This is the characteristic norm in hierarchical organisations where those sitting at the summit of the organisation expect and demand to be fed with relevant, accurate and timely information for various purposes ranging from ensuring accountability, transparency, proper planning and determination of the research agenda.
This is to name but key critical areas. Lower and peripheral structures are duty bound to act like tributaries of a great river to ensure a seamless functioning of the whole entity. The importance of collecting relevant, accurate data at the right time cannot be overemphasised. Organisations like school systems should make a conscious determination of what constitutes their core data set. Knowing in advance what sort of data the organisation requires helps those charged with the responsibility to prepare the data to do their assignment with relative ease. Save for emergencies such as the one occasioned by COVID-19, there should be hardly any surprise data requirements during the course of an academic year.
