Competing on Analytics: The New Science of Winning

Book Description

You have more information at hand about your business environment than ever before. But are you using it to “out-think” your rivals? If not, you may be missing out on a potent competitive tool.

In Competing on Analytics: The New Science of Winning , Thomas H. Davenport and Jeanne G. Harris argue that the frontier for using data to make decisions has shifted dramatically. Certain high-performing enterprises are now building their competitive strategies around data-driven insights that in turn generate impressive business results. Their secret weapon? Analytics: sophisticated quantitative and statistical analysis and predictive modeling.

Exemplars of analytics are using new tools to identify their most profitable customers and offer them the right price, to accelerate product innovation, to optimize supply chains, and to identify the true drivers of financial performance. A wealth of examples—from organizations as diverse as Amazon, Barclay’s, Capital One, Harrah’s, Procter & Gamble, Wachovia, and the Boston Red Sox—illuminate how to leverage the power of analytics.

Customer Reviews:

Good primer and sales piece.......2007-10-12

This book is a good introduction to the applications and benefits of business analytics. It focuses on benefits and has minimal coverage of analysis methods.

I am somewhat put off by the subtitle "The New Science of Winning" which probably helps sell the book, and which reflects the extreme culture of winners and losers that dominates business culture these days. History shows that any culture without a better balance of competition with cooperation and ethics will be eclipsed.

Covers the basics of both the what-is and the how-to of fact-based decision making.......2007-10-04

Mark Twain once said something to the effect that it isn't what you don't know that gets you into trouble, it's what you know for certain that isn't so that will get you. Too many businesses are run on assumptions, guesses, and inertia. What we are doing now worked in the past so lets keep doing it. Shareholders lose a lot of money when their businesses are run with that kind of thinking.

This book is about fact-based decision making. It is really more of an introduction to the subject than a detailed text, but it is still quite useful for those wanting to learn the basics of the subject. The first five chapters discuss what analytics are, how you compete using them, and the growth path from wondering what an analytic competitor is through the fives steps to becoming one. They also discuss what it means when using internal data that you completely control, and what it means when you do it using data you control and supplier or customer data that you do not control.

The last four chapters take on the practical side of implementing a road map to becoming an analytic competitor. I particularly enjoyed the chapter emphasizing that all your plans will fail if you don't have the right people. Systems alone won't do it. The next chapter discusses the kinds of systems you need. The last chapter discusses the future of analytics.

For the right audience, this is a fascinating book. The stories about businesses succeeding by using analytics or getting themselves into serious trouble by ignoring them are all good and entertaining. Be careful, though. Some of the stories talk about instances (such as the Red Sox losing the World Series by letting the pitcher go beyond his statistical maximum pitching range) rather than trends and large numbers of events. Statistics don't work on instances. That is, at any given moment a coin might come up heads or tails. Just because there have been ten heads flips in a row does not mean you should take less than 50-50 odds on the next flip. It is still 50-50. That pitcher might have won, might have lost that game and it would have become part of the statistical information. However, for the stats to become powerful, you would have to be able to make a strong prediction over a series of games that he pitched. That is, if he goes beyond X pitches in 10 games he will lose about 8 of them. That means he still wins two (or one or three) and you don't know when in the series the wins will come.

The idea that very small observations can be exploited for big advantage is very important in today's ever more competitive business climate. For example Harrah's learned that moving the odds on slot machines one-tenth of one percent in their favor did not affect customer play at all, but netted them at extra $80 million (company wide). Marriott's hotel management system improves hotel performance by a couple percent. Remember that these improvements incur little cost, so most of the improvement flows quickly to the bottom line.

I thought that might get your attention. Read it so you can learn and profit from it.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

A limited introduction to business analytics.......2007-09-21

MY RATING SYSTEM:

* - if you have to chose between torture and reading this book, then you might want to consider reading the book - although it depends on just how severe the torture would be.

** - if you've lost your job and have quite a bit of free time on your hands, and don't have anything else better to do, then you might want to consider reading this book; don't expect to learn much or really be entertained. It will however, help you pass the time until your death.

*** - meh...I'm indifferent. Reading this book will not alter your life in any significant way, yet it is not so horrendously dreadful that your taking the time to read it will be a complete waste of time.

**** - Good book to great book zone here. You should probably read this book if you have some spare time. This book could be interesting, entertaining, or informative.

