Classifying and Securing Information

This chapter focuses on the classification and security stage in the information lifecycle. The chapter identifies the key questions to answer in formulating an information strategy. Concepts associated with these issues and the consequences of ignoring them are explained. The issues are also interpreted in different internal operating environments and in the context of future business environments.

Information Cultures, Roles, and Responsibilities

This chapter defines organization culture and identifies the basic elements of any organizational culture. Information culture is a topic that does not generally receive much attention. In this chapter, information culture is described and supplemented with examples of information values, assumptions, and artifacts. The chapter also explains how to go about assessing the state of information culture, as well as ideas on how to strengthen information culture roles and responsibilities.

Preserving and Disposing of Information

This chapter focuses on the preservation and disclosure stage in the information lifecycle. The chapter identifies the key questions to answer in formulating an information strategy. Concepts associated with these issues and the consequences of ignoring them are explained. The issues are also interpreted in different internal operating environments and in the context of future business environments.

Accessing and Using Information

This chapter focuses on the accessing and using information stage in the information lifecycle. The chapter identifies the key questions to answer in formulating an information strategy. Concepts associated with these issues and the consequences of ignoring them are explained. The issues are also interpreted in different internal operating environments and in the context of future business environments.

Creating and Capturing Information

This chapter focuses on the creation and capture stage in the information lifecycle. The chapter identifies the key questions to answer in formulating an information strategy. Concepts associated with these issues and the consequences of ignoring them are explained. The issues are also interpreted in different internal operating environments and in the context of future business environments.

Developing Your Strategy

This chapter presents a definition of strategy and explains the purpose of a strategy. Strategy design and structure are treated as critical success factors. The chapter also explains that the two most important elements of any information management strategy are a clear vision of the long-term future of information and an honest and accurate assessment of the current information management situation.

The Information Management Perspective

This chapter anchors discussion of information management on a comprehensive and inclusive model of the information lifecycle. The chapter also presents a concise account of the history and evolution of the information management profession. As a complex profession, information management is comprised of several distinct but related areas of practice. This chapter considers what each area of practice contributes to the profession and explains how these differences contribute to and enriches a complex culture.

Finding and Discovering Information

This chapter focuses on the finding and discovery stage in the information lifecycle. The chapter identifies the key questions to answer in formulating an information strategy. Concepts associated with these issues and the consequences of ignoring them are explained. The issues are also interpreted in different internal operating environments and in the context of future business environments.

Governance Models and Methods

This chapter presents a definition of governance and a discussion of the purpose of governance. Traditional governance models are described. The chapter explains the components of strategic governance models and methods, including the importance of linking governance to decision making. Finally, governance is considered in the context of the information management lifecycle.

Strategies for the Long Term

This chapter is devoted to developing a long-term vision for information management. It explains the importance of understanding the longer view of your external business environment, envisioning role the organization might play in that future, and the role that information plays in helping to achieving that role. The chapter also highlights futuring methods that can help to expose that future and highlights the relevance of business intelligence methods. Components of 10-year, 5-year, and 3-year strategies are considered. Guidance is offered on documenting the vision as strategy.