Data Futures – the story so far 

The Data Futures project at Edinburgh has been running since 2019.  The 2022/23 return was originally badged as a mandatory trial submission. However, during the course of the year, this was no longer considered a trial, and was articulated as a full return.  We delivered the 22/23 return in November 2023.  

The project was subject to delays influenced by both internal and external factors.  Resulting deadline extensions from HESA end created further challenges, and the whole sector experienced difficulties in meeting the requirements both from a data quality and timing perspective. 

For Edinburgh, we delivered an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) version of the return using a non-production environment.  This submission has been heavily caveated, and we know we have some outstanding issues, particularly in the derivation of dates fields and application of source data to the new HESA model.  

As a result, we have several key areas we need to address in a phase 2 project in order to move towards business as usual for 2024/25. 

Data Futures – Phase 2 scope 

Phase 2 addresses 

1. The migration of the 22/23 data set into the live environment for onward use including the ability to run the 23/24 return (closure of phase 1 running concurrently with phase 2) (by end Jan) 

2. Back to the design phase to review and build of the new HESA Session Year and Student course session model configuration using as many SITS out of the box functionality as possible due to ongoing issues. 

3. Updating prioritised sub areas of the HESA return to improve on data quality.   These work packages will result in the removal of duplication of effort and/or improving data quality so the data is fit for onward use 

4. A review of some work packages which were deprioritised in Phase 1 to see if they can be picked up and delivered in phase 2, although it is anticipated that we will be working towards MVP again, and it is likely that some elements may need to be descoped and work undertaken from 2024 and beyond. 

5. The preparation and delivery of the 23/24 return (a full year retrospective return). 

6. Future proofing ability to deliver return without project support.  Review of resources and skill set needed on an annual basis from 2024/25 onwards. 

The scope of this project is to deliver the minimum requirements to be able to complete the 2023/24 return, addressing significant outstanding issues from the 22/23 return. 

The minimum requirements and the delivery of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) have been proposed because of project resource constraints.