Title: Technology Governance: Concepts and Practices
Author: Azhar Zia-ur-Rehman
Publisher: AuthorHouseUK
ISBN: 978-1-5246-7815-9
Pages: 144
Genre: Business & Economics / Government & Business
Reviewed by: Susan Brown
Pacific Book Review
In the preface of Technology Governance: Concepts and Practices, the author sets the stage for what’s to come with the following premise: “… every business is based on technology and since businesses depend heavily on technology, there should be a conscious effort based on principles, standards and best practices to make the best use of it.” The remaining pages detail what these practices should look like.
This book is not for neophytes. It’s for those who are seriously interested in establishing a structure and process that manages this vital aspect of business in today’s corporate world. It goes well beyond the broad concept of IT (Information Technology), merging the three streams of technology — industrial, business and information — into one arena for oversight.
Highlights include chapters which define the terms relevant to this discourse. Time is spent describing what corporate governance and technology are, as well as reviewing the pertinent principles and codes and discussing, in an array of chapters, the current frameworks which impact these areas. There are numerous graphs and charts to help the reader understand the concepts, underscoring graphically the various theories. After establishing what technology governance is, Mr. Zia-ur-Rheman includes details on a process reference model, suggestions for implementing a plan and instruction on how to assess a governance plan.
He concludes with a number of predictions about this fledgling field: it needs the same attention as the corporate financial, legal and human resource departments; training of those tasked with implementing and running technology governance is a challenge that must be overcome; and the formalization of technology governance is necessary due to the growing reliance of corporations on the use of technology to conduct business.
Technology Governance discusses those subjects in which all who use technology should be well-versed in, but it’s also one of the nebulous areas that needs to be articulated at a level of understanding all can join in. Its theoretical nature puts it on the important level of detailed concepts for those with the need to understand the intricacies of IT and how it relates to the activities of business. Mr. Zia-ur-Rheman, is clearly an expert on this topic, as well as laying the groundwork for cyber-security. He does a fine job of establishing the talking points for further discussions and expanding on the concepts he introduces. This is a “must” book to have on your shelf if you exist in the worlds of information and technology.
Technology Governance is an essential book for anyone wanting to understand the dynamics of what government, business, and citizens are facing online today. It’s a long-overdue book written in an easy-to-read style that’s full of vital information.
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