Global Teams Interact through Reaction

Fun exercise builds collaboration and innovation across globally distributed teams ... a nice ice-breaker if you are starting up a global project. ...


IDEO Global Chain Reaction from IDEO Labs on Vimeo.

IBM Updates Lotus Notes with Web 2.0 Capabilities for Global Collaboration

Fortune 1000 companies that leverage IBM software for email and collaboration will begin to see Web 2.0 capability introduced into near term upgrades of the Lotus Notes product. Lotus Notes applications can be built with user interfaces that deploy AJAX and style sheets, while content can be delivered through subscription to RSS or ATOM feeds. ...

... "Included in 8.0.1 is a powerful Web 2.0 feature, My Widgets, that can be used to execute actions such as retrieving real time flight arrival information simply by clicking on a flight number in an email. This is accomplished through a new technology called Live Text that can identify patterns and phrases and associate them with an appropriate widget. Users can drag and drop, or import, various kinds of widgets such as Google Gadgets, feeds, and Web pages or their own custom programs onto their new widgets panel in the Lotus Notes sidebar. Planned for delivery with Lotus Domino 8.0.1, is IBM Lotus Notes Traveler, which will provide automatic, real time wireless replication of email including attachments, calendar, contacts, personal journal and the to-do list for Microsoft Windows Mobile devices. " ...

Via IBM: Lotus Collaboration Software Roadmap

Next Gen Collaboration Research Supports Global Teams

IBM will invest in research to deliver solutions that enable the global collaboration of virtual project teams. The company sees collaboration, communication and visualization as capabilities to engage the next generation workforce, who are used to these advanced capabilities in their personal pursuits. ...

... "The challenges of globalization are forcing companies to become more nimble, using an increasingly geographically-dispersed and virtual workforce to remain competitive. In the world of software development, this means 24x7 collaboration with specialized teams around the globe to pick up where another left off. " ...

Via IBM: Innovations Support Global Collaboration

Global Perspective Google China

Google's research leader provides insights on developments in China for the company, where virtual teams and collaboration enable success. ...

Enabling Growth: Interesting Insights into China Market

Interesting insights on China market from Bain and Co. Consumers are moving up-market, while local and multinational players adjust and adapt to capture the higher growth market segments, through operational efficiency and quality improvement. ...

... "The result: China's middle market is growing faster than the premium and low-end segments combined, and accounts for nearly half of all revenues in some product categories such as televisions and washing machines. " ...

Via Bain & Company: China Battleground

Globalization and Technology: Are You Ready?

Astounding...

Visualization Map: Global Blogosphere

See visual map of the global blogosphere in video ...

IT Infrastructure: Global Perspectives on Telecommunications

Asia companies are working to restore telecommunications connectivity as they recover from the recent earthquake off Taiwan. While the damaged fiber optic cables are located and repaired, alternate routes of communication are arranged. It shows how dependent we are on digital communication technology, and the importance of disaster planning. ...

... "companies from South Korea to Singapore said they managed to partially restore most of their service to millions of customers. " ...

Via Washington Post: Telecom Recovery

New Ethics Standard Announced

As reported in PM Forum, to stay up to date with current thinking in ethics and to adapt to a more global presence, PMI has announced a new revision of its ethics standard. See below...

PMFORUM, Connecting the World of Project Management PMFORUM Breaking News: PMI® Announces New Ethics Standard

The Customer Experience: Advancing the Brand If Done Right

Aspect launches interesting campaign that reemphasizes a focus on the customer experience at the call center, where strong opinions are formed about companies that rely on that channel for sales or service. With today's technology, the power has shifted to the consumer. ...

... "Independent research demonstrates that each unhappy customer will tell 13 to 15 people about their bad experience with a company – far more people than they will tell of a good experience. When factoring in the power and reach of the Internet, one bad experience could have a significant impact on a company's brand, and ultimately, the bottom line. Aspect Software has coined this age of the activist consumer that uses emerging web technologies -- blogs, chat rooms, and wikis -- to air both their praises and their grievances about their experiences with corporate brands, Power Shift 2.0. " ...

Via Aspect Software: Aspect Software Unveils Global Campaign to Address Phenomenon of Power Shift 2.0 ...

Microsoft enters the project certification arena

This press release from Microsoft, timed shortly before the PMI Global Congress, announces a certification programme for users of Microsoft Project 2007. The new version of Project Server is due to be released in the New Year and aims to integrate further with other organisation systems and processes. Offering a standard for training does seem like a good idea. It will be interesting to see how the new certification from Microsoft, which has a reputation for setting its own standards, aligns with the PMBOK.
The announcement says the "training and certification product lines ... were developed after consulting the A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge ...".Microsoft Advances Its Project Management Technology and the Project Management Profession

Branson Climate Change Investment

Coverage of the Branson investment at the Clinton Global Initiative ...

IT Purchasing Standard: A New Tool for Project Managers

As reported in Computerworld, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) issued a preliminary report on IT best practices on acquiring hardware, software and services, covering the entire procurement process.

This will extend SEI's Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) as a new global standard for IT acquisition. The effort is being backed by GM and the U.S. Department of Defense, who will be piloting the standard.

The Computerworld article (link below) includes a link to the SEI preliminary report. It'll be interesting to see how this integrates with project management methodologies and PMI processes. It should be a welcome addition to the project management toolset.

GM backs IT purchasing standards

Is the Role of the Project Manager in Jeopardy? - An Editorial

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about the new Program Management credential from PMI. In it, I referenced PMI's definition of a program manager vs. project manager in their FAQ page.

A project manager, according to PMI, has the following responsibilities (I've put some of the key points that jumped out at me in bold):

• Perform their duties under general supervision and are responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project
• Lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget and resources
• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience to appropriately apply a methodology to projects that have reasonably well-defined project requirements and deliverables.

A program manager, according to PMI, has the following responsibilities (again, I've bolded the key points):

Under minimal supervision, program managers are responsible and accountable for the coordinated management of multiple related projects directed toward strategic business and other organizational objectives. These programs contain complex activities that may span functions, organizations, geographic regions, and cultures. Program managers build credibility, establish rapport, and maintain communication with stakeholders at multiple levels, including those external to the organization.

