A study of data warehousing end user training methods, their effectiveness, and challenges

by 1951- Avery, Katherine Liddell

Effective end user training is important to data warehousing success. Telephone interviews were conducted with data warehousing managers at Owens & Minor, AT & T Wireless, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The interviews investigated the specific training methods employed with end users; the success of these efforts; and the problems, issues, and challenges associated with current training methods. Based on the interviews it was learned that organizations use a variety of training methods depending on the nature of the user. The three companies believe that their training methods are either “successful” or “largely successful”. Two important challenges were identified as a result of the study. Users need a better understanding of the data stored in the data warehouse and how to integrate the warehouse into their work and business processes. Six best practices were identified which synthesize what companies can do to successfully train their end users.