***** - Outstanding book! Make time to read this book - you'll learn or be entertained or intrigued. The book might even be good enough to provide original or helpful insights into the world that we live in.

REVIEW:

Competing on Analytics serves as an interesting, albeit limited, introduction to the concept of using complex data collection, management, and analysis techniques to gain a competitive edge in business.

For me, the book served as a useful introduction, but fell far short of satisfying the objectives I had in mind when I first came across it. What I was expecting was a book that provide a detailed guide to developing and implementing an analytical approach to business decision making. While early on the authors acknowledge the limitations of the book, I found what followed to be less than satisfying.

The book contained a variety of examples of companies that were using analytical techniques to improve the quality of business decision making, and discussed a variety of business areas in which companies might want to adopt such analytical techniques but failed to present comprehensive case studies that would provide real guidance to readers. I would have liked to have been led through a few cases, from a diverse set of industries, where the authors describe what information was collected and why, how the information was manipulated, analyzed and presented, and how the entire analytics process was influenced by and/or influenced the company's strategy and performance. Instead, the book left me with the impression that I need to go out an hire a consulting firm to lead me through the development of an analytics program.

One of the most ironic components of the book was that while it touted the use of analytical techniques and objective analysis to motivate business decision making, it's argument was largely based on anecdotal evidence of a handful of companies that have adopted analytical approaches.

Good Overview of Business Analytics.......2007-09-20

Technology & the easy with which information spreads has rendered many products and services easily replicable. Companies need to compete on the basis of something their competitors can't recreate. What companies don't have ready access to is each other's data, i.e., on customers, suppliers, & processes. What companies do with this data is what can set them apart from competitors.

Davenport & Harris describe how data is transformed into competitive advantage by discussing the types of information used in analytics, the stages of becoming a more analytic corporation, and many examples of companies who have applied analytics to successful operations. Problems encountered down the road to becoming more analytical were similar to those described in another recent book on the criticality of enterprise data, Information Revolution by Davis, Miller, & Russell.

This book contains no numeric formulas or specific procedures for using analytics, but it is an excellent as an overall survey of business analytics as used today.

Who Is The Audience.......2007-08-30

This book is meant for those who make things happen and need to gain a fresh perspective. It is not meant for those who know a lot but can't make things happen yet keep looking for more information, while criticizing a good effort, which without doubt could have been better.

Accounting Information Systems (10th Edition) (Accounting Information Systems)

Average customer rating:

Yawning Hell
Only Buy if Required for a Class
Caution: Will Cause Drowsiness.
Agreed. Boring as dirt.
Comprehensive but boring

Accounting Information Systems (10th Edition) (Accounting Information Systems)
Marshall B. Romney , and Paul J. Steinbart
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Intermediate Accounting
Intermediate Accounting
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Building Accounting Systems Using Access 2003

ASIN: 0131475916

Book Description

Thorough and up-to-date, this book supports any of the most popular approaches to AIS: focus on transaction cycles and controls; focus on systems life cycle; focus on databases and data modeling; or focus on computer-based controls, fraud and auditing. The book begins with an overview and conceptual foundations then goes on to discuss control and audit of accounting information systems, accounting information systems applications, and the systems development process. For CPAs and corporate accountants.

Customer Reviews:

Yawning Hell.......2006-05-31

Is this the world's most boring book ? Technically competent but painfully dry. A gift too insomniacs. Good luck on getting past page 1 !

Only Buy if Required for a Class.......2005-05-09

Very boring reading. Chapters tend to repeat themselves. The class I had for this book was one of the most boring classes I ever had. Instructor lectured from power point slides. I could have taken this class homestudy and done just fine, than to sit in class.

Caution: Will Cause Drowsiness........2004-04-03

This book is simply horrible. It takes the stereotypical accountant and shoves him into the pages. It is so lethargic and monotonous that all the valuable information within the book just stops making sense. This book should be read by anyone who has doubts about becoming an accountant. They'll drop everything and go into premed. Horrible!

Agreed. Boring as dirt........2003-05-10

Everything you need is in here, but the book truly is boring as dirt. If you need it for a class, fine. But do not buy it if you just want something to read.

