The success of a digital research product relies heavily on the efficient functioning of its digital backbone, supported by its three distinct units: back-end development, deployment and warehousing, and front-end development and data management.
Back-end development involves the creation and maintenance of the server side of the product, which includes the coding, database, logic, and APIs. This component is crucial for the overall functioning of the product as it ensures the smooth handling of data requests and processing. A well-developed back end ensures that digital products have suitable loading times, established scalability, and reduced risk of security issues, collectively promoting efficient and sustainable functionality.
Deployment refers to the process of making the digital product available to end users. This includes configuring the product to work across different devices, platforms, and operating systems, ensuring that the product is accessible to as many users as possible. Efficient deployment is essential, as it ensures that the digital product is available to the target audience and that it performs optimally across different environments.
Warehousing (i.e., data management) involves the organisation, storage, and retrieval of data for the digital research product. This includes developing and implementing data models, data governance policies, and data security protocols. Effective data management is essential, as it ensures that the data is accurate, secure, and readily available for analysis and reporting.
Front-end development involves the creation and maintenance of the user interface and user experience of the digital product. This includes designing and developing the user interface, integrating it with the back-end functionality, and ensuring that it is user-friendly and accessible to all users. Effective front-end development is essential, as it promotes the digital product to be easy to use, visually appealing, and provide a positive user engagement experience. There is also a component that focuses on the articulation of the platforms on which we innovate and research, what this means for future research, and how improvements can be made on digital platforms.
The successful development, deployment, and management of a digital research product relies heavily on the efficient functioning of its digital backbone. Together, each component – including back-end development, deployment and warehousing, and front-end development – ensures the optimal process of digital product development, support, and engagement.
Data Governance and POPIA
The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) is a South African law that regulates how organisations collect, use, store, and disclose personal information. The purpose of POPIA is to protect the privacy of individuals by ensuring that their personal data is processed responsibly and securely. Data governance refers to the policies, procedures, and processes that the university uses to manage its data assets effectively. This includes everything from data quality and integrity to data security and privacy. POPIA and data governance ensure that the university complies with legal requirements and handles personal data responsibly. By implementing data governance procedures, the university ensures that personal data is secure, accurate, and used only for the intended purposes. This builds trust, protects sensitive information, and reduces the risk of legal and financial penalties for non-compliance with POPIA. The ICDF recognises the importance of protecting individual rights and complying with POPIA requirements in South Africa