A Process Oriented Framework for Assessing the Business Value of IT
Monday, September 08, 2008
- John Mooney et al.
Is there a connection between business value and IT capability? Why yes, you proclaim. Now prove it! If you need help, this paper may be a good place to start.
Crafting a Vision for IT (Monday, August 21, 2006) What is the purpose of a vision statement for IT? This article examines how a vision can accelerate the business value generated by an IT Organization.
IT Strategy: IT Cannot be a Profit Center (Friday, September 08, 2006) IT Strategy: Of late, there is a lot of emphasis on IT ROI. While this is commendable, extending this argument to convert the IT Organization into a profit center is taking it to another extreme. For example, are HR, finance, and marketing profit centers? Why not?
IT Value Mapping (Friday, September 08, 2006) Why do some IT organizations create unprecedented shareholder value, while others earn the contempt of their business leaders? It is no secret that aligning IT with business improves IT ROI, what is often in doubt is how to make it happen. Can you say with certainty that your IT is aligned with business? Can you prove it? If improving IT ROI is an imperative for you, read on. This paper will show you how to improve ROI by 10% or more…and
IT Strategy Course (Friday, September 08, 2006) At the end of the day, most business leaders agree that alignment is critical, but they don't know how to achieve that goal. This course discusses the challenges of aligning IT with business in depth and presents a differentiated approach and framework.
IT Strategy Blog (Friday, September 08, 2006) My views on IT Strategy
Enterprise architecture and the role of technology (Monday, September 11, 2006) Enterprise architecture (EA) function is often equated with processes, metrics, and governance, but these elements are only peripheral. Enterprise architecture is a broad term, involving the creation and execution of IT strategy based on an organization's vision and business goals. In this article, discover why technology is a key function of enterprise architecture, especially in the current context of innovative and disruptive technologies, and position your enterprise architecture department to help stakeholders clearly see the value of EA.
IT Strategy Framework (Monday, September 25, 2006) IT Strategy requires a process and a framework. The former provides the steps and the latter the toolkit. Together they help an organization get to an IT Strategy that maximizes IT ROI. This article addresses the latter.
Managing IT Course (Friday, September 29, 2006) Whether you are a CxO or a programmer, getting the "big picture" on IT is critical to your success. But getting your arms around IT without a structured proven framework is like boiling the ocean. The Managing IT For Shareholder Value online training course solves this problem by explaining in detail where and how IT can add value to your business. This is the critical first step to bring your IT efforts in line with your business needs.
CIO or IT Product Manager? (Tuesday, October 10, 2006) Is it about time to change the CIO title? Is it about time the role got redefined?
What is IT Strategy? (Saturday, October 14, 2006) There are many definitions of IT Strategy. Which one is true?
Help! We are being treated as a cost center! (Wednesday, October 18, 2006) Let’s face it. An IT organization that has to justify its budget as a “cost center” has lost the respect of the business community somewhere along the line.
e-Business Strategy (Friday, September 08, 2006) e-Business is the art and science of creating business value through the internet. It is first about business then about the Internet. The rise and apparent demise of the net has left some invaluable lessons for the survivors and the new entrants.
e-Business ROI (Friday, September 01, 2006) How do you select eBusiness projects for funding? Everything cool is not everything profitable! This article discusses ways to make sure you win while you feel good!
Talk to Me: The Disconnect Between Business and IT (Monday, May 07, 2007) The disconnect between business and IT is often lamented. A lot is spoken and written about this chasm. Ostensibly, a lot is done to bridge it. Yet, most would agree the chasm still exists.
Why IT ROI doesn't matter? (Friday, November 03, 2006) Does IT ROI matter? Great many intelligent people are spending sleepless nights and countless dollars calculating IT ROI. The author argues that they are wasting their time and shareholder dollars!
Private is as private does! (Monday, November 06, 2006) A company’s privacy policy is a statement of the “value” it places in its customer relationships. Perhaps the first reflection of that is in the value it places on their “property” – in this case personal information. This simple thing can help build trust that is critical to any relationship.
