Leadership and strategic planning
Effective leadership and strategic planning skills are the keys to success for any CIO. As more CIOs are expected to speak the language of the business and contribute to the success of the organization, leadership and strategic planning skills are essential. Find information and advice on effective leadership and strategic planning for CIOs, including news, tips and other resources, in this topic section.
Top Stories
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Tip
14 Mar 2024
Practical strategies for shadow IT management
Employees might believe that they need tools beyond the organization's scope. Learn how CIOs and their teams can properly manage shadow IT to avoid unnecessary risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2023
Replacing vs. maintaining legacy systems
Understanding issues such as which systems hinder organizational performance can help IT leaders decide which legacy systems to replace and which to maintain. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
digital strategy (digital media strategy)
A digital strategy, sometimes called a digital media strategy, is a plan for maximizing the business benefits of data assets and technology-focused initiatives. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jan 2024
SMAC (social, mobile, analytics and cloud)
SMAC (social, mobile, analytics and cloud) is the concept that the convergence of four technologies is currently driving business innovation. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jan 2024
paternalistic leadership
Paternalistic leadership is a managerial approach that involves a dominant authority figure who acts as a patriarch or matriarch and treats employees and partners as though they were members of a large, extended family. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2023
business process outsourcing (BPO)
Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a business practice in which an organization contracts with an external service provider to perform an essential business function or task. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Dec 2023
digital leadership
Digital leadership is the strategic use of a company's digital assets and emerging technologies to achieve business goals. A digital leader is a person who guides this digital approach within an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Dec 2023
business innovation
Business innovation is an organization's process for introducing new ideas, workflows, methodologies, services or products. 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
28 Nov 2023
corporate culture
Corporate culture is the collection of values, beliefs, ethics and attitudes that characterize an organization and guide its practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Nov 2023
business process reengineering (BPR)
Business process reengineering (BPR) is a management practice in which business processes used are radically redesigned to improve efficiency, effectiveness and performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2023
radical innovation
Radical innovation is an invention that destroys or supplants an existing business model. 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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Feature
05 Jul 2023
Replacing vs. maintaining legacy systems
Understanding issues such as which systems hinder organizational performance can help IT leaders decide which legacy systems to replace and which to maintain. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2023
leadership
Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and guide followers or members of an organization, society or team. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2023
hackathon
A hackathon, also known as a codefest, is a social coding event that brings computer programmers and other interested people together to improve upon or build a new software program. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Feb 2023
SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis)
SWOT analysis is a framework for identifying and analyzing an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Feb 2023
IT strategy (information technology strategy)
IT strategy (information technology strategy) is a comprehensive plan that outlines how technology should be used to meet IT and business goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Feb 2023
VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity)
VUCA is an acronym that stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity -- qualities that make a situation or condition difficult to analyze, respond to or plan for. 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
23 Jan 2023
soft skills
A soft skill is a personal attribute that supports situational awareness and enhances an individual's ability to get a job done. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2023
change agent (agent of change)
A change agent, or agent of change, is someone who promotes and enables change to happen within any group or organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2023
stakeholder
A stakeholder is a person, group or organization with a vested interest, or stake, in the decision-making and activities of a business, organization or project. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jan 2023
think tank
A think tank is an organization that gathers a group of interdisciplinary scholars to perform research around particular policies, issues or ideas. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Dec 2022
data storytelling
Data storytelling is the process of translating data analyses into understandable terms in order to influence a business decision or action. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
How companies can overcome the IT worker shortage
Research shows organizations are still struggling to bring in IT talent. We identify the reasons why there's a shortage and what CIOs and other IT leaders can do to combat it. 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 Nov 2022
availability bias
In psychology, the availability bias is the human tendency to rely on information that comes readily to mind when evaluating situations or making decisions. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Oct 2022
user experience
