Episode 50: Addressing the Unknown Unknowns in Data-Driven Decision Making

Key takeaways

Data gaps can significantly hinder decision-making processes in organizations.
Awareness and an information lens are essential tools for mitigating risks associated with information mismanagement.
Real-world examples illustrate the severe impacts of information gaps on public health and safety.
Data scientists should focus not only on data collection but also on ensuring that collected data is effectively communicated and utilized.
An organizational strategy for information management can lead to greater productivity and better outcomes.

Summary

Understanding Information Gaps

In this episode, Dr. Genevieve Hayes and Matt O'Mara unpack the complex world of information gaps. Matt elaborates on the notion of 'unknown unknowns'—as popularized by Donald Rumsfeld—and how they apply to data science. They categorize our knowledge into four segments: known knowns, unknown knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns, showing how the latter can hinder effective data-driven decision-making.

The Importance of Awareness

Matt shares his compelling journey into the realm of information, emphasizing how awareness of information gaps is crucial. He recounts experiences from his career, particularly in emergency departments, illustrating that timely access to information can be life-saving. The conversation highlights that raising awareness is critical to mitigating risks associated with mishandling information.

Real-World Examples of Information Gaps

The discussion dives into various examples of information gaps from recent news stories, such as contamination in Sydney's water supply and systemic issues in education and healthcare. They explore how these gaps have significant societal implications and the domino effect that lack of information can have on community wellbeing.

Organizational Challenges and Solutions

Matt discusses common challenges organizations face regarding information management, including miscommunication, lack of proper training, and an inability to track project outcomes effectively. He emphasizes the necessity for organizations to have clear lines of sight into their information processes to enhance productivity and decision-making.

The Role of Data Scientists

The episode concludes with a focus on the pivotal role data scientists play in addressing information gaps. Matt urges listeners to embrace their role as truth-seekers, connecting the dots between disparate data sets and focusing on building robust analytics frameworks that foster organizational learning.

Show notes

When it comes to awareness and understanding, what we know and don’t know can be split into four categories: known knowns; unknown knowns; known unknowns; and unknown unknowns. And to quote former US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld: “If one looks throughout the history of our country and other free countries, it is the latter category that tends to be the difficult ones.”

When Rumsfeld made his famous “unknown unknowns” speech, he was referring to military intelligence. But the concept of “unknown unknowns” is just as relevant to data and data science. Those data dark spots, or data gaps, can be a real issue when it comes to data-driven decision making.

In this episode, Matt O'Mara joins Dr Genevieve Hayes to discuss the challenges and risks data gaps present to businesses and the community, and what data scientists can do to help address this issue.

Guest Bio

Matt O'Mara is the Managing Director of information and insights company Analysis Paralysis and is the founder and Director of i3, which helps organisations use an information lens to realise significant value, increase productivity and achieve business outcomes. He is also an international speaker, facilitator and strategist and is the first and only New Zealander to attain Records and Information Management Practitioners Alliance (RIMPA) Global certified Fellow status.

Highlights

(00:55) Understanding information gaps
(02:33) Matt O'Mara's journey and insights
(04:58) Real-world examples of information gaps
(07:30) The impact of information gaps on society
(11:54) Organizational challenges and solutions
(25:55) Critical information sources and management
(31:33) Developing an information lens
(42:47) The role of data scientists in addressing information gaps
(45:29) Conclusion and contact information

Links

i3 website
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
Connect with Genevieve on LinkedIn
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