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Rating: 
Summary: Workable approach to IT value delivery & packed with info
Review: Some background is required before proceeding with a detailed review of this book. First, this book addresses a topic that occupies IT managers and corporate executives - how to demonstrate the value it IT to the business. Second, there are numerous approaches used in most large enterprises (and more than a few medium ones). They all seem to begin with the goal of aligning IT to business operations and show value, but too many end up either using a chargeback scheme of some sort, or IT finds itself outsourced. Third, there are viable approaches that look good on paper. An example is the bullet-proof approach set forth in "Effective Measurement and Management of It Costs and Benefits" (ISBN 0750624329), which--if followed--would solve many of the problems of making IT a value-driven organization. From personal experience, though, I've found that the leadership and commitment needed to implement what that book outlines is lacking in too many IT organizations. This book takes a less ambitious approach than "Effective Measurement and Management of It Costs and Benefits"; however, it is an approach that is within the capabilities of competent IT executives who have reasonable leadership skills. At the heart of the approach is how to turn IT into an organization that has proven value to the business it supports. This is where the book gets interesting and the author's knowledge and experience is imparted. He thoroughly dissects typical approaches, such as making IT a profit center (and reasons why this will not work), and various common funding schemes (transfer charging using either market pricing or cost recovery), and how they affect both actual and perceived value. The in-depth discussions of the charging schemes, their strengths and weaknesses related to the goal of managing IT as a value-providing organization were an education in themselves. I also like how this book stays focused on the theme and does not get sidetracked with discussions on operational or process improvement models, which are mentioned only in the context of the book's objectives. What makes this book so valuable is the straightforward approach and how the author leads you to it. It is both workable and realistic, which is a refreshing change from many books about IT-business alignment and IT value. Regardless of whether you are seeking a workable solution of transforming IT into a service that has measurable value, or are a consultant who specializes in IT organizational and operational optimization, this book will provide you with knowledge and an actionable approach. Do note that this book addresses value from organizational and operational perspectives. If you are more interested in delivering value from software project or product management I recommend you read "Software by Numbers: Low-Risk, High-Return Development" (ISBN 0131407287), which focuses on the much narrower application delivery domain.
Rating:
Summary: Workable approach to IT value delivery & packed with info
Review: Some background is required before proceeding with a detailed review of this book. First, this book addresses a topic that occupies IT managers and corporate executives - how to demonstrate the value it IT to the business. Second, there are numerous approaches used in most large enterprises (and more than a few medium ones). They all seem to begin with the goal of aligning IT to business operations and show value, but too many end up either using a chargeback scheme of some sort, or IT finds itself outsourced. Third, there are viable approaches that look good on paper. An example is the bullet-proof approach set forth in "Effective Measurement and Management of It Costs and Benefits" (ISBN 0750624329), which--if followed--would solve many of the problems of making IT a value-driven organization. From personal experience, though, I've found that the leadership and commitment needed to implement what that book outlines is lacking in too many IT organizations. This book takes a less ambitious approach than "Effective Measurement and Management of It Costs and Benefits"; however, it is an approach that is within the capabilities of competent IT executives who have reasonable leadership skills. At the heart of the approach is how to turn IT into an organization that has proven value to the business it supports. This is where the book gets interesting and the author's knowledge and experience is imparted. He thoroughly dissects typical approaches, such as making IT a profit center (and reasons why this will not work), and various common funding schemes (transfer charging using either market pricing or cost recovery), and how they affect both actual and perceived value. The in-depth discussions of the charging schemes, their strengths and weaknesses related to the goal of managing IT as a value-providing organization were an education in themselves. I also like how this book stays focused on the theme and does not get sidetracked with discussions on operational or process improvement models, which are mentioned only in the context of the book's objectives. What makes this book so valuable is the straightforward approach and how the author leads you to it. It is both workable and realistic, which is a refreshing change from many books about IT-business alignment and IT value. Regardless of whether you are seeking a workable solution of transforming IT into a service that has measurable value, or are a consultant who specializes in IT organizational and operational optimization, this book will provide you with knowledge and an actionable approach. Do note that this book addresses value from organizational and operational perspectives. If you are more interested in delivering value from software project or product management I recommend you read "Software by Numbers: Low-Risk, High-Return Development" (ISBN 0131407287), which focuses on the much narrower application delivery domain.
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