User experience (UX) design is the process and practice used to design and implement a product that will provide positive and relevant interactions with users. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Oct 2022
inductive argument
An inductive argument is an assertion that uses specific premises or observations to make a broader generalization. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2022
deductive argument
A deductive argument is a logic construct with two or more premises and a conclusion where if the premises are true then the conclusion must also be true. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Aug 2022
transactional leadership
Transactional leadership, also known as managerial leadership, is a leadership style where leaders rely on rewards and punishments to achieve optimal job performance from their subordinates. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Aug 2022
leadership skills
Leadership skills are the strengths and abilities individuals demonstrate that help to oversee processes, guide initiatives and steer their employees toward the achievement of goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jul 2022
strategic management
Strategic management is the ongoing planning, monitoring, analysis and assessment of all necessities an organization needs to meet its goals and objectives. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jun 2022
business integration
Business integration is a strategy whose goal is to synchronize IT and business cultures and objectives and align technology with business strategy and goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2022
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
The chief executive officer (CEO) is the top position in an organization and responsible for implementing existing plans and policies, improving the company's financial strength, supporting ongoing digital business transformation and setting future strategy. 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
11 Apr 2022
IT innovation
IT (information technology) innovation in an enterprise is about using technology in new ways, where the result is a more efficient organization and an improved alignment between technology initiatives and business goals. Continue Reading
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29 Mar 2022
CIO job description: Chief information officer responsibilities
Learn about the role of the chief information officer, including daily responsibilities, necessary skills and how the role is evolving in the digital age. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Mar 2022
CIO (Chief Information Officer)
A chief information officer (CIO) is the corporate executive in charge of information technology (IT) strategy and implementation. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Jan 2022
prescriptive analytics
Prescriptive analytics is a type of data analytics that provides guidance on what should happen next. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2021
How to build a better CIO-CMO relationship
Marketing and information technology are both critical to an organization's success. Here's important advice on how each department's top leaders can forge a strong partnership. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Dec 2021
Is a passwordless future getting closer to reality?
Industry analysts offer predictions on the future of passwordless authentication and whether we'll ever truly get rid of one of security's weakest links. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Nov 2021
6 steps to create a CIO-CEO strategic partnership
The pandemic pushed CIOs to the head of the C-suite table. Here's how they can keep that respect and power and create true partnership with their CEO. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Nov 2021
How CIOs can improve employees' digital fluency quotient
Most companies need technology to thrive, so it's important the workforce has a high digital fluency quotient. Learn how CIOs can help build tech savvy throughout the company. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2021
Why the CIO-CFO relationship is key to digital success
CIOs and CFOs haven't always gotten along. But with digital transformations now dominating budgets, business success depends on their ability to work together. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Nov 2021
LOB (line of business)
An LOB (line-of-business) application is one of the set of critical computer applications that are vital to running an enterprise, such as accounting, supply chain management, and resource planning applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2021
Overlooked relationships CIOs should build within the C-suite
To lead transformation and meet business goals, CIOs must work with other C-level executives. With an ever-expanding C-suite, the possibilities for collaboration are endless. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Oct 2021
data monetization
Data monetization is the act of measuring the economic benefit of corporate data. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
22 Oct 2021
4 ways CIOs can adapt metrics for the new workplace
The limitations of traditional leadership and enterprise metrics are coming to the fore. To adapt, CIOs will need to focus on flexibility, resiliency and employee wellness. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Oct 2021
11 ways to create a hybrid workforce strategy that works
An effective hybrid workplace strategy requires a complex mix of ingredients, including clear communication and the right technology. Here's advice on getting it all right. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Oct 2021
Big opportunities for strategic CIO leadership today
CIOs and technology leaders have unprecedented opportunities to lead their enterprises in meeting today's new demands. Here are some of those opportunities -- and some challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2021
5 ways to improve the CIO-CISO relationship
CIOs and CISOs need to work together for the benefit of the whole organization. To break the mold of hostility, C-suite leaders need to prioritize collaboration and mutual respect. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
13 Oct 2021
How to harness the disruption of hyperautomation
