This document contains brief abstracts of the presentations that Yogi Schulz has delivered to various audiences. The titles of the presentations are as follows; click on a title to view the abstract. To book Yogi as a speaker at your event, contact us today.
- Top 10 Enhanced Production Audit Program (EPAP) Bloopers
- How to Train Your Project Sponsor
- EPAP Seminar
- The Future of the Web
- It’s 10 a.m.! Do you know where your IT projects are?
- Case Study: Implementing a risk-based continuous compliance assessment program
- Positioning Master Data Management for Success
- A Brief History of Electronic Content Management
- Managing e-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions
- Achieving Superior Application Performance amidst Skyrocketing Data Volumes
- Improving Location Accuracy
- A Tale of Two Projects
- Virtual Collaboration for G & G Professionals
- Tips for Managing e-Business Projects
- IT for Business Results
- Foil Identity Theft
- Dilbert Explains e-Project Management
- PPDM supports Business Process Improvement
- Dilbert Explains E-Commerce for Oil & Gas
- XML – The Next Generation
- Maximizing Business Benefits from Software Packages
- Dueling Project Managers
- IT Must Deliver Value!
- IT Project Management
- Interoperability Initiatives
- Internet Resources for Project Managers
- Update on Project Management Tools
- Business 2 Business 101 – Roadmap to Self-education
- Getting Started With Your Intranet Solution
- The Top 10 Myths about Intranets
- Dilbert Explains Java
- Dilbert Explains PPDM Benefits
- Using PPDM to Improve Geophysical Data Management
- PPDM Overview Course
Top 10 Enhanced Production Audit Program (EPAP) Bloopers
Presentation Summary:
Yogi Schulz will describe the Top 10 bloopers that operators risk making based on his experience implementing EPAP at oil & gas operators.
Yogi Schulz will describe the Top 10 bloopers that operators risk making based on his experience implementing EPAP at oil & gas operators.
This presentation will focus on how to accelerate, risk-reduce and cost-contain EPAP implementation projects for oil & gas operators.
Yogi will describe best practices for EPAP implementation that avoid bloopers in these areas:
- Overdoing the evaluations
- Remediating the whole world
- Scaring management
- Annoying the ERCB
- Ignoring the Compliance Assessment Report
- Boring the operations and production accounting staff
- Assigning blame
- Evaluating business processes
- Focusing on nits
- Blowing the schedule
To position your EPAP implementation project for faster success, replace these bloopers with well-regarded best practices.
Learning Objectives:
- Enhance understanding of EPAP
- Recognize EPAP implementation bloopers
- Understand EPAP best practices
Where presented:
- “Top 10 Enhanced Production Audit Program (EPAP) Bloopers” at the CAPPA luncheon in Calgary, Alberta on 25 January 2011.
How to Train Your Project Sponsor
Presentation Abstract:
Sometimes project managers see their project sponsor as an untrained dragon. The project sponsor may be new or uncertain in the role, reluctant to fulfill the role or quick to assign blame, particularly to the project manager.
Yogi Schulz will describe successful techniques for strengthening the critical relationship with the project sponsor who often holds a much higher rank within the organization.
These techniques ensure that the project sponsor ceases to behave like an untrained dragon and begins to add value and strengthen the relationship with the project manager:
- Thoroughly orienting the project sponsor about his or her role
- Keeping the project sponsor actively and visibly engaged
- Influencing project sponsor decisions
- Respecting the project sponsor’s role
Project managers can apply these techniques when their project sponsor behaves like an untrained dragon in uninformed, temperamental, uninterested or even devious ways to avoid stress and failed projects.
Learning Objectives:
- Build an understanding of the role of an effective project sponsor.
- Learn techniques to improve project sponsor performance for the benefit of the project.
- Learn techniques to enhance your relationship with the project sponsor.
Where presented:
- “How to Train Your Project Sponsor” at the ProjectWorld Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia on 12 October 2011.
- “How to Train Your Project Sponsor” at the 2011 PMI‐SAC Professional Development Conference in Calgary, Alberta on 21 November 2011.
EPAP Seminar
EPAP Implementation Seminar
Implementing and operating the ERCB’s Enhanced Production Audit Program (EPAP) successfully is a critical aspect of compliance. In this 1/2-day seminar, Yogi Schulz will describe key considerations in implementing and operating EPAP for maximum value. The outline of the EPAP Implementation Seminar is as follows:
- Understanding Directive 076 – Operator Declaration Regarding Measurement and Reporting
- Requirements
- How to estimate the EPAP implementation project size
- Implementation phases
- Alternative implementation strategies
- Benefits – estimating their value
- Project organization – roles & responsibilities
- Self-assessment – current state of business processes and controls
- Scope – how many controls and how much evaluation of controls is enough?
