tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53709427113287653842024-03-05T04:55:38.764-06:00The Examined Life Is Worth Living"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt DisneyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-33492089188922519062010-03-16T09:00:00.002-05:002010-03-16T09:07:35.423-05:00Ernst & Young ValuesPeople who demonstrate integrity, respect, and teaming.People with energy, enthusiasm, and the courage to lead.People who build relationships based on doing the right thing.Our values define who we are. They are the fundamental beliefs of our global organization. They guide our actions and behavior. They influence the way we work with each other — and the way we serve our clients and engage with Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-78942858501868913252010-02-20T13:36:00.000-06:002010-02-20T13:38:01.188-06:00Tap the positive core of the organizationThe way to do this is to shift the collective investigation process from deficit inquiry (where is the problem?) to appreciative inquiry (what works well?) which is formulated to focus on achievements, assets, potentials, innovations, strengths, elevated thoughts, opportunities, benchmarks, high point moments, lived values, traditions, strategic competencies, memorable stories, and expressions Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-31904561985858677322010-01-21T08:33:00.001-06:002010-01-21T08:35:43.050-06:00Zapponians on ABC Nightline">Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-24097415709065949732010-01-14T16:06:00.001-06:002010-01-14T16:06:47.178-06:00Tap the positive core of the organizationThe way to do this is to shift the collective investigation process from deficit inquiry (where is the problem?) to appreciative inquiry (what works well?) which is formulated to focus on achievements, assets, potentials, innovations, strengths, elevated thoughts, opportunities, benchmarks, high point moments, lived values, traditions, strategic competencies, memorable stories, and expressions Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-60830281202340914622010-01-14T16:03:00.001-06:002010-01-15T13:47:44.975-06:00Power of storiesStories stick like glue…great leaders know itWhy? They make information easier to remember: “Whole brain”Stories make information more believable than statisticsNarratives create the basis for identity formation and they foster high quality relationshipsStory telling is the most powerful human medium for conveying values and visionsStories paint pictures in the mindUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-9780540446966467382010-01-14T15:59:00.000-06:002010-01-14T16:01:29.758-06:00The power of Appreciative Inquiry to transformAt it’s core, Appreciative Inquiry is the study and exploration of what gives life to human systems when they function at their best. It is based on the assumption that every living system has strengths—its positive core---which, when revealed and tapped, provides a sustainable source of positive energy for both personal and organizational transformation.Business ConsultingLeigh Steiner, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-10774463078202418732010-01-14T15:45:00.001-06:002010-01-14T15:46:48.511-06:00A Framework for Total System EmpowermentBy Barry OshryEach of us, regardless of our position in the organization, needs to:see ourself as constantly shifting in and out of Top, Bottom, Middle, and Customer conditions, know that in each condition we have the system power potential for strengthening the system’s ability to survive and develop, to cope with the dangers in its environment and to prospect among its opportunities, recognize Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-1324170475838280092010-01-13T13:40:00.001-06:002010-01-13T13:42:08.753-06:00How Business Schools Lost Their WayFantastic article from Business Week.By N. Craig Smith and Luk Van Wassenhove , On Tuesday January 12, 2010, 8:08 am EST Business schools have been blamed for the economic crisis. Their MBA students are said to be responsible for wreaking the havoc in the financial markets we are all now suffering from and business schools are chastised for not training them better, not least in failing to Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-36915052181130311362009-11-25T09:34:00.004-06:002009-11-25T09:47:07.724-06:00Class ActionUIS needs to add a program like this. If the university wants to become, in the words of Chancellor Richard D. Ringeisen, "one of the best small public liberal arts universities in the nation.", then UIS will have to lead with bold ideas that build skills that this generation needs to compete in the global economy.There are plenty of small and medium-sized businesses in this region that could Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-45592767375610624392009-11-25T09:08:00.007-06:002009-11-25T09:18:19.212-06:00Goodbye SAABThis was a great car company with a long and regal history that was destroyed by GM. It's like GM has an inverse Midas touch and everything they acquire turns to scrap.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-18412804780563736952009-11-20T15:52:00.004-06:002009-11-20T15:58:38.579-06:00Great example of poor serviceI think customer service is dead. Lot of companies talk a big line but fail because they are not really taking great service seriously. Here is an example from SPSS:Thank you for using our Internet site to submit your question. We hope that this provides you with a convenient method of communicating with us. Our goal is to respond to you within five business days. Way to go! Set your goals high! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-37282966320611720822009-11-20T08:33:00.004-06:002009-11-20T08:45:44.750-06:00J.M. Smucker Profit Nearly Triples on Folgers AdditionSweet products brew up fresh dollars!