...Developments in Practice XXXVI: How to Talk So Business Will Listen … And Listen So Business Will Talk Heather A. Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario heather.a.smith.queens@gmail.com James D. McKeen School of Business, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario One of the most important skills all IT staff need to develop today is how to communicate effectively with business. Over and over, research has shown that if IT and business cannot speak the same language, focus on the same issues and communicate constructively, they cannot build a trusting relationship. And business is consistently more negative about IT‘s ability to communicate effectively than IT is. In fact, even while IT collaboration is improving, business‘s assessment of IT‘s communication skills is declining. While much attention has been paid to organizational alignment between IT and business (e.g., governance, structure) very little has been paid to the nature and impact of the social dimension of alignment, a big element of which involves communication. To explore the business and interpersonal competencies that IT staff will need in order to do their jobs effectively over the next five–seven years and what companies should be doing to help develop them, the authors convened a focus group of senior IT managers from a variety of different organizations. This paper documents the results of this discussion, integrating them with findings from the research and practitioner literature...
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...Board www.itrb.gov FOREWORD The Information Technology Resources Board (ITRB) is pleased to issue Managing Information Systems: A Practical Assessment Tool. This instrument is designed to assist Federal agencies in understanding how to strategically apply information technology to achieve their missions and deliver services and products. The Assessment Tool contains a broad array of questions in nine areas from which to evaluate information technology systems: mission and vision, customers, business focus, executive direction, capital planning, project management, performance management, acquisition, and architecture. These questions reflect the ITRB members' extensive on-the-job experiences, as well as insights gained from assessments of critical information systems across the Federal government during the past several years. This is a preview version of the Assessment Tool, which will continue to be enhanced over time. Comments or suggestions for improving it should be sent to: Ginni Schaeffer Interagency IT Strategies Division 1800 F Street N.W. Room 2227 Washington, DC 20405 Additional information on the ITRB is available at www.itrb.gov Arnold Bresnick Chair Information Technology Resources Board ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Information Technology Resources Board (ITRB) Arnold Bresnick, Chair Department of Agriculture Valerie Wallick, Vice Chair Department of the Navy Sandra Borden United States Coast Guard Kenneth Byram ...
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................................................................................................................... 18 Appendix — IT Governance Risk Assessment/Engagement Planning Considerations............................................. 19 iv GTAG — Executive Summary Executive Summary To support the heightened importance of IT governance and the mandatory nature of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards), this GTAG provides internal auditors with the foundational knowledge necessary to fulfill their responsibilities in providing both assurance and consulting services, applicable in the public and private sector. Some of the key areas of IT governance internal auditors should address are: As defined by The Institute...
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...Reviewers.............................................................................................................................. 18 Appendix — IT Governance Risk Assessment/Engagement Planning Considerations............................................. 19 iv GTAG — Executive Summary Executive Summary To support the heightened importance of IT governance and the mandatory nature of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards), this GTAG provides internal auditors with the foundational knowledge necessary to fulfill their responsibilities in providing both assurance and consulting services, applicable in the public and private sector. Some of the key areas of IT governance internal auditors should address are: As defined by The Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA’s)...
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...20 Questions Directors Should Ask about IT Projects 2007 How to use this publication Each “20 Questions” briefing is designed to be a concise, easy-to-read introduction to an issue of importance to directors.The question format reflects the oversight role of directors, which includes asking management — and themselves — tough questions.These questions are not intended to be a precise checklist, but rather a way to provide insight into and stimulate discussion of important topics. The comments that accompany the questions summarize current thinking on the issues of leading organizations, and provide directors with a basis for critically assessing the answers they get, and digging deeper as necessary.Thus, although the questions apply to most medium-to-large organizations, the answers will vary according to the size, complexity and sophistication of the individual organization. The Information Technology Advisory Committee 20 Questions Directors Should Ask about IT Projects 2007 Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication 20 questions directors should ask about IT Projects ISBN 978-1-55385-250-6 1. Project management. 2. Information technology — Management. I. Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. II.Title:Twenty questions directors should ask about IT projects. HD30.2.T883 2007 658.4’04 C2007-901684-7 Copyright © 2007 Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants 277 Wellington Street West Toronto, ON M5V 3H2 Printed in Canada Disponible...
