Over 700 people attended Maureen’s sessions, “Trends in Information and Data Governance” and “Top Ten Best Practices in Data Management” at the Database Grand Conference, October 28, 2008, in Seoul, Korea.

“Trends in Information and Data Governance” discussed the results of research done in 2007 by the International Association for Information and Data Quality and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to gain insight into how organizations were governing their data and information assets. Their research indicates that organizations use multiple labels when referring to the activities associated with the governance of information assets. They also validate that governance related to managing information assets, in either an operational or strategic context, is difficult to do and a relatively immature process. Maureen also presented various organizational structures for information/data governance, including reporting structures, leadership, membership, meeting frequency, charters, and linkages to other initiatives. Partnerships required for successful governance were examined and recommendations for success were summarized.
“Top Ten Best Practices in Data Management” provided help for data professionals bombarded with news, tools, technologies, business demands, webinars, product demonstrations, and articles about data governance, data stewardship, information management, data quality, and data integration. Each year seems like it contains new solutions to the problems faced in data management, but are all these new approaches contributing to results or adding to the confusion? Good data management is achieved through a variety of policies, processes, technologies, and approaches. Although many organizations focus primarily on technology, there are a variety of non-technical practices that contribute to success. The presentation explored fundamental ingredients that contribute to achieving success in data management.

In September, 2008, CONNECT’s Power, Partnership, and Politics class at IDQ’s San Antonio conference was the highest rated tutorial at the conference.

More information about the class is available.

Maureen Clarry, President and CEO of CONNECT: The Knowledge Network, facilitated a program called, “Beyond Culture Clash – Toward Creating Robust, Inclusive Systems,” at the 2008 Rocky Mountain Project Management Symposium.

The Symposium was held on Friday, April 11 at the Colorado Convention Center.

The meeting of cultures is generally an unsettling process for all parties. How do we effectively connect with associates in different cultures around the world? How do we help others to respect and integrate the differing world views, aspirations, capabilities and concerns of those from different cultures? In this highly interactive session, we will explore a concrete framework for developing a high energy, integrated organization that capitalizes on the unique capabilities and contributions of its diverse partners.

Maureen Clarry regularly consults and teaches on organizational and leadership issues related to information technology, business intelligence, and business. Maureen is the Founder and President/CEO of CONNECT: The Knowledge Network (CONNECT), a consulting firm that specializes in helping IT people and organizations to achieve their strategic potential in business.

CONNECT’s Maureen Clarry and Lorna Rickard presented at the 2008 DAMA & Wilshire Conference. They addressed common issues that often lead to projects being delivered late, over budget, or abandoned. Ms. Clarry and Ms. Rickard taught practical strategies on how to create cross-functional collaboration between business and data management organizations. Hands-on exercises, in-class coaching, and peer discussion made this a unique and valuable workshop.

Comments from participants:

“I am going back to my room and respond to an email I received from a customer today. I will use lessons learned from this tutorial.”

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this session was incredibly valuable.”

“This was very engaging. The activities really drew us in so we could see new perspectives.”