Agile Data Warehousing: March 2009

Show Me the Money - Applying Agile Principles to Data Warehousing Development to add incremental Business Value

Data Warehousing projects generally lack the allure and wow factor that is present when demonstrating functionality in operational transaction processing systems. Learn real world techniques to see how to get around the so called "Show me the money" obstacle which has been largely overcome by taking raw Agile principles and tailoring them to the unique nature of Data Warehousing release cycles.

Our speakers will be Chris Sorensen, a Team Leader in Data Management at WestJet, and Mike Heinrich, Quality Assurance at WestJet.

When it comes to reporting and analytical systems, business users are often only interested in seeing the final production analytical output. This creates challenges when prototyping, managing requirements, developing the solution and ultimately ensuring high quality Business Intelligence Applications. Given this, engagement and buy in over the lifecycle can be hard to maintain.

Agile software development is all about extracting value by delivering incremental, iterative functionality. Data Warehousing lends itself very well to these same concepts. At WestJet, we have implemented the fundamentals of SCRUM, that is, daily stand-ups, sprints and product backlogs. Through the use of this framework, we are delivering higher quality deliverables sooner.

Overarching benefits of Agile as applied to Data Warehousing:

• Improved Data Quality
• Engaged users
• Enablement of self service
• Easier prioritization of project work
• Better ability to adapt to changing business needs
• Delivery of Incremental Business value

Speaker Bios:

Chris Sorensen
Team Leader - Data Management, WestJet

Chris Sorensen is the Team Leader of the Data Management group at WestJet. Since the decision to implement and develop an Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW), he has played many roles including Dimensional Modeler, ETL Developer, End User Output Designer and Project Manager. In his current capacity, he facilitates the growth and development of the EDW and support of its underlying infrastructure. Chris leads a team of 7 developers that are responsible for the core of the EDW that support core planning and analytic applications. Over the past 2 years, the EDW team has enabled the program to gain positive momentum by utilizing and tailoring Agile Methodologies to fit the unique style of Business Intelligence Development.

Mike Heinrich
Analyst - Quality Assurance, WestJet

Mike Heinrich is a Quality Assurance Analyst assigned to the Data Management team at WestJet. In his current role, he is a subject matter expert on Quality Assurance, providing process expertise to both the data management and decision support teams. Mike has provided quality assurance and testing expertise to a number of industries including financial, telecommunications, and logistics before moving to WestJet and entering the Business Intelligence world.

Where: University of Calgary ICT
When: Tuesday March 3rd 2009
Time: 6:00 (Food) 6:30 - 7:30 (Talk)