Corliss Whitaker - Business Systems Analyst

Data Steward:  March 2003 – May 2005

• Identified and analyzed data, reporting needs and highly complex business processes to formulate the best business strategy and approach for the Data Warehouse.

• Assisted in validating data models before implementation. This included helping campus representatives read data models for their input.

• Worked with departments and colleges when issues of EDW data quality surfaced. Supported all levels of management, staff, and faculty for their successful use of software tools (Business Objects, ODBC with Access) to create reports from Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW).

• Conducted user segment analysis to better identify user needs, gaps in service and potential mechanisms for fulfilling those gaps.

• Performed triage for technical and software difficulties associated with reporting from EDW. Provided follow-up for problems that required additional technical expertise.

• Helped develop change management procedures for implementing production changes and/or enhancements to EDW. Represented UIS’ interests in prioritizing change requests.

• Served as functional and administrative contact for customers and as the liaison between the campus and Decision Support. This included meetings with senior management and other staff.

• Provided venues of university-level communication between Decision Support and all campuses.

• Lobbied for and helped implement services, such as monthly DS User groups, Query Clearing House, Standard Report Directory, Practice Labs, and Custom Practice Labs

• Developed user materials for training and to clarify complex data issues.

• Chaired committee to develop naming standards for the reporting environment. This included report names, Business Objects universe names, and category names. Documented metadata requirements.

Return to Background and Experience

Challenges at UIS: 

The University made the decision to replace all existing major systems (Payroll, HR, Student Records and Registration) with a PeopleSoft solution.  When each major phase was implemented, the old sources of data were eliminated, and all users were expected to use Business Objects and the new EDW for all reporting needs.  There were no parallel systems for backup.

I supported the smallest of three campuses that make up the University of Illinois.  UIS did not have technical resources readily available, as did the Urbana or Chicago campuses.  Many of the deans and the deans' assistants had very little technical training.

Technically, my role as data steward did not include creating reports.  However, I worked with individuals to teach them how to develop simple reports using Business Objects, as well as training them in Excel and other standard Microsoft office tools.  I would create more complex reports and would train my users how to run them and use parameters to fit their needs.