Clearly, a program manager must be closely tied to the strategic goals and benefits, monitor the program accordingly, and have a strong connection to senior management. And I also feel that the new credential seems on the surface to set the bar appropriately high.

But I can't help but feel that, in contrast, the PMP credential is losing steam. First, there are myriad organizations virtually guaranteeing an "instant-PMP" after a crash course and some tweaking of one's background experience (although PMI is now doing audits of work experience).

Second, a project manager must, in many cases, go beyond the PMP/tactical focus and possess the same traits and skills that PMI has designated as requirements of a program manager, especially in the case of an enterprise and/or global project, such as a business transformation effort. I realize PMI's role definitions are a way to differentiate and justify the new certification and I suppose one could organize their effort into a "program" to qualify for that certtification, but in these changing times (and with greater challenges for project managers), I think PMI needs to evaluate and revamp the PMP certification as well.

When I do presentations on principle-based leadership training, I have a slide where I present what I call "The PM Challenge." I present it as a boxing match. In one corner, we have a project manager, armed with MS/Project and the PMBOK, but lacking:

• Business Acumen
• Leadership Skills
• Conflict Management Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Communication Skills
• Strategic Intuition

In the other corner, we have the "challenger," represented by "the project," with the following characteristics:

• Global, virtual team
• Complex technology
• Complex change
• Multiple vendors
• Offshore resources
• Conflicting Stakeholders
• Scrutinizing Executives

Such a project manager, without the appropriate leadership and soft skills, doesn't stand a chance. Wouldn't a person with the skills PMI describes as a "program manager" be more apt to have success?

In the latest PM Network magazine from PMI, there are not one, but TWO articles that illustrate this point. One is titled "Project Management 2.0: Project Management is at a Crossroads," by Peter Fretty. The other is titled "No Limits," by Marcia Jedd, and talks about what project managers must do to crash through the glass ceiling and elevate it from the tactical trenches.

Perhaps a start would be to take a new view of project management beyond just "executing to a set of requirements to deliver on-time and on-budget." The current tactical focus might explain the consistent failure rates of projects. One problem is that PMI has traditionally "followed common good practices in the field," which of course is what a standard is supposed to do. The problem is that common practices have brought common results, which aren't all that good. Time for an upheaval. Perhaps they need a section, apart from the "standard" itself, for "new frontiers in project management," which could outline those who are breaking the mold with good results.

I'd be interested in others' thoughts on this topic. Who knows---It just might help drive requirements for the next version of the PMBOK and/or PMP credential.

Globalization of Research and Development: IBM Build Russia Presence ...

IBM boosts research and development talent in Russia to support geographic growth. This is a trend that is accelerating, especially where high-growth rates are expected. ...

... "IBM will invest $40 million over the next three years in the Russian Systems & Technology Laboratory, which will employ up to 200 people by the end of 2008. The lab will focus on mainframe technology development and continues IBM's emphasis on utilizing skills and expertise around the globe, especially in high-growth countries such as Russia, Brazil, China and India. The lab is the fourth major development operation announced by IBM in recent months. Other new facilities include a Linux Technology Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil; a Solutions & Technology Center in Bangalore, India; and a mainframe development lab in Shanghai, China. " ...

Globalization of Research and Development: IBM Build Russia Presence: Via IBM: IBM Chairman & CEO Opens IBM's First Development Laboratory in Russia ...

Change Management: IT Leads Insurgency ...

Robert Reich challenges IT leaders to embrace change and lead the insurgency brought about from the mega-trends confronting us. He highlights the importance of adding value and ignoring past models for success. ...

... "Organizations that will thrive in the global economy will be driven not by the short-term expectations of Wall Street, Reich suggested, but by his so-called change insurgents. These educator-executives can persuade managers to develop strategies that comprehend the structural economic change brought about by globalization, technology and the graying of the baby boomers. " ...

Via Search Oracle: Robert Reich tells CIOs: Rise up and adapt to global change ...

Globalization of Research and Development: EMC China Center ...

EMC Corporation will open its first China-based research and development facility next month, which is a a state-of-the-art software development center in Shanghai. It will play a strong role in the localization of EMC products for Asian markets. This center is a component of EMC's five-year China investment strategy. ...

... "The new center is part of EMC's global research and development investment, which is expected to be more than $1.2 billion in 2006. In China, EMC has established a comprehensive China Solutions Center network, deepened its relationships with key Chinese customers, created partnerships with software and systems integration solution providers, opened training centers to certify networked storage specialists, and made significant contributions to the academic community in China. " ...

Globalization of Research and Development: EMC China Center: Via EMC: EMC to Open Software Development Center in China

Make or Buy: The Jury is Out

There's a good article in InfoWorld about the age old IT dilemma of "build vs. buy." The consensus seems to be to buy when automating commodity processes and build when dealing with core differentiating processes (a la Wal-Mart). SOA seems to have made the "build" option more palatable.

The worst of both worlds is to buy a huge system and then heavily modify it to match your old systems and processes.

Another up and coming choice for many organizations is hosted solutions. Many companies are doing "all of the above," with a mix of packaged products, in-house offerings, and hosted solutions for a best-of-breed mix.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

Everybody knows that the more standardized you are and the more you buy off-the-shelf, the more cost effective it will be for both implementation and ongoing maintenance,” says Mark Lutchen, former global CIO of PricewaterhouseCoopers, now head of the firm’s IT Effectiveness practice.

On the other hand, executives such as Bob Laird, IT chief architect at MCI (now part of Verizon Business), sing the familiar refrain of in-house
development: “Where we tend to invest is where we can get incremental revenue … or competitive advantage,” he says.

As with many modern enterprises, Laird and team have recast their in-house development efforts within an SOA, enabling them to reuse rather than build from scratch. “Part of the decision is to look at your legacy applications and analyze what legacy you have that still has business value,” he says.

For more, read on...

To build or to buy IT applications? InfoWorld Analysis 2006-02-13 By Polly S. Traylor

The Making of a PMI Standard; Behind the Scenes

For those who wondered what goes on behind the scenes of creating a PMI global standard, there's a nice writeup in the latest PMI Community Post, which gets sent to all certified PMPs.