- Estimating resources, cost, effort
- Strengthening business processes, controls and evaluation of controls
- Strategies for operation
EPAP System Seminar
Using the EPAP System successfully is a critical aspect of operating in compliance with EPAP. In this 2 1/2-hour seminar, Reg Brehaut will show how to use the EPAP System efficiently, how to choose among the many options available and how to maintain compliance with EPAP. The outline of the EPAP System Seminar is as follows:
- Overview, Logging In, EPAP Roles, Navigation
- Declarations – Data entry for Attachments A & B
- Compliance Assessment Results
- Action Items &Voluntary Self-Disclosures – Investigating and resolving issues
- Dashboards for analysis
EPAP Implementation Case Study
Learning from the experience of others always improves quality of work. In this 1 1/2-hour presentation, an oil & gas producer and their software supplier will show how they are implementing EPAP including the use of automated controls.
Learning Objectives:
- Build an understanding of EPAP.
- Learn techniques to effectively implement EPAP at your oil & gas company.
- Understand how to use the ERCB EPAP system
Where presented:
- “EPAP Seminar” at the Metropolitan Centre in Calgary, Alberta on 27 April 2011.
- “EPAP Seminar” at the Metropolitan Centre in Calgary, Alberta on 9 June 2011.
- “EPAP Seminar” at the Metropolitan Centre in Calgary, Alberta on 29 September 2011.
The Future of the Web
Presentation Abstract:
Yogi Schulz will deliver an interactive look at how our experience with the Internet will change. How will the future of the Internet unfold? Yogi will illustrate how the Internet will deliver significant personal and business benefits into the future.
In this presentation, Yogi Schulz will explore how key Internet features will delight us:
- Social computing will expand to business. Use of the Internet for distributed collaboration will become common-place.
- Internet access will be ubiquitous. Cell phones will outnumber PC’s.
- The Web will become faster. Bandwidth will increase to support multi-media distribution at much higher speeds.
- The Web will become smarter. The Semantic Web will finally emerge.
- Security will improve. Abuse and crime will become more difficult.
- IT products will morph into services. The Internet will offer more applications and computing capacity.
Where presented:
- “The Future of the Web” at the ARMA luncheon in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday, 10 February 2010.
- “The Future of the Web” at the CAPPA luncheon in Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, 22 November 2007.
- “The Future of the Web” at the CIPS luncheon in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday, 3 October 2007.
- “The Future of the Web” at the P2ES 2007 Kananaskis Conference in Kananaskis, Alberta on Wednesday, 6 June 2007.
- “The Future of the Internet isn’t what it used to be” at the CIPS luncheon in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday, 6 October 2004.
It’s 10 a.m.! Do you know where your IT projects are?
Presentation Abstract:
Yogi Schulz will describe 12 signs of impending IT project doom that are visible months before catastrophe strikes. However, these signs are frequently missed or ignored. IT project failure can often be avoided if these fundamental signs are recognized and addressed.
The signs relate to the fundamental characteristics of the project. They include Project Goal, Sponsor, Manager, Benefits, Plan & Status, Budget & Status, Organization, Resources, Steering Committee, Stakeholder Communication, Change Management and Technology.
For each of the 12 signs, Yogi Schulz will describe both observations that will lead to project catastrophe and observations that will lead to project success.
To address observations that will lead to project catastrophe, Yogi Schulz will describe corrective actions that can turn impending doom into IT project success.
If you’re looking for a chance to bring that gnawing feeling of impending doom about an IT project out into the open in a constructive way, attend this session.
Where presented:
- “It’s 10 a.m.! Do you know where your IT projects are?” at the ISACA Conference in Calgary, Alberta on 20 May 2010.
- “It’s 10 a.m.! Do you know where your IT projects are?” at the ICE Conference in Edmonton, Alberta on 3 November 2009.
- “It’s 10 a.m.! Do you know where your IT projects are?” at the ProjectWorld Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia on 26 October 2009.
- “It’s 10 a.m.! Do you know where your IT projects are?” at the BAWorld Conference in Edmonton, Alberta on 6 October 2009.
Case Study: Implementing a risk-based continuous compliance assessment program
Presentation Abstract:
Yogi Schulz will describe a recent project in which Corvelle Consulting developed an ACL-based system that continuously monitors data in the Petroleum Registry of Alberta and other regulatory datastores for noncompliance risks.
Yogi Schulz will describe the:
- Technical benefits of using ACL to develop and operate this continuous compliance monitoring system.
- Business benefits of this continuous compliance monitoring activity.
The system utilizes a series of ACL scripts to identify data anomalies that are indicative of noncompliance events. ACL is used to extract the data from the primary sources, transform it into formats and datasets more easily analyzed, and apply criteria that range from very simple comparisons to very complex statistical treatments – all in a fully automated process.
The system scores the data anomalies found and consolidates them into a monthly report. Each Alberta oil & gas operator will receive the section of the report that applies to its producing facilities and is expected to investigate the noncompliance risks indicated.
The ACL-based solution has broad applicability to other regulatory and continuous policy compliance monitoring situations.
Where presented:
- “Case Study: Data Analytics for Data Integrity” at the CIPS Data Warehouse SIG in Calgary, Alberta on 13 April 2010.
