Blog

Oakland Partners with Data Literacy Academy: Bridging the imagination gap

In today’s data-driven world, businesses are increasingly reliant on their ability to leverage information effectively. This has led to a growing demand for data literacy, not just within data-focused teams, but across all levels of an organisation. And a greater understanding of what data is, how you use your data, and the impact of both…

Everything you need to know about Big Data & AI World

Introduction  Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the highly anticipated Big Data and AI World conference, an all-encompassing event that showcased the breadth and depth of the data industry. From the infrastructure backbone of data centers to the cutting-edge applications in machine learning (ML) and large language models (LLMs), the conference offered a…

Develop an actionable data strategy from a data maturity assessment

A data maturity assessment, whether delivering the new Data Maturity Assessment for Government, or utilising Oakland’s own maturity assessment framework, is a great way to get a grip on your current data capabilities. It can highlight issues and create a case for change; however, it can often leave organisations wondering “what next?”. Whilst you might…

Should you use Data Lakehouse instead of a Data Warehouse and / or Data Lake? 

Should you use Data Lakehouse instead of a Data Warehouse and / or Data Lake?  Intro  When using your Data Platform to improve your Business Intelligence with useful dashboards and reports, you’ll more than likely want to use a Data Warehouse. Add on your data science builds, and storing your raw data cheaply, plus adding a…

How can you demonstrate the ROI of Data Governance?

Imagine being a shopper in a store, where every aisle is filled with items and multiple choices. As you stroll through the store looking at the items on the shelves, the ‘unwritten’ rule of purchase pops into your mind. If something doesn’t offer value, it is likely to stay on the shelf and not make…

How do you deliver a Data Maturity Assessment for Government (DMAG)

Have you been instructed to deliver a Data Maturity Assessment for Government (DMAG) but don’t know where to start? This blog will help you get stuck in.  In launching the DMAG, Megan Lee Devlin, the CEO of Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), said, “Permanent Secretaries, Chief Digital and Information Officers, and Chief Data Officers…

How to avoid the traps of data transformation 

In recent years, many organisations have expressed a need to be more data driven.  This comes from a desire to capitalise on more digitised processes and customer interactions, and the insights that might be found within the data that is created.  As executives have pushed for more data and insight, many organisations have realised that…

Should you build or buy your data platform?

“Build Versus Buy” is More a Scale of Options than a Binary Decision As consultants, we’ve been involved in helping our clients to decide which is the best software to invest in (or not invest in some cases). This is quite a responsibility as we are putting our reputation in the hands of a vendor,…

What is the purpose of a company’s data strategy?

What is the purpose of a company’s data strategy? Data: it’s the best of times and the worst of times. Over the last two decades, there’s been a huge surge in interest, innovation, and investment in big data. It’s hard to find a company that doesn’t want to be more data-driven or a CEO who…

How to deliver a successful data strategy presentation to the board

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the pursuit of data-driven excellence has become a common theme. Companies large and small are eager to extract more value from their data and make smarter, more informed decisions. CEOs and executives have embraced the importance of data, recognising it as a key driver of success. However, the path to…

Harnessing Generative AI for Data-Driven Decision-Making

“In the boardroom, one fact remains constant: data is the lynchpin of contemporary business. How many organisations can genuinely claim to have fully operationalised their data assets, though? If your data strategy still resides on the periphery of business operations, rather than being its driving force, you’re in good company.” writes ChatGPT – How wonderful…

What is the environmental impact of your data?

There is Something Human about Waste Let’s start by setting the scene – an all too familiar one. Humans love waste. We throw away around 100 billion pieces of plastic every year in the UK, and around 1.9 billion tonnes of food that can be eaten is discarded on an annual basis, and even on…