In the article, titled Evolution of a PMI Global Standard, PMI reveals the standards creation process, from the project approval and charter through the team selection, standard development, and exposure draft process.

Having served on the leadership team for PMI's new Standard for Program Management and Standard for Portfolio Management, I can say that volunteering on a standards creation project is very rewarding.

It's an opportunity to work with the best in the business and get involved in a large virtual project with people from all over the world. I definitely recommend the experience. Plus you get to earn PDUs if you're a certified PMP.

For those interested in volunteering, here's PMI's Volunteer Opportunity website, which has a link to the Opportunity Page. Tell ' em PMThink sent you.

IT Strategy: Enable Knowledge Based Economy ...

Government minister sees knowledge work as the key to economic development and creates IT strategy that supports the creation, collaboration, and deployment of knowledge to drive economic growth. The plan emphasizes the development of citizens to create and leverage knowledge to further innovation in the local and global marketplace. ...

... "Kuwait's Communications Minister Ibrahim Al-Shatti presented Monday a working paper outlining the national IT strategy in light of Knowledge Based Economy (KBE). " ...

IT Strategy: Enable Knowledge Based Economy: Via Kuna: Kuwait's Communications Minister outlines national IT strategy ...

Project Management Institute: NA Congress ...

PMI NA Congress this fall with Microsoft as hosting sponsor. ...

... "Project Management Institute (PMI) will hold its North America congress in Seattle, Washington, USA, 21-24 October 2006. PMI Global Congress 2006-North America is the major project management educational and networking event of the year. " ...

Project Management Institute North American Congress to be Held 21-24 October in Seattle, Washington: Via Yahoo! Finance

Project: Innovative Sustainable Construction ...

Construction project recognized for its sustainable practices. ...

... "The Bronze award winner, the Green Energy Benny Farm project, is a model of urban architecture and landscaping. It comprises the sustainable construction and renovation of 187 housing units on four properties, each linked to a common green infrastructure. " ...

Project: Innovative Sustainable Construction: Via St. Lawrence Cement: Green Energy Benny Farm Project Takes Prize at Global Holcim Awards ...

Project-Based Instruction: Technology Educator Recognized ...

Project-based instruction is fun, yet challenging for students, and integrates multiple perspectives into the learning process. Penn State instructor recognized for technology education. ...

... "Samir Shah, an instructor in information sciences and technology at Penn State York, was recently honored by the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania (TCCP) as the 2006 Technology Educator of the Year. Most of his advanced courses are project-based and designed to bring both local and international experience to students by incorporating real-world classroom projects. Shah's areas of research interest are in global IT project management and software development. Shah has earned his Masters degree in Engineering Sciences from Penn State Harrisburg. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). " ...

Project-Based Instruction: Technology Educator Recognized: Via Penn State York: Faculty Member Named Technology Educator of the Year ...

Technology Project: No Witness No Justice ...

Interesting project leverages technology-enabled solution for witness management process. ...

... "Global Crossing will also provide remote videoconferencing facilities to support the No Witness, No Justice project. The project offers dedicated Witness Care Units across England and Wales, bringing police and the Crown Prosecution Service together to jointly meet the needs of victims and witnesses in criminal court cases. The new Witness Care Units will manage the care of victims and witnesses from the point of charge through to the conclusion of a case. Global Crossing's remote videoconferencing service will allow vulnerable witnesses, such as children, to be interviewed outside of the court house in a safe environment. " ...

Technology Project: No Witness No Justice: Via Global Crossing: Global Crossing Delivers Managed Voice Services to the Crown Prosecution Service ...



No Witness, No Justice (NWNJ) Pilot Evaluation (PDF): "The No Witness, No Justice (NWNJ) project provides an opportunity to test the hypothesis that improving the care of victims and witnesses and enabling them to attend court is an effective means of narrowing the justice gap and increasing public confidence in the criminal justice system (CJS). ... "

No Witness, No Justice: The National Victim and Witness Care Programme (PDF): "The aim of the new scheme is to reform the criminal justice system so that it is better equipped to identify and understand the needs of victims and witnesses, and be more responsive to their individual requirements. ... "

Business Agility: IT Proactive Partner ...

To support the need for business agility, IT must be a proactive partner in engaging with the business. Todd R. Weiss covers the theme at the Computerworld Premier 100 IT Leaders conference. ...

... "Bringing in new technology ideas -- and sharing those ideas early on with users so they can weigh in with what they need, want and expect from an IT project -- is key to delivering a successful IT deployment. " ...

Business Agility: IT Proactive Partner: Via Computerworld Premier 100: IT can pave the way for business agility, panelists say ...

This message is consistent with recent research findings from the IT Governance Institute: (1) IT has a pretty good understanding of the business, (2) IT is not very proactive at exploring new business technology opportunities with the business. ...

... "Observation: A small majority (55 percent) of IT departments always or regularly inform the business about potential business opportunities." ...

Via IT Governance Institute: IT Governance Global Status Report—2006 (PDF) ...

So, here's an opportunity for the IT organization ... Get some early, raw ideas in front of your business partners and start getting some feedback.

PMI to Introduce Program Manager Credential in 2006

As reported in PMForum last week, Iain Fraser, PMI's Chair, discussed PMI's key initiatives for 2006 at their Asia Pacific Global Congress.

Most importantly, he announced that PMI will be introducing a new certification for program management to go along with the current PMP and CAPM certifications.

The new standards for program and portfolio management will be released at PMI's European Global Congress in Madrid in May.

For more about Iain Fraser's comments, read on...

PMFORUM, Connecting the World of Project Management PMFORUM Breaking News: PMI CHAIR IAIN FRASER ANNOUNCES PRIORITIES FOR 2006

Collaboration and Openness Business Model ...

In continuation with previous post on collaboration and openness, IBM releases study that supports the business model for transparency and collaboration to drive innovation and, ultimately, revenue growth. ...