- “ACL Data Analytics for Continuous Compliance Assurance” at the ISACA Luncheon in Calgary, Alberta on 23 September 2009.
- “ACL Data Analytics for Compliance Assurance” at the ACL Breakfast Workshop in Calgary, Alberta on 11 June 2009.
Positioning Master Data Management for Success
Presentation Abstract:
In this presentation, Yogi Schulz will show how to position Master Data Management (MDM) programs for success. Yogi will discuss how to:
- create a release strategy for MDM programs
- rank typical themes to scope MDM programs
Yogi Schulz will describe how to communicate MDM programs that will resonate with a typical senior management audience at an upstream oil & gas producer.
Where presented:
- “Positioning Master Data Management for Success” at the PPDM Association Fall Conference in Calgary, Alberta on 27 October 2010.
A Brief History of Electronic Content Management
Course Abstract:
Enterprise Content Management (ECM) is taking on increasing importance in oil & gas organizations as the volume of structured and unstructured grows in volume and takes on a more prominent role in supporting achievement of the organization’s strategic plan.
In this presentation, Yogi Schulz will describe:
- The History of ECM
- ECM Business Drivers with a focus on the upstream oil & gas industry
- ECM Best Practices with emphasis on the role of PPDM
- ECM Future
Where presented:
- “A Brief History of Electronic Content Management” at the PPDM Association 2008 Fall Conference in Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, 20 October 2008.
- “A Brief History of Electronic Content Management” at Nexen Inc. in Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, November 2005.
Managing e-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions
Presentation Abstract:
E-Business projects create additional pressures for project managers. In this workshop, Yogi Schulz will describe effective techniques for successfully delivering e-Business projects by addressing their unique characteristics. The techniques speak to the risks of e-Business projects and reinforce the best practices from project management experience. The outline of the workshop is as follows:
- Differences between client/server and e-Business projects
- Differences in e-Business project characteristics
- Heightened e-Business project expectations
- Shift in systems development methodology
- Some issues shall remain eternally the same:
- Set a clear goal
- Nurture active project sponsorship
- Manage expectations
- Develop a sound business case
- e-Business creates new issues:
- Accelerate delivery
- Create a memorable experience
- Achieve high performance
- Implement impenetrable security
- Smooth settlement and fulfillment
- Operate round-the-clock support
Each workshop topic will be illustrated by:
- Relevant examples from e-Business project experience.
- Descriptions of best practices.
- Targeted case studies derived from recent e-Business events.
- Extensive web site references that contain supporting reference information.
This one-day workshop emphasizes project management; not technology.
Where presented:
- “Project Management for Software Projects” at Convergence 2003 in Calgary, Alberta on 5 May 2003.
- “Managing e-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions” sponsored by Corvelle Management Consultants in Calgary, Alberta on 7 November 2002.
- “Managing e-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions” at Convergence 2002 in Calgary, Alberta on 14 May 2002.
- “Managing e-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions” at ProjectWorld 2001 in Ottawa, Ontario on 3 October 2001.
- “Managing e-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions” at ProjectWorld 2001 in Vancouver, B. C. on 19 June 2001.
- “Managing e-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions” at CIPS Convergence 2001 in Calgary, Alberta on 14 May 2001.
- “Managing e-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions” at ProjectWorld 2001 in Toronto, Ontario on 21 March 2001.
- “E-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions” at Project Management Symposium 2000 in Ottawa, Ontario on 25 October 2000.
- “E-Business Projects: Risks, Issues & Solutions” at Convergence 2000 in Calgary, Alberta on 16 May 2000.
Achieving Superior Application Performance amidst Skyrocketing Data Volumes
Course Abstract:
Presentation Abstract:
In this presentation Yogi Schulz will discuss:
- Origin of skyrocketing data volumes
- Issues created by large data volume
- Achieving superior application performance
In particular, Yogi will describe a holistic approach to achieving superior application performance in the areas of the typical exploration computing environment. The areas are:
- Server
- Disk
- Network
- Workstation
- Operating System
- Operations
- Database
- Data
- Applications
- Training
- Thin-client computing architecture
For each area, Yogi will describe the relevant problems and provide specific guidance on steps to take to improve performance.
Where presented:
- “Achieving Superior Application Performance amidst Skyrocketing Data Volumes” at the PPDM Association Fall Conference in Houston, Texas on 10 May 2004.
- “Achieving Superior Application Performance amidst Skyrocketing Data Volumes” at the PPDM E&P Data Management Innovations Seminar in Calgary, Alberta on 16 April 2004.
Improving Location Accuracy
Presentation Abstract:
In 2005 the Canadian oil & gas industry began to plan for to move to NAD 83.
Yogi Schulz will describe approaches to migrating data to the NAD 83 datum and to upgrading the DLS survey grid version.
Yogi will outline issues encountered during the migration and provide ideas for controlling the risks and costs of such projects.
