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Competencies of Dr James A Robertson PrEng

An overview of the knowledge and experience of Dr James A Robertson PrEng that qualifies him to provide the strategic services that are offered

The Essence of Dr James Robertson PrEng

A graduate engineer with BSc and PhD degrees in Civil Engineering who has devoted the last 24 years to developing innovative and robust methods of achieving high strategic value high durability business information system procurement, configuration, commissioning and remediation that meets and exceeds executive expectations.  Special competencies in Strategic planning, business system problem diagnosis and business system (ERP+) implementation.

Particular emphasis on seeking to bring the disciplines of Engineering to the Integrated Business Information Systems (IBIS = ERP+) industry.  By analogy this translates to “if you appoint an engineer to design a bridge you get the bridge you asked for and it stands up long term and meets all your expectations” which is more than can be said for most Business System investments.


Based in London, United Kingdom

James has recently moved to London, UK from South Africa and is in the process of establishing himself in the UK market.  British Citizen with all necessary registrations in place.  Willing to travel anywhere in Europe, USA or elsewhere as required.

Strategic Summary

Mature Executive Advisory and Discovery Capability

Peer level interaction with executives, effective executive engagement, executive advisory with regard to strategy implementation and Integrated Business Information Systems (IBIS = ERP, etc), discovering strategic definition and requirements, translating between executives and technologists, unpacking, documenting and specifying the integrated strategic view of the business from the Chief Executive down.  Trusted advisor who can assist executives to raise the bar in terms of competitive capability.

Business System Non-Performance Diagnostics and Remediation Prescription

Concise diagnosis of reasons for non-performance of business improvement and system implementation projects and investments through to concise, practical, understandable and actionable prescription of holistic treatment needed to remediate the situation.

Strategic Planning to Engineering Standards that Delivers Results

Facilitation of strategic analysis and strategic plan design using highly structured methods and supporting tools based on the work of Professor Malcolm McDonald of Cranfield School of Management.  Results in a strategic plan to engineering standards against a holistic integrated view of the business as a tightly knit operational and strategic entity.  Includes detailed resource plans taking account of the critical constraint imposed by executive availability.  These critical issues method can be used for a one day workshop and frequently drives out new perspectives, better decisions and breaks deadlocks.  Linked through to insight with regard to psychology, change and other soft issues resulting in comprehensive and holistic multi-year rolling strategic plans.

Tough Business Services and System Procurement to Engineering Standards

Comprehensive facilitation of business professional service and integrated business information system procurement activities to engineering standards.  Approach is directed at achieving high reliability enforceable contracts that minimize client risk and maximize outcome success.  Large body of standard documentation and method takes account of over 27 years of procurement experience.

Strategic Program and Project Leadership that Gets Things Done to High Standards

Strategic project and program leadership directed at ensuring that project outcomes support the essence of the business and how it thrives and work reliably and sustainably.  Deliver high value business improvement targets to tight budgets and high standards coupled to the previous point.  Strong insight into the factors that cause strategic project and business system project failure and the critical factors for success.  He has written a book on the subject and run courses on this subject since 2003 so principles are deeply understood.

Integrated Strategic System Configuration that Enhances Competitiveness

Pioneering thought leadership with regard to concepts, principles, standards and methods relating to the Precision Configuration of Integrated Business Information Systems (any and ALL business computer systems) to engineering standards that unlock the full potential of the host systems and raise the strategic information value delivery and capability of the business systems by a factor of 100 or more.  Move your business from teams of accountants working with spreadsheets for weeks to produce suspect results to touch of a button executive and board level reporting.  Unlock the latent potential of information systems so they deliver on the original sales promises.  Specialized tools and methods relating to highly structured enterprise level charts of accounts that comprehensively model the business at both the strategic and operational levels.

Strategic Software Architecture to Support Competitive Advantage

Conceptualization, specification, oversight of construction and testing and commissioning of limited scope high value software to unlock competitive value from operational business systems in support of the previous point.

Strategic Generalist

Very wide high level general business knowledge coupled to strong analytical ability and deep strategic intuition and insight underpinned by key areas of deep expertise create a platform for delivering high value, high impact inputs to clients across a wide spectrum of additional areas to those mentioned above.  This unique portfolio of knowledge and experience enables James to engage effectively with any organization independent of industry and with regard to any business information system, irrespective of brand through a solid high level understanding of the fundamentals of how organizations work at the strategic (fundamental / essential) level and how systems work and how this is translated into operational actions.