... "In terms of how to drive innovation, the study found that 76% of CEOs ranked business partner and customer collaboration as top sources for new ideas. This greatly contrasts with internal R&D, which ranked eighth as a source for new ideas -- cited by only 14% of CEOs. Despite the value they place on collaboration, many CEOs are still in the planning stage. While 76% of CEOs say that collaboration is critical, 51% say their organizations currently collaborate extensively. Interestingly, this is exaggerated in emerging markets, where 73% are collaborating, compared to 47% in mature markets. The study also suggests a link between collaboration and financial performance. " ...

Collaboration and Openness Business Model: Via IBM: Majority of Global CEOs Plan Fundamental Change and Expect New Forms of Innovation to Drive Growth, According to IBM Study ...

Collaboration and Openness in the Participation Age ...

Sun CEO Scott McNealy challenges industry leaders to rethink traditional business models built on the global network economy, where transparency, community, and collaboration drive innovation into The Participation Age. ...

... "Sun believes the world is entering a new era - the Participation Age - where dramatically lowered barriers to entry, plummeting device prices, and near-universal connectivity are driving a new round of network participation. From blogs to Java, SMS messages to Web services, participants are forming communities to drive change, create new businesses, new social services and new discoveries. This growth in the network economy is fueled by sharing and collaboration among communities interconnected by technology and driven by purpose. Sun also believes that sharing and collaboration in the Participation Age will stimulate innovation to help all participants from across the world grow and prosper. " ...

Collaboration and Openness in the Participation Age: Via Sun Microsystems: Thought Leaders Prove Sharing Builds Economies at Sun Microsystems' Participation Age Event: Sun CEO Scott McNealy Pushes Industry to Rethink Business for 21st Century, Focus on Collaboration and Community ...



Addtional references on the intersection of transparency, collaboration, community, and innovation:

Via SAP: SAP Leads Industry Collaboration in Support of Enterprise Services: "For the first time, a community process in which collaborative business process innovation can flourish in an open and transparent forum will become the standard by which all enterprise services development is measured. The Enterprise Services Community Process is the only industry-driven method for defining enterprise services and is poised to become the preferred method for the SAP customer and partner ecosystem to achieve business process innovation through the use of enterprise services. "

Via The Future of Work Weblog: Distributed Work and Network Building Tools: "As work becomes ever-more-highly distributed, an individual's responsibility for maintaining his or her network of connections, both inside and outside his or her company, is increasing. Team members might be located in different geographic locations and timezones. They may only have come together for a short-term project or they might not even be members of the same company. ... "

Via Business Week: This Way To The Future: "Ultimately, innovation is about continually pushing back the boundaries of what is possible. The true genius of capitalism is that it provides economic incentives for sustained innovation. "

Managing Global Projects; Don't Be a Tourist

Ladies first, No steamrolling, Swastika greeting cards....

No, I haven't lost my mind, and this isn't some weird form of free association. These are all examples of cultural misunderstandings that are pointed out in an insightful article from Computerworld.

It reminds me of that old series of TV advertisements with a "Don't be a tourist" theme (one example had Richard Nixon giving the "OK" hand gesture while getting off a plane in Latin America--and nearly causing a riot). Of course, I forget the product being advertised, so the ad couldn't have been too effective. But I digress.

In all seriousness, having done quite a bit of travel myself, I can vouch for the importance of avoiding the stereotypical American trait of steamrolling your ideas or values, or assuming everything works as it does here in the U.S. (yes, I realize not ALL Americans are like that, but a sad number are).

Better to engage people's input, and have them be part of the solution. A little bit of humility and cultural awareness (and, dare I say, learning at least a few phrases of a foreign language) goes a long way. It's especially important when managing projects that span geographic and/or cultural boundaries.

Here's the article from Computerworld (and just so nobody thinks I'm picking on Americans, the article shows that cultural misunderstandings are a global issue) ...

Culture Clash - Computerworld

Business Value of the IT Application Portfolio ...

Under constant pressure to cut costs? Managing a portfolio of existing applications? Enhancing, upgrading, or sustaining these applications? Struggling to describe the value of applications that run-the-business? The Application Investment Management (AIM) framework looks interesting. Sheldon Monteiro, Sapient, discusses the AIM Framework which is used to understand, leverage and rationalize the existing information technology assets through understanding value of the application portfolio. The methodology looks for opportunities for reuse, imbalance in IT investments, and areas for strategic focus. It is compatible and complementary with other management frameworks, such as ITIL. ...

... " While ITIL places emphasis on understanding service costs, AIM builds on this foundation by exposing business benefits associated with applications, for an overall understanding of application portfolio value. " ...

Business Value of the IT Application Portfolio: Via IT Business Edge: Taking AIM at IT/Business Alignment ...

Maps for Apps: Via IT Business Edge: "Consulting firm Sapient Corp.'s Application Investment Management (AIM) framework differs from portfolio management in one key respect; AIM focuses on existing applications, rather than trying to evaluate future investments as portfolio management does. "

Maps for Apps: Via CFO: "AIM is best suited for large, complex, global organizations that spend tens of millions of dollars (or more) on IT; have gone through a fair amount of mergers and acquisitions; or rely on dozens of enterprise resource planning, human-resource, or E-mail systems. Such organizations usually have several dozen, hundreds, or even thousands of applications and complex business processes that span many product lines and geographies. "

I would have added references from Sapient's website, but, for an internet consultancy, it has the slowest website in this hemisphere ... ;-)

Keeping Technology In-House Pays Off

A little over a year ago, JPMorganChase canceled its $5 billion outsourcing contract with IBM Global Services and brought its technology operations back in-house.

Says CIO Austin Adams:

"The decision to cancel the outsourcing deal wasn't driven entirely by cost savings... It was about our belief that we wanted to be more involved in every aspect of our business, and technology is a significant part."

And this belief has proven true. The bank is now seeing cost savings from better leveraging of software and hardware deals, and is seeing excellent operational efficiencies as well.

For project managers, this can bring additional benefits, such as having the right know-how in house, and avoiding the need to manage across multiple organizations.