Hyperautomation technologies will disrupt business and IT operations, but smart organizations can use them as fuel for successful transformation. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Oct 2021
chief trust officer
A chief trust officer in the IT industry is an executive job title given to the person responsible for building confidence around the use of customer information. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
04 Oct 2021
3 hybrid work strategy tips CIOs and IT need now
Moving to a hybrid work model presents a number of challenges for companies. Here's how IT leaders can help overcome obstacles and support success. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
29 Sep 2021
CIOs lead digital transformation as pilots, co-pilots, engineers
According to Genpact's partnered study with the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, CIOs assume one of three roles: pilots, co-pilots or engineers. Here's how each role leads digital change. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Sep 2021
coopetition (co-opetition)
Coopetition is a business strategy that uses insights gained from game theory to understand when it is better for competitors to work together. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Sep 2021
Top 10 promising 5G use cases CIOs should know
The technological advantages 5G presents are well known. The hard part for business leaders is choosing where 5G implementation can be the difference maker for their organization. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
08 Sep 2021
3 keys to transforming your business with hyperautomation
The advancement of hyperautomation allows businesses to dramatically change how they operate and their ultimate success, if they take the right approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2021
Evaluating the benefits of 5G for businesses
With its high speeds, low latency and other advantages, 5G is delivering value in the enterprise. Now, business leaders view the new wireless technology as key to future success. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
17 Aug 2021
How IT can enable long-term hybrid remote work
Hybrid work is here to stay. To keep employees happy and productive, CIOs should partner with stakeholders companywide to design a hybrid remote program suitable for the long term. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2021
Inside look at Equifax's $1.5B digital transformation journey
A massive digital transformation effort at Equifax is gaining momentum. CTO Bryson Koehler talks about overhauling data environments, infrastructure, applications and more. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jul 2021
balanced scorecard
The balance scorecard (BSC) is a management system aimed at translating an organization's strategic goals into a set of organizational performance objectives that, in turn, are measured, monitored, and changed if necessary to ensure that an organizations strategic goals are met. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
12 Jul 2021
Can tech self-correct the skills gap by upskilling employees?
You'll need a rock-solid L&D plan, the support of stakeholders and employee buy-in to close the skills gap in your organization. Here's what leaders need to know. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2021
A CIO's guide to legacy system modernization
For CIOs, understanding what legacy system modernization entails, when it's necessary and which approaches are right for their needs leads to optimal performance in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jun 2021
9 digital experience monitoring vendors to watch
Demand for monitoring and managing digital experiences is growing. Knowing the vendors and products available to businesses will help leaders make the right choice. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
11 Jun 2021
Top 5 benefits of a new cybersecurity market model
Companies are struggling to identify the cybersecurity technology that would actually be useful for their use cases. It's time for a new market model around efficacy instead. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2021
Navigating 7 digital experience monitoring challenges
Evaluating both customer and employee digital experience is increasingly valuable in the enterprise. Leaders will need to plan for the challenges that come with this new technology. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2021
For big tech regulation, a hammer may not be the answer
Experts believe breaking up big tech companies does more harm than good. Other, light-handed approaches, including third-party audits of algorithms, might be better. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
26 May 2021
Uneven tech forecasts and the downstream impact on talent
Business leaders need to consider how today's 'uneven' economy is impacting talent in the tech space and why they should continue investing in human capital. Here's why. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
24 May 2021
Embrace speed and security for your cloud security strategy
As companies solidify their cloud security strategies, they need to ensure that they're considering where they're at now, governance needed and metrics to follow. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 May 2021
What CIOs need to know about digital experience monitoring
As evaluating user and employee digital experience becomes more common, CIOs need to learn how the technologies work and what they stand to gain by implementing DEM. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2021
5 tips on how to build agile teams in the new workplace
As business leaders begin looking into ways to become more agile in the workplace, we're diving into how they can effectively create agile teams for any given project. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2021
4 agile team best practices to follow in the enterprise
Agile teams can help businesses respond to change more quickly, which is crucial in today's digital age. According to experts, these are the best practices to follow. 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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Definition
11 May 2021
C-Level (C-Suite)
C-level, also called the C-suite, is a term used to describe high-ranking executive titles in an organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2021
What are the benefits of cognitive automation?