NAD 83 is the abbreviation for North American Datum 1983. Geodetic datums provide the origin and orientation for co-ordinate systems used to map the earth. Geodetic datums consist of a point and an ellipsoid that defines the size and shape of the earth.
DLS is the abbreviation for Dominion Land Survey. DLS is survey system used in much of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Canada.
Where presented:
- “Improving Location Accuracy” at the Schlumberger Canada Client Symposium in Banff, Alberta on 19 April 2007.
- “Improving Location Accuracy” at the PPDM Association Fall Conference in Calgary, Alberta on 2 November 2006.
- “Improving Location Accuracy” at the PPDM Association Fall Conference in Calgary, Alberta on 1 November 2005.
A Tale of Two Projects
Presentation Abstract:
A case study of best practices for IT project management. Two organizations collaborate successfully to create a new software package. On completion, one organization successfully implements the software package while the other fails miserably.
Yogi Schulz will compare and contrast project management and organization factors that led to such dramatically different outcomes for the same software package. The presentation describes best practices for IT project management of software implementation projects.
Both organizations operated in the same city, in the same industry, used the same technology and set out to solve the same business problem. Both organizations devoted adequate funding and experienced staff to the implementation project. Both were intimately familiar with the capabilities of the software. Nonetheless, disaster struck for one organization.
Where presented:
- “A Tale of Two Projects” at the ISACA luncheon in Calgary, Alberta on 2 February 2008
- “A Tale of Two Projects” at the PMI NAC PMI Professional Development Symposium in Edmonton, Alberta on 1 June 2006
- “A Tale of Two Projects” at the PMI SAC PMI Professional Development Symposium in Calgary, Alberta on 12 October 2005
Virtual Collaboration for G & G Professionals
Course Abstract:
The work of G & G professionals is shifting more and more from individual effort to team collaboration. When teams are geographically distributed, they must collaborate virtually. For G & G professionals to be effective in this new virtual work environment, new technology, business processes, skills and organization are required.
Yogi Schulz will describe the new collaborative work environment and demonstrate related components. He will illustrate:
- Examples of the new technology include video conferencing, web-enabled remote access and application sharing.
- Emerging business processes focus on more clearly defined deliverables, expanded use of standards and more formal work plans.
- The new skills include facilitation skills, conferencing etiquette, computer conversancy and G & G application expertise.
- The new organization requires less direct supervision, expects more collaborative work and accepts looser reporting relationships.
Yogi Schulz will outline the characteristics of a robust computing infrastructure that is a prerequisite to the new collaborative work environment.
Yogi Schulz will conclude with best practices for establishing and operating a virtual collaboration environment for G & G professionals.
Where presented:
- “Virtual Collaboration for G & G Professionals” at the 2006 Joint Conference of the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG), the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG) and the Canadian Well Logging Society (CWLS) in Calgary, Alberta on 17 May 2006.
Tips for Managing e-Business Projects
Presentation Abstract:
E-Business projects bring a new set of pressures to bear on project managers. In this presentation, Yogi Schulz will describe effective techniques for successfully delivering e-Business projects. The techniques speak to the unique characteristics of e-Business projects and reinforce the best practices from project management experience.
Mr. Schulz will describe successful approaches to addressing these project management issues:
- Some PM issues shall remain eternally the same:
- Set a clear goal
- Nurture active project sponsorship
- Manage expectations
- E-commerce creates new PM issues:
- Accelerate delivery
- Create a memorable experience
- Implement impenetrable security
- Smooth settlement and fulfillment
Where presented:
- “Tips for Managing e-Business Projects” at Convergence in Calgary, Alberta on 1 June 2004.
- “Tips for Managing e-Business Projects” at U of C Continuing Education Project Management Course in Calgary, Alberta on 2 October 2003.
- “Tips for Managing e-Business Projects” at CIPS Informatics 2002 in Edmonton, Alberta in November 2002.
- “Tips for Managing E-commerce Projects” at ProjectWorld 2001 in Ottawa, Ontario on 2 October 2001.
- “Tips for Managing E-commerce Projects” at ProjectWorld 2001 in Vancouver, B. C. on 18 June 2001.
- “Tips for Managing E-commerce Projects” at ProjectWorld 2001 in Toronto, Ontario on 22 March 2001.
- “Tips for Managing E-commerce Projects” at Project Management Symposium 2000 in Toronto, Ontario on 2 May 2000.
IT for Business Results
Course Abstract:
Develop the knowledge and skills needed to help you effectively integrate IT into the business processes of your organization. Topics include: business intelligence software, e-business, delivering information systems, IT planning and economics, information architecture, and management problem-solving and decision-making.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Solve apparent business problems through the application of information technology solutions, avoiding complex and risky solutions that are difficult to execute successfully.
- Explain where investments in information technology can add value to your organization, avoiding investments that consume business resources and add no value.
- Effectively participate in information technology projects that implement business applications in your organization.
- Provide leadership in helping your organization evaluate the relative merits of competing information technology investment proposals.