I look forward to being of assistance to you.

Please email me on James@James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com for more information

 

 

Overview of experience


Consultant, advisor, facilitator

James Robertson is a Management Consultant, Executive Advisor and Strategic Facilitator with over 24 years’ experience in the field of the high value strategic application of business information software systems (including ERP) in business.


Investment economics

James brings to his work very diverse experience including four years in investment economics and financial modeling including development of a highly differentiated software solution that enabled the business to double in size in twelve months because it could do things no other firm could do at the time.  During this time James was regularly involved in consulting to clients at the Vice President level in major international banks and investment houses and therefore has been comfortable in the executive suite and conversant with the matters important to executives throughout his career.


Software design and development

During this period James had to develop a significant amount of software using very new Personal Computer technology.  Consequently he undertook considerable study in the fields of software design and database design and wrote a number of quite sophisticated pieces of software.  He also had to learn the workings of computers at a hardware level in some depth.  Accordingly he has a very solid first principles understanding of computer technology and software.  As a consequence he is able to communicate effectively with technical people, understand software issues, design and test software and also hold informed high level opinions with regard to other technology.


Executive level translator between business and technologists

The combination of these two knowledge and experience sets – executive level understanding coupled to first principles understanding of business system software technology enables James to play a unique role in translating business requirements into software and system requirements.  This allows him to serve as an accomplished translator between the business and the people responsible for the technology.  It also allows him to conceptualize and specify highly effective software enhancements in support of business objectives.


Formal engineering practice

James spent a further four years in the formal practice of Engineering achieving certification as a Professional Engineer (South Africa), which status he continues to hold as a statement of his commitment to engineering excellence.  Having been involved in Mine Design James brings a unique perspective to the concept of “Data Mining”.


ERP design, construction and commissioning

During these four years he partially architected and project managed a new fully integrated Business Information System (ERP) that went on to become a leading niche specialty product.  He has been involved in the implementation of ERP and other business information systems ever since (26 years).


Robust understanding of data and information

His Engineering training and PhD research have also given him a robust understanding of data acquisition and analysis with regard to complex multi-dimensional and multi-variable information sets.


Military command and leadership

Concurrent with the above James commanded an Engineer Regiment in the South African Citizen Force (part time army) and was fully qualified up to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  During his term he led a major re-branding exercise that took his regiment from being a poorly regarded rear echelon support unit to becoming one of the foremost peace keeping units and setting a new world record for assault river crossings.  Accordingly he is well versed in the challenges of managing, leading and motivating medium sized organizations and understands the demands of corporate management from a firsthand perspective.  He also received formal training in mobile warfare “quick attack” appreciation and planning which has stood him in good stead in developing critical issue methods that allow him to quickly and accurately assess the real issues in any business systems situation.


Precision Configuration

During the period up to 1989 James was also exposed to diverse other techniques including formal approaches to information classification and cataloging which have also equipped him to bring highly innovative thinking to the integrated business information systems arena see http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Configure.aspx and associated pages relating to the principles of Precision Configuration.


Sophisticated strategic Charts of Accounts

This has also given rise to pioneering work with regard to the design and construction of highly sophisticated strategically orientated precision Charts of Accounts for medium to large organizations see http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Configure/CubicBusinessModel.aspx

Diverse client and system experience

Since embarking on his independent consulting career in 1989 James has consulted to an extremely diverse range of corporate and government clients with regard to a wide diversity of in-house, custom and brand name systems, including many of the big brand ERP’s and has developed unique high value techniques.  This diverse experience enabled James to quickly and effectively interpolate lessons learned with other types of client and systems to new clients and systems thereby enabling him to quickly conceptualize high value solutions that are not confined by the limitations of narrower experience sets.


Diagnostic “Pulse Measurement” investigations

One of his core competencies is the ability to quickly, within one to ten days, depending on the size of the client organization, diagnose the core issues as to why a business information system investment is failing to deliver and prescribe the measures necessary to remediate the situation.  In the past 24 years James has undertaken dozens of these investigations.  http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Pulse.aspx

Understanding of the “soft issues”

Over the years James has gained substantial insight into the psychology of management decision making, the psychology of change and other “soft issues” and has also developed significant communication skills.  This, together with his broad general knowledge and headline strategic understanding of all major facets of business, enables him to offer an extremely well rounded and strategically insightful service to clients.


