IT project management and portfolio management
IT project management and portfolio management are critical to CIOs and business leaders who need to ensure the success of new programs within the organization. CIOs should offer training or recruit staff members with solid project management skills. Find the latest IT project management and portfolio management information and advice for CIOs, including news, tips and other resources, in this topic section.
Top Stories
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Tip
20 May 2022
8 free IT strategic planning templates and examples for CIOs
As technology becomes a business differentiator, a well-thought-out IT strategy plan is more crucial than ever. These IT strategy templates help CIOs make IT a business driver. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2022
5 principles of the network change management process
Network change management includes five basic principles, including risk analysis and peer review. These best practices can help network teams limit failed network changes and outages. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Dec 2023
go-live (go live)
Go-live is the time at which something becomes available for use. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Oct 2023
skunkworks project (Skunk Works)
A skunkworks project, also known as Skunk Works, is an innovative undertaking, involving a small group of people, that is outside the normal research and development (R&D) channels within an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Sep 2023
steering committee
A steering committee comprises a group of high-ranking IT professionals who provide guidance and strategic direction to an organization or organizational segment. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2023
prototyping model
The prototyping model is a systems development method in which a prototype is built, tested and then reworked as necessary until an acceptable outcome is achieved from which the complete system or product can be developed. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Apr 2023
Agile Manifesto
The Agile Manifesto is a document that identifies four key values and 12 principles that its authors believe software developers should use to guide their work. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Mar 2023
project charter
A project charter is a formal short document that states a project exists and provides project managers with written authority to begin work. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Mar 2023
project constraint
A constraint in project management is any restriction that defines a project's limitations. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
proof of concept (POC)
A proof of concept (POC) is a demonstration of a product in which work is focused on determining whether an idea can be turned into a reality. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Feb 2023
Mandela Effect
The Mandela Effect is an observed phenomenon in which a large segment of the population misremembers a significant event or shares a memory of an event that did not actually occur. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
project management
Project management is the discipline of using established principles, procedures and policies to guide a project from conception through completion. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Dec 2022
IT automation
IT automation is the use of instructions to create a repeated process that replaces an IT professional's manual work in data centers and cloud deployments. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Dec 2022
Hofstadter's law
Hofstadter's law states that a project always takes longer than expected, even when the law is taken into account. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Nov 2022
negative float (negative slack)
Negative float, also known as negative slack, is a common concept in project management that refers to the amount of time that must be saved to complete a project on time. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Nov 2022
organizational goals
Organizational goals are strategic objectives that a company's management establishes to outline expected outcomes and guide employees' efforts. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Oct 2022
sunsetting
Sunsetting is the intentional phasing out or termination of something, and in business, the term is used often regarding brands, partnerships, agreements, policies, and hardware and software. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Oct 2022
communication plan
A communication plan is a policy-driven approach to providing company stakeholders with certain information. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Aug 2022
product development (new product development -- NPD)
Product development, also called new product management, is a series of steps that includes the conceptualization, design, development and marketing of newly created or newly rebranded goods or services. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2022
8 free IT strategic planning templates and examples for CIOs
As technology becomes a business differentiator, a well-thought-out IT strategy plan is more crucial than ever. These IT strategy templates help CIOs make IT a business driver. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2022
Lean Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to improving efficiency, customer satisfaction and profits. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2022
5 principles of the network change management process
Network change management includes five basic principles, including risk analysis and peer review. These best practices can help network teams limit failed network changes and outages. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Dec 2021
Agility and resiliency vital to digital-first business models
For enterprises transforming their business models, ServiceNow's Yoav Boaz explains how Disney and Peloton reinvented themselves and thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Nov 2021
Gantt chart
A Gantt chart is a horizontal bar chart developed as a production control tool in 1917 by Henry L. Gantt, an American engineer and social scientist. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Nov 2021
Hyperautomation technology speeds digital transformation
To businesses plotting a digital transformation course, ServiceNow's Yoav Boaz says hyperautomation is instrumental in consolidating siloed processes and smoothing workflows. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2021
7 steps to a successful digital transformation journey
ServiceNow's Yoav Boaz defines evolutionary vs. revolutionary approaches to business modeling and proposes a step-by-step digital transformation roadmap for businesses to follow. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Sep 2021
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a vendor-neutral, entry-level certification to help individuals acquire project management (PM) skills. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jul 2021
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a business methodology for quality improvement that measures how many defects there are in a current process and seeks to systematically eliminate them. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2021
4 tips for CIOs managing agile teams
By definition, agile teams are flexible and potentially tough to predict. So, how do you manage them? Here are four tips to help CIOs and other IT leaders get started. Continue Reading
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01 Jun 2021
IT skills from the last century still in high demand
IT skills related to legacy technologies and products are still in demand and employers are looking to hire. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 May 2021
IT project manager
An IT project manager is a professional charged with overseeing the process of planning, executing and delegating responsibilities around an organization's information technology (IT) pursuits and goals. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
14 May 2021
Rethink IT performance management with a simplified, objective approach
Performance management can be daunting for IT organizations but it doesn't have to be. Here's how business execs can take on a more simplified, objective and effective approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 May 2021
