systems
Principles of Information Technology 5 of 5
October 06, 2014
Has your organization ever experienced the agony of a software implementation -- after the previous one didn't go so well? Do you ever feel like your company is in a vicious circle of software implementation after software implementation?
The fifth principle of Business Information Technology Deployment deals directly with this issue. In this video blog, Martin Ramsay discusses how information systems must be constructed in such a way that they can grow and change, just as our organizations grow and change. Easier said than done, but an important facet of building technology that will not automatically become obsolete.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries. And be sure and sign up to receive notifications when a new video is released. Fill out the Sign Me Up! box and you'll never miss another video.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The fifth principle of Business Information Technology Deployment deals directly with this issue. In this video blog, Martin Ramsay discusses how information systems must be constructed in such a way that they can grow and change, just as our organizations grow and change. Easier said than done, but an important facet of building technology that will not automatically become obsolete.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries. And be sure and sign up to receive notifications when a new video is released. Fill out the Sign Me Up! box and you'll never miss another video.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Principles of Information Technology 4 of 5
September 29, 2014
Have you ever felt like your data was being held hostage by your information system? You know your data is in there, but you just can't get the information system to give it to you.
In this fourth episode in a series on the five principles Business Information Technology Deployment, Martin Ramsay discusses how we get information OUT of our systems. The third principle focused on capturing data IN to the system. The fourth principle focuses on obtaining access to that data in useful ways to better support business strategies and decision-making. The idea is to turn raw data, locked away inside an information system, into information we can use.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries. And be sure and sign up to receive notifications when a new video is released. Fill out the Sign Me Up! box and you'll never miss another video.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
In this fourth episode in a series on the five principles Business Information Technology Deployment, Martin Ramsay discusses how we get information OUT of our systems. The third principle focused on capturing data IN to the system. The fourth principle focuses on obtaining access to that data in useful ways to better support business strategies and decision-making. The idea is to turn raw data, locked away inside an information system, into information we can use.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries. And be sure and sign up to receive notifications when a new video is released. Fill out the Sign Me Up! box and you'll never miss another video.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Principles of Information Technology 3 of 5
September 22, 2014
Shoshana Zuboff of Harvard coined a term in the 1980s by combining "information" with "automate" to create "informate." A process is "informated" when it both accomplishes a business purpose while at the same time gathering data for the organization.
This is the third in a series of five dedicated to the five principles of Business Information Technology Deployment. The second principle is that "the Business Information Technology System should be informated so that processes require less effort than other systems, creating data that is timely and accurate." In this brief video Martin Ramsay discusses the idea of informating business processes, how to make sure that those processes are used, and some of the techniques used to accomplish that purpose. Watch this video to learn more about how you can help your organization informate processes by following the third principle of Business Information Technology Deployment.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries. And be sure and sign up to receive notifications when a new video is released. Fill out the Sign Me Up! box and you'll never miss another video.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
This is the third in a series of five dedicated to the five principles of Business Information Technology Deployment. The second principle is that "the Business Information Technology System should be informated so that processes require less effort than other systems, creating data that is timely and accurate." In this brief video Martin Ramsay discusses the idea of informating business processes, how to make sure that those processes are used, and some of the techniques used to accomplish that purpose. Watch this video to learn more about how you can help your organization informate processes by following the third principle of Business Information Technology Deployment.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries. And be sure and sign up to receive notifications when a new video is released. Fill out the Sign Me Up! box and you'll never miss another video.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Principles of Information Technology 2 of 5
September 15, 2014
When it comes to minimizing risk, redundancy is a good thing. But, in the field of Business Information Technology Deployment, redundancy is bad.
This is the second in a series of five dedicated to the five principles of Business Information Technology Deployment. The second principle is that "the Business Information Technology System must be non-redundant." In this brief video Martin Ramsay discusses why redundancy (not to be confused with a backup of an information system) is counter-productive, adding cost, decreasing accuracy, and causing many more problems. So many organizations routinely violate this principle to their detriment. Watch this video to learn more about how you can help your organization become more effective by following the second principle of Business Information Technology Deployment.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries. And be sure and sign up to receive notifications when a new video is released. Fill out the Sign Me Up! box and you'll never miss another video.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
This is the second in a series of five dedicated to the five principles of Business Information Technology Deployment. The second principle is that "the Business Information Technology System must be non-redundant." In this brief video Martin Ramsay discusses why redundancy (not to be confused with a backup of an information system) is counter-productive, adding cost, decreasing accuracy, and causing many more problems. So many organizations routinely violate this principle to their detriment. Watch this video to learn more about how you can help your organization become more effective by following the second principle of Business Information Technology Deployment.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries. And be sure and sign up to receive notifications when a new video is released. Fill out the Sign Me Up! box and you'll never miss another video.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Principles of Information Technology 1 of 5
September 08, 2014
This video bog begins a series of five about Martin Ramsay's five principles of Business Information Technology Deployment.
