EIS: Building Information Out Of Data - Penn State University Case Study

7/30/2019 EIS: Building Information Out Of Data - Penn State University Case Study

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Building

Information out of Data:EIS at Penn State

SPECIAL TOPICS OF BI

SIMIN TOKER - 135808023

A CASE STUDY BY THEPENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

EXECUTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMCOORDINATING COMMITTEE

DEC, 1998


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1-Introduction-Motivation & System-About the University, Environment & Executives

2-EIS Implementation Process-Background-Development of EIS-Strategy -Tools-Models

3-Analysis-Internal Marketing-Current Status-View to the Future-Conclusion & Critic


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Pennsylvania State

University (PSU)

A public research university with campuses and

facilities throughout the Commonwealthof Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855. Ranked among the top-fifteen public

universities nationally.
http://www.psu.edu/


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Motivation

Tailored requests of executives, exceptionalreporting options were limited

Need to do quick weekly check on Admissionsinformation Getting an accurate picture of overall

operations


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EIS System Features EIS provides (@PennState) : summary information for

executives, using data automatically extractedfrom a data warehouse (dynamic, OLAP technology) .

Operates on: Microsoft SQL Server Presented with: Cognos PowerPlay Server

Web Edition

Security on Web: DCE Authenticated, SSLEncrypted System Login (on Web) : via DCE user-id and

password


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Implementation Process-Background

Development began in Feb, 1995 with an EIS Coordinating Committee

Committe:-in charge of delivering the information to university &executives-consists of representatives from major operational units as wellas the Office of Administrative Systems (central operational andtechnical support)

The scope of the project was determinedaccording to their decisions


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-Key requirements of the system would be..

Cross Platform Ease of Use

Limited Training Quick Response Large Volumes of

Data

Deployment Throughthe Web

Easy GraphicalPresentation Options

Ability to AccessSubsets of Data (DrillDown)


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Implementation Process-Development of EIS

After evaluation of suggestions: OLAP (OnLine Analytical Processing) dynamic method was choosento cover the requirements.

The Cognos PowerPlay Server Web Editionwas identified as the best fit for the needs of Penn State executives.


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EIS

(summary data)

Data

Warehouse(detail data extracted

periodically)

Transaction Databases

(detail transactions processedimmediately)

Development Structure-Strategy

EIS was choosen to be builton the existing transactiondatabase.

This approach allowed the

realtime transaction detailsin case of the operationalneeds.

Includes a centralized, web-based data server; BUT theindividual units areresponsible for the data,design and preparation of the models.

EIS access is authorized.Fig.1: Penn State Information Access Strategy


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Development Structure-Tools a family of products from the Cognos Corporation PowerPlay is the primary tool for both developing

and displaying models PowerPlay enables the developer to construct

multi-dimensional models (a.k.a 'Cubes') from a varietyof sources These models are then distributed to other users via PowerPlay

Server Web Edition (Same basic principle as the BW / Query Designer / Bex Analyzer)

Product requires no plug-in to the browser User training is easy because of the familiarity of

the point and click interface, the ability to easilycustomized web pages or web-browser bookmarks.


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Development Structure-Models (~ Cubes)

the term model is used to describe the differentcubes that can be viewed.

they are summary level subsets of data focusing on aspecific issue.

-For instance, the "Official Enrollment Model" will allow the user to view summarylevel information in regard to enrollments. (i.e, gender, ethnicity, college, etc.)

Each model is designed based on the generalanticipated needs of the end user.

Several units : Admissions, Human Resources,

Graduate School, Office of Budget and Resource Analysis, Development and Alumni Relations. In addition,various organizations and individuals have built private models for their own use outside of the general EIS system

The continuous development of appropriate models is a

key component for the success of the EIS.


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Development Structure-Overview

PowerPlay Server Web Edition is an OLAP tool that providesdetailed analysis of the data and also offers graphical

capabilities . With this type of analysis tool the user is able totake on a multi-dimensional view , thereby finding answers to

questions not evident or discovered in a simple reportingstructure.

Fig.2: Dimension Bar

Fig.3: Display Area

Fig.4: Toolbar


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Internal Marketing Facing the user reluctance Ability to answer the question How can the

EIS be successful for Penn State?

Planning workshops (internal fairs and conferences, livedemonstrations, user group meetings etc.)

Providing new Data Models (covering thefinancial units) key to building interest and showing the power and value of the system.

Obtaining high-level executive support (to gainvisibility, acceptance)


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Current Status

Fig.5: Models available with 150 users


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View to the Future The direction is to expand the EIS by including

financial models This will provide full information for eachexecutive unit as well as for the University as a whole.

Handling the reluctance sustains- continuouseducation & encouregement a fully integrated Distributed Computing

Environment (DCE) security system will beimplemented (EIS is the initial step)


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Conclusion A progress rather than a finished product Need to improve system Supplies a summary level information and

support to the Penn State decision makers &executives

Increases efficiency and effectiveness

dramatically better, faster decisions, Positive impact within the University community Further benefits will be realized as additional

users become familiar with the EIS


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Critic of the Penn State EIS System fails by one of the most critical function of EIS: Future prediction & Trend analysisreason may be: year -1998- & educational institution External data flow (like news) also missing

Drill-down doesnt allow the financial analysis yet,but in progress Communication tool is also not mentioned Guiding and tutorials, system workshops are above

average aiming to sustain system usage GUI is easy to use CSFs are not clearly listed in the case study; but

discussed as requirements & needs of PennState

Even if they call it an EIS; its rather a MIS


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Thank you for yourattention!QUESTIONS?

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EIS: Building Information Out Of Data - Penn State University Case Study