As CIOs embrace more automation tools like RPA, they should also consider utilizing cognitive automation for higher-level tasks to further improve business processes. Here's why. 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
23 Apr 2021
National Grid CIO champions data-driven business strategy
Andi Karaboutis, group chief information and digital officer at National Grid, discusses the ways in which she's utilizing data and emerging tech like AI to fuel business growth. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Apr 2021
red teaming
Red teaming is the practice of rigorously challenging plans, policies, systems and assumptions by adopting an adversarial approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Apr 2021
CIO role post-pandemic is 'opportunity of a lifetime'
What is the CIO's role in 2021? Genpact's Sanjay Srivastava, a speaker at this year's MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, says CIOs are becoming 'co-creators' of new business models. Continue Reading
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Quiz
14 Apr 2021
Sample CCISO exam questions on security project management
This excerpt of 'CCISO Certified Chief Information Security Officer All-In-One Exam Guide' explains security project management fundamentals and provides practice CCISO exam questions. 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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Feature
06 Apr 2021
Evolving role of the CIO key to the future of work
Allan Tate, executive chair of the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, explains how the pandemic pushed CIOs to the forefront as enterprises scrambled to adapt to a new normal. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2021
How to measure the success of agile transformation
In his new book 'Sooner, Safer, Happier,' Jonathan Smart dives into the ways in which organizations can achieve better outcomes through business agility. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2021
5 ways to gain the financial benefits of cloud computing
For organizations migrating to the cloud, we've compiled a list of the top strategies to use to ensure they're saving on costs along the way. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2021
transformational leadership
Transformational leadership is a management philosophy that encourages and inspires employees to innovate and develop new ways to grow and improve the path to a company's future success. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Mar 2021
The future of trust will be built on data transparency
In a digital economy fueled by AI, data transparency is the new currency. Learn what IT leaders must do to bring trust and transparency to the enterprise, now and into the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2021
4 tips on how to reduce IT infrastructure costs
As organizations reevaluate their budgets to keep up with today's economy, experts provide tips on how they can effectively reduce IT costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2021
5 technology strategy tips for higher education CIOs
Higher education technology strategy isn't a one-size-fits-all, especially now. Here we offer five approaches for CIOs to strengthen operational success across institutions. 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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Tip
22 Jan 2021
3 steps to recalibrate a strategic IT roadmap
Business leaders must reevaluate their IT roadmap to ensure it aligns with today's growing landscape. Deloitte's IBM Alliance Lead Terri Cobb shares three steps to help get started. 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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Feature
04 Jan 2021
C-suite execs give future technology predictions for the decade
What will keep CIOs busy this decade? From machine learning to cybersecurity, IT leaders are providing insights on technologies they predict will be accelerated over the next 10 years. 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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Answer
21 Dec 2020
How can a pandemic business continuity plan cover employees?
A major element in maintaining business continuity during a pandemic is taking care of employee health. Pandemic-specific planning must be a part of the overall BCDR plan. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
16 Dec 2020
4 reasons to involve CISOs in mergers and acquisitions planning
As mergers and acquisitions go virtual due to COVID-19, the C-suite should include CISOs to help identify security risks, expedite cyber processes, review the new threat landscape and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2020
5 strategies to deliver customer service in information technology
Organizations undergo digital initiatives with the customer in mind, but to deliver outstanding CX, CIOs and their teams must provide the same service and UX to employees. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
24 Nov 2020
5 ways to keep developers happy so they deliver great CX
Companies need to work on ensuring their developers are satisfied with their jobs and how they're treated, otherwise it'll be customer satisfaction that inevitably suffers. Continue Reading