Connect The Dots

Recently I have conducted a research survey (on-line) aimed at understanding documentation in IT. Documentation is certainly not glamorous - but it may be the least expensive way to increase productivity. In many of the situations where I do triage work and develop computing models, the striking thing has been either the absence of a picture of the complete system, or partial "individual" views. In my research interviews most respondents literally rolled their eyes when they were asked how well documentation was done! So I decided to more formally research how documentation is perceived, executed and the value (or loss of value) from not having it. It's an on-line survey and a number of organizations and individuals have responded based ...

The following tip on project management is important both for senior managers and executives and for those in the business of execution. However to explain it requires a bit of technical discussion about the feature and the software concerned. The explanation below also relates to the common computing model framework which is the subject of my research. So I recently downloaded a very cool new feature in Microsoft Visio called "WBS Modeller Add In". This enables a Microsoft Project Plan to be imported into Visio as a set of objects that retain their hierarchical linkages/relationships. In other words an automated import tool to view a project plan as a picture like everything else in Visio. Now ...

(University of Toronto) then its good enough to practically apply to I.T.! Roger Martin's excellent, recently published book "The Opposable Mind" is all about integrative thinking and how this capability fosters successful leadership. His argument revolves around the concept of our different mental models and how differences in interpretation lead to varied outcomes. By being able to appreciate your own mental model but also others - new ideas and innovative solutions become more possible. There is a different but strong parallel here for IT. In the research we have done to date with Ivey on developing a common computing framework - we are building the argument around the same premise as Martin. Martin gives an interesting example where two managers go on ...

After some time away from my blog I think the best way to report on progress with the common frames of reference project is to basically summarize results and plans and to invite comment from those interested in the project. The common frames of reference project including a recommended approach to improving IT processes, is explained in more detail in the file here that you can download. Draft Report - The Value of Common Framework Thinking in IT A bunch of interviews have been done, taped and reviewed. A key challenge is how to move the project forward and the next step is very likely going to be a survey ...