The Art of Business Value

Mark Schwartz

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sten

Chapters

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Topics

Description

Mark Schwartz's work confronts the elusive definition of business value in the context of IT and business alignment. Emphasizing the foundational need to understand what truly drives organizational success, Schwartz delves into the interplay between agility, lean methodologies, and the traditional business value framework. Through insights drawn from a blend of practical experience and theoretical exploration, the book challenges conventional wisdom, urging businesses to redefine value beyond immediate financial metrics to encompass strategic, customer-centric, and innovative dimensions essential for thriving in the modern market landscape.

What will you learn?

By reading this book, you will gain a nuanced understanding of how to define and deliver true business value in an IT-driven world. It explores the often misunderstood and ambiguous concept of 'value' within the context of business and technology alignment. You'll learn how to bridge the gap between IT operations and business outcomes, debunk common misconceptions, and create a culture where value is clearly understood and continuously delivered. The book delves into real-world case studies, offering practical frameworks and strategies that you can readily apply to enhance decision-making, prioritize projects, and drive more meaningful value for your organization.

Who’s it for?

• IT managers looking to bridge the gap between business and technology.

• Product owners seeking to align development with business objectives.

• Business executives aiming to understand IT's value proposition.

• Agile practitioners interested in enhancing value delivery in their projects.

• CIOs and CTOs striving for a strategic approach to technology investments.

Key Learning

Available chapters to listen for this topic

1
Understanding Business Value
Explore the core concept of 'Business Value' and its importance in driving organizational decisions, strategies, and delivering customer satisfaction; includes defining Business Value within the context of IT and discussing its multi-faceted nature.
2
The Intersection of Business and IT
Learn how Business Value bridges the gap between IT and business operations; assess the collaborative role IT plays in achieving business goals and creating a seamless interaction between departments.
3
Value Creation and Capture
Discover how to systematically create and capture Business Value through strategic initiatives, agile methodologies, and innovative practices that align with organizational goals and drive growth.
4
The CFO’s Perspective on Value
Understand the financial aspects of defining Business Value from the Chief Financial Officer’s standpoint, including budgeting, forecasting, and value realization in monetary terms.
5
Customer-Centric Approach to Value
Focus on understanding the customer's needs and expectations; analyze how aligning products and services with customer value can enhance overall Business Value and create competitive advantage.
6
Measuring Business Value
Learn different methods and metrics for measuring Business Value; explore quantitative and qualitative approaches to assess the impact of IT projects on business outcomes and success.
7
Leadership and Value-Enabling Culture
Investigate how leadership behaviors, decision-making, and organizational culture contribute to creating a value-driven environment that fosters innovation and continuous improvement.
8
Value-Driven Project Management
Examine how project management principles can be aligned with Business Value; delve into frameworks and practices that ensure projects deliver maximum value and meet business objectives.
9
Strategic Alignment of IT and Business Goals
Analyze the importance of aligning IT strategy with business goals, including discussing best practices for ensuring IT initiatives are fully supportive of overarching business strategies.
10
Overcoming Challenges in Delivering Value
Identify and understand common challenges organizations face when trying to deliver Business Value; explore strategies to overcome these obstacles and ensure sustained performance and value generation.