The first principle is that "the Business Information Technology System must model the business it serves." In this brief video Martin discusses why this simple concept is so foundational to understanding and effectively deploying any technology system. Organizations routinely violate this principle, either by poorly modeling the business in the information system, and/or by failing to recognize that the information technology system must serve the organization (and not the other way around).
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The first principle is that "the Business Information Technology System must model the business it serves." In this brief video Martin discusses why this simple concept is so foundational to understanding and effectively deploying any technology system. Organizations routinely violate this principle, either by poorly modeling the business in the information system, and/or by failing to recognize that the information technology system must serve the organization (and not the other way around).
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Digging into Data
August 11, 2014
We are in the age of "big data." Awash with data, we're not always able to make sense of it.
In this week's video blog, Martin Ramsay provides a simple example of a way to look at data to tease meaning and information out of a mass of numbers. See if you can spot what is going on with the data examples before Martin reveals the answer at the end.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
In this week's video blog, Martin Ramsay provides a simple example of a way to look at data to tease meaning and information out of a mass of numbers. See if you can spot what is going on with the data examples before Martin reveals the answer at the end.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Unintended Consequences
June 09, 2014
"Be careful what you measure, because you may actually get it." In this video blog, Martin Ramsay counters conventional wisdom that says you should measure what you hope to accomplish.
There is truth in the idea of measuring what you expect to achieve, that you should "inspect what you expect." But sometimes the result has unintended consequence. Using a very real example from a CEATH Company manufacturing client, Martin suggests that measurements that are not extremely well thought out do not always achieve the desired goal and instead, drive organizational behavior toward something than is unintended, even counterproductive.
Be sure to use the cloud of tags to the right to find other related videos. For example, The Catfish Principle discusses being clear about your organization's purpose and Is Your Mission Your North Star? points out the role of an organization's mission in achieving its goals.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
There is truth in the idea of measuring what you expect to achieve, that you should "inspect what you expect." But sometimes the result has unintended consequence. Using a very real example from a CEATH Company manufacturing client, Martin suggests that measurements that are not extremely well thought out do not always achieve the desired goal and instead, drive organizational behavior toward something than is unintended, even counterproductive.
Be sure to use the cloud of tags to the right to find other related videos. For example, The Catfish Principle discusses being clear about your organization's purpose and Is Your Mission Your North Star? points out the role of an organization's mission in achieving its goals.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The Factory on a Desk-Top™
May 12, 2014
Have you ever wished you had a good way to help people understand the complexities of how system work together and how they drive human behavior? Have you ever wished for a way to talk about process improvement in a tangible way? Look no further than this week's video about CEATH Company's Factory on a Desk-Top™, a simulated factory in which everyone has a role and the results can be measured.
The Factory on a Desk-Top™ is loads of fun as people work with Lego® bricks, Monopoly® money and poker chips to figure out how to improve processes.
As you watch this video, think about process in your organization and how you can dissect them for improvement.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The Factory on a Desk-Top™ is loads of fun as people work with Lego® bricks, Monopoly® money and poker chips to figure out how to improve processes.
As you watch this video, think about process in your organization and how you can dissect them for improvement.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Content vs. Process
April 14, 2014
A CEATH Company client once said, "I don't care about process. I only care about results!"
Such an attitude is naive at best. A good process gives the best opportunity for delivering the desired results. Ignoring process most likely will not deliver the results you want.
In this blog, Martin Ramsay discusses the difference between content and process.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Such an attitude is naive at best. A good process gives the best opportunity for delivering the desired results. Ignoring process most likely will not deliver the results you want.
In this blog, Martin Ramsay discusses the difference between content and process.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The Newark Experience
March 31, 2014
A recent experience in the Newark airport causes Martin Ramsay to reflect on what NOT to do when it comes to process effectiveness. This video blog focuses on four key points for making sure that processes are as good as they can be.
Don't give your customers, your colleagues, or your company the "Newark Experience!"
Also, be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Don't give your customers, your colleagues, or your company the "Newark Experience!"
Also, be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
More Details about Process
March 17, 2014
This video blog, complete with diagrams, goes into some detail about what makes up a process. Martin Ramsay introduces a simple graphic model that makes the major components of a process easier to understand.
