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DOWNLOAD: Five strategies to help CIOs unite the business

http://techrepublic.com.com/5138-6305-5629882.html

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But of relatively marginal value.

There's nothing new in here. Neither the information nor the organization adds anything to the already existing body of knowledge.

I'd advise a truth in advertising approach. To whom is this targeted? I think you have four possible audiences:

1. Seasoned CIO's. They'll get nothing out of this.

2. Brand new CIO's. This represents a fair introduction to an important topic, although it's extreme fluff. I'd put a lot more meat on the bones by adding substantive information, some references in the form of hyperlinks at least.

3. CIO direct reports. These are either folks who aspire to be CIO's, and/or are in a position to help their CIO bosses. This type of material would be helpful to them if, once again, you fleshed it out a bit. Take a page out of Larry Bossidy's book "Execution"...you answer questions that begin with "what" but none that begin with "how". That's where the rubber really meets the road.

4. Everyone else. This represents a mildly educational read to those who are so inclined toward the softer side of IT and management.

Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. It's just not that good.

There is nothing wrong with this article, but it doesn't particularly do anything to add to the body of knowledge. It reminds me of some of the articles I read in graduate school -- written primarily to add to one's publication count. Perhaps this article would be more useful if it were marketed as a beginner's guide to IT management.

Craig Herberg