Comprehensive but boring.......1999-09-12

This is a very comprehensive textbook of the subject. It deals with just about every aspect of the AIS realm. It is, however, a very dull book. There isn't much illustrating, no color, and absolutely no life beyond the black and white wasteland of its pages.

Information Systems Today: Why IS Matters (2nd Edition)

Average customer rating:

Information Systems Today: Why IS Matters (2nd Edition)
Leonard Jessup , and Joseph Valacich
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Critical Chain : A Business Novel

ASIN: 0131454870

Book Description

Contemporary and well written, this book serves as a good desk reference for business professionals who need to know about information systems. Chapter topics include database management, telecommunications, electronic commerce, information system ethics, security, and more. For systems analysts or general business professionals who need to know about information systems.

Information Systems Management in Practice (7th Edition)

Average customer rating:

Review by Grad Student
IS Myths Revealed
From a network administrator's perspective
Great paperweight, good consolidation of other people's work
Ideal for learning about IS management

Information Systems Management in Practice (7th Edition)
Barbara C. McNurlin , and Ralph H. Sprague
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131854712

Book Description

Dealing with the management of information technology (IT) as it is being practiced in organizations today, the emphasis of this book is on the current material that information systems executives find important; its organization is around a framework that readers new to the information can understand. In this 7 ^th edition, discussions include the rising societal risks of IT, new sections on digital convergence, messaging, and instant messaging, and a revised discussion on wireless technology. The topics of outsourcing and and information security have been updated and enhanced. Information Systems Management in Practice continues to merge theory with practice through real-world case examples. Topics include leadership issues, the CIO’s responsibilities, uses of IT, information systems planning, essential technologies, managing operations, systems development, decision-making, collaboration, and knowledge work. An excellent reference resource for anyone employed in the information technology sector of business, especially managers of and executives in those departments.

Customer Reviews:

Review by Grad Student.......2007-07-19

This was my textbook for a graduate class in Information Systems and I enjoyed the book very much. The first chapter is a great introduction to show where the world of IT is and how we got there. Also the case studies are worth the price alone since they take real world corporations and offer insight into the improvements/mistakes they have made. Up to date also b/c it covers modern topics such as SOA and ESB.

IS Myths Revealed.......2007-01-05

Until I studied this book as part my BEng(Hons) curriculam, I was considering that the Innformation Systems as a dumb subject and often relating MIS to the IS. After reading this book there is shift in my paradigm. Barbara starts this with brief history on IS and its strategic importance and goes on explaining the concept of group support and decision support systems. Its a valuable asset for any IS practitioner or a studying professional. I felt certain chapters like networking and database should not part of this book as the IS is more of a concept rather than implementation. However I rate this as highest since this is the best book I have ever seen in the IS engineering.

From a network administrator's perspective.......2004-05-18

I read this book as part of my first course in a Ph.D.-MIS program. I thought it was a great overview and history of MIS, and provided insight into alternative IS management styles and strategies. The case studies were relevent, current, well written and interesting. I recommend this book for all network and systems administrators. It gives insight into what thought processes should be occurring at the CIO and IS manager levels.

Great paperweight, good consolidation of other people's work.......2002-10-20

This book provides various sources of information but no analysis by the book's authors. It is a patch work of case studies, excerpts, and paraphrasing of other texts to which I hope the original authors are getting paid royalties for.

Some of the diagrams are simplistic, others are useless. More than half of them are from other sources.

The book seems to formulate points of interest (e.g. traditional, evolving, and present-day IT roles) without providing analysis of why and how this affects future trends in IS management.

I had to write a review after reading nebulous fluff like, "Being a manufacturer, LifeScan has instituted quality processes." (which successful company doesn't) or "Way back in 1964,..." (not just back, but WAY back). When you do read something of slight interest it is almost always followed by something like, "so says Mr. so-and-so, in this-paper-that-he-wrote." (e.g. pp. 126-127 whenever "Rayport and Sviokla" is mentioned - 4 times in about 1 page of text and in every paragraph - the authors are paraphrasing a point Rayport and Sviokla made)

I'm truly amazed this book is this bad after five revisions. The authors seem to have the right information, but they really need to provide their own insights and analysis. And also have my high school english teacher review it to cut the fluff out.