- Explain information technology sufficiently to help your organization make effective technology direction choices.
Course Textbook
Information Technology for Management: Transforming Business in the Digital Economy, Fourth Edition
Efraim Turban, City University of Hong Kong
Ephraim McLean, Georgia State University
James Wetherbe, Texas Tech University
ISBN: 0-471-22967-9 ©2004
Course Outline
- First Module: IT In The Organization
- Second Module: The Web Revolution
- Third Module: Organizational Applications
- Fourth Module: Managerial and Decision Support Systems
- Fifth Module: Implementing and Managing IT
Where presented:
- “IT for Business Results” at the University of Calgary Continuing Education in Calgary, Alberta from January to April 2006.
- “IT for Business Results” at the University of Calgary Continuing Education in Calgary, Alberta from January to April 2004.
Foil Identity Theft
Presentation Abstract:
When we shop, eat meals in restaurants or login at our favorite web sites, we leave an identity trail behind that can be exploited by others. Criminals can use our identification data to take over our identity to steal our assets. When that happens, it’s called identity theft. Cleaning up the mess can take months, cost more money and generally disrupt our lives.
What can we do to safeguard our identity? This presentation will outline specific actions we can take to minimize the risk of identity theft. These actions include:
- Buy a Cross-Cut Shredder
- Exhibit Cautious Online Behavior
- Ignore Suspicious E-mail
- Review Credit Card Statements
- Review Credit History
- Clean Up Web Surfing Rubbish
Where presented:
- “Foil Identity Theft” at the Alberta Energy OEBU Conference in Calgary, Alberta in September 2007.
- “Foil Identity Theft” at the Alberta Energy Leadership Forum in Calgary, Alberta on 8 March 2007.
- “Foil Identity Theft” at the CAPPA lunch in Calgary, Alberta on 24 June 2004.
Dilbert Explains e-Project Management
Presentation Abstract:
We will examine Dilbert’s outrageous project management predicaments. Mr. Schulz will describe successful approaches that real life I. T. project managers can employ in similar situations to keep projects on track, build relationships with stakeholders in difficult circumstances and communicate project achievements in ways that the organization can appreciate the successes.
With Dilbert’s help, Mr. Schulz will describe winning approaches to:
- Managing of scope when priorities seem to shift weekly.
- Selling realistic estimates of schedule and resources that exceed project sponsor’s dreams.
- Using technology to advantage without being seduced by the latest product.
- Maintaining good relationships with the user community.
- Keeping the focus on project objectives when turmoil in the business threatens to disrupt the project.
Where presented:
- “Dilbert Explains e-Project Management” at the PMI NAC PMI Professional Development Symposium in Edmonton, Alberta on 1 June 2006
- “Dilbert Explains e-Project Management” at PMI ISSIG PDS 2003 in San Antonio, Texas on 23 May 2003.
- “Dilbert Explains e-Project Management” at PMI Southern Alberta Chapter Symposium 2003 in Calgary, Alberta on 1 May 2003.
- “Dilbert Explains Project Management” at Project Management Symposium 2000 in Ottawa, Ontario on 24 October 2000.
- “Dilbert Explains Project Management” at Project Management Symposium 2000 in Vancouver, British Columbia on 5 June 2000.
- “Dilbert Explains Project Management” at CIPS Informatics 2000 in Toronto, Ontario on 31 May 2000.
- “Dilbert Explains Project Management” at Project Management Symposium 2000 in Toronto, Ontario on 1 May 2000.
- “Dilbert Explains Project Management” at the PMI Information Systems Special Interest Group in Orlando, Florida in May 1999.
- “Dilbert Explains Project Management” at Project Management Symposium ‘98 in Toronto, Ontario on 7 May 1998.
- “Dilbert Explains Project Management” at the Qbyte Kananaskis Conference in Alberta in September 1995
- “Dilbert on Project Management” at CIPS Project Management SIG in Calgary, Alberta in May 1995.
- “Dilbert on Project Management” at CIPS Informatics ’95 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
PPDM supports Business Process Improvement
Course Abstract:
Presentation Abstract:
An explosion in exploration and production data volumes is threatening to overwhelm the improvements that many E&P companies have made in improving their business processes and data management practices.
Exploding data volumes originate from the business forces that are driving the upstream E&P industry today. These forces include:
- Asset Mix/Optimization
- Shareholder Return
- Oil & Gas Price
- Technology
- Workforce Demographics
- Globalization
- Environment
In this presentation, Yogi Schulz will describe successful approaches to enhancing data management with PPDM to strengthen:
- Computing Infrastructure
- Software
- Business Process
- Data
These approaches will enable E&P companies to meet the challenges posed by the business forces that are driving the E&P industry and retain the value that previous business process improvements delivered.
Where presented:
- “PPDM supports Business Process Improvement” at the 8th Annual International Conference on Petroleum Data Integration, E-Commerce and Management in Houston, Texas on 13 May 2004.
