The IT Value Stack Book - A Boardroom Guide to IT Leadership

“Ade McCormack sounds a much-needed clarion call for IT to "grow up"

Nicholas Carr, Former Editor, Harvard Business Review

About the book

Business people do not seem to understand technologists and the technologists do not seem to care. This is a problem when it comes to yielding best value from one’s IT investment. Other sources of value dampening lurk within the realms of strategy, processes, technology, services and governance.

This book is based on the author’s IT Value Stack methodology, which helps business leaders take control of their IT investment. Boardroom-bound CIOs will also find this book of value. As will those that advise on strategic business-IT matters.

The model is corroborated with input from influential people working within the world’s most successful end-user, business advisory and technology organisations.

Endorsements

“Ade McCormack sounds a much-needed clarion call for IT to "grow up" and become a mature business function. And he provides a practical management framework and a rich set of case studies that will help companies achieve that difficult goal.”

Nicholas Carr, Former Editor, Harvard Business Review, author of Does IT Matter? and The Big Switch.

“The wit, imagination and insight that Ade brings to his regular Boardroom Debate column in the Financial Times Digital Business section shine through his new book. Ade looks at where the power, blame, influence and value in IT all sit as business technology matures and the game shifts towards maximising its value.

In IT Demystified, Ade explained how technology works; now he continues the deeper debate sparked off by Nicholas Carr - another FT Digital Business commentator - on the importance of IT to business. Ade has written a book ideal for those who like to take their IT with a smile and no mist.”

Peter Whitehead, Financial Times Digital Business editor

“I am passionate about raising the level of leadership in the corporate world and I draw heavily from my experience as a polar explorer. I have always sought to innovate and use research as a basis for action. A key message I take from Ade McCormack’s book The IT Value Stack is that the skills needed for successful business leadership now embrace the strategic use of IT, in particular in the domains of innovation, risk management and monitoring the market pulse.”

Alan Chambers MBE, leader of the first successful unassisted British expedition to the North Pole, co-author Keep Wallking: Leadership Learning in Action.

"Ade McCormack hits at the key issues, the Business/IT relationship can no longer be one of master/slave, but must evolve into one of value based partnership for business advantage. An essential read for those organisations who believe there has to be a third way between traditional business and IT approaches.

The IT Value Stack demonstrates that the management of data, information and knowledge is the competitive advantage battleground for 21st century organisations. Entwining business and IT across, Strategy, People, Process, Technology and Service will give you the tactics in this new battle and move you onwards to delivering true business value."

Eddie Short, Vice President, Global Lead - Business Information Management, Capgemini

"Practical, stimulating and challenging. Ade McCormack has produced a book that will enable business leaders to understand what IT can do for them and how they can build the organisational relationships and processes, which will lead to greater success. Alongside, his informal writing style and practical experience makes this book readily accessible and very enjoyable"

Richard Wyatt-Haines, author of Align IT: Business Impact through IT.

"This excellent book is a must read for anyone in business. As in his first book Ade McCormack demystifies IT and makes it clear, relevant and interesting for business."