DATA NORMALISATION
A Foundation for Digital Excellence: Data Normalisation for the University of Duhok
Data Normalisation Process
Welcome to the Digital Data Normalisation page of the Directorate of Information Services (DOIS)
As the University of Duhok advances its digital transformation, DATA NORMALISATION has emerged as a key foundational process that ensures consistency, accuracy, and efficiency. This crucial step ensures that all university data remains consistent, accurate, and easily accessible across various platforms. Since February 2024, DOIS has been actively collecting and organising data on teaching staff, using institutional email accounts as primary identifiers. This organised data will form the backbone for building academic portfolios, developing course websites, and supporting college platforms.
The Normalisation Process: Building a Consistent Digital Ecosystem
Data normalisation is a critical phase in creating a cohesive and efficient digital environment. With academic institutions relying on large amounts of data to function, ensuring that this data is both accurate and consistently formatted is key to providing a seamless user experience. At the University of Duhok, the process involves several layers of standardisation:
1. Standardisation and Consistency
DOIS is leading the effort to ensure that all digital data across the university adheres to consistent standards. This involves:
Formal Names and Contact Information: By standardising how faculty, staff, and student names, titles, and contact details are entered and stored in databases, the university ensures that data is reliable and easy to retrieve. Imagine trying to find a faculty member’s profile – consistent formatting across all platforms makes this effortless.
Unified Terminology: A shared vocabulary is being developed for academic programs, departments, courses, and other entities. This standard terminology will eliminate confusion, ensuring that everyone across the university uses the same terms, which is vital for a functional digital ecosystem.
Data Formatting: DOIS is also working on standardising the format of the data itself, from date formats to file naming conventions. This enables smoother integration between systems, facilitating information exchange across platforms like academic websites, course platforms, and student databases.
2. Course Module Information
In addition to core personal data, the university will standardise the collection of course module information. Academic programs across all colleges will contribute data regarding module titles and course specifics, formatted uniformly to be used across various digital platforms. This standardisation ensures that information about courses is presented consistently to all users, supporting both students and staff in navigating their academic journeys.
3. Primary Identifier: Institutional Email Accounts
To ensure seamless linking of data across systems, institutional email addresses will be used as the primary identifier for all staff, faculty, and students. This single point of reference will simplify the process of managing academic portfolios, online learning platforms, and administrative records, reducing errors and making data management more efficient.
Data Collection and Infrastructure: A Strong Foundation
DOIS is spearheading a comprehensive data collection project designed to gather accurate, up-to-date information on faculty, staff, and students. This data includes personal details such as names, titles, contact information, qualifications, and research interests. Collected data will form the basis for the data normalisation process, ensuring that it is seamlessly integrated across all digital platforms.
Comprehensive Data Collection Form: A secure online form will streamline the process of gathering personal information, making it easier for the university community to submit their data. This form will feed directly into the data normalisation pipeline, ensuring data consistency across university systems.
Robust Digital Infrastructure: The IT team at DOIS is working on establishing a robust infrastructure that will support the university’s digitisation efforts. Cloud storage solutions will be implemented to archive and protect collected data, with secure access available to authorised personnel only.
A Collaborative Approach: Driving Digital Excellence
The success of the digital data normalisation process lies in collaboration between different departments within the university. A dedicated Digital Transformation Officer, working closely with the President of the University, the DOIS team, and the Directorate of Media and Newsroom, oversees the process. This collective effort is laying a strong foundation for the university’s long-term digital goals.
Looking Ahead: Transforming UOD’s Digital Landscape
The phased approach to digital transformation at the University of Duhok reflects a strong commitment to harnessing the power of technology. With data normalisation as a cornerstone, the university is well-positioned to enhance its digital presence and elevate its standing in the global academic community. By fostering a culture of digital excellence and leveraging data-driven insights, the University of Duhok is set to redefine higher education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond.
