A Mid-Year IPOOG

Reflecting on six months of volunteer efforts tracked through the IPOOG methodology. While tracking one’s time is challenging, it does help with self-reflection and understand the efforts required to take on major projects. Important information for both a volunteer organization and the volunteer.

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Memories of a Data Conversion

The SAPAA received 30 years of site inspection data from the Alberta Government, converted from a Paradox database into an Excel format. This information included 2,973 inspections from 1988 to 2021. The data was subsequently transferred to a Microsoft Access database for further analysis and record-keeping.

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Thank You for IPOOGing

The IPOOG model attempts to organize the disparate activities of a nonprofit (or any small organization) into five core activities. A ‘citizen-science’ test-drive of the time tracking element of the IPOOG leads to three conclusions. The tool can work but it relies on underlying project literacy, and it could benefit from a better user interface.

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Nov 21, 2024 – First IPOOG Session

The IPOOG session framework outlines event planning and risk management. Participants indicate their interest and possible future involvement based on attendance, ranging from indifference to active participation. Key topics include IPOOG Model complexity, time tracking, and discussion on improving tool effectiveness.

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Business Process Documentation or Borrowing from Sheffield

What is the role of business process mapping to internal controls? The Sheffield model outlines various purposes for mapping, including clarity, compliance, process improvement, and training. The Sheffield University guidance provides a structured approach to process mapping, with different levels and options for each purpose, emphasizing the importance of accurate documentation.

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An Excel Tool to Document File Directories

The network file structure is now about 50+ years old but is still the backbone for a lot of corporate and personal data management [1]. At the same time, how often have you heard stories of people losing all of the family pictures because they failed to back up or backed up the wrong directory.

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Audit Question Log

An idea that I have been kicking around for a few years is why organizations don’t maintain a list of audit questions they have been asked in an Auditor Question Log?  Such a log contains the questions, responses and the organization’s supporting policies or documentation.

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