Putting IT Strategy in Context (Wednesday, November 08, 2006) Often, the emphasis is on creating an IT Strategy. Before you do, understand the context of IT Strategy i.e. what is its role and scope.
The Politics of Major IT Projects (Friday, November 10, 2006) Why do big IT Projects fail? There are many reasons. Mismanagement, new technology and immature IT Organization are amongst them. However, the most frequent reason for large project failure is organizational dynamics or politics.
Enterprise Information Systems Strategy and Planning (Thursday, November 16, 2006) Porter (2001)’s proposition of the evolution of technologies in business emphasizes the need for
information systems strategies to enable the real-time optimization of the value chain. It is echoed throughout the
literature that information technology strategies need to be aligned with business strategies. This paper proposes a
framework for the development of information systems strategies and plans driven by business objectives and
strategies. It provides an integrated framework for the development of technology architectures and business
processes across the value chain. A systematic approach to enterprise information system planning is presented.
7 Steps to Business and IT Alignment (Monday, November 20, 2006) No business will ever reach the goal of “business and IT alignment”. Should this discourage you from pursuing business and IT alignment? NO! It is a worthy goal to pursue. Indeed, it is a critical one to pursue. You might never reach alignment but you can take steps to get ever closer. This requires a process. Often, we ignore the fact that business and IT alignment is a process. This process does not have a starting point nor does it have an end. It is a series of “learn and do” cycles that incrementally get towards alignment. Let me explain.
Next Stop, CEO? (Saturday, December 09, 2006) Are CIO careers terminal? Not many - I could not find one - CIOs have made it to CEO. Why not?
IT Strategist's Dilemma (Saturday, December 09, 2006) Every strategist faces the "stay the course" or "cut and run" choice, at least once in their careers. How do you decide which course is the correct one? More, importantly, is this even a correct or complete set of choices?
Bringing IT into the Boardroom (Monday, December 11, 2006) While information technology (IT) has risen steadily in importance to public companies over the past four decades, in many companies, the level of board oversight regarding IT strategy and execution has not kept pace. As innovation demands and competitive pressures continue to elevate the criticality of IT, a study by Deloitte Consulting LLP (Deloitte Consulting) has identified a gap between how boards currently addresses IT and What the Board Needs to Know about IT.
Do All Travel Agents Go To Heaven? (Thursday, December 14, 2006) The travel industry has gone through a tremendous transformation over the past few years. The travel agents are no more. Where did they all go? And in their story, are there lessons for all of us?
Remember Napster? (Tuesday, December 19, 2006) Not so long ago, Napster was a phenomenon. It has cult following. It almost brought the music industry to its knees. Well, forget Napster. What is did to the music industry will pale in comparison to what its spawns are going to do in other industries. Are you going to be affected? Is there opportunity for you?
IT Strategy Template (Friday, January 12, 2007) Enclosed is a simple template to create an IT Strategy for your organization. This is intended to be the starting point not a definitive or exhaustive workbook on creating an IT Strategy.
It's not just IT, it is Your Brand (Monday, January 22, 2007) When we talk about "business and IT alignment", we often forget about the elephant in the room - the impact of IT on brand. This article discusses the connection and provides examples of how IT can help or hurt your brand.
Forget SOX! (Thursday, January 25, 2007) Is the focus on SOX taking away from some other, more important IT Governance issues? The article argues that with a view to the "big picture" of IT Governance
Making a Case for Enterprise Architecture (Thursday, January 25, 2007) EA projects are hard to get funded. Can we "quantify" the value delivered by EA? Or should we try to use other techniques to get funded?
Happy Together? (Wednesday, January 31, 2007) What three things must coexist to ensure IT Value? Read on to find the answer!
Start smart. Your first step could make your journey! (Monday, February 05, 2007) More often than not, "first impressions" make all the difference. Your opportunity to make this critical "first impression" on an IT Strategy project is with the "kick off" communication. Are you hitting it spot on? Or, are you busily creating a disaster for yourself and your organization?