With accelerated digital transformation, less is more
Ramping up digital transformation to take on problems such as COVID-19 shouldn't mean running up huge numbers of projects. CIOs argue for a focused approach and crystalized tech. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2021
4 benefits of cross-functional agile teams
As organizations are adopting more agile practices, we're diving into how they can benefit from creating cross-functional agile teams across multiple departments. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2021
Top 15 IT project manager interview questions
Project management positions are challenging to fill. Ask all the right questions the next time you screen project manager candidates and find just the right person for the job. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2021
Enterprise architecture has business's ear at Scottish Water
Scottish Water's enterprise architecture team leader discusses how engaging with business leaders and software tools can help with digital transformation initiatives. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2021
LeanIX adds SaaS, microservice management to product lineup
Enterprise architect specialist LeanIX expanded its portfolio through the purchase of SaaS management startup Cleanshelf and the introduction of a Microservice Intelligence tool. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2021
The importance of culture in digital transformation
Trying to accomplish digital transformation without the right culture could result in failure to launch. Here are five steps you need to take to get off the ground. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2021
10 top project management courses and certifications for 2021
Obtain skills and certifications that demonstrate competence in the growing in-demand field of IT project management to further your career or change course. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2021
Open Group turns focus to TOGAF, Agile architecture guidance
The Open Group's Steve Nunn discusses upcoming work to improve its Open Agile Architecture standard and TOGAF guides as well as COVID-19's impact on enterprise architecture. Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2021
The Open Group updates IT4IT, adds digital architect option
The Open Group zoned in on digital transformation initiatives with its new architecture certification option and IT4IT's 3.0 reference architecture update. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
26 Jan 2021
PMP exam prep: Are you ready to take the exam?
Before signing up to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, use this guide to ensure that you fulfill all requirements, including educational and professional experience. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2021
Experts predict hot enterprise architecture trends for 2021
IT architecture trends to watch in 2021 include organizing business around components and expanding tools to focus on business outcomes, automation and analytics. Continue Reading
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News
24 Dec 2020
Enterprise architecture tools could be acquisition targets
Avolution, Bizzdesign, Mega and Software AG tools lead the Gartner Magic Quadrant on enterprise architecture, but analysts see big players in neighboring markets joining the fray. Continue Reading
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News
03 Dec 2020
The Open Group, UN tackle government enterprise architecture
The Open Group is teaming up with a United Nations agency on best practices, guides and standards to show resource-strapped governments how to architect their digital transformations. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Nov 2020
project management framework
A project management framework is a set of processes, tasks, and tools that provide guidance and structure for the execution of a project. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Nov 2020
triple constraint
The triple constraint is a model that describes the three most significant restrictions on any project: scope, schedule and cost. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2020
Enterprise architecture tools add pandemic-related updates
The COVID-19 pandemic spurs vendors of enterprise architecture products to add new online and mobile capabilities and promote business functionality to address changing customer needs. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2020
New LeanIX EA module can ease linking IT to business goals
LeanIX's new Business Transformation Management module tries to simplify planning through its 'GitHub for IT architecture' approach and Apple Time Machine-like visualization tool. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2020
Ardoq architecture tool adds new Scenarios planning module
The new Scenarios module in Ardoq's enterprise architecture tool enables customers to model and analyze potential future states in a collaborative way. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
The Open Group finalizes Open Agile Architecture standard
The Open Group published a new standard to provide guidance and best practices for enterprise architects transitioning to Agile methodologies for digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Sep 2020
Enterprise architect job still requires IT in critical role
Jeanne Ross offers advice to existing and aspiring enterprise architects and discusses the latest trends as she reflects on 26 years of researching enterprise architecture at MIT. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Sep 2020
Holy Grail still elusive in enterprise architecture strategy
MIT's Jeanne Ross discusses why enterprise architecture projects succeed and fail and what companies can do to better align technology with strategic business goals. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Sep 2020
Enterprise architecture strategy experts offer pandemic tips
Enterprise architecture experts offer up advice and tips for organizations coping with budget constraints and staffing pressures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
11 Sep 2020
Mega Hopex update focuses on aligning IT to business goals
Mega's Hopex upgrade adds IT Business Management, Information Architecture and Risk Management features designed to help users keep their technology in line with business goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2019
CIO as technology evangelist: Build your case for transformation
Technology change is hard -- and, these days, it's constant. Here's how one CIO learned to become a technology evangelist and got the time, money and buy-in for IT transformation. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2019
maturity grid (maturity model)
A maturity model is a matrix for evaluating an organization's level of progress towards a goal. Typically the matrix has ten rows or less -- the first row defines entry level and the last row defines fully-developed best practices. Continue Reading
- Definition 28 Feb 2019
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Feature
21 Dec 2018
A tour through the PPM software marketplace
Finding the right PPM software is vital to project success. Here's a close look at the market leaders. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2018
The key features of project and portfolio management software
Cloud or on premises? Does it have the proper collaboration features? How about mobile access? When buying PPM software, these are just some of the questions businesses should ask. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2018
Benefits of PPM software include reduced failure rates
PPM software provides organizations a greater insight into projects, enabling decision-makers to better manage and prioritize projects, as well as allocate resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Nov 2018
center of excellence (CoE)
A center of excellence (CoE) is a team of skilled knowledge workers whose mission is to provide best practices for a particular area of interest. The concept of creating special-interest groups for thought leadership originated in lean manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2018
ERP implementation success: Program management vs. project management
ERP program management provides the framework to manage the portfolio of projects that ensure ERP deployment success. Here's what that looks like. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2018
What are PPM tools and how do they help the enterprise?