In general, while appearing to be a silver bullet, outsourcing can have negative effects on morale and can damage communities as well. Furthermore it doesn't always bring the cost-savings it promises and puts the organization at the mercy of its vendors. Collectively, there's no telling what the long-term impact will be on the United States.

Companies such as Toyota practice long-term thinking, pride of workmanship, and remain community-focused, with good results. Cheers to JPMorgan Chase.

Here's the full article from Baseline Magazine. There's also an interesting sidebar called "Can You Outsource Project Management?"

JPMorgan Chase Retakes Control of I.T.

Project Management Conference Asia: PMI Global Congress 2006 - Asia Pacific Upcoming ...

PMI's Asia Global Congress is upcoming ...

... "PMI Global Congress 2006 - Asia Pacific: 27 February-1 March 2006, Shangri-la Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand: Registration. " ...

Via PMI: PMI Global Congress 2006 - Asia Pacific

ServiceOriented Architecture SOA Governance: Market Consolidation ...

Mercury acquires Systinet to extend its reach into the service oriented architecture SOA market. It further expands the footprint of their integrated business technology suite. This market space is ripe for consolidation as major information architectures transition to the services model. ...

... "Mercury Interactive Corporation, the global leader in business technology optimization (BTO) software, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Systinet Corporation, a privately held company, for $105.0 million in cash. Systinet is a leading provider of service-oriented architecture (SOA) governance and lifecycle management software and services. Customers use Systinet technology to manage SOA business services and to build secure and reliable Web services. Systinet technology, when combined with Mercury BTO Enterprise offerings, will help enable customers to take a lifecycle approach to optimizing the quality, performance and availability of SOA business services.

Systinet SOA products provide a system of record and a set of governance and lifecycle capabilities that help provide the visibility, control, quality and integrity critical to SOA success. Systinet products deliver capabilities for publishing and discovering business services; creating, managing and enforcing policies; and managing the full lifecycle of business services and other SOA assets. " ...

ServiceOriented Architecture SOA Governance: Market Consolidation: Via Mercury: Mercury to Acquire Systinet to Capitalize on High-Growth SOA Market ...

PMO Project Office: Whirlpool Maytag Integration ...

Whirlpool makes leadership moves to support the integration of the planned Maytag acquisition in a controlled and disciplined manner through a project management office, or PMO. Appointed execs bring strong credentials to their new leadership roles. ...

... "Whirlpool Corporation announced the appointment of Ted Dosch, currently corporate vice president and controller, to corporate vice president, finance, Project Management Office, which manages the planning and integration of the anticipated Maytag acquisition. Larry Venturelli, currently vice president, Investor Relations, will succeed Dosch as vice president and controller. These moves are effective immediately. ... In his new role, Dosch will lead the planning and integration of all financial processes and internal controls associated with the anticipated Maytag acquisition. Venturelli will assume the controller responsibilities and continue to provide leadership to the Investor Relations activities on an interim basis. A successor to Venturelli will be named at a later date. Both Dosch and Venturelli will continue reporting to Templin. " ...

PMO Project Office: Whirlpool Maytag Integration: Via Whirlpool: Whirlpool Names Dosch and Venturelli to New Leadership Roles ...



Whirlpool Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $13 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries.

Project Management Biggest Challenge for 2006

According to a Computerworld survey, 33% of respondents rated project management as their #1 management challenge of 2006, even ahead of budget constraints and regulatory compliance. Specifically, the biggest challenges, according to Computerworld are:

1) Managing Global Teams (understanding cultural differences, language and calendar differences, offshore resources, etc.)
2) Moving Parts (i.e. managing complex projects with multiple threads, multiple sponsors, outsourced resources, and multiple phases)
3) Iterative Development (adjusting to more agile approaches, which have proven to be more effective)
4) Vendor Partners (managing outsourced resources, integrating managed service providers, etc.)
5) Project Portfolio Management (i.e. categorizing projects and focusing on the most important work)

It looks to be a busy year for project management consultants. For more info, read on ...

What's Next: Project Management - Computerworld

ITIL ITSM Service Management Strength: HP Recognized ...

Forrester recognizes HP leadership strength in global delivery infrastructure management and ITIL IT service management consulting. ...

... "The report singles out HP's leadership in IT service management methodologies, evidenced by the number of ITIL consultants HP has trained or acquired. Further, HP achieved the highest weighted score among all vendors in the Strategy area. " ...

ITIL ITSM Service Management Strength: HP Recognized: Via HP: HP Ranked a Leader for Global Delivery Infrastructure Management by Independent Research Firm ...

ITIL Web Seminar: Speed Implementation ...

Upcoming ITIL web seminar focuses on accelerated implementation. ...

... "TeamQuest Corporation, the global leader in IT Service Optimization (ITSO), will hold a free Webinar to demystify IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) at noon on Wednesday December 14. Noted ITIL expert Ron Potter will provide real world examples and an overview of ITIL to show how quick wins can help speed implementation. This Webinar will discuss how software solutions can be leveraged across other ITIL processes and disciplines to speed implementation and reduce start-up costs. " ...

ITIL Web Seminar: Speed Implementation: TeamQuest to Host ITIL Webinar: Via Yahoo! Finance

Project Management: A Global Career Opportunity ...

It's clear that all around the world, the project management career path is seen as a growth opportunity for the future. Valerie Khoo explores the project management career. ...

Project Management: A Global Career Opportunity: Via The Age: The perfect job for organised people ...

... "Markus Meier-Lindner, corporate services manager for the Australian Institute of Project Management, says project management is a growth area. Dedicated project offices are already established at many organisations as they seek to manage whole portfolios of projects simultaneously, he says. " ...

Project Portfolio Management: Business Intelligence Enables Visualization ...

Project Portfolio Management PPM vendors are increasingly bundling business intelligence components in their offerings, such as Business Engine's collaboration with Cognos. ...

Project Portfolio Management: Business Intelligence Enables Visualization: Via Business Engine: Business Engine Teams with Cognos to Deliver Business Intelligence Tailored to IT and Engineering Organizations: Global 2000 Companies Gain Greater Insight into Project-based Portfolios with Advanced Metrics, Dashboards and Reporting ...

