Discussion Topic: Theoretical Framework in Dissertation Research

The theoretical foundation, an indispensable and pivotal component of any dissertation, is of

utmost importance in my research. It not only serves as a crucial lens through which the problem
can be comprehensively explored and understood, but also underlines the significance of the
research in the field of data governance and AI systems. In my dissertation, "Data Governance
and Quality Management in AI Systems: A Data Engineer's Perspective," I identified several
critical theoretical frameworks. These frameworks not only provide context but also significantly
support understanding the complex issue of managing data quality in AI systems, particularly
from a data engineer's viewpoint.
Information Governance Theory
Information Governance (IG) Theory is a critical framework for my research. This theory
focuses on how organizations manage data and information within their structures. IG provides a
foundation for understanding the policies, procedures, and standards that ensure the integrity and
security of data in organizations. In AI systems, governance plays a crucial role in ensuring that
data is available but also trustworthy and compliant with various regulatory requirements, such
as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (Smallwood, 2020; Khatri & Brown, 2010).
For data engineers, IG theory is not just a theoretical concept but a guiding principle that shapes
the practices and decisions surrounding how data should be stored, accessed, and utilized in AI
systems. Since AI algorithms heavily rely on large datasets for training and decision-making, the
influence of IG theory is profound. Poor governance can lead to biased models, inaccurate
predictions, and data breaches. By employing IG theory, my research will delve into how data
engineers apply governance frameworks to enhance the quality and management of data in AI
systems.
Data Quality Management (DQM) Frameworks
Data quality is a central concern for any organization dealing with AI systems. Data Quality
Management (DQM) frameworks provide structured approaches to ensuring the accuracy,
consistency, completeness, and timeliness of data (Batini et al., 2019; Wand & Wang, 1996).
These frameworks often include continuous monitoring, cleaning, and data validation processes
to meet organizational needs.
In my dissertation, I will explore how data engineers, as key players, use DQM frameworks to
address AI's unique challenges regarding data quality. AI systems require vast amounts of data to
function effectively, and poor data quality can lead to faulty algorithms, misinformed decisions,
and failed AI projects. By understanding the principles of DQM and their application in AI
systems, I can demonstrate how data engineers, through their expertise and diligence, mitigate
risks and improve the overall success of AI initiatives through strategic data management.
Technological Determinism Theory
Another theoretical lens I will use is the Technological Determinism Theory. This theory
suggests that technology, such as AI systems, not only shapes but also necessitates
organizational behaviours, structures, and policy changes. From a data engineering perspective,
the rise of AI has not just changed but dramatically transformed how data is viewed, governed,
and managed within organizations. This transformation underscores the urgent need for research
in this area, highlighting the transformative impact of AI on data management and the
importance of the research in addressing these changes.
Technological Determinism helps to explain why organizations must evolve their governance
practices to keep pace with technological advancements. As AI systems grow in complexity, the
need for robust data governance practices becomes more critical. This theory not only provides
insight into how the adoption of AI pushes data engineers to develop new methods for managing
data and ensuring its quality, especially as AI demands more sophisticated and high-volume data
pipelines, but also underscores the practical implications of this theory. It guides data engineers
in adapting their practices to the evolving technological landscape, making the research directly
applicable to real-world scenarios and highlighting the relevance of the research to the audience.
Application of Theories to Dissertation Problem
My dissertation's problem is a unified approach to data governance and quality management in
AI systems. Through the lens of information governance theory, I will explore how current
governance structures can be enhanced to manage AI's complexities better. By incorporating
Data Quality Management Frameworks, I will investigate how data engineers ensure that the
data feeding into AI systems is of the highest quality, free from biases, and capable of supporting
accurate decision-making. Finally, Technological Determinism will help explain how AI is
transforming the roles and responsibilities of data engineers, forcing them to adopt new
governance and data management strategies. This combination of frameworks provides a
comprehensive understanding of data engineers' challenges and offers a pathway for exploring
solutions to these challenges in my research.
Relevance to Literature and Scholarly Resources
The theoretical frameworks I've selected align with the existing literature on data governance and
AI systems. For example, studies on Information Governance highlight the increasing
importance of data management practices in organizations dealing with AI. Researchers such as
Smallwood (2020) emphasize the role of governance in ensuring data compliance and security in
AI-driven environments. Additionally, papers on Data Quality Management (e.g., Batini et al.,
2019) discuss the critical role of high-quality data in AI success.
These studies reinforce the need for robust governance frameworks and DQM strategies in AI
systems and demonstrate the importance of data engineers in this context. By citing these
scholarly sources in my dissertation, I will ground my research in well-established theories and
provide a thorough exploration of the issues I am addressing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comprehensive understanding provided by the combination of Information
Governance Theory, Data Quality Management Frameworks, and Technological Determinism
serves as a robust theoretical foundation for my dissertation on Data Governance and Quality
Management in AI Systems. These theories help explain the challenges and opportunities data
engineers face in AI-driven data systems and pave the way for practical insights and solutions.
By improving data governance practices, my research aims to enhance the quality of AI systems
and the reliability of data management processes.
References

 Batini, C., De Donato, W., & Santoro, F. (2019). Data Quality Management: Concepts,
Methodologies, Tools, and Applications. Information Systems, 87, 101-122.
 Khatri, V., & Brown, C. V. (2010). Designing Data Governance. Communications of the
ACM, 53(1), 148-152.
 Mackenzie, D., & Wajcman, J. (1985). The Social Shaping of Technology. Open
University Press.
 Smallwood, R. F. (2020). Information Governance: Concepts, Strategies, and Best
Practices. International Journal of Information Management, 50, 99-104.
 Wand, Y., & Wang, R. Y. (1996). Anchoring Data Quality Dimensions in Ontological
Foundations. Communications of the ACM, 39(11), 86-95.