PPM tools provide a holistic view of enterprise project health, enabling C-level execs and project managers to prioritize, organize and optimize projects for maximum ROI. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Sep 2018
IT service catalog
An IT service catalog is a list of technology resources and offerings available from the IT service provider within an organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Aug 2018
As IT permeates the business, the service desk role expands
Don't underestimate the IT service desk. Read about how enterprises are using new ITSM platforms to grow the service desk role and improve business processes across the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Aug 2018
business plan
A business plan is a document demonstrating the feasibility of a prospective new business and providing a roadmap for its first several years of operation. Business plans are often shared with funding agencies, potential investors and venture capitalists to obtain the funding required for a startup. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jul 2018
Is consolidating ITSM tools in the best interest of CIOs?
Gartner's Kenneth Gonzalez says ITSM software tools should be assessed against three metrics -- quality, cost and performance. That will require CIOs to do some major silo-busting. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2018
IT service desk vs. IT help desk: What's the difference?
One came first and focused on IT fixes. The other got direction from ITIL. Users ask for one over the other. Today, something called ESM might just put both out to pasture. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2018
Digital transformation in logistics: Delmar begins tech overhaul
Delmar International has agreed to move its IT infrastructure to Rackspace managed services, representing a huge shift for Delmar's IT strategy and digital transformation plans. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jun 2018
RPA tools lead to better customer service: Three case studies
A global consumer credit reporting agency, an affordable housing lender, and a Fortune 500 insurance company bet on using RPA software. Here's what happened. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Apr 2018
The need for mainframe work continues amid staff shortages
The need for mainframe work continues as important applications continue to reside on these computing machines, but staff shortages are an issue in maintaining big iron's health. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2018
Study: CIO and CTO execs, procurement pros ID common pain points
An Insight Enterprises survey of CIO and CTO executives and procurement professionals finds agreement between IT and business operations on typical technology pain points. Continue Reading
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Survey
02 Feb 2018
IT Priorities 2018: Network upgrades, automation, cloud make the cut
The TechTarget IT Priorities 2018 survey finds that networking, automation and cloud projects will keep IT pros busy. IoT and AI lag, but that doesn't mean they aren't happening. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2017
How GE digital transformation won over the sales force
A major part of the GE digital transformation is getting its 25,000 salespeople on board as it rethinks its vast commercial sales function. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jul 2017
startup company
A startup company is a newly formed business with particular momentum behind it based on perceived demand for its product or service. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2016
Avoid implementation failure with an effective change management plan
Employees may see only the negatives in new technology or processes -- changes to their workflow, lost productivity and so on. That's why change management is so crucial. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2016
8 free IT budget plan templates for CIOs
Creating a reliable IT budget plan is no cinch, especially in today's digital age. Here, we've rounded up free, customizable IT budget templates to help. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2015
Writing a statement of work? Here's what you should include
A project's success can hinge on having clear and specific details about it. Download this free checklist to see critical elements of a statement of work. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2015
Free statement of work template examples for CIOs
Statements of work are critical in helping CIOs keep projects on track and meet business goals. Check out these free statement of work template examples. Continue Reading
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Guide
03 Jun 2015
CIO guide to project management basics, DevOps and Agile
In this Essential Guide, learn project management basics and get expert advice on how to get the most out of DevOps and i an Agile digital strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2014
Four elements of creating business agility
Organizational agility expert Joseph Flahiff lays out four practices that lead to business agility. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2014
Free IT templates for CIOs and technology managers
SearchCIO rounded up free IT templates from around the Web to help technology managers organize their IT departments, projects and service offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2014
Free project management template examples for strategic IT planning
These free project management template examples from around the Web provide project guidelines and strategic IT planning tools to CIOs and IT leaders. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2012
Free IT service catalog templates for the CIO
Creating and updating an IT service catalog can keep your business running smoothly. Check out these free IT service catalog templates on the Web. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2012
PICK chart (Possible, Implement, Challenge and Kill chart)
A PICK chart (Possible, Implement, Challenge and Kill chart) is a visual tool for organizing ideas. The purpose of a PICK chart is to identify which ideas can be implemented easily and have a high payoff. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2012
Yammer
Yammer is a private microblogging and collaboration platform for enterprise social networking. Unlike public social media platforms such as Twitter,Yammer only allows members to connect with other members who belong to the same email domain. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2011
Agile project management helps overcome IT obstacles
Traditional project management can ruin the best-intentioned IT efforts. It's time to get flexible and interact with stakeholders using Agile methods. Continue Reading