Project leadership and project management

James has been designing and building things and leading and managing projects from an early age and has developed highly effective techniques for leading and managing business system implementation projects.  http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Guide.aspx

Strategic focus

From the outset James realized that the strategic alignment of business information systems and support for strategic executive decision making were the most fundamental requirements for any business information system investment.  He also discovered that there was a general lack of robust strategic analysis and design (strategic planning) methods coupled to a lack of clear understanding of the term strategy.  He set about investigating available definitions and methods and was particularly impressed with the definitions and methods of Professor Malcolm McDonald some core elements of which form the basis of his view of strategy.


Assisting clients to thrive

The core principle of strategy being “doing the right things” and tactics being “doing things right” such that if an organization “does the right things well”, defined by McDonald is the basis of James’ corporate logo and underpins concepts such as facilitating executive level “thrive decisions”.  This has also led James to define strategy as “the essence of the business and how it thrives”.  Malcolm’s concepts of the journey of strategic change have also framed James’ approach to strategic business improvement.


Robust strategic planning

Based on techniques used by McDonald James has developed a robust “engineering” approach to strategic analysis and design (strategic planning), together with some custom developed software he has a highly effective approach to facilitating strategic analysis of a corporate situation and, from this, developing a systematic time schedule and resource plan for projects and activities to close the strategic gaps determined in the workshops.  This can then be worked through to Key Performance Indicators.  This method can also be used for other plans.  http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Strategy.aspx

The Critical Factors for business information system implementation success

About ten years ago James undertook an in-depth analysis of the information that he had gathered to that point and synthesized the seven factors that cause business information system failure and the seven critical factors for business information system success. http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/ERPSuccess.aspx   Based on this he wrote a book and developed a series of courses and executive briefings.


Robust, tough business information system procurement

James came to understand early on that a robust contract and tough contractual conditions were a vital first step in any major business information software system procurement.  Over the years he has progressively developed a substantial suite of documentation and method that is directed and facilitating a robust procurement process modeled on the approach used in the construction industry.  This approach ensures that accountability for the outcome rests with the implementation firm, that risk is fairly apportioned and that client interests are fully safeguarded see http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Procure.aspx   Using these techniques James recently completed a project where almost the entire cost of a three-fold budget overrun was carried by the implementer with only limited extra cost to the client.


Presentations and Articles – writing and speaking

Because James has undertaken so much applied research and original thinking he has also given many conference presentations and written many articles and papers, some are listed at http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Articles.aspx  Because he has spoken at so many conferences he has developed public speaking techniques that enable him to present difficult subjects in ways that make them easy to understand.


Business simulation laboratory ensures business system implementation success

Applying his very detailed experience with regard to building and operating a complex engineering laboratory geared to simulating the real world James has developed robust methods relating to what he terms “the business simulation laboratory” in which every facet of the installation is simulated in order to ensure that the system will work reliably in practice thereby preventing the disastrous “go live” experiences of many organizations http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Laboratory.aspx

Comprehensive business information systems advisory service

This spectrum of knowledge and experience knit together within the context of robust, high quality engineering training under the guidance of leading engineers has given rise to a situation in which James Robertson is able to offer clients an exceptionally differentiated high value service with regard to achieving real value from business information systems.


More information

More information about James Robertson at http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com and http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/About.aspx


Core areas of expertise – major product offerings

James has developed expertise in the following areas:

     1.  Executive level advisory

a.  Strategic advisory services with regard to the effective application of business information systems and IT generally, advising the CEO or other responsible executive or manager; 

b. Understanding and documenting the “essence of the business and how it thrives” (strategy) in a manner that can be easily communicated to personnel and stakeholders in order to achieve a high level of strategic alignment;

c. Acting as a translator between executives and managers in the business and technologists;

d. Re-positioning the IT Department as the Business Systems Depart-ment;

e. Requirements definition, job description, recruitment of CIO / Head of Business Systems / IT Manager; 

f. Coaching and mentoring of CIO / IT Manager / Head of Business Systems to develop business alignment and related competencies.

