Leading IT Through Turbulent Times
Mon Jan 28, 2002 - Tue Jan 29, 2002
For the first time in almost a decade, the U.S. economy is trending downward. Several converging events
have economic, business and political leaders projecting the markets to be down at least until sometime in the 2nd Quarter, 2002. The September 11th terrorist attack and the potential of further terrorist acts on American soil are unprecedented. The Japanese economy has been in a recession for about eight years. The once bright Euro Economy is dimming. The threat of terrorism has become global. As a result, IT and other business executives face challenges on several fronts. Reduced earnings bring tighter budgets, usually accompanied with a mandate for IT to help lead the way to hold down costs while still continuing to provide some level of innovation. The technology sector has been hit especially hard. Vendors and service providers are faltering, and a number of them are leaving the marketplace. Security of information and physical facilities is critical. IT executives have to use their crystal ball to make technology investments in those with staying power.
Business and IT executives need to be prudent in the short term, yet prepare the company to act aggressively as the economy starts improving. Strategies and actions to maintain an optimum balance will vary by company, but as always there are certain basic commonalties. The focus of this meeting is to discuss the impact on the companys information technology strategies, staff and organization, both for now and the longer-term future. Among the topics to be discussed are:
Major Trends and Their Impact on IT What are the effects of the economic downturn and the war on
global terrorism? How is the continuing consolidation of technology companies modifying user commitment and strategy? What are companies doing when essential providers and suppliers fold or supply is interrupted? What do companies look forward to in e-business?
Global Management Issues How does a company transform itself culturally, organizationally and technologically to do business in the global marketplace? What are companies doing with regard to compliance with foreign laws and regulations? What has been the experience with a Web global presence? What major issues are there in communications, and integrating application systems and platforms?
Delivering IT Value In this economic climate, what is the most appropriate strategy to delivering value? Is it one that is closer to saving your way to profitability or one that continues to increase IT value through strategic technology investments in order to gain a competitive edge as the economy turns? Where on this spectrum should your organization be?
Achieving Technological Agility People and Technology What do companies see happening in nearterm
business trends and how will that interact with technology innovation? How are they planning to evaluate
and incorporate the new technology in their existing platforms? What new business and technology
skills will be necessary, and how will they be acquired?
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