- “PPDM supports Business Process Improvement” at the PPDM Association Fall Conference in Calgary, Alberta on 4 November 2003.
Dilbert Explains E-Commerce for Oil & Gas
Presentation Abstract:
Oil and gas exploration and production companies are under constant pressure to reduce costs and improve productivity. In this presentation, Yogi Schulz will describe how E-commerce and the Internet can contribute to cost and productivity improvements. Yogi will show how Dilbert draws radically different conclusions about the benefits of E-commerce than we would draw.
Yogi Schulz will describe examples of the benefits oil and gas companies can achieve through the use of E-commerce and the Internet. Yogi’s presentation will focus on:
- The supply chain.
- Exchange of information among partners and regulatory agencies.
- Access to applications.
- Delivery of oil & gas data.
This presentation emphasizes management and strategy; not technology.
Where presented:
- “Dilbert Explains E-Commerce for Oil & Gas” at the PASC luncheon in Calgary, Alberta in January 2000.
XML – The Next Generation
Presentation Abstract:
The adoption of EDI fell well short of expectations in many industries including the oil and gas industry. In this breakout session, Yogi Schulz will lead a panel of industry professionals who will describe how new standards like XML, a new generation of software and the ubiquity of the Internet are overcoming the shortcomings of EDI.
Yogi Schulz and the panel of industry professionals will illustrate cost and productivity benefits oil and gas companies can achieve through the use of new E-commerce standards and the Business-to-Business web sites of the Internet. This breakout session will emphasize:
- Exchange of information among partners and regulatory agencies.
- Access to administrative and geotechnical applications.
- Delivery of public oil & gas data.
- Shortening the supply chain.
This presentation emphasizes management and strategy over technology details.
Where presented:
- “XML – The Next Generation” at the PPDM Association Fall Conference in Calgary, Alberta on 30 October 2000.
- “XML – The Next Generation for EDI” at Will E&P survive E-business? in Calgary, Alberta on 26 April 2000.
Maximizing Business Benefits from Software Packages
Presentation Abstract:
Many organizations are not achieving many of the benefits promised by the software vendor. Yogi Schulz will describe proven approaches to maximizing benefits from existing investments in software packages:
- Software Packages:
- Range of Capabilities
- Optimum Integration Cost/Benefit
- Increasing Benefits:
- Install Software
- Establish Data Custodianship
- Plan & Manage Implementation
- Enhance for Integration
- Align with Business and IT Strategy
This presentation includes a self-assessment for maximizing benefits from Microsoft Office and from P2ES oil & gas software.
Where presented:
- “Maximizing Business Benefits from Software Packages” at the Qbyte Conference in Kananaskis, Alberta on 2 June 2010.
- “Maximizing Business Benefits from Software Packages” at the ISACA Conference in Calgary, Alberta on 27 May 2008.
- “Maximizing Business Benefits from Software Packages” at the Qbyte Conference in Kananaskis, Alberta on 25 June 2003.
Dueling Project Managers
“Can Engineering Methods Work for I. T. Projects?”
Presentation Abstract:
This presentation consists of a debate about the application of the engineering project management methods to IT projects. Yogi Schulz will alternately play the role of two respected project managers, both from the same planet. He will provide examples, case histories and arguments from two different sides of this debate. In so doing, he hopes to share some insights into a genuine dichotomy within the IT community.
In the Engineer role, Yogi Schulz will argue that the application of engineering management principles can make IT projects more successful, or at least avoid many of the failures to which large IT projects seem prone.
In the IT Guy role, Yogi Schulz will argue that IT projects have characteristics that make the application of engineering management principles difficult or even contribute to failure.
The debate will explore issues of Scope, Time and Quality. Yogi will present the arguments alternatively, laying out the view on the general issue for each topic and reinforcing the point with a case history. To reinforce the roles, Yogi uses two baseball caps labeled Engineer and IT Guy.
Robin Hornby and Yogi Schulz prepared a version of this presentation in 1996.
It requires two projectors and screens. It has generated laughs, disbelief and lots of discussion in the past.
Where presented:
- “Dueling Project Managers” at the University of Calgary in Alberta for the Project Management and MBA graduate students at various times in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001.
- “Dueling Project Managers” at the CP Rail Project Managers’ Special Interest Group in Calgary, Alberta on 13 March 2000.
- “Dueling Project Managers” at CIPS Informatics ‘97 in Regina, Saskatchewan – May 1997
- “Dueling Project Managers” at the 1996 Project Management Symposium held in Calgary, Alberta on May 13 – 15, 1996.
IT Must Deliver Value!
Presentation Abstract:
Many organizations are making huge investments in IT. However, the identification of a clear relationship between these IT investments and the achievement of business value remains elusive. Often the strategic contribution of IT is difficult to establish or is over-sold.
Yogi Schulz will first describe management’s understandable but insufficient reaction to its frustration with IT investments. Yogi’s presentation will then:
- Describe how the complexities of systems in the Internet age add to the challenge of achieving IT value.
- Effective questions which illuminate the business value of IT.