7 things a CxO should know about eBusiness (Tuesday, February 06, 2007) After over a decade, eBusiness is still an enigma. Companies are still not using it to the best of their or its ability. Why? Because business leaders are still not sure about the nature and capabilities of eBusiness. The author debunks 7 myths about eBusiness.
Giving "teeth" to the Building Permit Process (Thursday, February 08, 2007) The building permit process is critical to the success of an Enterprise Architecture. Often, this process fails and with it the Enterprise Architecture. The article highlights the 7 common mistakes that lead to the failure of this process and suggests ways to avoid them.
Part II: Start smart. Your first step could make your journey! (Monday, February 12, 2007) Last week we looked at the importance of the IT Strategy "kick off" communication and the 5 questions it must address. This week, we will discuss each of the 5 questions and how to answer them for success!
Part III: Start smart. Your First Step Could Make Your Journey! (Monday, February 19, 2007) Previously, we discussed the importance of the "kick off" communication. We also talked about the steps to create a killer kick off letter. In this article, we will discuss how to avoid common pitfalls.
7 Signs of Trouble in Paradise (Monday, February 26, 2007) Ever wonder what happens when business and IT are not aligned? Well, like most other things in life, there are symptoms of misalignment. Monitoring them and analyzing them can help you avert disaster.
IT Strategy Manager (Thursday, March 01, 2007) One of the world's most prestigious strategy consulting firms seeks an experienced IT Strategy Manager
IT/Business Vice President (Thursday, March 01, 2007) One of the world's most prestigious strategy consulting firms seeks a seasoned IT Strategist for its Atlanta or Dallas practice
Creating a Winning Project Charter (Monday, March 05, 2007) A project's charter is its anchor. It provides returns exponentially greater than the time and effort spent creating it.
Buzzword: Business Model (Monday, March 12, 2007) "Business model" has to be the king of buzzwords. "Strategy" is not far behind but there is something about business models that makes it more powerful! This article tries to demystify the term.
Part II: Finding a Home for eBusiness (Thursday, March 15, 2007) Last week we discussed the problem with the current configuration of eBusiness in "brick and mortar" organizations. This week, we discuss why it should change!
Buzzword: IT Capability (Monday, March 19, 2007) What is IT Capability? If you want to understand why some IT organizations create more value than others, it is imperative to understand this buzzword.
What's Missing From Outsourcing (Monday, March 19, 2007) The outsourcing bandwagon has gone through an interesting journey. Along the way, many have jumped on. Before you do, think!
Part III: Finding a Home for eBusiness (Tuesday, March 20, 2007) In Part I and II we discussed the issues with eBusiness Organization design. This week, we will discuss organization design factors that apply to eBusiness but are universal in their applicability. Then we are ready to discuss eBusiness Organization design options!
It's the Business Model, Stupid! (Monday, March 26, 2007) When talking about business and IT alignment, our focus always goes to business strategy and its alignment with IT strategy. This thought process recognizes a fundamental truth. Unfortunately, it only gets part of the picture.
A Framework For IT Value (Monday, April 02, 2007) In this series, we will discuss IT Value - from its definition to a framework to measure and track it
Part II: A Framework for IT Value (Monday, April 09, 2007) Last week, we lay the foundation for a discussion on IT Value. This week, we look at specific areas where IT creates value.
Part IV: Finding a Home for eBusiness (Thursday, April 12, 2007) Finally, we are ready to discuss ways to organize eBusiness. This article discusses the three models and the criteria used for eBusiness design
CIOs and CFOs Find Opportunities and Challenges in IT/Finance Alignment (Mon, 31 Oct 2005 23:00:00 PST) Chief financial officers and chief information officers have found themselves called upon to play an increasingly pivotal role in the executive suite. A group of 18 senior financial and IT officers from a cross-section of industries agreed that CIOs and CFOs are spending more time on strategy than they did in the past.