Ideal for learning about IS management.......2002-08-18

I bought this book for my MSc in Analysis, Design and Management of Information Systems and I consider that it was extremely helpful. The chapter about the perspectives of IS and the role of the CIO are very interesting. In the chapter about Information Systems Planning, they included lots of concepts related to strategy, linking IS Planning with six different approaches/techniques: Stages of Growth, Critical Success Factors, Competitive Forces Model, Value Chain Analysis, Internet Value Matrix and Linkage Analysis Planning. The chapters about managing systems development are really instructive also. I strongly recommend the book for those IT practitioners whom are seeking a managerial position. It is very useful to managers and strategists as well.

Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (9th Edition)

Average customer rating:

a great overview
Gotta agree with the first reviewer
This books blows
Good Introductory
Excellent General Overview of the IT Industry as of 1/06.

Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (9th Edition)
Kenneth C. Laudon , and Jane P. Laudon
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
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Customer Reviews:

a great overview.......2007-09-21

This book gives a wide range of information in different area in information system.
the good thing is that it include example from life where the person can understand the topic.
may some time include extra information that the begginner doesn't need, but overall the book is great.
I recommend it for people who do'n't have any backgroud in IT

Gotta agree with the first reviewer.......2007-03-21

This book leaves me hanging. The book repeatedly talks about leaders needing to be transformational and devise a IS strategy for their organizations -- okay that's great; how about providing some insight. It's one thing to say MIS is a strategic discipline (which this books does) and it's another thing to go out and do it (which this book doesn't describe and hasn't a clue).

The books if full of manager's jargon but and is light on the details. After reading, you'll be able to sound like a manager and probably be able to do little else.

This books blows.......2006-12-22

This book really sucks. Don't get it unless you have to.

Good Introductory.......2006-04-04

This isn't a bad text for an introduction to management in IT. It's not technical and certainly places emphasis on managing IT infrastructures. If you're moving up from being a follower to directing and managing employees and departments, then this book may help to get you a glimpse into it.

Excellent General Overview of the IT Industry as of 1/06........2006-01-18

I have never left a review on Amazon before (I've been a customer since 1997) and had no intention of doing so, when I initially searched this book description for some unrelated information.

However, after reading the previous two reviews related to this book I now feel compelled to give my review. Neither of the previous reviews had anything even remotely substantive regarding the actual material in the book. The only pertinent information the previous two reviewers touched upon concerned a typo. I challenge anyone to show me a 700+ page textbook that doesn't contain at least one typo.

The rest of the review pertains to the reviewer trying to grind an axe with regard to US programmers (which I am not). Maybe if he actually read the book, he would've left a different review. The other review is concerning a vendor/shipping issue.

I give this book 5 stars because I feel it is a good general overview source concerning the Information Technology industry at the time of this posting (1/06).

This book is well written and laid out in a very systematical and logical format, which allows the reader to reference the book "ala carte" style. If I want a refresher on networking or databases relating to the corporate world from a managerial perspective, this is a great source.

If you are looking to learn the latest version of Oracle or become certified in Linux, then I suggest looking elsewhere.

Spreadsheet Modeling and Decision Analysis (with CD-ROM and Microsoft Project 2003 120 day version)

Average customer rating:

A Good Book for Finance/IT majors
Great book, and includes @RISK
Good practical text
Decision analysis
Good book , worth to read

Spreadsheet Modeling and Decision Analysis (with CD-ROM and Microsoft Project 2003 120 day version)
Cliff Ragsdale
Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0324312563

Book Description

Valuable software, realistic examples, and fascinating topics . . . everything you need to master the most widely used management science techniques using Microsoft® Excel™ is right here! Learning to make decisions in today's business world takes training and experience. Cliff Ragsdale--the respected innovator in the field of management science--is an outstanding guide to help you learn the skills you need, use Microsoft Excel for Windows to implement those skills, and gain the confidence to apply what you learn to real business situations. SPREADSHEET MODELING AND DECISION ANALYSIS gives you step-by-step instructions and annotated screen shots to make examples easy to follow. Plus, interesting sections called The World of Management Science show you how each topic has been applied in a real company.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Book for Finance/IT majors.......2007-09-17

This book does what it sets out to do: teach spreadsheet modeling. I'm only on the third chapter, but the author does a good job including step by step instructions on how to create winning models. The author is also very easy to understand. So if you're going to be doing optimization and modeling in your work, I highly recommend this book.