The fact that the woodshed is empty this one time of the year helps emphasize the components of a process as Martin stands in the middle of one.
This video blog is part one of two parts. Watch for Video Blog 21 that discusses the difference between efficient processes and effective ones.
Also, be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The fact that the woodshed is empty this one time of the year helps emphasize the components of a process as Martin stands in the middle of one.
This video blog is part one of two parts. Watch for Video Blog 21 that discusses the difference between efficient processes and effective ones.
Also, be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The Woodshed is a Process
February 24, 2014
Martin Ramsay talks a lot about process in his Notes From the Woodshed video blog. But did you know that the woodshed itself is a process?
In this video blog, Martin Ramsay shows how the woodshed process works, what its inputs and outputs are, and the ultimate purpose of the "woodshed process." Along the way, he helps us see processes in other everyday things, setting us up to help improve processes wherever we are.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
In this video blog, Martin Ramsay shows how the woodshed process works, what its inputs and outputs are, and the ultimate purpose of the "woodshed process." Along the way, he helps us see processes in other everyday things, setting us up to help improve processes wherever we are.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Developing Your Consulting Instinct
January 27, 2014
Martin Ramsay suggests that everyone, regardless of their job title, should think of themselves as a consultant. A consultant's job is to look at an organization, its vision, systems and people, and to figure out ways to improve them. Consultants should always be about making things better.
In this video, Martin uses the common advertisements for flu vaccines as an example of how consultants might develop their consulting instincts. When something seems a bit out of line or over the top, a consultant's instincts will say, "Find out more. Look deeper. Find out what's behind the scenes." The ubiquity of flu vaccine advertising suggests there's more to this than just an opportunity to get vaccinated against the flu.
What seems a bit out of line, over the top, or not quite right at your organization? What do your consulting instincts tell you about finding out more. Perhaps you'll discover the key that unlocks a new level of productivity and effectiveness for your team!
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
In this video, Martin uses the common advertisements for flu vaccines as an example of how consultants might develop their consulting instincts. When something seems a bit out of line or over the top, a consultant's instincts will say, "Find out more. Look deeper. Find out what's behind the scenes." The ubiquity of flu vaccine advertising suggests there's more to this than just an opportunity to get vaccinated against the flu.
What seems a bit out of line, over the top, or not quite right at your organization? What do your consulting instincts tell you about finding out more. Perhaps you'll discover the key that unlocks a new level of productivity and effectiveness for your team!
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Paying More Than Expected
January 13, 2014
Martin Ramsay discusses a recent experience in which he ended up having to pay more than he expected. Even though he asked and was given a clear answer about the cost of a service, that proved incorrect and he had to pay more. Martin considers the processes behind the scenes that must be broken in order for this to have happened.
The fact that the service was a medical procedure and the fact that it cost more than expected will probably come as no surprise. What this experience tells us about how the healthcare delivery system works can provide lessons for any industry in which we offer services to customers.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The fact that the service was a medical procedure and the fact that it cost more than expected will probably come as no surprise. What this experience tells us about how the healthcare delivery system works can provide lessons for any industry in which we offer services to customers.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Who is Responsible for Good Jobs?
December 30, 2013
Who is responsible for providing good jobs? In this blog, Martin Ramsay argues that the idea of "providing" jobs misses the point. Instead we should think in terms of "offering" jobs to free agents — entrepreneurs, if you will — who may decide to accept or not accept our offer because of the quality of the job. Everyone who works is an entrepreneur, and whether or not a job is a "good job" depends on who is looking at it.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Visions, Systems and People
December 02, 2013
In this Blog, Martin Ramsay lays out CEATH Company's undergirding operating philosophy about organizational change. To improve an organization, to make it more effective, one must focus on three things at the same time: vision, systems and people.
Organizational change requires a vision. Without a vision, any activity will suffice since any action will produce some kind of result. Just not the ones we want. To move toward that vision, there must be integrity between the organizational systems and processes work. Finally, it is critical that people are skilled, have congruent motivation, and are able to help move the organization forward toward the vision.
Without simultaneously working on all three, and without all three being in alignment, organizational improvement is unlikely to be successful.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Organizational change requires a vision. Without a vision, any activity will suffice since any action will produce some kind of result. Just not the ones we want. To move toward that vision, there must be integrity between the organizational systems and processes work. Finally, it is critical that people are skilled, have congruent motivation, and are able to help move the organization forward toward the vision.
Without simultaneously working on all three, and without all three being in alignment, organizational improvement is unlikely to be successful.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.