Part III: A Framework for IT Value (Monday, April 23, 2007) Last week, we focused on revenues. This week, we look at the costs in the IT value equation.
Part IV: A Framework For IT Value (Monday, April 30, 2007) Last week, we discussed the cost dimension of IT Value. This week, we will discuss the time to market dimension.
Rethinking measurement: More than evaluating performance (Monday, June 25, 2007) Management should focus on using measurement frameworks that show the hypothesized relationships between desired outcomes and the drivers (or leading indicators) of those outcomes; what's more, developing the right measures and using measurement data must be iterative and highly interactive.
The Ever Changing Business Model (Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:55:00 GMT) Amazon is expanding a program designed to allow independent sellers - including those on rival eBay - to use its network of distribution centers to store and ship their products. Is there a method to this madness?
An Emerging IT Ecosystem (Monday, May 07, 2007) Today, IT products and services are delivered to the customer for them to assemble and deploy. Is this paradigm shifting?
Talk to Me: The Disconnect Between Business and IT (Tuesday, May 08, 2007) The disconnect between business and IT is often lamented. A lot is spoken and written about this chasm. Ostensibly, a lot is done to bridge it. Yet, most would agree the chasm still exists.
What the Board Needs to Know About IT: Phase II (Monday, May 14, 2007) How are the boards of directors approaching IT? This report provides invaluable insight into their thinking and makes recommendations on improving performance through IT.
Part V: A Framework for IT Value (Monday, May 14, 2007) Last week, we discussed the time to market dimension of IT Value. This week, we will discuss the quality dimension.
Focus on Customer Service (Monday, May 14, 2007) Is it time to relearn the no.1 rule of business? Some airline companies seem to have gone back to school. Unfortunately, this was an expensive education because their customers took them there!
Part VI: A Framework for IT Value (Tuesday, May 29, 2007) Last week, we focused on quality and its impact on IT Value. This week, we will take a look at productivity and its impact on IT Value
Part VII: A Framework for IT Value (Monday, June 04, 2007) Last week, we focused on productivity and its impact on IT Value. This week, we will take a look at customer satisfaction and its impact on IT Value
It's a wiki wiki world! (Tuesday, June 05, 2007) Wikipedia has put wikis on the map. Can this tool be used for commercial purposes? This article discusses the use of wikis to overcome key leadership challenges within an organization
Seeing Eye To Eye On IT (Wednesday, June 06, 2007) A discussion on Forrester's research on the business and IT disconnect. So what's new?
eStrategy: Does Website Ranking Matter? (Monday, July 09, 2007) Do you follow Dalbar rankings? Do you put them to use? Before you do, please read this article!
Is Your Company World Class in IT? (Monday, July 09, 2007) Metrics make us feel secure because of the implicit promise of control. However, metrics are as meaningful as the spin surrounding them!
Performance Management Systems (Tuesday, July 10, 2007) Are performance management systems all they are made out to be? Are online systems more effective?
Debunking Three Common Myths About SOA (Wednesday, August 22, 2007) Is SOA a technology? Is SOA the same thing as web services? The article tackles three common myths about SOA.
eStrategy: Thinking About eBusiness Models (Part III) (Tuesday, October 16, 2007) Part I introduced the concept and importance of eBusiness Models. This article provides further detail on them. This article focuses on the transaction based eBusiness model.
Demystifying IT Governance (Thursday, October 18, 2007) IT Governance is a term much used and often abused. What is IT Governance? How is it relevant to a CIO? Seems obvious but after reading this article you might change your mind!
In Search of Innovation (Tuesday, November 13, 2007) Bringing innovation to your organization isn't easy. Need tips? Read On!
What is eStrategy? (Wednesday, November 28, 2007) First, eBusiness is NOT IT. Next, eStrategy is not IT Strategy. Now you can read the rest...
"SOLACE" in IT Strategy (Monday, January 07, 2008) IT Strategy is nothing without its implementation. How can CIOs get some "SOLACE" from their IT Strategy? Read on!
