From data to results

Source: Ward and Peppard Strategic planning for information systems p 506, 2002)

The original DIKAR Model
The DIKAR Model – Data, Information, Knowledge, Action and Results – is associated with N. Venkatraman and was described by Ward and Peppard (2002). It provides the conceptual foundation for the DIKAR Framework.

The DIKAR Framework
Since 2016, Nicklas Malmsjö has developed this foundation into a practically applicable umbrella framework for data-driven governance and AI-ready information management. The DIKAR Framework emphasizes the importance of preparatory work, interdisciplinary collaboration, iterative application, connections to complementary frameworks and standards and value creation.

Common perspective
Organisations often manage data, information, knowledge, actions and results as separate domains. DIKAR Framework provides a common perspective for understanding how these elements link and connects and how these connections affect measurable results.

A common structure and shared language enables organisations to:

• ensure data and information quality

• build knowledge

• make informed decisions

• turn insights into action

• achieve measurable results

• continuously improve the information process (iterative approach)

DIKAR Framework connects disciplines such as:

• Data governance

• Information management

• Records management

• Knowledge management

• Analytics

• Enterprise architecture

• AI governance

• Information architecture

• Information security

Umbrella framework
DIKAR Framework is an umbrella framework that creates order, structure and direction in the data-driven information process. It connects underlying models and frameworks (not replace them) , enabling organisations to move from fragmented and dispersed data and information management to a coordinated, unified, quality-assured and AI-ready information process — from data to results.

Why DIKAR Framework?

Information management is no longer only about compliance or long-term preservation. It is about creating results and value.

To succeed, organisations need:

• high-quality data

• usable information

• shared and understood knowledge

• decisions that lead to action

• actions that lead to results

• connecting underlying models and frameworks

The DIKAR Framework connects this entire chain and enables continuous improvement through an iterative workflow.

How does it work?

DIKAR Framework uses  the DIKAR model  as a simple underlying logic.

DIKAR stands for Data, Information, Knowledge, Action and Result.

The quality of results is influensed by the quality of the actions taken.  

The quality of your actions is influensed by the knowledge available.  

The quality of your knowledge is influensed by the information on which it based on.  

The quality of your information is influensed by the underlying and its context.

The DIKAR Framework therefore focuses not only on the individual stages but  also on the conditions and connections that enable movement between them. Weakness in one part of the process can affect subsequent stages and ultimately the results.

The DIKAR Framework approach is iterative – results can generate new data, insights and feedback that inform subsequent cycles.

The links between the stages
The DIKAR chain is only as strong as the transitions between its stages(Data-Information-Knowledge-Action-Result). Value is not created automatically when data becomes information, knowledge leads to action or action produces results. Each transition requires the right conditions, capabilities and collaboration to carry the process forward. Breakdowns often occur in these handovers — where information, responsibility or meaning is lost between functions and disciplines (Ward and Peppard pp. 506, 2002).

The RAKID perspective

The DIKAR model can also be read in reverse described as RAKID. This perspective allows you to start with the results you want to achieve and then work backwards to determine what actions, knowledge, information and data are required. (Ward and Peppard pp. 507-508, 2002) 

The DIKAR Framework builds further on this logic and emphasizes the connections between data, information, knowledge, action and results. DIKAR Framework also emphasizes the interdisciplinary capabilities, ways of working, models, methods, standards and practices to create effective connections between them.

A shared language across the organisation

Achieving results requires collaboration across multiple disciplines, including:

• IT and system development

• records and information management

• information architecture

• analytics and business development

• legal, security and governance

The DIKAR Framework provides a common structure that aligns these perspectives and enables effective collaboration.

The organisation as a whole

A data-driven organisation requires cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Just like a house, where electricity, water and ventilation must be coordinated to function as a whole, a data-driven organisation must also be coordinated into a coherent and functioning system.

This is where the DIKAR Framework comes in.

From structure to results

By applying DIKAR Framework organisations can:

• create structure in information management

• clarify roles and responsibilities

• ensure data quality

• connect analysis to decisions

• turn decisions into action

• achieve measurable results

Practical and implementable

The DIKAR Framework is designed for practical implementation.

It integrates:

• data quality and provenance

• long-term preservation and authenticity

• analysis, decision-making and results

Through coordinated alignment of:

• strategy (goals and desired outcomes)

• infrastructure (systems, standards, models and metadata)

• operational processes (e.g. data collection, classification, quality assurance)

a stable foundation for data-driven development is established.

The DIKAR Framework provides the overall perspective, structure and direction while the practical implementation needs to be shaped and adapted to each organisation´s context, conditions and needs. The operational work therefore needs to be carried out locally by interdisciplinary teams.

Try DIKAR Framework in your organisation

Start simple:

1. Choose one process, decision or problem

2. Map it using DIKAR Framework

3. Identify where it breaks

4. Fix one thing and follow up the result

Development and use

The DIKAR Framework is continuously evolving through practical application, professional dialogue and collaboration across disciplines and organisational contexts. 

Explore ongoing discussions, applications and perspectives in the DIKAR Framework Linkedin group.

Theoretical foundation and practical application

The DIKAR Framework builds on established theory and research in information and knowledge management including the DIKW and the DIKAR model (Ward & Peppard, based on N. Venkatraman) as well as related fields such as information systems, archival science, information science, knowledge management and organisational theory.

The result is a coherent framework for data-driven public sector development and AI-ready information management.

Nicklas Malmsjö
Linkedin