InformationWeek magazine surveyed 300 business- technology professionals to find out where IT would have to focus their efforts to support business initiatives for 2006. Not surprisingly, simplifying and optimizing business processes came in at #1. What is it that the business is looking for? They want Visibility, Accountability and Control of their business. It is clear that this will continue to be a major focus area for the business community until a systematized solution arrives. When we look at items 2 and 3, ‘Reduce the cost of IT operations’ while ‘Updating security procedures, tools or services’ its clear that they are divergent goals. This business requirement is one of the main drivers for outsourcing IT services. Large IT Providers have the economies of scale to be able to invest in more security and other IT initiatives. Companies that have their IT in-house are told to reduce costs and therefore cannot afford the cost or manpower

required to support investing in anything other than keeping up with the current business requirements. Item 4, ‘Establish processes that support real-time business information’ is critical in today’s dynamic business environment. When was the last time you heard that a company batches its information gathering activity? The business moves way too fast for this to be allowed. Executives, Managers and Line Personnel need to know the current status as of RIGHT NOW. Having to wait minutes, hours or worst case a day would cripple most organizations. Especially when supporting a customer who needs support. The last of the Top 5 items is ‘Boost worker productivity across the company’ is viable in every business in the world. Who doesn’t want this to happen? The real question is how is this accomplished? Education, tools, software, and hardware, are all viable parts of the solution. It depends on the specific needs of a business environment. However, it is true of every business environment that when there is a common method of communicating, tracking and reporting available, worker productivity is increased because they can focus on their job. It is interesting to note that there are Software as a Solution (SaaS) subscription models available today that address three of the top five business focus areas for 2006. MAX PartneringTM delivers Visibility, Accountability and Control to any business environment. Where do you see your business priorities on this list? If you’re like most businesses and are in the top 5, ASIL has a solution that can deliver a competitive advantage. contributed by Michael Vigil

Enabling Leaders to Lead
Getting back 30% of your time!"

Executives lead with strategy and act with agility to deliver profitable growth. Studies show up to 30% of executive management time is impotent because of inaccurate and inconsistent information. This includes not having the right tools to overcome this challenge.

Leaders find themselves managing escalations, researching status of projects, or trying to digest a constant barrage of updates. The result is an inefficient use of the Leader’s time and knowledge. What is a Leader to do? Companies with progressive Leaders are successfully optimizing their performance by enabling solutions that provide for increased visibility, accountability, and control.

Managing current functions while innovating for the future is a delicate and demanding balancing act. Having the skills and tools to increase the ability to adopt and advance change is a clear competitive advantage.

This may require you to team with others to acquire the tools and knowledge to accelerate change and performance. Streamlining the steps to improve information quality will reduce the time to make decisions. This will lead to improved communication which enables organization synergy and momentum.

Instead of getting tied up in the daily routines of chasing information and other tactical activities, free up your time to drive the future state. What would you do if you got back 30% of your time each day? Take charge of your future today and experience the difference.

To read the full report, go to www.technology-reports.com/asil.asp.

Peter Pazmany - Business Week July 3, 2006

Spotlight: Lessons from World Cup Soccer

Recently the world moved, but if you didn't feel it don't be alarmed. World Cup Soccer was center stage for the past couple of months, culminating with a victory for Italy over France. Many Americans are still learning to understand and appreciate the power of the game.

The global examples of soccer 's impact can be seen from many vantage points. Countries have gone to war and players have even been killed for poor performance. So how does this relate to business and why should we care? Because it is timely and there are some fundamental lessons being taught in World Cup Soccer.

The best is not always the best: Brazil was believed to be the best, yet Italy has the cup and bragging rights for the next four years. Being the best is but a brief moment in time and requires much energy to stay on top. There will always be someone that offers more or can offer it in a different way, so keep pushing the envelope of innovation and don't settle.

Plans, practice and persistence do pay-off: It is great to be lucky, however most successes are achieved through focus and direction. There is no replacement for clarity of intent, hard work and commitment. The challenge for many companies is to have all three in synch at the same time.

Even when you know what to do, you can't always do it: The US player talent level was world-class, yet the ability to play together fell short. Organizations fail when they are unable to accept, adopt, and advance the proposition together. Develop a culture that encourages the team to explore, take risk, and lead change.

Micro-Management stifles the level of play: The referees became the center of attention and this impacted the ability for the game to be played. Sometimes managers become too control oriented and they stifle the possibilities of innovation. You don't need to be the center of attention to be a good leader.

You can't do it alone: Many of the big names were overshadowed by players that were emerging. The emerging players were recognized for their ability to help the team achieve more in total. Playing as a member of the team is critical to driving business performance.

World Cup Soccer is more than a game. It is a global business with lessons to be learned. How is your company's game?

contributed by Pete Pazmany

Industry Trends

HR’s Transition from Administration to Human Capital Management (HCM)

Typically, HR departments are viewed as a cost center, focusing on basic day-to-day transactional tasks about efficiency, compliance and cost control that can offer little value to an organization.

Human Capital Management (HCM) distinguishes itself as strategic talent-management that optimizes and leverages all employees and delivers value to the business. Not unlike the shift of other functions within a company, HR needs to align with organizational strategy, demonstrate results, introduce change, deal with an aging workforce and every changing technologies.

According to the International Association for Human Resource Information (HRIM) most organizations are a long way from true HCM. In fact, a survey conducted by the HRIM revealed less than 12% of organizations have successfully implemented HCM and have aligned the workforce with business goals.

Link to the entire article - http://www.optimizemag.com/showArticle.jhtml&Query=When+HR+IT+meet

contributed by Deborah LeBaker