- Outline a step-by-step approach which achieves IT value for the business.
- Describe the pivotal role the CEO – CIO relationship plays in achieving value.
This presentation emphasizes management and strategy; not technology.
Where presented:
- “IT Must Deliver Value!” at CIPS Informatics ’99 in Edmonton, Alberta in October 1999.
- “Information Technology Investments must deliver Value!” at PetroTech ‘98 in Calgary, Alberta in November 1998.
IT Project Management
Presentation Abstract:
This course will examine the critical success factors for a successful information system implementation in the Internet Age. The course will cover IT project planning techniques and tools; including a demonstration of Microsoft Project. The course will examine common IT project obstacles including the role of the project sponsor, difficulties with building IT infrastructure and the pressure to achieve an aggressive implementation schedule.
Course objectives include:
- Learning about techniques which reduce project duration and cost.
- Reducing effort required to plan and manage projects.
- Improving the accuracy of estimates.
- Building understanding of leadership techniques required to manage projects to a successful completion.
- Introducing Microsoft Project to produce a critical path schedule.
- Describing the changes that the emergence of web-based software has brought to the discipline of project management.
The course material will be presented through:
- Module with overheads.
- Class discussion.
- Case studies.
- Articles from trade magazines.
- Videos.
- Software overviews.
- Team presentations.
This course is approximately 3 days in length. A useful pre-requisite for the course is some participation on an IT implementation project.
A more detailed outline is available on request.
Where presented:
- “IT Project Planning” at The University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta on 6 to 9 November 2000.
- “Project Planning and Management” at The University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta from 1993 to 1997.
Interoperability Initiatives
Presentation Abstract:
Mr. Schulz will examine what application interoperability is, the factors which undermine our ability to achieve application interoperability and the major initiatives which are working to produce software and standards which can help organizations achieve interoperability in an oil & gas industry context. The outline of the presentation is:
- Interoperability Definition
- Interoperability Irritants
- Interoperability Initiatives
The presentation includes an extensive bibliography that describes where additional information can be located for the various interoperability initiatives.
Where presented:
- “Interoperability Initiatives” at the Fall Conference and Annual General Meeting of the PPDM Association on 26 October 1999 in Calgary, Alberta.
Internet Resources for Project Managers
Presentation Abstract:
Mr. Schulz will examine what the various components of the Internet have to offer the project management professional. Building on his experiences using the Internet, Mr. Schulz’s presentation will describe the following resources that are easily accessible through the Internet:
- Project management software vendor websites.
- Project management consultants and service provider websites.
- The project management listserver.
- The Dilbert archive to liven up status reports.
The objective of the presentation is to focus on ideas about how these Internet resources can assist project managers in achieving successful project outcomes.
Where presented:
- “Internet Resources for Project Managers” at the Project Management Institute – Southern Alberta Chapter in Calgary, Alberta in 30 November 2000.
- “Internet Resources for Project Managers” at Business Convergence ‘98 in Calgary, Alberta on 6 May 1998.
- “Internet Resources for Project Managers” at CIPS Project Management SIG in Calgary, Alberta in September 1997.
- “Internet Resources for Project Managers” at the Project Management Institute – Southern Alberta Chapter in Calgary, Alberta in April 1997.
Update on Project Management Tools
Presentation Abstract:
Mr. Schulz will examine various tools that can support the work of the project management professional. Building on his experiences as a project manager for software development and implementation projects, Mr. Schulz’s presentation will describe:
- Trends in project management software functionality.
- Observations on the Microsoft Project controversy.
- Overview of project management simulation software.
- Project management software selection criteria.
- The impact of the Internet on project management tools.
The objective of the presentation is to focus on ideas about how project management tools can assist project managers in achieving successful project outcomes.
Where presented:
- “Update on Project Management Tools” at the Project Management Symposium ‘97 on 13 November 1997 in Toronto, Ontario.
Business 2 Business 101 – Roadmap to Self-education
Presentation Abstract:
This presentation will provide an introduction to the concept of Business 2 Business (B2B) e-Commerce. Mr. Schulz will describe the terminology, the software and the expectations that organizations that embark on B2B.
Mr. Schulz will discuss the following topics:
- Importance of the Internet
- B 2 B Major Applications
- B 2 B Benefits for buyers and seller
- E-commerce reference publications
Where presented:
- “Business 2 Business 101 – Roadmap to Self-education” for Professional Credit and Financial Association of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta on 19 February 2002.
- “Business 2 Business 101 – Roadmap to Self-education” for the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) conference in Calgary, Alberta on 6 November 2001.
- “Business 2 Business 101 – Roadmap to Self-education” for the AMEX Travel Services staff in Calgary, Alberta in February 2001.
Getting Started With Your Intranet Solution
Presentation Abstract:
This presentation is designed to assist business managers, who are new to Internet concepts, help their organization begin to take advantage of this information technology.
The presentation outline is as follows:
- Why Use an Intranet?
- How Do We Get Started?
