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.
Continue readingTag Archives: Knownledge-management
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.
Continue readingThank 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.
Continue readingNov 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.
Continue readingTracking Sam IAM
An Excel based tool which matches Who has right of access to What systems and Why this is the right decision.
Continue readingOde to ODI – Documenting the Plumbing
Notes on how to document and manage Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) or similar extract, transform, and load (ETL) tools. A bit of a lengthy memory jog for the author.

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.
Continue readingAn 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.
Continue readingBeyond the Big Honkin’ Binder
Have you ever had the unenviable task of creating a procedure for something? Maybe a high level set of policies or a hands on ‘How-To’ guide. Great – now picture the end result in your mind. Got it pictured? Okay, where is it now?
Continue readingAudit 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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