... "BEN Business Intelligence embeds industry-leading business intelligence technology from Cognos, including Cognos ReportNet and Cognos PowerPlay, to provide IT and business users with powerful reporting and OLAP analysis through easy access to timely and accurate information. Business Engine recognizes the strategic importance of business intelligence and corporate performance management in helping enterprises gain greater value from their IT investments, align business goals and ultimately deliver solid results, said Ted Jandl, Area Vice President of Strategic Partners at Cognos. Coupling Cognos with Business Engine's leading Project Portfolio Management solution gives savvy corporate leaders the ability to make informed decisions about their business and technology investment portfolio while helping to drive enterprise agility in the face of a shifting economic landscape. " ...

Microsoft Security: Risk Govern Audit ...

Microsoft is making concerted effort on security management, appealing to technology independent partners with services focused on security policy, governance, compliance, risk assessment, risk management and auditing, while balancing its focus on infrastructure security, the technical perspective. ...

Microsoft Security: Risk Govern Audit: Via ISACA: Microsoft Partner Program Includes ISACA Certification in Restructure of Its Security Solutions Competency ...

... "Having a skilled and innovative security partner ecosystem is central to the company’s approach and, therefore, a large part of the effort has been significant changes to the Microsoft Partner Program, Security Solutions Competency, announced this week in partnership with long-established certification programs from Information Systems Audit and Control Association® (ISACA®) and International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. " ...

Michael Domingo provides update on Microsoft's updated approach to security, which balances the technical with the strategic security management: risk, govern, audit. ...

Via Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine: Security Competency Gets Revamped

... "Microsoft says it has taken a technology agnostic approach within its Security Solutions competency, splitting it into two specializations that address technical issues and the other that looks at security policy and risk management, governance, and auditing. " ...

With more than 47,000 members who live and work in more than 140 countries, the Information Systems Audit and Control Association® (ISACA®) is a recognized worldwide leader in IT governance, control, security and assurance. Founded in 1969, ISACA sponsors international conferences, publishes the Information Systems Control Journal®, develops international information systems auditing and control standards, and administers the globally respected Certified Information Systems Auditor™ (CISA®) designation, earned by more than 40,000 professionals since inception, and the Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) designation, a groundbreaking credential earned by 5,200 professionals.

CIO: Chief Information Officer Global Perspective ...

Global companies need CIOs with global perspective that respect and leverage the diversity of cultures for business success, yet are able to drive the appropriate amount of information technology standardization (technology, process, organization) to manage costs effectively. Mary Brandel explores the challenges and opportunities of the global CIO role. ...

Via Computerworld: Global CIO: Take everything IT does, then add exponential complexity ...

... "The overarching challenge that most global CIOs face is developing a common IT governance strategy that specifies a standard set of technologies and applications in order to leverage global buying power, realize huge economies of scale, spread best practices discovered in one business area throughout the world, and gain a global view of customers and operations. " ...

The New ISO 27001 Security Standard; Get Prepared! Listen to Alan Calder's Podcast

As I've mentioned before, the perfect storm is headed our way. As more companies move toward hosted solutions and the threat of a pandemic computer virus looms, organizations worldwide could be crippled.

Enter the new ISO 27001 Security Standard.

Alan Calder, the leading IT Governance and Security expert and CEO of IT Governance, Ltd., issued a podcast last week talking about ISO 27001 and its impacts. Best of all, Calder offers several eBooks for all levels of audiences, as well as an ISO 27001 toolkit, which allows organizations to become ISO 27001-compliant without expensive consultants.

Here's what Calder's company, IT Governance Ltd. has to say about the new standard:

• ISO 17799:2005 and BS 7799 are the international best practice information security management standards, defining and guiding Information Security Management System (ISMS) development.
• BS7799 is the basis for the new international standard ISO 27001, which was introduced in October 2005. Internationalisation will create a global upsurge in demand for ISMS certification.
• ISO 27001 will become the international touchstone for effective, secure information management practices that protect organisations and ensure their compliance with data protection, privacy and computer misuse regulations.
• As with ISO 9000, the new standard will become a prerequisite for many businesses wishing to secure new customers and contracts. It is therefore as much a business issue as an IT issue.
  
  To learn more, check out Alan Calder's podcast below...
  
  Alan Calder on IT Governance, information security and ISO 27001 (BS7799): Talking ISO 27001

Project Management: Google Innovation Machine ...

Quentin Hardy explores insights from Google CEO Eric Schmidt to better understand the project management methods powering the Google innovation machine, such as small teams, data-based decision making, rapid project life cycles, and collaboration networks. ...

Project Management: Google Innovation Machine: Via Forbes.com: Google Thinks Small ...

... "Brin and Page have created a corporate organism that tackles most big projects in small, tightly focused teams, setting them up in an instant and breaking them down weeks later without remorse. " ...

Government Projects: Higher Spending and Delays ...

Government project culture needs an infusion. ...

Government Projects: Higher Spending and Delays: Via Business Standard: Economy & Policy: Govt spends 42% more on project delays ...

... "Even in the information technology sector, only a third of all projects are completed on time and within budgets, and give the originally anticipated value, says Gregory Balestrero, global CEO of Project Management Institute (PMI). " ...

Project Management Software Conference: Primavera ...

Project Management Software Conference: Primavera: More than 40 Partners To Exhibit at Primavera Annual Conference: Via Primavera, Project and Portfolio Management

... "Primavera Systems, Inc., announced that 41 of its partners will exhibit at the company's 22 nd Annual Conference taking place November 13-16 at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The event, one of the largest of its kind, expects approximately 1,500 attendees, and is a major educational forum for individuals involved in project, portfolio and resource management. " ...

Primavera is the largest independent provider of collaborative resource, project and portfolio management solutions. Primavera's world-class software and services are used by Global 2000 companies to choose the set of projects that best enable their strategy to plan, control and govern the chosen projects, and to accelerate the delivery of high-quality results for themselves and their clients.

Project Management Software Learns from Success and Failure ...

Project Management Software Learns from Success and Failure : Via Ferret: CSIRO's Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology (CMIT): Minimising risk in engineering projects

... "A TEAM of scientists from CSIRO's Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology (CMIT) has invented project management software that learns from previous project successes and failures. " ...