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-65950296425105374122009-11-05T16:21:00.000-06:002009-11-05T16:22:28.177-06:00The importance of good contract administrationWith ever increasing levels of outsourcing excellent contract administration is a key component of an organizations purchasing function that can add substantial cost savings over competitors. Contract administration describes the process for ensuring that all the party's performance and execution of the agreed contract terms are met according to the defined requirements. This involves sitting Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-20658355154456555552009-11-05T16:20:00.000-06:002009-11-05T16:21:01.279-06:00Risk managementRisk management is important because risk exists in every area of our lives and something must be done to address risk. Some types of general risks include uncertain financial markets, project failures, legal liabilities, credit risk, accidents, and natural disasters to name a few. Risk is especially present when new elements are introduced such as a new IT project that will alter how things Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-36419133274473539442009-11-03T09:29:00.002-06:002009-11-04T16:22:05.000-06:00The Digital Divide1. What is the digital divide? How can mobile computing be used to solve some of the problems of the digital divide? I think this is a great question. For one the digital divide is defined as the gap between those who have substantial access to digital and information technology and those that do not. The divide includes limited physical access to computing devices and imbalances in training Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-49225256812297389212009-10-30T11:16:00.001-05:002009-10-30T11:17:22.439-05:00Quality AssuranceQA is absolutely necessary for companies and organizations to take very seriously. Everyone expects some baseline of quality, even in low-cost products. There is no more luxury of allowing poor quality products or services to hit the market. The intense competition will take advantage of the weakness and quickly fill the gap with better products. Many talk a good quality line, but are unable Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-40246598910711938172009-10-30T11:13:00.000-05:002009-10-30T11:14:39.062-05:00Introduction to Systems Thinking by Daniel AronsonMy article summary is on Introduction to Systems Thinking by Daniel Aronson. In this article he outlines some of the key concepts that defines systems thinking such as seeing the "big picture", looking at recurring problems differently, considering the consequences of actions, and analysing problems where solutions are evasive and complex. The goal of systems thinking is to ultimately view Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-16142216755564848792009-10-09T10:20:00.000-05:002009-10-09T10:22:40.534-05:00How can IT enhance mass customization?IT has played a pivotal role in the mass-customization industry that is common today. Without the technology that enables customers to visualize their options through a website and the globalization 3.0 infrastructure that allows companies to manage their products and offerings, mass-customization would be difficult and costly to deploy in the ubiquitous manner now experienced. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-2383339138301785252009-10-08T16:17:00.000-05:002009-10-08T16:18:20.546-05:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-40740722137597292572009-09-30T09:28:00.000-05:002009-09-30T09:29:03.738-05:00What role does the organizational culture play in IS investments?I think organizational culture plays a very large part in any aspect of an organization including IS investment. Organizational culture is the psychology, attitudes, experiences, beliefs and values that are shared by the people within the organization and may or may not mirror the corporate culture. The culture that is present in an organization should be reflective of the strategy and goals ofUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-16098079555884366782009-09-30T09:08:00.003-05:002009-09-30T09:22:53.992-05:00When choosing a CPA...1. The CPA should have several years of business experience. Knowledge and experience with other businesses in your sector is even better. 2. They answer their phone, return phone calls promptly and respond to e-mail. Excellent communication skills are essential. 3. They should be able to think strategically about your business options and offer suggestions on how to improve your business in theUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-84011486540700784692009-09-30T09:04:00.000-05:002009-09-30T09:07:20.937-05:00Why do you think schedule issues often cause the most conflicts on projects?Part of the reason are the different attitudes and work styles that exist towards schedules as stated in the text. Schedules may be viewed differently in other cultures as well and Project managers must be aware of these concerns. Sometimes the original schedule was not realistically thought out and was too aggressive. Time goals should be s.m.a.r.t. along with the rest of the project goals. AlsoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-9262088925049931812009-09-24T16:20:00.002-05:002009-09-24T16:26:55.529-05:00The role of organizational culture in IS investmentsWhat role does the organizational culture play in IS investments? Is this something that can be easily adjusted when necessary? Why or why not? I think organizational culture plays a very large part in any aspect of an organization including IS investment. Organizational culture is the psychology, attitudes, experiences, beliefs and values that are shared by the people within the organization Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-35736505267751447282009-09-11T14:52:00.001-05:002009-09-11T14:54:25.439-05:00IT Doesn't Matter...Really?What Carr is talking about is the IT that is infrastructural technology not proprietary technology. Carr is stating that many organizations confuse infrastructural technology as proprietary technology, especially during the years of the build-out phase which install the greatest amount of this infrastructural technology such as desktop computers, enterprise software, LAN's and the Internet. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370942711328765384.post-68977398916063056112009-09-11T09:10:00.004-05:002009-09-11T12:30:10.430-05:00Harvard's endowment plunges nearly 30 percentIs this the best our esteemed national university could do? "In navigating the past year's storm, we developed greater financial flexibility, strengthened our investment team, sharpened our focus and positioned both HMC and the endowment to be robust, steady and, importantly, poised to benefit from growth in the world's economies," Mendillo said in a statement. Translation:"As we were caught up Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0