In previous two posts (“Too much  technology will be harmful to your project” and “How muh process is too much“)  I’ve raised, rather bluntly, the point that advanced technology and over reliance on processes is resulting in increased risk and, quite often, in lower quality.

I’ve since came across a brilliant post by Michael Schrage, published by HarvardBusiness.Org that I liked so much that I decided to include it  below for a complete reading. If you are in a hurry though, here’s a quick summary: 

The UK based Tesco mandates that any enterprise innovation must meet three conditions: 

1. The innovation must be in some way better for its customers;
2. It should ultimately prove cheaper for the organization; and
3. The innovation must make things simpler for stuff.

Adopting the above in the context of incorporating new technology or process within Information Technology projects, I would suggest the following: 

The technology or process must be in some way better for its business customers;

it should ultimately prove cheaper for the organization; and

It must make things simpler for the IT stuff.

That’s not too much to ask, is it? 

Just to help you ponder this point, check out the following fascinating link: http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/09/revealed-pentagons-craziest-powerpoint-slide-ever/.

And here’s the article in its entirety: