Rating: 
Summary: Not Just for IT
Review: "Managing IT as a Business" is an interesting read. I think a lot of the concepts can be applied to marketing, HR and finance organizations as well. That being the case, this book is indeed a "survival guide", relevant for all the enabling business units that report into the CEO/COO.
Rating:
Summary: The concept of "IT as a business unit" is finally expressed!
Review: "Managing IT as a Business" will help senior business management executives understand how to view and manage the Information Technology (IT) organization. How should IT be structured and aligned to support the business vision? What does IT really cost? The author, Mark Lutchen, has developed an IT management "lens" framework to view the critical drivers of IT success. This framework provides an excellent way for business management to think about what IT needs to accomplish.The book really delivers its value through nine key initiatives for the business and the IT organization to realize the full potential of IT resources. Mr. Lutchen's use of case studies involving considerable business issues and applied IT management solutions, has helped me visualize how these initiatives can dramatically impact a business. The author's coverage of issues such as IT governance, alignment, organization structure, spend, investment cycles, and focus on outcomes are precise and timely, given the mixed success that IT professional management has progressed in corporations today. I think what is unique about the author's perspective is his experience not only as an IT management consultant, but a Global CIO for one of the big-4 accounting firms. Business and financial management are key underlying themes in this book. You will find this book insightful and thought-provoking, enabling a business leader to establish and leverage a more powerful IT organization.
Rating:
Summary: Not Just for IT
Review: "Managing IT as a Business" is an interesting read. I think a lot of the concepts can be applied to marketing, HR and finance organizations as well. That being the case, this book is indeed a "survival guide", relevant for all the enabling business units that report into the CEO/COO.
Rating:
Summary: The concept of "IT as a business unit" is finally expressed!
Review: "Managing IT as a Business" will help senior business management executives understand how to view and manage the Information Technology (IT) organization. How should IT be structured and aligned to support the business vision? What does IT really cost? The author, Mark Lutchen, has developed an IT management "lens" framework to view the critical drivers of IT success. This framework provides an excellent way for business management to think about what IT needs to accomplish. The book really delivers its value through nine key initiatives for the business and the IT organization to realize the full potential of IT resources. Mr. Lutchen's use of case studies involving considerable business issues and applied IT management solutions, has helped me visualize how these initiatives can dramatically impact a business. The author's coverage of issues such as IT governance, alignment, organization structure, spend, investment cycles, and focus on outcomes are precise and timely, given the mixed success that IT professional management has progressed in corporations today. I think what is unique about the author's perspective is his experience not only as an IT management consultant, but a Global CIO for one of the big-4 accounting firms. Business and financial management are key underlying themes in this book. You will find this book insightful and thought-provoking, enabling a business leader to establish and leverage a more powerful IT organization.
Rating:
Summary: Valuable to all levels of business & IT management
Review: Both Business and IT managers will find useful insights in this book. The collection of case studies along with the presented analytical framework provide a solid foundation for addressing many of the classic technology management issues. In addition the book helps examine the functional business aspects of running an IT function. How refreshing to finally read book that offers practical information on how to effectively run an IT organization!
Rating:
Summary: Getting the Right Message Across
Review: I always thought that IT could be a driver of business success, but I never really knew how to get my message across. This book has provided me with the resources necessary to gain the support of the leadership team. Especially useful is the IT Management Lens which focuses on helping IT and other executives 'speak the same language.' I know my company will benefit from the book's advice.
Rating: 
Summary: A must read
Review: I found this book especially helpful in explaining the value of implementing business-oriented performance measurements into my company's IT department. I've always had trouble justifying certain IT expenditures, but linking IT strategy with corporate strategy helps make things a lot clearer. I am thinking of making this book required reading for my leadership committee.
Rating:
Summary: Insightful!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Insightful!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Pragmatic, Helpful and Timely
Review: Managing IT as a Business is a no nonsense guide to making the IT function accountable for what it does and does not deliver. The auhor 'gets it'and provides real examples that demonstrate what gets measured, gets managed; and what gets managed, gets done. The book lays out a framework for looking at IT, making it easy to apply the principles in any IT environment. Overall, it's a great addition to the library. I highly recommend it.
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