Priorities for business initiatives in 2008

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Have you given any thought to your priorities for business initiatives this year? Nowadays many companies have a multi-strand approach to business initiatives. Gone are the days of single major implementations. So, what are your priorities?

Information Security Management will be the most important initiative affecting IT strategy, investment and implementation in business organizations over the next 12-18 months, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' 19th Annual Top Technology Initiatives survey.

IT Governance moved up the list from sixth to second place this year, reflecting the market's renewed emphasis on corporate governance and responsibility.

"We believe this year's list is reflective of our environment, with the top four technology initiatives relating to strategies that safeguard an organization's assets and ensure its well being," said Barry Melancon, President and CEO of the AICPA.
"This survey enables CPAs to stay up-to-date on the latest technology initiatives to advise their clients, customers and employers on the strategies they should consider undertaking,".

The AICPA poll was conducted in late 2007 with ISACA, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Information Technology Alliance (ITA). Respondents identified the top 10 most important technology initiatives for 2008 as follows:

1. Information Security Management
2. IT Governance
3. Business Continuity Management and Disaster Recovery Planning
4. Privacy Management
5. Business Process Improvement, Workflow, and Process Exceptions Alerts
6. Identity and Access Management
7. Conforming to Assurance and Compliance Standards
8. Business Intelligence
9. Mobile and Remote Computing
10. Document, Forms, Content and Knowledge Management

"Recent studies show that investors are willing to pay a premium of up to 20 percent more for shares of enterprises with reputations for good IT governance practices; properly governed IT is critical to an organization's success," said Lynn Lawton, International President of ISACA.

Business process improvement was number five on this year's list, reflecting the significant focus placed on internal controls to reduce error and fraud by both public and private companies. "Clearly, business process and workflow documentation has increased in importance within organizations today," said Heriot Prentice, Director of Standards and Guidance for the IIA.

Mobile and remote computing was also cited as a priority. "Organizations are realizing substantial gains in efficiency and worker productivity through the extended office hours and increased flexibility that mobile and remote computing solutions bring," said Ron Eagle, ITA President.

Best wishes

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GRAHAM WILSON
London + Oxford - 07785 222380
Helping Organisations & People Achieve Things They Never Dreamt Were Possible
grahamwilson.org; inter-faith.net

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Keeping to your resolutions

It's that time of year again where folks traditionally relect and set themselves some goals or resolutions for the forthcoming year. It's also the time when most go by the wayside! So I thought I'd pass on some practical material which I hope will help you make sound resolutions and keep to them.

My own half a dozen tips...

To begin with, last year, I was asked to come up with half a dozen pointers for an in-house magazine. Here they are again:

Describe the resolution in terms of WHAT you will DO rather than the end-result. For example, I'm going to eat smaller portions, have a better quality lunch, and walk three tube stops towards home each evening, are much more likely to succeed than "I'm going to lose weight".

Commit your resolution to paper. Then put the paper somewhere that you can't help but see it! But be thoughtful - if you shower in the morning a note there will help you remember things for the day. Similarly a bit of tape stuck on the lid of a lunch-box might be right for lunchtime resolutions. If it's evening activities then leave a note for yourself on the doormat!

Share your resolutions with a real friend. It is always easier to achieve something if someone else is helping us. A real friend will gently keep us on track and be supportive when things slip a little.

Enlist an expert. If one of your resolutions calls for expertise, don't be afraid to ask for it. Experts can sometimes see quick ways to achieve things that you'd never guess for yourself. Whether it's a major change of career, wanting to get a more responsible role, a thorough re-shaping of your finances, putting a less-than-satisfactory childhood behind you, moving to a new home, a whole new fitness regime - check out the expertise that's available.

Set your sights high! Many people set resolutions that are relatively easy to achieve and yet don't do so because they are equally easy to put off to another day, and another day, and another... Instead be outrageous - set yourself an almost unbelievable task, you will surprise how far you can get.

The Science of Persuasion

If this wasn't enough, then you might like to have a look at this excellent article that appeared on the BBC News a day or so ago. It's based on the science of persuasion and has some useful material for anyone in business too:

Made a resolution? Here's how to stick to it

And, finally, if it's inspiration that you're lacking, try this for size...

It was sent to me yesterday by Bay Jordan, who's recently launched a novel accounting method that puts REAL value on the people in an organisation. It is a short video which I hope will make you think BIG!

212 - The Extra Degree

If anyone would like a little help with theirs, deciding what to commit to, making sure they stick, or understanding why they don't, do get in touch!

Have A Great 2008,
Best wishes

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GRAHAM WILSON
London + Oxford - 07785 222380
Helping People Achieve Things They Never Dreamt Were Possible
grahamwilson.org & inter-faith.net

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