Complete Illustrated Handbook
Foreword
The creation of an independent Data Office, spun off from Marketing & Sales, was a necessary and strategic decision.
Unfortunately, its execution encountered numerous unforeseen challenges rooted not in technology or talent, but in the realities of culture and organizational alignment. The objective was clear: to transform Nissan into a data-driven company.
This was not a technical issue, nor a talent issue. It was a classic change management challenge.
As such, the focus should have been on solving one clearly defined business problem. From there, the Data Office could develop and execute a targeted plan (encompassing strategy, governance, staffing, environment, and processes) and build momentum from that single, meaningful success.
In this type of environment, the key to successful execution is to involve people in their own success. Your most powerful ambassadors are your internal and external clients. Harness this potential by starting small but making it count.
Once that one business sponsor and one problem are identified, execute on the detailed plan outlined in these pages.
This guidance is grounded in 17 years of hands-on experience leading tech teams in process automation, product modernization, and driving data-centric cultural transformation.
Key rules:
- Do not try to change it all at once
- Focus on ONE business sponsor and ONE problem solved by data
- Involve the sponsor and his/her team in their own success
- Build in parallel of the existing system/process to ensure adherence and smooth transitioning
- Create momentum and build on this initial success story
- Focus on execution: clear and atteignable objectives, incremental deliveries, successful deployment
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Executive Summary
Quickly gain an overview of the report’s purpose, approach, and key recommendations.
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Detailed Report
A deep dive into context, findings, and tactical recommendations.
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Recommendations
Targeted improvements in organization, governance, staffing, and processes.
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KPIs & Outcomes
Understand how success will be measured and what impact is expected.
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Milestones
Visualize the roadmap and timing for implementation phases.
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Appendices
Interviews, logs, and supporting documentation.