CSIRO is Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. As one of the world's largest and most diverse scientific global research organisations, CSIRO's work touches every aspect of Australian life: from the molecules that build life to the molecules in space.

Project Management Certification: Global Recognition ...

Project manager certifications are gaining global interest. Ho Siew Yee explores the project management certification strategy at Kompakar, where a major investment in its project managers is expected to increase brand value, name recognition, and global status. ...

Project Management Certification: Global Recognition: Via Business Times: Kompakar raises spending to certify project managers ...

... "By year-end, all Kompakar project managers being deployed will be internationally-recognised project management professionals who will undertake large-scale overseas projects. " ...

SW-CMM Level3: Mellon Teams Succeed ...

Software teams at financial services firm, Mellon Financial, demonstrate Level 3 performance in the Capability Maturity Model for Software, SW-CMM. ...

SW-CMM Level3: Mellon Teams Succeed: Via Mellon Financial Corporation: Mellon Software Engineering Teams Successfully Complete SW-CMM (Capability Maturity Model for Software) Level 3 Reappraisals ...

... "Two of Mellon Financial Corporation's software engineering teams have renewed their SW-CMM (Capability Maturity Model for Software) Level 3 appraisals. Mellon operations supported by the two teams include global cash management, foreign exchange, wholesale markets trading, trust & custody, and middle- and back-office management solutions for investment managers. Accomplished using the current CMM for Software model with a new, more rigorous Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) appraisal method, these Level 3 appraisal renewals position Mellon to move to the new process model, the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). " ...

Mellon Financial Corporation is a global financial services company. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Mellon is one of the world's leading providers of financial services for institutions, corporations and high net worth individuals, providing institutional asset management, mutual funds, private wealth management, asset servicing, payment solutions and investor services, and treasury services. Mellon has approximately $4.5 trillion in assets under management, administration or custody, including $766 billion under management. Its asset management companies include The Dreyfus Corporation and U.K.-based Newton Investment Management Limited.

ITIL Methodology: Sun Preventive Services Offering ...

First Data leverages Sun Microsystems Preventive Services offering to manage risks. ...

ITIL Methodology: Sun Preventive Services Offering: Via Sun Microsystems: Hundreds of Global Customers Choose Sun Microsystems in Fiscal First Quarter ...

... "After working closely with Sun to explore technologies and programs such as Sun Preventive Services, an assessment and mitigation offering that utilizes ITIL methodology, First Data Corporation agreed to adopt SPS as a strategy for risk aversion. Sun is evolving the relationship with First Data, demonstrating through the provision of committed resources and teaming that additional focus on prevention and operational excellence can yield a positive ROI. " ...

Enterprise Architecture: SEC Future State: Troux Metis ...

Troux and ISI partner to drive the enterprise architecture transformation at the SEC over the next few years. ...

Enterprise Architecture: SEC Future State: Troux Metis: Via Troux: SEC Taps Troux Technologies and ISI for Multi-Year Enterprise Architecture Program

... "Troux Technologies, the global leader in IT Governance and Enterprise Architecture (EA) solutions, and Integrated Systems, Inc., a foremost 8(a)-certified systems integrator, announced they have jointly won a multi-year contract from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to implement the SEC's Enterprise Architecture and increase its business value. Under the agreement, Troux and ISI will collaborate to provide the SEC's Office of Information and Technology with consulting expertise in documenting the SEC's current state architecture, and in developing and maintaining future state target architectures. ... Troux's Metis Enterprise is an Enterprise Architecture and planning solution that provides the basis for the transformation from an organization's current state to an optimized future state. It is designed with a highly scalable database that accommodates the volume of enterprise-wide data required for successful organizational transformation. Additionally, Troux's Metis offers a unique analysis capability, leveraging both the current and future EA states. The automated data collection in Metis, from disparate sources across the organization, keeps information timely and relevant. " ...

Integrated Systems, Inc. is dedicated to the development and implementation of high quality technology- and process-based solutions for government and commercial clients. Founded by Indrani Seetharam in 2000, ISI is a Minority Woman-Owned 8(a)-Certified small business, currently providing sophisticated technical solutions to the U.S. Treasury, the Departments of Homeland Security (US VISIT Program), Transportation (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), Energy, Agriculture and Education; the National Archive and Records Administration; the State of Delaware; and the US Navy Space Warfare Center (SPAWAR). ISI's focus areas include Enterprise Architecture, Information Assurance, Information Security, Certification and Accreditation, Independent Validation and Verification and Life-cycle Management. ISI develops practical, affordable, and deliverable solutions of significant value to its clients, on or ahead of schedule.

Troux Technologies (pronounced "true") is a global provider of IT Governance software that accelerates IT and business transformation. Troux's IT Governance solutions enable organizations to strategically plan the enterprise, capture and analyze critical IT and business data and deliver actionable decisions to transform the business. Troux's breakthrough technology provides the enterprise-class information, policies, and analytics critical for IT excellence. With Troux, organizations succeed in breaking the traditional IT silos and effectively aligning IT with core business goals. Based in Austin, Texas, Troux Technologies serves the Global 1000 and government marketplaces.

Disciplined Project Management: Competitive Advantage at Exxon Mobil ...

Exxon Mobil cites their disciplined project management system as a competitive advantage in their marketplace: exploring, extracting, and delivering crude to the marketplace through capital investment projects. ...

Disciplined Project Management: Competitive Advantage at Exxon Mobil: Via Exxon Mobil Corp.: Exxon Mobil Corporation Announces Estimated Third Quarter 2005 Results ...

... "ExxonMobil continued its active investment program in the third quarter, spending $4.4 billion on capital and exploration projects, bringing the year-to-date spending to $12.4 billion, an increase of $1.7 billion versus 2004. Our disciplined project management systems remain a competitive advantage, delivering new supplies of crude oil to the global market. " ...

ITIL ITSM Software Market Competition Grows: Maximo ...

Software vendor MRO Software repurposes their Maximo solution to support IT service management based on the ITIL principles. Competition in the ITSM software market continues to grow as firms shift their products to address this hot space. ...

