IT Governance

Author: [USA] Peter Weill, Jeanne W. Ross, translated by Yang Bo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-16
Features: There are too many IT projects in the real world that end in failure, failing even to meet the company's expected bottom line. In this heavyweight work, IT experts Peter Weill and Jeanne W. Ross reveal to readers why and how businesses can derive true value from IT investments. Based on research involving 250 companies worldwide, the authors argue that the business value of IT directly stems from effective IT governance—the mechanism by which a company allocates decision-making power and responsibility for IT. Their research shows that, under the same strategic objectives, companies with strong IT governance generate 20% higher profits than those with weaker governance. However, only 38% of senior managers can accurately describe their IT governance. So, how can other managers develop effective IT decision-making for their businesses? In this book, the authors demonstrate to readers how to address three key questions through the design and implementation of an IT decision-making system: What decisions need to be made? Who should make these decisions? How should these decisions be made and monitored? Additionally, through case studies of top IT governance organizations such as DuPont, UPS, UNICEF, Fidelity Investments, Motorola, and Swiss Re, the book vividly illustrates the governance systems of leading IT governance organizations, providing readers with a framework and tools to customize their IT governance systems.