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...2010 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PBSA 823 Chicken Run Group Assignment Lecturer: Mr. J. C. Coetzee 9/18/2010 Nestlé struggles with Enterprise Systems CRITERIA FOR MARKING MBA-ASSIGNMENTS 1 | Meeting the objectives of the assignmentThe extent to which: | 60 | | *1.1 | the assignment was understood and answered comprehensively | 10 | | *1.2 | independent (own) thought is reflected | 10 | | 1.3 | insight in the topic was demonstrated | 10 | | 1.4 | logical, systematic thought and reasoning is demonstrated | 10 | | 1.5 | quality research (literature study and / or empirical work) was done | 10 | | 1.6 | conclusions are logic, meaningful and substantiated | 10 | | 2 | Presentation and technical aspectsThe extent to which: | 30 | | 2.1 | the content shows a logical andintegrateddevelopment and forms a balancedholisticwhole | 15 | | 2.2 | the executivesummary reflects the content comprehensively and meaningfully | 5 | | 2.3 | the table of contents, references and list of sources are noted correctly | 5 | | 2.4 | the style and language (grammar) meet the requirements | 5 | | 3 | General quality rating | 10 | | | Evaluator’s general evaluation mark of the assignment’s quality - taking into consideration the above and other factors | | | | TOTAL | 100 | | Assignment Word Count: Chicken Run Group Members “There is nothing more determined than poultry with a plan…” Bezuidenhout, P.J. 1224 6093 Botha,...
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...INDEX |CHAPTERS |TOPIC |PAGE NO | | | | | | |EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |1 | | |RESEARCH OBJECTIVE |2 | | |RESEARCH METHODOLOGY |3 | | | | | | |PART I | | | | | | |I |BASIC |4 - 7 | |II |STOCKS |8 - 11 | |IIII ...
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...orLabor Unions: Aging Dinosaur or Sleeping Giant? The Labor Movement and Unionism Background and Brief History Higher wages! Shorter workdays! Better working conditions! These famous words echoed throughout the United States beginning in 1790 with the skilled craftsmen (Dessler, 1997, p. 544). For the last two-hundred years, workers of all trades have been fighting for their rights and seeking methods of improving their living standards, working conditions, and job security (Boone, 1996,p.287). As time went by, these individuals came to the conclusion that if they work together collectively, they would grow stronger to get responses to their demands. This inspired into what we know today as labor unions. A labor union is an organized group of workers whose purpose is to increase wages and influence other job conditions for its members (Parkin, 1998,p.344). These labor unions can be divided into two types: craft unions and industrial unions (World, 1998). A craft union is a union whose membership is restricted to workers who possess an identifiable skill (Robinson, 1985,p. 69). These members tend to be better educated and trained, and more unified because of common interests (World, 1998). An example of a craft union is the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (World, 1998). On the other hand, an industrialized union is a group of workers who have a variety of skills and job types but work for the same industry (Parkin, 1998, p. 344). Unions of this type include...
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...Multimedia University, Malaysia Keywords Fraud, Corruption, Financial reporting, Whistleblowing, Internal control, Corporate governance Abstract This paper introduces fraud as asset misappropriations (85 per cent of cases), corruption and fraudulent statements. Symptoms include accounting anomalies, lack of internal control environment, lifestyle and behaviour. The most effective tools for fraud detection are internal audit review, specific investigation by management, and whistle-blowing. The paper details the fraud investigation process and the role of auditors as fraud examiners. The correlation of fraud perpetrators’ personality with the size of losses is examined. Personality is analysed into age, gender, position, educational background and collusion. A strong system of internal control is most effective in fraud prevention. Fraud prevention procedures, targeted goals and improvements to system weaknesses feature in the paper. Fraud impacts on accounting transactions in accounts receivable, receipts and disbursements, accounts payable, inventories and fixed assets, and financial reporting. The monetary impact resulting from fraud is analysed by the type of victim and the amount of loss. Internal control and good employment practices prevent fraud and mitigate loss. Computer accounting frauds 1055 Introduction Accounting fraud involves an intentional action, leading to a misstatement in the financial statements. Webster’s New Dictionary defines fraud as “intentional deception to...
