Information Asset Management

Organisations are using data, information and knowledge as a competitive weapon. Their data, information and knowledge are arguably their most valuable assets. Yet, this fourth asset is managed badly when compared to the other three assets, namely money, people and infrastructure with considerable risk to the organisation. Executives are accountable for the success of their organisations, and those who don’t manage this critical resource and business enabler effectively can be regarded as negligent. Information Assets carry enormous risk and value. Most boards and executives don’t know how to govern and manage IAs effectively and nobody is held accountable. Given this, organisations should govern and manage their Information Assets the way they manage their Financial Assets. The benefits of managing IAs well are compelling. These benefits include increased efficiency, productivity, employee satisfaction, improved decision-making, mitigating business risk and improving product, protecting corporate reputation and service delivery. Drawing on ground-breaking research, this book explains why Information Assets are so important to organisations and the barriers to managing them well. This book is unique in the sense that it takes a fresh look at this topic, is based on experience and research, and includes interviews from more than 70 industry leaders. In short, this book is written by executives and explains where to start.

James Price: James Price has over 30 years' experience in the information industry is internationally recognized as an author and presenter. He is the founder of Experience Matters, a firm that helps organizations protect, and maximize the value of, their data, information and knowledge, to address the problem that, whilst Information Assets are vitally important to organizations, by and large they are very poorly governed and managed. His work with the University of South Australia has been described by Gartner, the world’s most influential IT industry advisory firm, as “tremendous” and the research as “ground-breaking.” Stuart Hamilton of Aquatic Informatics wrote, “I do believe that you have documented the greatest single barrier to productivity in the 21st Century economy and nobody knows about it.” James is passionate about: - creating a business culture of professionalism, humility, teamwork, communication and laughter; - helping clients drive tangible, measurable business outcomes from the efficient and effective management of their Information Assets; and - giving back to the global Information Asset management community through his multinational research, publications and presentations, and his position as Chair of the Leaders Data Organization (www.dataleaders.org).Professor Nina Evans: Nina Evans has worked in various Higher Education Institutions as Lecturer, Industry Liaison Manager, Associate Head of School, Head of Department and Vice Dean. She started her career as a Chemical Engineer and registered as a professional engineer (PrEng), while completing a Diploma in Education and an Honours degree in Computer Science. Nina also holds a Masters' degree in Information Technology, an MBA, and a PhD. Nina is currently employed as an professorial lead in the STEM academic unit of UniSA). In this role she focuses on line management/mentoring of academic staff, teaching and research. In her teaching and research she focuses on digital business transformation, i.e. the effect of disruptive technologies on both large and small enterprises. Business transformation is achieved through innovation, effective leadership, understanding the disruptive effect of information technology on businesses, promoting fusion between business and IT professionals, effective management of business processes, recognising and managing data, information and knowledge ('information assets') as a business asset, as well as an understanding of human behaviour in organisations. She is also interested in the unique challenges facing Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) - especially in regional areas - and how these businesses can use technology and social networks to overcome challenges. Nina is passionate about developing well-rounded graduates for the Connection Economy, where 'who you are' matters as much as 'what you do'. Apart from developing important technology skills in their university courses, IT students should also understand the “people and behavioural aspe