- Conclusions
- Recommendations
- Demonstration
Where presented:
- “Getting Started with Your Intranet Solution” at the Netscape event in Calgary, Alberta in 1997.
The Top 10 Myths about Intranets
Presentation Abstract:
During the last few years, we have observed an enormous increase in the visibility and usefulness of the Internet. This presentation will provide:
- A look at the components of the Internet.
- A discussion of the Top 10 Myths about Intranets.
Some ideas for getting started with Intranet projects.
Where presented:
- “The Top 10 Myths about Intranets” at the Good News Breakfast club in Calgary, Alberta in January 1998.
- “Achieving Value from Intranet Investments” at the Qbyte Kananaskis Conference in Alberta in November 1997
Dilbert Explains Java
Presentation Abstract:
Java is a language that has gained such prominence during the past two years that even Dilbert lurches toward opinions about its (in) appropriate use. Java offers benefits that hold considerable appeal to management, systems developers and end-users.
Yogi Schulz will first describe the current state of Java’s evolution. Yogi’s presentation will then focus on the following aspects of Java:
- Systems development benefits.
- Business benefits.
- Risks associated with the use of Java.
- Recommendations for implementing Java.
Yogi will show how Dilbert draws radically different conclusions about the benefits of Java than we would draw.
This presentation emphasizes management and strategy; not the technical intricacies of Java.
Where presented:
- “Dilbert Explains Java” at the CIPS Calgary Luncheon in Calgary, Alberta in January 1999.
- “Dilbert Explains Java to Developers” at the Sun Calgary Java event in Calgary, Alberta in May 1998.
Dilbert Explains PPDM Benefits
Presentation Abstract:
Mr. Schulz will describe successful approaches to using PPDM to improve the operations of oil and gas exploration and production firms. He will contrast the PPDM approach with the outrageous ways that Dilbert’s organization attacks the same improvement objectives.
With Dilbert’s help, Mr. Schulz will describe PPDM benefits in terms of:
- Supporting cost reduction in exploration and production functions.
- Enhancing professional productivity of explorationists.
- Using PPDM technology as part of a strategic direction for the effective application of information technology.
Yogi will show how Dilbert draws radically different conclusions about the benefits of PPDM than we would draw.
Where presented:
- “Dilbert Explains PPDM Benefits” at the Geomatics and Computer Applications Meeting on 19 November 1999 in Calgary, Alberta.
- “Dilbert Explains PPDM Benefits” at the Annual General Meeting of the PPDM Association on 22 October 1997 in Calgary, Alberta.
Using PPDM to Improve Geophysical Data Management
Presentation Abstract:
Geophysicists encounter various data management issues that increase costs and undermine productivity. Using the Public Petroleum Data Model (PPDM) as part of a geophysical data management strategy contributes significantly to solving the data management issues that many geophysicists face.
The presentation outline is as follows:
- Geophysical data management issues
- Impact of data management issues
- Geophysicists’ objectives
- PPDM contributions
- Conclusion
- Specific actions a geophysicist can undertake to improve data management
Where presented:
- “Using PPDM to Improve Geophysical Data Management”, at GeoTriad in June 1998 in Calgary, Alberta.
PPDM Overview Course
Presentation Abstract:
The PPDM Overview course describes how using the Public Petroleum Data Model (PPDM) for data stores of geotechnical information reduces IS costs and increases the productivity of geotechnical professionals. Oil and gas organizations need to know how to achieve the benefits that the PPDM offers for their:
- IS strategy;
- data management initiatives;
- application strategy;
This course provides answers to assist oil and gas organizations in assessing the benefits, uses and implementation approaches of the PPDM. PPDM is a physical data model that describes the subject areas associated with oil and gas exploration activities.
Course outline:
- How the PPDM Association works
- The Business Case for using PPDM
- Architectural Principles
- Model description
- Planning for implementation
- The next steps for the PPDM
- PPDM software and data availability
The course material will be presented through:
- Module with overheads.
- Class discussion.
- Case studies.
- Articles from trade magazines.
- Videos.
- Software overviews.
- Team presentations.
This course is 1 day in length.
Where presented:
- “PPDM Overview Course” in Calgary and Houston from 1996 to 1999.
Yogi Schulz
Yogi Schulz is President of Corvelle Consulting. The firm specializes in project management and information technology related management consulting. Corvelle is assisting clients, who are moving applications toward a web-based architecture.
Mr. Schulz has over 25 years of Information Systems experience of which 22 have been spent as a consultant. Prior to founding Corvelle, he worked as a senior consultant with DMR Group Inc. He holds a B. Comm. from The University of Calgary, is a member of CIPS and holds its ISP designation. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Public Petroleum Data Model Association.
Yogi has presented at many conferences. Yogi writes for the Microsoft web site and appears on CBC Wild Rose Forum. He has written monthly columns for Computing Canada and The Calgary Herald that address IT management issues. He has taught several courses in The University of Calgary Management Development Certificate Program and in the Faculty of Management.
