A Path to Big Data Readiness

"Big Data readiness" begins at the source where data are first created and extends along a path through an organization to the outside world. This paper focuses on practical solutions to common problems experienced when integrating diverse datasets from disparate sources. Following the Introduction, Section 2 situates Big Data in the larger context of open government, open science, science integrity, and Standards, internationally and in Canada. Section 3 analyses the Big Data problem space, while Section 4 proposes a Big Data solution space. Section 5 proposes eight data checklist modules and suggests implementation strategies to effectively meet a variety of organizational needs. Section 6 summarizes conclusions and describes future work.