 

     2.  System diagnostic investigations

a. Short, sharp diagnostic interventions that accurately diagnose the factors giving rise to business information system under-performance and prescribing remedial actions http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Pulse.aspx; 

b. In-depth understanding of “The Critical Factors for Success of Business Information Systems” and the factors causing failure – written a book on the subject http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/ERPSuccess.aspx; 

c.  Detail specification of system remediation measures if required;

d. Facilitation or project management of implementation of recommen-dations;

e. Turnaround of failing or sub-optimal business information systems projects and bringing to completion within tight deadlines.

 

     3.  Strategic facilitation

a. Critical issues based strategic analysis technique and toolset – quickly and efficiently analyze the strategic environment using a highly collaborative method involving all members of the top management team http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Strategy.aspx; 

b.  Critical issues analysis of other situations;

c.   Development of detailed measurable and actionable strategic plans;

d.  Development of business focused Information Technology Depart-ment strategic plans;

e.   Developing strategically aligned key performance indicators.

 

    4.  Procurement of business information systems                                   http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Procure.aspx

a.   Developing a robust definition of the strategic business requirement; 

b.  Drafting of comprehensive procurement documents and plans based on existing documents that have been developed over the years;

c. Facilitating the procurement process through to a signed, robust, client-centric contract;

d.   Negotiating skills, able to secure competitive prices;

e.   Advising with the configuration and implementation of the system.

 

     5.  Implementation of business information systems

a.  Develop and oversee the “strategic solution architecture” of the entire solution;

b. Lead and facilitate the development of comprehensive system configuration including precision configuration and taxonomies http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Configure.aspx;

c.  Conceptualize, specify, test and deploy small pieces of strategically important software in support of, or independent of, the main systems;

d. Project facilitator guiding the project on behalf of the client but in a way that leaves final accountability with the implementation contractor;

e.  Alternatively project leader – tough results orientated leadership of the implementation project;

f.  Business simulation laboratory to ensure that every aspect of the system is fully tested and proven BEFORE commissioning in the business (“go live”) http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Laboratory.aspx;

g. Understanding of “the soft issues” and how to manage them, including importance of communication and effective change facilitation;

h.  Strong hands-on approach based on decades of experience of what really works.

 

     6.  Business system configuration

http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Configure/PrecisionConfiguration.aspx 

a. Deep understanding of the importance of organizing data and of understanding data; 

b. Precision configuration of every table in the entire business information system; 

c. Charts of Accounts, individual, group or enterprise http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Configure/ChartofAccounts.aspx;

d. Product catalogs and associated system intelligence to manage master data quality;

e. Office filing schemes and application of these schemes across paper files, email folders and on-disk electronic storage;

f. Critical competence classifications of personnel knowledge and experience;

g. Other classification schemes and other elements of system configuration.

 

     7.  Public and in-house briefings and courses

a.  Why your ERP is not delivering and how to fix it – half day executive briefing http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Seminars/ERPNOTDelivering.aspx; 

b. IT and ERP in Strategic and Competitive Management -- half day executive briefing;

c. Engineered tough Business Information System Procurement – one day master class http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Seminars/ToughERPProcurement.aspx;

d. The Critical Factors for Business Information System Investment Success – two day course http://www.James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com/Seminars/CriticalFactorsITandERPSuccess.aspx.

 

     8.  Software design

a. Conceptualization, specification, oversight of development, testing and deployment of small pieces of carefully designed software that add considerable business value; 

b.  Specification of refinements to existing systems.

Letter of Commendation from Professor Malcolm McDonald


I look forward to being of assistance to you.

 

James Robertson

Email: James@James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com



Random Selection of Articles by Dr James Robertson

SNw 042 The Real Issues in BIS: Introduction

This article provides an overview of the main components of the approach to Business Information System investment success as first detailed in my book in 2004 and elaborated on and taught since then
Cnf 079 Diamonds in the dust -- Crafting your future landscape

A layman's overview of why Information Technology projects are so difficult and what is required to achieve successful results
Cnf 068 Discovery -- An Essential Element of SOA Implementation

The importance of effective discovery and the issues that arise from inaccurate discovery including understanding the importance of communication in the first hour of engagement
Std 002 Standards for Custom Software Specification

A set of outline standards for the specification of custom software

Dr James A Robertson PrEng The Business Information Systems Doctor

Business Systems NOT delivering?