ITIL ITSM Software Market Competition Grows: Maximo: Via MRO Software: MRO SOFTWARE'S MAXIMO ENTERPRISE SUITE ON DISPLAY AT GARTNER'S 2005 SYMPOSIUM ITXPO: IT Service Management Suite Shows Early Momentum ...

... "MRO Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: MROI), the leading provider of asset and service management solutions, today announced that the company's Maximo Enterprise Suite (MXES) will be on display at the Gartner Symposium ITxpo. MXES combines asset and service management functionality with an IT infrastructure library (ITIL)-based solution for IT Service Management. Companies are shifting from simply managing assets to managing the service they perform and the strategic contribution they make to the business. MRO Software's Maximo Enterprise Suite builds on the Company's core expertise in asset management to deliver an expanded, comprehensive IT Service Management solution encompassing IT Asset Management and Service Desk functionality. " ...

MRO Software is the leading provider of asset and service management solutions. Maximo Enterprise Suite, the Company's flagship solution, is delivered on a web-architected platform and increases productivity, optimizes asset performance, and service levels, reduces costs and enables asset-related sourcing and procurement across the entire spectrum of strategic assets. The Company's asset management solutions allow customers to manage the complete lifecycle of strategic assets including: planning, procurement, deployment, tracking, maintenance and retirement. Using MRO Software's solutions, customers improve production reliability, labor efficiency, material optimization, software license compliance, lease management, warranty and service management across the asset base. MRO Software (Nasdaq: MROI) is a global company based in Bedford, Mass., with approximately 900 employees, and more than 300,000 end-users. The Company markets its products through a direct sales organization in combination with a network of international distributors. MRO Software has sales offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific and Latin America.

When is SAP Project Complete?

Recent, Dupont announcements show that, even though an SAP project go-live is complete and stabilized, business value must be driven through follow-on projects, using methods such as Six Sigma and lean supply chain techniques. ...

When is SAP Project Complete?: Via DuPont.com: DuPont Announces Actions To Increase Shareholder Value ...

... "DuPont will accelerate work already underway to standardize and simplify its operating processes and will reduce its functional support costs to externally-benchmarked top-quartile standards. This work will make full utilization of the investment in new state-of-the-art information technology for business and financial systems (SAP) implemented over the past five years. Building on its well-established Six Sigma base, the focus will include lean global supply chain practices to strengthen service, reduce costs and reduce inventory. " ...

Optimize IT Business Outcomes: Seminars ...

Upcoming seminars by Mercury on the business outcomes of information technology: Enhance the end-user experience. ...

Optimize IT Business Outcomes: Seminars: Via Mercury: Mercury Announces Seminar Series on Optimizing the Business Outcomes of IT ...

... "Mercury Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ: MERQE), the global leader in business technology optimization (BTO) software, announced a new application management seminar series to help customers optimize the business outcomes of IT. The series will provide a world-class forum for the exchange of ideas and advice on making the end-user experience the metric for managing IT change and optimizing the business outcomes of IT. " ...

IT Service Delivery Management: Excellence Model

Ah!, the sweet taste of ITSM IT services management ... Hershey's adopt Sun Micro's service excellence model to improve the delivery of business value. Sun has developed a portfolio of aligned IT services, called SunTone. ...

IT Service Delivery Management: Excellence Model: Via Sun Microsystems: The Hershey Company Continues To Use Sun Microsystems' SunTone Service Excellence Model to Improve IT Service Delivery Management ...

... "Sun Tone is part of Sun's integrated portfolio of aligned services that provide IT infrastructure planning, assessments, and resolution services for customer business issues. SunTone helps enterprises derive greater business value from IT, transforming IT from a support function to a provider of business-led services that create competitive advantage. SunTone Service Excellence Model provides guidance and a measurement system for Sun Tone users. The new SunTone Service Excellence Model 3.0 brings advancements in industry standard and regulatory compliance, major enhancements in security, greater manageability, and requirements for financial management.

By adopting the SunTone Service Excellence Model and consistently operating enterprise data center services in accordance with SunTone certification requirements, Hershey was able to improve service availability and operational efficiency. Hershey was also able to reduce the time and effort required to meet requirements for IT governance. Hershey's experience is representative of a current global market trend to adopt IT service management (ITSM) principles to improve IT governance, compliance, drive operational efficiencies and derive greater business value from IT. The SunTone Service Excellence Model covers all the elements involved in delivering IT services -- system architecture, operational processes, and human skills. " ...

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 and Hershey's Cookies.

Project Management Book Pipeline ...

Project management consulting firm readies book pipeline ...

Project Management Book Pipeline: Via IIL: Global PM company launches IIL Publishing

... "IIL Publishing will not waste any time getting additional books off the press. There is already an e-book version of Dynamic Scheduling with Microsoft Office Project 2003 by Eric Uyttewaal; The Zen of Project Management is slated to be published in 2006 and an anthology of Project Management Poetry book is also due to come out next year. " ...

IT Governance: Service Portfolio Management Applications ...

It's raining, it's pouring ... EPM software vendors are accelerating their delivery of new service portfolio management applications in support of IT governance processes. Troux delivers IT Governance software to the marketplace, with a service portfolio management module. ...

IT Governance: Service Portfolio Management Applications: Via Troux: Troux Announces IT Governance Applications ...

... "Services Portfolio Management offers a centralized repository for digital service cataloging, built-in workflow and automated SLA compliance analysis. The application allows IT managers to accelerate IT services planning, delivery and management to better demonstrate the value to the business. " ...

Troux Technologies (pronounced "true") is a global provider of IT Governance software that accelerates IT and business transformation. Troux's IT Governance solutions enable organizations to strategically plan the enterprise, capture and analyze critical IT and business data and deliver actionable decisions to transform the business. Troux's breakthrough technology provides the enterprise-class information, policies, and analytics critical for IT excellence. With Troux, organizations succeed in breaking the traditional IT silos and effectively aligning IT with core business goals. Based in Austin, Texas, Troux Technologies serves the Global 1000 and government marketplaces.