44.493201
Issues in Technology and Security
Method:
"We advocate an approach
that builds knowledge and understanding through careful analysis
of the goals, the larger environment, the specific situation,
the likely risks, and the reasonable alternatives. That kind of
thinking will help you raise useful questions, engage partners,
challenge old models, garner support, assess policies, identify
risks, consider contingencies, and result in more successful innovation."
Risks:
- buy wrong technology for
job
- buy right technology -- but
don't implement effectively
- allow technical experts to
design systems without "substantive,
ongoing involvement of system users."
- "build systems that ignore
the way people and processes really work."
- "don't take into account
the other systems that are already in place."
- "start investing resources
in a .. solution before they really understand their needs and
options."
- ".. overconfident that
they will get it right and don't plan or budget for the inevitable
post-implementation refinements that any system needs."
- ".. don't attend to environmental
realities such as workforce limitations, election or business
cycles, rapidly changing technologies, political processes, and
competing priorities."
- Unrealistic expectations
-- need realistic goals and for all participants to "...share a common understanding of potential
benefits, required policy and process changes, and the financial
and organizational costs." Everyone must understand barriers
such as length of time it will take, human resources, amount
of collaboration, and what new training and learning will be
required.
- Lack of organizational support
and acceptance, especially from those who will use it.
- Failure to evaluate and redesign
business processes to capitalize on the technology (see my
article on need for "Internet thinking," not just Internet
technology). Tendency to automate old process rather than
to ask whether you can get rid of it. Also don't realize that
one system may affect another: "For example, an accounting
system needs to factor in the ways in which accounting is related
to budgeting, revenue collection, and financial management. "Need
to do comprehensive process mapping and analysis.
- Lack of measurable alignment
between organizational goals and project objectives -- otherwise,
the technology project may operate in isolation
- Failure to understand the
strengths and limitations of new technology. "...may rely on word of mouth, vendor claims,
and trade publications for the bulk of their knowledge about
which tools may be right for which jobs. There is little opportunity
to learn first-hand before making expensive, irrevocable decisions." (my emphasis)
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