Call the Business Systems Specialist

Dr. James Robinson

Dr James A Robertson -- has been involved in the effective application of Business Information Systems, including but NOT limited to ERP, since 1987 and in the profitable and effective use of computers in Business since 1981.

Drawing on a diversity of experience, including formal military training in Quick Attack techniques at the Regimental Commander level, Dr Robertson has developed highly effective methods of investigating any sub-optimal Business Information Systems situation -- be it an established system or a stalled project or any other source of Executive frustration -- quickly and concisely diagnosing the root cause of the problem and prescribing concise practical actions that Business Executives can effectively act on see the Pulse Measurement page and also the Sample Reports page for redacted real reports.

He has also developed highly effective methods of strategically enriching systems to unlock the full potential of existing investments, see the Precision Configuration page and couples this to architecting small pieces of clever software that harness the full potential of your investment, see the Software page.

If you are having problems with your systems, your project or your IT Department, call The Business Systems Specialist
James@James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com

Business System Failure is RIFE -- we offer insight into why this happens AND WHAT is required to prevent it.

Failure is at epidemic levels with massive damage done to client companies -- if you are NOT aware of the extent of the problem please visit the About Failure page for a catalog of major failures running to billions of Pounds and Dollars.

All evidence indicates that the established players do NOT know how to deliver stable, reliable high value solutions that WORK.

There HAS to be a better way!

This website provides information relating to that way with a large collection of white papers, presentations, standards documents, etc that you can use to start bringing the situation under control

We also offer high level advisory services with regard to the application of the principles advocated on this website

We offer an ENGINEERING APPROACH to addressing these issues

Click here to read more about the Engineering Approach

By Engineering I mean the formal, structured, highly disciplined, highly systematic, highly practical approach that consistently delivers results in ALL areas of human endeavor where formally trained and certified engineers are the ONLY practitioners permitted to operate -- think large buildings, factories, motor vehicles, aircraft -- highly complex systems that work at a level that we take it for granted that they WILL work and where failure is all but unthinkable and, when it happens, attracts immediate public attention and rigorous investigation directed at ensuring that such failures are prevented in the future -- in fact, everything that the management consulting industry that implements complex software systems is NOT

This approach is discussed further on the Engineering Approach page.

Search Articles

Book -- The Critical Factors for Information Technology Investment Success

In 2003 I undertook an in-depth analysis of all the information and experience that I had gathered with regard to the factors giving rise to Business Information System failure including ERP and general IT and classified this information into a number of categories including "The Factors Causing Failure" and "The Critical Factors for Success" based on this I developed a two day Course "The Critical Factors for Information Technology Investment Success" which is still offered today.

Based on this I wrote the book of the same name, which is available in electronic form here for download:


Random Selection of Articles by Dr James Robertson

Subscribe to our Newsletter

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Connect with James Robertson on LinkedIn

James has a very detailed profile on LinkedIn should you require further information about him.

You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/DrJamesARobertsonERPDoctor

James has an open networking profile -- click on "Connect" and use email address James@LinkedIn-at-JARA.com.

Contact Us

You can contact us on

Email: James@James-A-Robertson-and-Associates.com

LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/drjamesarobertsonerpdoctor

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/james.a.robertson.393

Mobile: +44 (0) 776-862-2875

Landline: +44 (0) 207-059-0007

Fax: +44 (0) 844 774 4580

Articles by James A Robertson and Associates

There is a large body of white papers, articles and other content produced by Dr James Robertson available on this website

