Best practices in project rescues, outsourcing, ERP effectiveness, information architecture, IT management and security

Articles

Ron Gilmore and our Associates have published numerous articles on IT-related topics in publications ranging from Computerworld to the Globe & Mail. Here is a sampling of some of their work:

	SOA Benefit Realization (by George Rafael) - How your organization can obtain the biggest benefits from the ERP they already own
	ERP Success Criteria (by George Rafael) - How do you know whether your organization is ready for ERP?
	In Search of an Architect - Twenty Questions (by Wayne Lapaire) - Questions to consider when recruiting an Information Architect
	Privacy - The Business Case From Hell (by Ron Gilmore) - How to shape a business case for Privacy in your organization
	In Search of a Privacy Officer - Twenty Questions (by Ron Gilmore) - Questions to consider when recruiting a Privacy Officer
	In Search of a Privacy Officer - Top Five Questions (by Ron Gilmore) - Questions to consider when recruiting a Privacy Officer
	In Search of a Professional Project Manager - Twenty Questions (by Ron Gilmore) - Questions to consider when recruiting a Project Manager
	In Search of a New Information Systems Leader - Twenty Questions (by Ron Gilmore) - Questions to consider when recruiting a Information Systems Leader
	Information Systems Core Competency (by Ron Gilmore) - How to identify your organization's core compentecies
	Managers Caught in Accelerating Rate of Technology Change (by Ron Gilmore) - How to cope with change in technology and adapt for the future
	The President Leads an Information Systems Project (by Ron Gilmore) - How leaders of an organization can have a dramatic effect on the success of Information Systems projects

Presentations

Gilmore & Associates have given presentations to a wide range of audiences and on a variety of topics. Here is a sampling of some of them:

ERP Success Criteria - How to Manage the Beast No matter where your organization is at present, you either have an ERP or will need consider the option of having one. Whatever the situation, there are significant differences in the levels of ERP satisfaction and success. This presentation addresses the factors in any organization, regardless of industry, that act as either barriers or enablers to ERP success. At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to examine factors that contribute to ERP success in their own organizations and where there may be gaps or enablers. Target Audience -  C-level executives who already have ERP or considering it. Approximate Time -  1.5 hours
Around the World in 80 Milliseconds A historical review of geographic systems and technology, beginning with the early Greeks and other cultures to seek out the earliest growth of thought around the shape and size of our planet. Working up through the Spanish Inquisition into the surging superiority of the British Empire. Finally, flowing through to modern satellite technology and modern pocket sized GPS receivers. The session can include a couple of high tech big screen demonstrations at the end. Target Audience -  Could be just about any group. Approximate Time -  1.5 hours
Core Competencies and Outsourcing of Information Technology Everyone seems to be to trying to outsource internal corporate functions. Yet, analytical approaches to determine WHAT functions to outsource are few. This technique is based on applying the work of Prahalad and Hamel ("The Core Competency of the Corporation", Harvard Business Review, September 1989). Results from a recent survey and recent assignments are included. Target Audience -  Systems managers and systems professionals. Approximate Time -  1.5 hours
Outsourcing IT - Scourge or Salvation - the Real Issues The who, what, why, when, where and how of outsourcing from real experiences. Critical management issues are reviewed along with popular myths. Practical approaches are provided for dealing with the major challenges. Real examples of successes (and yes, failures too) are included. Intended audience is usually senior executives. Target Audience -  Senior executives, business schools, human resource specialists, financial executives, etc. Also can be shared with those who are about to be outsourced. Approximate Time -  1 to 3 hours
The Burdens of Contemporary Information A short session that outlines some of the challenges we face today. The example of the information needed to manage a contagious tuberculosis epidemic is used. Target Audience -  Could be just about any group. Approximate Time -  30 minutes to 1 hour
Management of End-User Computing A tutorial on how corporations can better manage the onslaught of desktop computing. Issues and approaches are provided. Target Audience -  Business managers and senior executives who worry about spending money on technology. Approximate Time -  3 hours
Change Management A tutorial on how individuals can better manage the onslaught of change in their lives - most of which is beyond their control. 42 specific process skills are provided that enable people to take back control of their lives and careers. Target Audience -  Worried people and their caring management. Approximate Time -  3 hours
Interviewing Skills A one hour "how to" of interviewing to gain information. This could be used to interview a client about a new assignment, a user about their needs or just about any situation where you need solid information. Target Audience -  Systems folks who need information from people to do their job. Approximate Time -  1 hour, could be expanded with role playing exercises to 3 hours
Executive Education in Systems Management A tutorial presents to enable attendees to deal with a computer person with comfort, even a sales person at the local computer store. Topics include: What is Information Systems all about, where is it going (trends) and how to manage it for business benefit. Target Audience -  Senior executives Approximate Time -  The session is broken into three half-day sessions which are best held about two weeks apart.
The Software Jungle Survival Guide A real world review of the difficulties (including some spectacular failures) we encounter in building large computer systems. Some provocative thoughts on what we need to change are provided. Target Audience -  Fourth year university classes in computer science. Approximate Time -  1 to 1.5 hours.
Trends in Technology A quick and topical update of where technology is going and how fast! Target Audience -  Rotary Club, non-technical professional associations. Approximate Time -  1 hour.
The Emerging "Job" A short review of emerging trends in the job market. Originally, this material was prepared to help universities better understand what the marketplace is seeking in graduates including the virtual corporation. Target Audience -  University students or administrators. Approximate Time -  1 hour.
The Impact on Organizations of Poor Project Management on Mission Critical Systems A review of the difficulties that poor project management has on an organization. Target Audience -  Junior to intermediate PM's and project sponsors who do not work in IT. Approximate Time -  1 hour.