Standardizers & Gatekeepers
In other words, when it comes to using data representations in the FPS, the following are to be factored in:5.1 The objective of this policy is to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision making; facilitate accountability, transparency, and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations.
- provide clear link between data and applicable rationale
- formatted for long-term storage and timely* retrieval
- serve management within the FPS
If, however, a step back is taken, this makes the TBS a standardizer and departments as gatekeepers of data (and subsequent representations). Standards are nice, but the TBS is a separate entity from other departments in the Government of Canada and can only conduct audits of its policies.
What's more, an additional gatekeeper was added in the 2014 HC IT audit:
In short, if the ARB rejects a software application used to generate a certain data representation, that data representation style will not be available to the FPS for both internal use and communication with stakeholders external to the department! Further, this policy does not indicate what would happen if management requirements and IM/IT requirements conflict despite the entrenched notion of core mandate activities (as outlined briefly on the Public Service Standards page).The Chief Information Officer Branch...direction for enterprise architecture...will result in the creation of an Enterprise Architecture Review Board (ARB) to play a part in planning for, creating and deploying IM/IT solutions that affect the Government of Canada. Departments and agencies will be expected to implement a similar discipline. The ARB will review and assess the architectural aspects of IT investments against Government of Canada IT direction.
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For a general list of questions pertaining to the federal public service and data representation use therein, click here.
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