Great book, and includes @RISK.......2007-08-06

Ragsdale really makes spreadsheet modeling accessible to real-world business situations. It was a great asset to my MBA coursework. As a student, it came with a free student version of @RISK risk analysis software as well.

Good practical text.......2006-11-12

A good book for those studying decision making techniques or as a reference for managers looking to upgrade their skills

Decision analysis.......2006-11-02

Excellent book; I am considering it as a textbook for a Managerial Sciences course. The examples are clear and real increasing the interest of the students.

Good book , worth to read.......2006-02-17

This book is designated as the textbook for our master's level management modeling class. The author concerntrated on the application of Microsoft Solver to solve various of optimazation problems that we freqently faced in the real business opreations. Overall, this is good book for entry-level management modeling study.

Foundations of IT Service Management: based on ITIL (English version)

Average customer rating:

ITIL process makes sense.
Essential for Passing Foundation Exam
Excellent book to understand the ITIL basics
Expensive Overview
Excellent reference

Foundations of IT Service Management: based on ITIL (English version)

Manufacturer: Van Haren Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Implementing ITIL: Adapting Your IT Organization to the Coming Revolution in IT Service Management

ASIN: 9077212582
Release Date: 2005-09-15

Product Description

This introduction to IT Service Management, published by ITSMF-NL, is based on the latest edition of the ITIL books on Service Support and Service Delivery and is intended to serve as a thorough and convenient introduction to the field of IT Service Management and a selection of the books in the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), and a self-study guide that contains all the material needed to prepare for the Foundation Certificate examination in IT Service Management.

Customer Reviews:

ITIL process makes sense........2007-09-28

ITIL is hardly new, but it is surprising how many professionals in Service Management have never heard of it. I leanred of it from a colleague, and did some research. It is more or less a common sense approach to service management and delivery. What it reall does is force the IT professional to view IT in a customer business needs and expectations sense as opposed to an IT provider sense. I found this text easy to read and well laid out. The mock exam in the back is an interesting way to drive home major points, but the book itself is useful not just for people who want to pass the Foundations certification, but to those who want to view service management and delivery in a more process centric manner. I also purchased the study guide for Foundations by Ron Palmer that gives a very good conversational explanation of ITIL and fills in gaps the offical text does not.

Essential for Passing Foundation Exam.......2007-03-23

I purchased this book with the sole purpose of using it as a study guide to pass the ITIL Foundation exam, and did exactly that. The book has a consistent structure, covering the required areas of Service Delivery and Service Support functions. The price is slightly high, but from looking around, this appears to be the defacto study guide for learning the ITIL Foundation material. Highly recommended.

Excellent book to understand the ITIL basics.......2007-01-09

Excellent book to understand the ITIL basics and to clear the foundation certification. I would recommend this if your objective is to clear the certification in a short span of time. There are other books available if you want to read every process in detail.

Expensive Overview.......2006-12-30

It's a fine overview of ITIL & excellent preparation for the foundation exam. But $50 was a bit pricey (even if my boss didn't complain).

Excellent reference.......2006-11-11

I just finished the ITIL Foundation Certification class (still awaiting test results) and this book was used for teaching. The book is more clear and concise than the older version which a coworker has. Since I am in charge of one of the ITIL processes at work and wasn't familiar with the "Seperation of Duties" I really needed this book. I will use this book and knowledge gained from the class in order to Implement the process.

Essentials of Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (6th Edition)

Average customer rating:

Not worth your time.
Good for its purpose
deluxe RIP OFF
Just not worth the cost.
This book is a scam

Essentials of Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (6th Edition)
Kenneth C. Laudon , and Jane P. Laudon
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131451448

Customer Reviews:

Not worth your time........2006-09-27

Basically I had to purchase this for a class. The book is full of acronyms and buzz words with no application. The end of chapter review is great if you just wanted to add new words to your vocabulary and be able to repeat their definitions with little understanding. This is a classic example of a text book gone wrong.

Good for its purpose.......2006-06-14

If you need a management information systems book, this is the book you should be looking for! Its not useful for much else, however, maybe kindling...

deluxe RIP OFF.......2004-12-20

I 'was forced' to buy this book for an MIS course. We all know how textbooks are scams anyway, but this one takes the cake. My college even had the balls to 'bundle' this with an MS Access book so we were stuck with a $170 bundle. All the info I needed to take the course was available on the website webct. If you can find a way to access that site, you don't even need this outrageously expensive book. I got an A in the course and never cracked the book. I just used the info on the website. You should try that route if you can, and forgo purchasing this book.