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...White Paper Cloud Computing. Alternative sourcing strategy for business ICT. Contents. 3 1. Abstract. 4 4 5 2. Introduction to Cloud Computing. 2.1 A historical background. 2.2 Definitions. 7 7 11 12 3. Flexible ICT services - more than just a dream. 3.1 Business needs as a driver of Cloud Computing. 3.2 Status Quo. 3.3 A summary - added value with Cloud Computing. 14 14 14 15 4. Areas and examples of application. 4.1 Cloud Computing in business startups. 4.2 Cloud Computing in companies with existing infrastructure. 4.3 Cloud Computing with business-critical applications. 17 19 20 22 23 5. Dynamic Services – a top-quality Cloud Computing service. 6. Summary. 7. Glossary. 8. List of figures. 9. List of sources. 1. Abstract. The term "Cloud Computing" has been mentioned for just under two years in relation to services or infrastructural resources, which can be contracted over a network. Thus, the idea of renting instead of buying IT is nothing new. And so, Cloud Computing has many antecedents and equally as many attempts to define it. The players in the large world of clouds are Software as a Service providers, outsourcing and hosting providers, network and IT infrastructure providers and, above all, the companies whose names are closely linked with the Internet's commercial boom. But, all these services in combination outline the complete package known as Cloud Computing – depending on the source with the appropriate focus. That which...
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...White Paper Cloud Computing. Alternative sourcing strategy for business ICT. Contents. 3 1. Abstract. 4 4 5 2. Introduction to Cloud Computing. 2.1 A historical background. 2.2 Definitions. 7 7 11 12 3. Flexible ICT services - more than just a dream. 3.1 Business needs as a driver of Cloud Computing. 3.2 Status Quo. 3.3 A summary - added value with Cloud Computing. 14 14 14 15 4. Areas and examples of application. 4.1 Cloud Computing in business startups. 4.2 Cloud Computing in companies with existing infrastructure. 4.3 Cloud Computing with business-critical applications. 17 19 20 22 23 5. Dynamic Services – a top-quality Cloud Computing service. 6. Summary. 7. Glossary. 8. List of figures. 9. List of sources. 1. Abstract. The term "Cloud Computing" has been mentioned for just under two years in relation to services or infrastructural resources, which can be contracted over a network. Thus, the idea of renting instead of buying IT is nothing new. And so, Cloud Computing has many antecedents and equally as many attempts to define it. The players in the large world of clouds are Software as a Service providers, outsourcing and hosting providers, network and IT infrastructure providers and, above all, the companies whose names are closely linked with the Internet's commercial boom. But, all these services in combination outline the complete package known as Cloud Computing – depending on the source with the appropriate focus. That which...
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...collaborative organizational culture, demonstrated through its open concept office. Thalmic has integrated the horizontal coordination model successfully, but there lacks an apparent need for Myo which has a huge impact on sustaining growth. To implement the recommendation, Thalmic will be switching to a focused differentiation strategy. Thalmic must communicate that B2C sales will continue to exist, in order to satisfy retailers and third-party developers. The company must focus on attracting a new salesforce and better engineering talent so that the R&D required for the recommendation can be completed. Thalmic must switch to a matrix structure, where teams are divided by the different industries that the Myo armband will be sold to. The company should develop stronger ties to existing partners, in order to offer businesses more value through pairing the Myo with other wearable devices. Introduction Thalmic Labs is currently “making...
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...part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, website www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, website www.wiley.com/go/permissions. To order books or for customer service please, call 1-800-CALL WILEY (225-5945). ISBN 978-0-470-34381-4 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Preface Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don’t think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without the talking about the other.1 Bill Gates Microsoft I’m not hiring MBA students for the technology you learn while in school, but for your ability to learn...
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...part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, website www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, website www.wiley.com/go/permissions. To order books or for customer service please, call 1-800-CALL WILEY (225-5945). ISBN 978-0-470-34381-4 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Preface Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don’t think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without the talking about the other.1 Bill Gates Microsoft I’m not hiring MBA students for the technology you learn while in school, but for your ability to learn...
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...publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, website www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, website www.wiley.com/go/permissions. To order books or for customer service please, call 1-800-CALL WILEY (225-5945). ISBN 978-0-470-34381-4 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Preface Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don’t think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without the talking about the other.1 Bill Gates Microsoft I’m not hiring MBA students for the technology you learn while in...
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