Books by Thomas G. Kessler

Reduce risk and improve the overall performance of IT assets! Federal IT Capital Planning and Investment Control is the first book to provide a comprehensive look at the IT capital planning and investment control (CPIC) process. Written from a practitioner’s perspective, this book covers a range of topics designed to provide both strategic and operational perspectives on IT CPIC. From planning to evaluation, this valuable resource helps managers and analysts at all levels realize the full benefits of the CPIC process.•Explore the full range of IT investment principles and practices •Learn CPIC project management techniques including earned-value management, integrated baseline review, cost-benefit analysis, and risk-adjusted cost and schedule estimates•Identify strategies to improve how your organization manages its IT portfolio and selects, controls, and evaluates investments •Discover how to leverage scarce IT resources and align investments with program priorities •Benefit from the in-depth coverage—excellent for the experienced as well as those new to the CPIC process

The Business of Government is your guide to a new breed of business planning that meshes private sector strategies with a methodology designed exclusively for the public sector. No other strategic planning guide offers this hands-on, public sector focus. The Business of Government provides guidance, tools, and real-world examples you can use right away to analyze where you stand and what specific steps are needed to take you to the "managing for results" platform that is the centerpiece of the Results Act of 1993 – and your springboard to a whole new level of performance. It explains how to initiate, manage, measure and sustain a remarkable transformation - an approach proven to produce a dramatic impact on public policy and service to the citizen. Plus, the book includes model documents ready to adapt for your own program, including an actual business plan, sample financials, and sample performance report. Learn how to define and deliver a new era of results as you: • Dramatically improve critical thinking and innovation • Develop a business strategy proven to work in government • Overcome implementation obstacles - including "old culture" • Align support organizations • Establish a senior management council • Oversee strategy implementation teams • Write annual performance reports explaining your results Profit from expert advice on applying today''s best "smart government" tools, including these: 1. Strategies: Transformational leadership strategies that address change-resistance, skills gaps and other challenges. 2. Gap analysis methodology: A proven model for assessing how your organization may have drifted from mission — and how to get back on track. 3. Tactics: Specific technology, human resource, and process solutions for adjusting and invigorating your programs. Case studies: Real-world "lessons learned" to help you apply the most successful solutions