The Digital Data Normalization initiative at UOD is setting the stage for a comprehensive digital transformation. By establishing consistent, standardised data across the institution, DOIS is laying a strong foundation for future academic portfolios, course websites, and other digital tools. This initiative will not only enhance the university’s operational efficiency but also solidify UOD’s reputation for technological excellence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond.
For further information on digital data normalisation or to access the Personal Data Collection Form, please contact the Directorate of Information Services (DOIS).
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Guidelines for Data Normalisation
The University of Duhok is committed to ensuring that data across all academic and administrative systems is accurate, consistent, and streamlined. Our Data Normalisation Guidelines serve as a critical foundation for the university’s Digital Transformation Strategy, helping to standardize key information such as faculty names, contact details, course information, and institutional identifiers.
These guidelines ensure:
Consistency: Unified formats for names, dates, and terminologies across all platforms.
Accuracy: Reliable data for academic portfolios, research outputs, and course websites.
Efficiency: Streamlined data sharing and integration between departments and systems.
Data normalisation not only improves internal operations but also enhances UOD’s global visibility by maintaining accurate, searchable records. It lays the groundwork for our digital infrastructure and future innovation.
For detailed information and best practices, click here to view the full Data Normalisation Guidelines.
Guidelines for Teaching Staff Google Scholar Profile
To enhance the visibility and credibility of our academic community, the University of Duhok requires all teaching staff to maintain a professional Google Scholar Profile. Our Guidelines for Teaching Staff Google Scholar Profile ensure that profiles are standardized and aligned with the university’s identity, allowing seamless integration of research outputs with global academic networks.
These guidelines ensure:
Consistency: Use of official names as per UOD’s data normalization process.
Accurate Affiliation: Proper academic titles and affiliation with UOD to reflect scholarly contributions.
Global Recognition: Improve searchability and proper attribution of publications for UOD’s academic impact.
By following these guidelines, faculty can showcase their research, collaborate with peers, and increase the university’s academic reputation.
For step-by-step instructions and best practices, click here to view the full Teaching Staff Google Scholar Profile Guidelines.
Guidelines for Teaching Staff ORCID-ID Profile
At the University of Duhok, creating and maintaining a professional ORCID-ID Profile is essential for all teaching staff to establish a unique academic identity. Our Guidelines for Teaching Staff ORCID-ID Profile help standardize profiles, ensuring that research outputs are properly attributed and globally recognized.
These guidelines emphasize:
Consistency: Use of official names and titles as approved by UOD’s data normalization process.
Accurate Affiliation: Proper display of UOD as the academic institution, improving the global reach of scholarly work.
Seamless Integration: Faculty are encouraged to link their Google Scholar Profile (GSP) to their ORCID ID by inserting the ORCID URL in the homepage field of the GSP.
Global Collaboration: ORCID enhances your international presence by ensuring your publications and research contributions are accurately attributed.
Linking your ORCID ID with your Google Scholar Profile streamlines your academic footprint and reinforces UOD’s global academic standing. By following these guidelines, you will contribute to the university’s academic reputation while making your research more accessible.
For full details on creating and linking your profiles, click below to view the complete ORCID-ID Profile Guidelines.
Guidelines for Teaching Staff Professional Photo ID
A consistent and professional image is key to building a strong academic presence. The University of Duhok requires all teaching staff to use an official Professional Photo ID across all university platforms. Our Guidelines for Teaching Staff Professional Photo Identifier ensure that profiles maintain a uniform, professional appearance, essential for both internal and external representation.
These guidelines ensure:
Professionalism: Use of a passport-style photo with a clear, white background and centred face for a polished academic image.
Consistency: Uniformity across Google Workspace, Google Scholar Profiles (GSP), and the University of Duhok's digital platforms.
Visibility: Enhance recognition within the university community and beyond, improving professional communication and collaboration.
Having a professional photo is a vital part of your online presence, ensuring credibility and trustworthiness.
For detailed instructions on how to set up and update your photo ID, click below to view the complete Guidelines for Teaching Staff Professional Photo Identifier.