Please click here to visit the detailed listing of articles

ArticleTagCloud for Articles Published by James A Robertson and Associates

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management      obsolete is a fashion statement      obsolete software      old software IS viable      once software works it always works      on-line seminars      opportunities      opportunity to turn the economy around      organizing Microsoft Outlook      orientation of IT staff      own business experience      passion to enable clients to thrive      people are part of the system      personality matrix      planning      platform for a tough contract      precisio      precision      precision configuration      precision configuration advisory      precision configuration leadership      precision data      precision taxonomies      Predictive Index      preparatory steps      prescribed table of contents      presentation technique      presentations      preventing failure      preventing falure      preventing project failure      pricing      principles      problem statement      procedure code      process      processor ignorant of language      procurement      procurement timeline      professional speaker      Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa      profitability      programming languages are for the programmer      project facilitation      project leader      project leader -- CEO communication      project leadership      project management      project management IT project management      projects      prove it works      PSASA      psychology      psychometrics      public conferences      public presentations      public speaking      Pulse Measurement      quality      REAL issues in Business Information Systems      REAL value      recognizing failure      redaction      reduced audit costs      reduced head count      reference documents      Reg Barry      regulatory body      relationship Almighty      relationship orientated      remediation of existing systems      Rennies Group      reports      reports not reliable      request for proposal      requirements specification      results orientated      RFP      right things      rigorous process      rigorous strategic planning      risk management      Robert Priebatsch      robust business information systems procurement      robust business systems procurement      robust contracts      robust procurement      robust solutions      SAICE      SAP ABAP is similar to COBOL      scheduling procurement      scientific professional      score sheet      screen design      seminars      SEPT      service orientated      Service Orientated Architecture      simple techniques to enhance business information systems value      simulation      sloppy configuration      SOA      socialization      software      software assets      software design      software does NOT wear out      software is instructions for the bricklayer      software schedule      software specification      software specification standards      solution experience      solution knowledge      South Africa      South African Institution of Civil Engineering      speaking      Spirit Led      standards      strategic      strategic advisory      strategic alignment      strategic analysis      strategic analysis and design      strategic business improvement      strategic custom development      strategic definition      strategic discovery      strategic driver      strategic driving force      strategic engineered precision configuration      strategic engineered precision taxonomies      strategic essence      strategic financial information      strategic gap analysis      strategic governance      strategic information      strategic management      strategic management information      strategic plan      strategic planning      strategic project leader      strategic snapshots      strategic software      strategic solution architect advisory      strategic solution architect leadership      strategic solution architecture      strategically designed chart of accounts      strategy      strategy defined      strategy focused planning      Strategy Snapshot Toolset      StratGap      StratSnap      strengthen differentiators      structured analysis      structured chart of accounts      substantial management information      succeed by engineering against failure      success      successful deployment      survive      system knowledge and experience      table of contents      tailored presentations      take notes      taxonomies      taxonomy      taxonomy software      technology      technology failure      technology issues      technology management      tender document pack      tender pack      tender pack table of contents      test data      testing      The Critical Factors for Information Technology Investment Success      the Critical Factors for Success      the essence of the business      the essence of the business and how it thrives      the essence of the organization and how it thrives      the factors causing failure      the first hour      The REAL Issues in Business Information System success      things right      third party suppliers      third world countries      thrive      time      tipping point      tough certificates      tough contract management      tough contracts      tough procurement      tough terms      training      training material      treatment code      understanding of data      understanding the engineering approach      Uniface      unlocking value      use different languages for new components      V3 Consulting Engineers      validation data      value      versus process      video      webinar      webinars      weighted factors      what is executive custody      what is strategy      what is the essence of this organization and how does it thrive      what to do      where is IT going      why executive custody is required      why the organization exists and how it thrives      why your business information system is NOT delivering and HOW to FIX it      why your ERP is NOT delivering and how to fix it      workflow      writer     

Table of Contents

Home

About Dr James A Robertson PrEng -- The Business Systems Doctor -- and Other Topics

Catalogue of Major Business Information System Failures

About the Engineering Approach

James Robertson's Value Add

Attributes of a HIGH VALUE solution

Recognizing Business System Failure

The Critical Human Foundation

Old Software IS Viable

From South Africa

Competencies of Dr James A Robertson PrEng

About Professor Malcolm McDonald

Table of Contents

About my relationship with the Almighty Creator, Yah the Eternally Self-Existing

Comments relating to the Business Systems Industry and other topics

Testimonials and other positive material regarding James Robertson

Reference Articles

List of Articles

Article Catalogue

Achieving High Value Business Information System outcomes

Executive Custody -- What is it and HOW do you get it?

The REAL Issues in Integrated Business Information System Success

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2 -- Mythology and Lack of Executive Custody

Part 3 – Strategic Alignment and Precision Configuration

Why your ERP is NOT delivering and HOW to FIX it

IT Project Management

Pulse Measurement

CEO Anthony Lee Comments on his experience of the Pulse Measurement

No Charge Guarantee on the Pulse Measurement Service

Examples of Pulse Measurement Outcomes

Critical questions regarding the Pulse Measurement™

The Pulse Measurement Workflow

The Critical Factors for Business System (ERP+) Investment Success in the Pulse Measurement

Indicative Pulse Measurement Durations

What is a JAR&A Pulse Measurement?

