Agents of Change: Managing the Introduction of Automated Tools

Description

Targets human factors and how they affect the implementation of any kind of automation in the information system environment. Includes discussion of: accurately portraying the apparent whimsy of upper management; tactics, strategy negotiation, and politics. CONTENTS FOREWORD PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 1 ASSESSING THE NEED Mechanization of the Mechanizers Difficulty of a Technology Transfer The Mission The Life Cycle of Implementing Change Is the Time Right? Look within Yourself Select a Target Area for Improvement Quantify the Projected Benefits When to Show Your Hand Summary 2 SELECTING THE CANDIDATE PRODUCTS Setting the Due Date Performing the Market Survey The Vendor Relationship Defining the Requirements Employing Empathy Avoid Razzle Dazzle The Right Product for the Right Organization Summary 3 EVALUATING THE PRODUCTS Who Performs the Evaluation? Structuring the Evaluation Product Procurement and Training The Actual Trial Analyze and Document The Detailed Evaluation Seek Input from Others The Business Case A Final Thought Summary 4 PRESENTING THE PRODUCT TO UPPER MANAGEMENT Overcoming Resistance The Importance of Management Commitment The View from the Top Arranging the Meeting Preparing for the Meeting Who Attends the Meeting? The Meeting Summary 5 PRESENTING THE PRODUCT TO YOUR USERS Complexion of Your Group The Marketing Blitz Commercials Demonstrations in Their Own Terms Presentations—The Complex Skill of Speaking Sincerity and Creativity—The Marketing Cornerstones The Informal Network Summary 6 GATHERING INFORMATION Effective Listening Sustain What Is Already Productive Eliminating Fear The Interview Identifying Key People Brainstorming Importance of This Phase Summary 7 THE INTERPROJECT TEAM Relevance of Project Teams Working within the Organizational Structure Forming the Team Team Meetings Building the Team Bond Team Leadership Duration of the Team Summary 8 PLANNING THE IMPLEMENTATION The Strategic Plan The Tactical Plan Strategic and Tactical Planning—An Example Detailed Plans—How to Develop Them Political Hazards Deliverables The Management Perspective Optimization of Opportunities Summary 9 STANDARDS AND NAMING CONVENTIONS Why Standardize? Classification Facilitates Analysis Common Language as a Legacy Negative Attitudes toward Standards Role of the Project Team Provide Opportunities, Not Edicts Build on Existing Standards Enforcing Standards Never Set a Standard before Its Time A Case Study Summary 10 IMPLEMENTING CHANGE Facing the Insurmountable An Apocryphal Tale Meet Each User on His Own Ground An Idyllic Tale The Real Story Official Acceptance Summary 11 FINISHING THE IMPLEMENTATION: FOLLOWING UP Training Your Users Becoming a Support Group You Will Make Mistakes Preparing Auxiliary User Documentation Forming a User Group Your Role as a Consultant Residual Resistance The Strategy Meeting Summary 12 FINISHING THE IMPLEMENTATION: AVERTING DISASTERS The Reorganization: A Slice of Reality Dealing with Your New Staff Dealing with Your New Management Modularity and Continuity of Approach Reevaluate the Plan Attempted Political Takeovers Taking a Stronger Stand Summary 13 FINISHING THE IMPLEMENTATION: MEASURING THE BENEFIT Problems Associated with Measuring Status Reports Significant Numbers Tracking Trends User Surveys The Blind Study Utilizing Tools to Measure Quality Summary 14 FINISHING THE IMPLEMENTATION: HANDLING SUCCESS Remaining Objectives Burnout Redefining Your Role Interacting with Corporate Groups Involuntary Role Expansion The End of the Road Summary BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX A B C D E F G I K L M O P Q R S T U V W