Overview of Function Point Analysis (Monday, January 21, 2008) IT Strategies fail on poor execution. Function point analysis is a tool to make better implementation decisions before money is spent on them! Good overview of the tool and approach
Strategy: Kill Google (Sunday, February 03, 2008) Kill Bill's sequel is out. In this fast paced thriller Microsoft goes after Google. Will Google survive?
IT Strategy: Does IT Matter? (Monday, February 04, 2008) This paper presents results from investment in IT at a macro economic level. Proof positive that IT Matters? You decide.
IT Strategist as a Race Car Driver? (Tuesday, February 12, 2008) Learning from Mario Andretti sounds like fun but what has that got to do with IT Strategy? Read on!
Panchatantra and the CIO: The Crocodile and the Monkey (Friday, February 22, 2008) A crocodile and monkey become friends. Then in a cruel twist of fate, their friendship is put to the test. What can the CIO learn from this tale? Read on...
Influences on IT Strategy (Monday, March 03, 2008) Excellent overview of IT Strategy and things that have an influence on its outcome. Must read!
CIO Survey: Does IT Strategy Matter? (Monday, March 10, 2008) A survey of senior IT Executives on the value of IT Alignment. And the survey says...
IT Strategy For Business Value (Monday, March 10, 2008) The paper presents a framework for developing an IT Strategy for business value.
IT Strategy Framework with SOA (Monday, March 10, 2008) A very good presentation that takes IT Strategy to solutions architecture using SOA. Good read!
Developing an IS/IT Strategy (Monday, March 17, 2008) A very good presentation on developing an IT Strategy. Must Read!
A Framework for Developing IT Strategy (Monday, March 17, 2008) A very good discussion on developing IT Strategy including detailed steps and explanations. Must Read!
IT Strategy for the Law Firm (Monday, March 17, 2008) A presentation on the challenges facing CIOs at law firms and how to create an IT Strategy to overcome them.
Demystifying Project Portfolio Management (PPM) (Monday, March 24, 2008) Project Portfolio Management is a critical concept and tool for IT Managers. Have you cut through the hype so you can use this tool?
Strategy: Kill Google (Part II) (Tuesday, May 13, 2008) In Part I, we discussed the emergence of Microsoft. Part II focuses on the emergence of Google and why it is in a face off with Microsoft. Read On...
Case Study: Strategic Use of Information Technology (Monday, July 07, 2008) Can you imagine a world without Google? I for one can't imagine one without Microsoft. Microsoft's bugs make Google indispensible!
Connecting eBusiness Strategy to IT Strategy? (Tuesday, July 08, 2008) This paper discusses business architecture and how it relates to the levers of competitive advantage. Good Read!
Panchatantra and the CIO: The Fox and the Lion (Saturday, August 02, 2008) Do you know that someone is eating your lunch? Now, can you imagine it is someone you trust? Nah, this could never happen to you. Well, read on...
IT Strategy Diagnostic (Monday, September 01, 2008) A Diagnostic for Exploring IT Alignment as a Strategic Weapon
Corporate Troika + Suppliers = Successful Governance (Thursday, September 04, 2008) Rule 1 of project management? Find a scapegoat! Often, nay always, it is counterproductive to shareholder interests. Can integrating suppliers in the governance process save the day?
A Framework for Strategic IT Alignment (Monday, September 15, 2008) Is IT Alignment a strategic weapon to gain competitive advantage? Duh! But do you know to what extent information intensity affects competitive advantage? Hmm...
DAM/VAM: A Structured Methodology for Developing and IT Strategy (Monday, November 17, 2008) Demand and value assessment methodology is a structured approach to quantifying the demand for and the value from IT investments. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to implementing DAM/VAM. Excellent Read!
A Common Framework for Business IT Value (Tuesday, December 02, 2008) What is the biggest problem facing IT Value? Lack of single framework that connects business and IT - top to bottom; left to right. Can a single framework connect the organizational stovepipes and frameworks within each? This is a good start but the problem is far from fixed. Good Read!
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