Synopsis Implementing IT Governance - A Pocket Guide by : Dr. Gad Selig
The issues, opportunities and challenges of aligning information technology more closely with an organization and effectively governing an organization s Information Technology (IT) investments, resources, major initiatives and superior uninterrupted service is becoming a major concern of the Board and executive management in enterprises on a global basis. An integrated and comprehensive approach to the alignment, planning, execution and governance of IT and its resources has become critical to more effectively align, integrate, invest, measure, deploy, service and sustain the strategic and tactical direction and value proposition of IT in support of organizations. Much has been written and documented about the individual components of IT Governance such as strategic planning, demand (portfolio investment) management, program and project management, IT service management and delivery, strategic sourcing and outsourcing, performance management and metrics, like the balanced scorecard, compliance and others. Much less has been written about a comprehensive and integrated IT/Business Alignment, Planning, Execution and Governance approach. This new title fills that need in the marketplace and gives readers a structured and practical solutions using the best of the best principles available today. The book is divided into nine chapters, which cover the three critical pillars necessary to develop, execute and sustain a robust and effective IT governance environment - leadership and proactive people and change agents, flexible and scalable processes and enabling technology. Each of the chapters also covers one or more of the following action oriented topics: demand management and alignment (the why and what of IT strategic planning, portfolio investment management, decision authority, etc.); execution management (includes the how - Program/Project Management, IT Service Management and Delivery with IT Infrastructure Library {ITIL} and Strategic Sourcing and outsourcing); performance, risk and contingency management (e.g. includes COBIT, the balanced scorecard and other metrics and controls); and leadership, teams and people skills. Endorsements 'Selig has brought together his years of practical experience and his academic training to produce a valuable resource on how to successfully manage IT. He uses IT governance as the focal point for executing best practices to create alignment between IT and the business. In today s marketplace, where no organization can compete effectively without alignment, this book can become the executive handbook for IT management' Christine V. Bullen, Senior Lecturer, Howe School of Technology Management, Stevens Institute of Technology 'Dr. Selig has written an extremely comprehensive book on IT Governance. It is so comprehensive that today's IT leader need look at few other sources to ensure that they have nailed what it takes to lead a world-class IT organization. It provides details, yet serves as a easily reference-able road-map for today's busy IT executives it's a great desktop companion!' Stu Werner, Executive Vice President and CIO, Li & Fong, U.S.A. 'Dr. Selig s book on this topic is a great resource for all IT practitioners and brings together every critical aspect relating to IT governance. This book lays out a roadmap to executing within a solid governance model. It looks at all aspects of establishing, marinating, growing and sustaining an IT ecosystem. The combination of case studies and disciplined approaches to building well structured processes, committed leaders and change agents will help the board, executive management and most of all, CIO s and IT professionals think through what has worked, what can work and how to deployIT governance successfully. I very much enjoyed reading the chapters. I think you have a great book and I look forward to reading it when it comes out' Dick LeFave, CIO, Sprint Nextel 'In an era when strong IT governance is an increasingly critical component of visionary business and technology leadership, Dr Selig's book provides a welcome compendium of successful practices. Experienced leaders will find it a valuable reference, while early-career managers will appreciate the clear, actionable framework for developing high-quality, sustainable governance models of their own' Hank Zupnick, CIO, GE Real Estate 'Dr Selig's book is a well thought out and comprehensive reference guide on the successful governance of IT in context of the larger business. It successfully combines practical check lists and governance models with real world insights in an easy to read format.The book is organized into logical sections that make it easy to find topics of relevance. This book will be useful when setting up a new governance model or challenging and improving what is in place today. It is written in a format that allows the reader to stand back from the detail and look a the bigger picture, recognizing that an integrated approach to IT governance is critical to the overall health of a successful business.Dr Selig has captured this complex topic in a way that will prove a valuable reference for all levels of Executives and managers that are involved in IT governance' Nicholas Willcox, Director IT, Unilever Americas 'Dr. Selig s blend of executive IT and senior level business experience in major companies combined with many years of teaching experience and research effort have enabled him to create a unique book that blends many different components and perspectives on IT Governance into a single framework. Written for senior and aspiring IT and business leaders, his book draws upon practical experience, research, and best practices as well as the collective wisdom of the many senior IT leaders he has interacted with in teaching IT Governance. A five star rating!' James R. Shea, Director, Syracuse University, Center for Business Information Technologies 'Dr. Selig has created a veritable IT Governance Encyclopedia for the 21st century IT executive. If something isn t covered here, you probably don t need to know it' Peter Schay, Executive VP, The Advisory Council