Survival of the fittest – why it makes sense to measure the pulse of your business

Examples of Pulse Measurement Outcomes over 24 years

Sample Pulse Measurement Reports

Strategy

Strategic Essence: The Missing Link in Business Information Systems

Strategic Essence: Overview

Strategic Essence: Part 1 -- Strategy Defined

Strategic Essence: Part 2 -- Differentiation

Strategic Essence: Part 3 -- The Essence IS Different

Strategic Essence: Part 4 -- The Essence should be the Point of Departure

Strategic Essence: Part 5 -- Discovering Strategic Essence

Strategy -- the Essence of the Business: What is it and how do you develop actionable strategic plans?

Simple Steps to Increase the Strategic Value of your ERP Investment

Free Strategic Snapshot Toolset and Manual

A strategy focused planning system beyond traditional budgeting

Tough IT and ERP Procurement and Contracting that Works

Robust Business Systems Procurement

Part 1 -- Introduction

Part 2 -- Bill of Services, Laboratory, Go-live Certificate, etc

Part 3 -- Executive Engagement, Bid Compliance, Adjudication and other matters

Procurement Documents

Guidance and Advisory Services

The Art of Project Leadership

Why Regular Communication with the CEO is Vital

The Business Simulation Laboratory

Precision Configuration and Strategic Business Information Architecture

Precision Configuration based on Strategic Engineered Precision Taxonomies

The JAR&A Cubic Business Model

Highly Structured Strategic Chart of Accounts -- a Vital Element of your Corporate Information Arsenal

The Product Catalogue -- an Essential Element of any Precision Configuration

Attributes -- answers to the questions you have NOT yet thought to ask

Case Studies of Notably Successful Projects with high value Precision Configuration

092 Doing things differently and better -- ASCO Case Study 2-- BPM Summit 2013

088 Strategic ERP Invesment -- ASCO Case Study -- Service Management Conference and Exhibition Africa

026 Information Architecture and Design of FIS for Rennies Group -- Financial Information Systems Conf

018 CRM Risk Control: Designing and Implementing an Integrated Risk Mgmt Sys -- Integrated Risk Mgmt Conf

011 V3 Consulting Eng: Benefits of MIS to Professional Practice -- SAICE 15th Ann Conf on Computers in Civil Eng

Strategically Enriching your Business Information Systems

Part 1 -- Introduction

Part 2 -- Principles of Data Engineering

Part 3 -- Steps in applying these recommendations

Simple Steps to increase the strategic information value yield from your Business Systems Investment

The Full JAR&A Taxonomy Manual

Part 1: Introduction, Problem Statement, Definitions and Examples

Part 2: Why Use JAR&A, Required Knowledge and Experience, Cubic Business Model and Chart of Accounts and Taxonomy Software

Part 3: How to do it, Case Studies and White Papers and other References

Example General Ledger Manual

Business Process -- Irrelevant, Distracting and Dangerous

The RIGHT Approach

Custom Strategic Software Design and Oversight of Construction

Standards for Custom Software Specification

What IS Software?

IT Effectiveness

Organizing Outlook

Critical Factors for I.T. Success

A Moral and Ethical Dilemma -- Systems that Fail

Case Studies examining Business Information System failures

The BBC Digital Media Initiative Debacle

The Bridgestone -- IBM Conflict

Speaking and Training

Showcase of Conference Presentations

Most Viewed Presentations

Briefings and Seminars

Why your ERP/BIS is NOT delivering and HOW to FIX it

ERP and IT Procurement that Delivers Results

The Critical Factors for IT and ERP Investment Success

Other Seminars

Conferences and Public Presentations

Conferences 80 to 99 -- 2009 to Present

Conferences 60 to 79 -- 2005 to 2009

Conferences 40 to 59 -- 1996 to 2005

Conferences 20 to 39 -- 1994 to 1996

Conferences 01 to 19 -- 1989 to 1994

On-Line Seminars (Webinars)

Webinar on Preparing and Presenting Webinars

Contacting James A Robertson and Associates Limited