Just not worth the cost........2004-10-12

This book is compulsory for a class I am in. Do what I did, don't waste your money - borrow from a library..... or find other solutions. This is way too much money for information that can be covered in other sources. The publisher is clearly exploiting the fact that it is used as a textbook to raise the cost outrageously.

This book is a scam.......2004-09-09

My friend used Management Information Sustems: Managing the Digital Firm 8th edition. Now that I received this one I can see that 95% of of the content in the new book is identical to the one my friend has. Oh, right, the authors also added to the title the words "essentials of" Management...

I can believe the publisher let the authors publish this kind of book. A previous review says that the book is almost identical to the previous edition of the same book. Now I am saying that the book is almost identical to a different book writen by the same authors...this is outrageous.

Ah, yes. The cases at the end of the chapters are different

IT Manager's Handbook, Second Edition: Getting your new job done

Average customer rating:

Provides a thorough overview of what to expect in IT management.
Great Book

IT Manager's Handbook, Second Edition: Getting your new job done
Bill Holtsnider , and Brian D. Jaffe
Manufacturer: Morgan Kaufmann
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Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

The IT Manager's Survival Guide
IT Systems Management: Designing, Implementing, and Managing World-Class Infrastructures
Architecture and Patterns for IT Service Management, Resource Planning, and Governance: Making Shoes for the Cobbler's Children
The Executive's Guide to Information Technology
The New CIO Leader: Setting the Agenda and Delivering Results

ASIN: 012370488X

Book Description

Many technical professionals are tossed into their new position of managing an IT department without enough training or experience let alone a clear idea of what is expected of them. Other technicians are trying to decide if they should join the ranks of management, and want the real facts about managing and managing other technical pros before they decide.

To compound the issue, most companies have become highly dependent on their IT departments for their day-to-day business operations often including revenue generation so the tasks are critical and the learning curve is steep.

The IT Managers Handbook, 2nd edition provides essential information needed to manage the new responsibilities thrust on you (or the ones you would like to have): vital tasks such as creating budgets, evaluating technologies, administering compliance, and managing staff.

A completely updated and expanded second edition that provides practical, easily accessible management advice written specifically for new IT managers:
· Brings you up to speed on those business practices most critical to effective IT operations: recruiting, budgeting, resource planning, managing personnel, and working with vendors.
· Includes expanded coverage on such critical IT management topics as security, disaster recovery, storage, government/regulatory compliance, and project management.
· Organizes information modularly so you can delve directly into only the topics that you need.
· Provides a unique management perspective on those specific technical issues with the most significant business ramifications.
· Includes new material on key technology topics such as open source, wireless, handhelds, outsourcing, offshoring, and operations, as well as updated coverage of e-commerce, remote access, intranets, and LAN/WAN management.

Customer Reviews:

Provides a thorough overview of what to expect in IT management........2007-08-09

As someone who has taken a circuitous route to the world of IT, the book, IT Manager's Handbook, Second Edition: Getting your new job done has helped me get a handle on all of the territory working in IT encompasses. When I first started working at my current IT position at a small company it seemed that my job's duties were coming at me from every direction. The authors, Bill Holtsnider and Brian D. Jaffe, do a great job addressing the variety of problems and solutions that come with managing IT. This book would best serve someone crossing the thresholds of working purely in technology or mainly in management.

At smaller businesses like where I work, it is fairly common to not have an "IT manager" or even an IT staffer. Instead often a manager, engineer, or administrative assistant will be pressed into IT service. The IT Manager's Handbook would be a valuable `read' for such an accidental IT manager.

Great Book.......2007-05-09

Really excellent reference book. Im starting as an IT Manager and this book is my head reference.

