In summary the book is painfully academic with fleeting references to a small number of case studies. This is a book that brings nice introduction to the issues for a student, but is of no value to the practitioner. This is an important area and it deserves more.
I particularly like the practical applications and references to successful methods. This book provides well grounded and leading edge, yet practical, methods to improve IT returns.
Overall, this book gives a clear road to increasing the value of the IT investment. Each organization should weigh which aspects to apply in its practices.
The main method is the age-old concept of measure what you want to manage. The book builds extensively on this concept and provides clear direction.
Although the manage by facts and measure, measure, measure themes are common in business thought, the proper application to the issues in corporate IT are insightful.
The pedigree and background of the authors is impressive. Combined with their experience and demonstrated rigour, this gives the book a basis of actionable credibility.
I highly recommend this book to anyone responsible for IT outcomes and return on IT investment.
First, I'm very impressed with the authors' succinct and actionable presentation style and content. The writing style allows the book to be quickly scanned or thoroughly perused and provides great time value in both cases, though at different levels.
As to the content, this book presents a straightforward means to evaluate and understand the linkage between business value and IT investment. The process advice is clear, practical and well-grounded in terms of real organizational environments.
I was particularly impressed by the insights and recommendations regarding creating a focus on measurable payoffs and high-value process innovations.
This one definitely makes my bookshelf and I would recommend it to anyone involved in delivering IT value.
Enjoy!