communities define the data required to achieve their SMART objectives, as defined through the MEL framework.

Step 1: Data analysis

The first stage in defining your data requirements is to understand what data you have, and what data you need, to meet the objectives you have defined. This will enable you to undertake a gap analysis to identify the gaps or missing information required to fulfil your goals. Gaps that may be identified include:

• Data doesn’t exist (data would need to be created or collected)

• Data isn’t shared (data exists, but is siloed)

• Some data is shared, but not to the desired degree (quality, granularity, timeliness, etc.)

• Data is shared, but is not as useful as desired

Activities you may wish to undertake include:

• Creating a data ecosystem map

• Creating a data inventory

You may find it helpful to use the data model diagram found within the OA Modelling Opportunity Data Specification, and any user research collected during the process of identifying and prioritising use cases.

Step 2: Planning and prioritisation

The second stage in defining your data requirements is to plan and prioritise. This stage should involve creating an outline of the steps needed to bridge the gaps identified during your data analysis. Potential solutions could include:

1. Creating new, or improving existing, datasets. Consider:

   • Data sources and collection methods - evaluate the feasibility, costs and time restraints associated with each data source

   • Data quality and critical data elements (CDEs) - refer to the OpenActive Data Quality Reporting Framework and Government Data Quality Hub’s guidance

2. Developing new, or adapting existing, technology. A ‘data technology’ is best described as any tool – hardware or software – that enables us to collect, access, use or share data more easily and effectively. ODI - Data Landscape Playbook - Build or improve technologies. Consider:

   • Publishing data

     • Is the data already being published through either a bespoke or third party system?

     • Does a bespoke system need to be developed, or will you use an existing third-party system?

   • Using data

     • Where will the data be used?

     • Does a bespoke system need to be developed, or will you use an existing third party system?

3. Refining the existing OA specifications, or creating new bespoke extensions to the existing specifications - OpenActive W3C Community Group

4. Improving data skills and literacies - ODI - Data Landscape Playbook - Assess data skills and literacies