Customer Reviews

Data Quality: The Field Guide

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I like this book quite a bit because although it's not a huge doorstop of a tome in terms of length, it's quite complete and thorough. Some data quality books cover management aspects, some the technical aspects, and some take other angles. This book takes a look at all of the different angles on data quality and sums them up into a very nice package.

One of the things I liked about it is the section on social aspects of data quality, since so many technical people I work with have a great idea but aren't able to implement it for lack of understanding of the social aspects of working on data quality projects. Another is a part where Redman goes through the process of how data quality is tracked over time, to see if things are improving, and the way that he draws a distinction between records that are "perfect", and records that are "usable", which points out some differences that are important. There is even a very relevant section on data quality problems in the US elections of 2000.

The nice thing about this field guide is that it should have everything an organization needs to do some serious data quality work (including even middle management roles and responsibilities). I think it's a very solid book that would be a great addition to data manager's and other tech manager's libraries.

Good practical advice for improving data quality. Covers the most common data quality problems. Well written. Some other sources to look at online:


http://www.dmreview.com
http://www.datalever.com

This book gives excellent insight to the practical issues associated with data quality. The book gives some great suggesions on how businesses can improve performance through a focused approach to managing information. I enjoyed reading it, and have actually begun to use some of the ideas presented in the book in my current job.

Comments from using the electronic version of the book at books24x7.com.

I read the entire book for use on a capstone project I'm working on. This book hammered home many of the exact concepts I believed were present, but couldn't prove. I work in IT for a multi-billion / year company. Many of the issues Tom describes are the exact issues we've either gone through or are currently struggling with.

Key concepts for me:
1) IT cannot be responsible for data quality, but they are definately involved.
2) Data quality is a multi-facted management issue.
3) Quality has to be defined by the each organization. (i.e. what's good enough for company A may be substandard for company B.)

I also noticed the website address listed in the book is obsolete and has been replaced with this:
<A HREF="http://books.elsevier.com/companions/1555582516/?country=United+States">http://books.elsevier.com/companions/1555582516/?country=United+States</A>

I've been involved in data management for over 20 years. The Data Quality: The Field Guide, is a practical book that follows up an earlier book by Redman, Data Quality: Management and Technology. Redman lays out some nice arguments for specific approaches to data quality management. It is nice to have a complete framework laid out to help think about the issues.

Tom Redman's book is a great combination of useful reference document and quick read. It has truly been a driver for our data quality efforts as we work on moving from reactive data cleanup to proactive data quality. I often have to replenish my supply of Field Guides as more and more co-workers request copies.

In addition to the practical advice on how to execute data quality projects found in most DQ books, this book provides business context and helps the reader understand the ramifications of data quality no matter what their role in the organization. We have used the Field Guide as the basis for weekly DQ team meetings during which we discuss a chapter or two of the book, how the topics relate to our organization and how we can apply the lessons to our own data quality challenges. It's a great tool for socializing the importance of data quality throughout the organization.

Data Quality: The Field Guide is a great basic book that describes issues involved with data quality and offers ideas for improvement. The book explains why a business should care about the quality of their data and provides context for discussions that should resonate with business management. Ideas are clearly stated. I look forward to applying the concepts.

Have actually improved performance results by implementing many of the techniques found in the Field Guide (tips have helped me in a number of places and ways). An easy read. Practical, applicable and actionable.

This is an excellent everyday guide to data quality. Easy to read and filled with tips and techniques for starting and improving a data quality program. The field guide format makes it a great reference book.

Extremely easy to read and learn from. Provides key learnings and guidelines for not only surviving but thriving in the information age. Important for all CEO's and senior leaders in business to read to help develop an understanding of the importance of data quality and practical steps to achieve it.