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 are connected and how these connections affect measurable results.

A common structure and shared language enables organisations to:

• improve data and information quality

• build knowledge

• make informed decisions

• turn insights into action

• achieve measurable results

• continuously improve the information process 

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 structure, coherence and direction in the data-driven information process. It connects underlying models and frameworks,  enabling organisations to move from fragmented data and information practices to a coordinated, quality-assured and AI-ready information process — from data to results.

Why DIKAR Framework?

Information management is no longer limited to compliance or long-term preservation. It is also 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

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

AI-readiness and Traceability
The DIKAR Framework shows how AI-supported processes can be connected to the data-driven value chain and where quality, accountability, traceability and governance need to be ensured.

How does it work?

DIKAR Framework clarifying the relationships between the stages and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration throughout the process from data to results and value creation.

The quality of your results depends on your actions.

The quality of your actions depends on your knowledge.

The quality of your knowledge depends on your information.

The quality of your information depends on your data.

If one part breaks, the whole chain breaks.

Each DIKAR cycle generates new data, insights and results that drives the next cycle. In this way creating a continuous feedback loop that enables the process to evolve over time.

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 p. 506, 2002)

The RAKID perspective

The DIKAR model can also be read in reverse: Results-Action-Knowledge-Information-Data. This reverse perspective is described as RAKID and 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 p. 507-508, 2002) 

A shared language across the organisation

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.

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 functions

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

Practical implementation 

The DIKAR Framework is designed for practical implementation.

A stable foundation for datadriven development is established by aligning:

• 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.

This coordination of strategy, infrastructure and operational processes,the iterative way of working, the recognition of the relationship between links and stages and the diagnostic approach of identifying gaps and clarifying responsibilities from data to result form the foundation of DIKAR Core. Based on this common foundation actors across different sectors and domains can then further develop their own models, methods and applications.

By working according to the DIKAR Framework organisations can create data-driven information processes, clarifying roles and responsibilities, improve data quality, connect analysis to decision-making, translate decisions to action and ultimately achieve measurable result.

Try DIKAR Framework in your organisation

Start simple:

1. Choose one process, decision or problem

2. Map it using the DIKAR Framework

3. Identify where it breaks down

4. Improve one thing and follow up on the result

Development and use

The DIKAR Framework is continuously developed through practical application, professional dialogue and contributions from different disciplines and areas of practice. Domain-specific extensions can expand the framework while a shared foundation describing the framework’s core idea ensures continuity and coherence.

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 and organisational theory.

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

Nicklas Malmsjö
Linkedin