Review of Achieving Business Value From Technology (Hardcover)

Achieving Business Value from Technology was an insightful and interesting book to read.It gave a lot of information pertaining to implementation information technology systems.This book is really good for someone who is in the information technology field, or who is looking to gain knowledge and expertise in this area.In particular, I believe this book is good for someone who has a working knowledge of information technology system, but is looking to gain an edge as to the strategies that should be used when implementing this type of system.

I felt that this book is going to be hard to read by someone who has little or no knowledge or experience in the information technology industry.On occasion, this book used large and sophositicated IT jargon that a college student such as myself had a hard time following.However, for someone who already has experience in the IT profession, this would be no problem at all.In particular, I feel this book is great for anyone who works for an enterprise that is considering implementing a new IT system, such as ERP.This book walks the reader through step by step as to how to be most effective in implementing a new system.In particular, the book is also very helpful because it discusses the ways in which an IT investment project should also be measured to determine the successfulness of the project.This book is helpful for those in large and small enterprises alike.It gives suggestions and examples of organziations of all sizes.

Overall, I felt that this book was a great read for anyone interested in implementing a new IT system because it helped set parameters for implementation as well as gave advice to help maximize the value from any IT investment projects.

Product Description
PRAISE FOR ACHIEVING BUSINESS VALUE FROM TECHNOLOGY

"Clearly, IT investments have never before played such a critical part in business growth. The book addresses the weakness existing in most management systems involving the lack of a systematic process to realize the economic benefits of the IT investment and provides a clear A-Z methodology for business to bridge this gap. This book is clearly written for all levels and backgrounds in business management and is a must-do for those whose business involves IT, is considering IT, or would like to significantly tailor IT investments for their economic advantage."
-Professor Richard P. Wool, University of Delaware
President and CEO, Cara Plastics Inc.

"Tony Murphy addresses the difficult question of the value of IT investments head on. He translates an elegant theory into effective practice. The case studies in the book effectively reinforce his key messages."
-Dr. Dermot Moynihan
Senior Vice President, World Wide Chemical Development, GlaxoSmithKline

"This book is the answer to most CIOs' need for a well-structured, pragmatic, and easily implemented set of tools and practices designed to answer the universal problem of managing and measuring IT's contribution to the business. Tony Murphy's unique blend of practical experience, industry best practice, and excellent communication skills provides the reader with a valuable-and highly readable-guide on how best to achieve that elusive objective of reliably realizing the business benefits of IT investments."
-Michael Rice
Group Director of IT, Kerry Group plc

"At Oxfam we are one year into a three-year IT strategy based on the principles Tony Murphy lays out in this book, and there is a real, positive difference in how IT is perceived, and in its real strategic position within the organization. If you have ever wondered just how you can gain strategic alignment for your IT function, and then how to make the practical link to IT investment for the organization, Tony has provided a framework that joins them both."
-Simon Jennings
Head of Information Systems, Oxfam GB

From the Inside Flap
Achieving Business Value from Technology offers the expert guidance, real-world advice, and practical methodology managers need to ensure that their dollars aren't wasted on IT disasters. It shows them how to assess projects in real time and decide whether to alter, abandon, or continue them with a clear understanding of likely impact on the business.

With the increasing importance of technology in a business world redefined by globalization, high-octane competition, and the shift from mass production to mass customization, it's more important than ever that your IT dollars are well spent in pursuit of efficiency, adaptability, and market mobility. Knowing which initiatives offer real business value can be the competitive advantage your business needs to thrive. Simply put, no matter what your business is, IT is your business.

Achieving Business Value from Technology offers proven techniques, methodologies, governance mechanisms, and best practice guidelines to guarantee your money is transforming your current IT setup from potential value to real value. The approach offered in this book-and developed by the experts in Gartner's Consulting and Measurement practices-has been proven to help managers make the right IT decisions every time.

Author Tony Murphy outlines a systematic process managers can use to identify, track, and realize benefits and value from their IT investments. This methodology helps management bridge the traditional gap between the business and IT sides of the organization and incorporates IT value metrics into conventional management reporting systems.

Managers will learn to monitor opportunities, risks, and impediments at all stages of the investment cycle and rest assured that the money they invest in IT will bring long-lasting and measurable benefits to the organization.

The author also provides guidelines for undertaking post-implementation benefit audits and IT sourcing, as well as tips and techniques for optimizing asset management and minimizing ongoing total cost of ownership.

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