Managing IT as a Business: A Survival Guide for CEOs

Average customer rating:

Must Buy if Upgrading from IT Management to CIO
A Must-Read for Every CIO
Pragmatic and clear.
Insightful!
A must read for IT professionals developing a career roadmap

Managing IT as a Business: A Survival Guide for CEOs
Mark Lutchen
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Manager's Guides to Computing | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

IT Governance: How Top Performers Manage IT Decision Rights for Superior Results
The New CIO Leader: Setting the Agenda and Delivering Results
From Business Strategy to IT Action: Right Decisions for a Better Bottom Line
Enterprise Architecture As Strategy: Creating a Foundation for Business Execution
IT Portfolio Management: Unlocking the Business Value of Technology

ASIN: 0471471046

Book Description

With Managing IT as a Business you'll get practical advice on how to unleash the full potential of this critical function so that companies can derive maximum benefit. It offers a proven plan for bridging the gap between CEOs and CIOs that has, until now, impeded their ability to work together in order to craft objectives, establish budget guidelines, and develop metrics for measuring IT value and success. In short, with this book as a guide, business leaders will learn how to manage IT as they would any other functional business unit.

Download Description

Typically, information technology ranks highly among most companies' top five expenditures. Yet IT continues to be one of the least understood and most poorly managed areas in business. While all executives recognize the importance of technology as a means of improving customer service and of making work more efficient, few understand how to leverage IT strategically and how to use it as a driver of business success. Managing IT as a Business provides executives with practical advice on how to unleash the full potential of this critical function so that companies can derive maximum benefit. It offers a proven plan for bridging the gap between CEOs and CIOs that has, until now, impeded their ability to work together in order to craft objectives, establish budget guidelines, and develop metrics for measuring IT value and success. In short, with this book as a guide, business leaders will learn how to manage IT as they would any other functional business unit. Through numerous case studies that outline the lessons other senior executives have learned while maximizing their IT investment.

Customer Reviews:

Must Buy if Upgrading from IT Management to CIO.......2007-08-07

Great help for someone that has just upgraded
from IT Management to a CIO role and needed to
upgrade as well his agenda. Excellent source of inspiration
and perfect guide for a profession that is still
under transformation. Definitely a must have.

The book is focused (and written by) on world class CIO positions,
but I found it equally useful for smaller scale CIOs.
It's exactly there that it lacks some information
on the organization of smaller IT groups ( <20 persons).

If you are a CIO then buy it. If you are an IT manager
you need something else.

A Must-Read for Every CIO.......2006-04-01

Excerpt from review on bsmDigest.com:
"Mark Lutchen's groundbreaking book continues to influence technology leaders with its vision for building mature IT organizations. As more CIOs and CEOs grapple with the challenge of applying effective management processes to their increasingly critical technology organizations, this engaging book offers very practical advice for doing it successfully. Drawing on his experience both as an actual CIO managing a large, global IT organizations and as a management consultant working with many large organizations, Lutchen delivers a clear, integrated vision for enlightened IT management."

Pragmatic and clear........2005-06-24

I have only one simple statement - where were you Mark when I started my IT career 17 years ago? Today I would have been a CIO! I highly recommend this book for those starting out their careers in IT as it gives a big picture look to the field. Own it and refer to the clear and relevant graphics in the book.

Insightful!.......2004-06-03

In the fall of 2003, the Harvard Business Review published an article advancing the proposition that "IT doesn't matter." The article's author suggested that because IT was now a commodity, and everyone had it, it no longer conveyed any distinctive competitive advantage and therefore, strategically, did not matter. In fact, at many companies, IT doesn't matter as much as it should - not because it is a commodity that other companies also use, but because most companies don't get every potential benefit from their IT. To advance your business agenda effectively, make IT a real part of the business. Author Mark D. Lutchen shows managers, particularly CEOs and CIOs, why IT is not fully a part of business at the moment, and what it will take to turn IT into a competitive, strategic asset. We recommend this useful, well-written, clearly organized book to anyone whose job involves decisions on IT budgets, organization, investments or strategy.

A must read for IT professionals developing a career roadmap.......2004-03-27

This is a fabulous book for experienced or aspiring IT managers whose goal is to prepare for ascension through the ranks, especially to the CIO level. In simple yet rich language, Mark presents a clear picture of the future of the IT organization and the competencies needed in the CIO and senior team heading up this professional services operation. The examples and case studies are rich with insights. In short, this book is pragmatic and weighty, yet also highly readable and I dare say outright enjoyable. I highly recommend it as a must read for anyone who wants to develop an effective IT career roadmap. Thank you Mark Lutchen.

Joe Santana,
Co-author Manage IT

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