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Sep
23

Check out the September Edition of our monthly newsletter!

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FEATURED ARTICLE:

SUPPORTING AGILE DEVELOPMENT AT THE ORGANIZATIONAL LEVEL

by ARZIKA guest writer, Charles (Chuck) Suscheck · Agile Coach · Pillar Technologies
Agile Success FactorsCompanies using agile development must recognize that without the correct organizational philosophy, they won’t reap the benefits of agile. Companies often don’t even realize that they are following a path that can limit agile adoption. This article is meant to point out the different organizational philosophies and provide guidelines for detecting a philosophy that does not support agile development.

Agile development is more than a collection of techniques; it’s a set of values with a key focus on people over process, team self organization, and emergent behaviors. Companies that try to implement agile process without adopting a supporting organizational philosophy can be disappointed with the results. Engaging people, not just mechanically adopting agile practices and techniques, is one of the most important, difficult, and overlooked aspects of agile development.
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EVENT UPDATE:

GET INVOLVED EARLY AND GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SPONSORSHIP

Midwest Technology Leaders 2011 is May 12, which may seem like a long ways off, but think of it this way: the earlier you get involved, the more time you have to be seen on our website, featured in our newsletters and social media efforts (we love when our partners contribute content) and you might even be able to get on the 2011 agenda (which is currently being developed). Contact Rob Palmer for more information at (248) 275-1337 x 112.


FEATURED ARTICLE:

KEEPING THE “I” IN IT

by ARZIKA Guest Writer, Keith Ensroth · Senior Program Manager · Teradata Corporation
As IT leaders, we have many roles to perform. Information technology is a tremendously powerful tool for transforming an enterprise. We need to understand the business of those we serve. We need to remain current on those areas of technology that has the most potential for delivering value. We need to attract and retain the right technical talent, both employees and suppliers, in order to best serve our customers. In these and other roles, it is sometimes easy to maintain the focus on the Technology — forgetting the Information aspect of our jobs
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Aug
13

Check out our August 2010 Newsletter

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FEATURED ARTICLE:
ENGAGING THE CONTRADICTIONS OF IT LEADERSHIP

by ARZIKA Guest Writer, Keith Ensroth · Vice President of America’s Operations · Kelly Services

Scratching HeadIf Richard Barker is right in his article, “No, Management is Not a Profession” (Harvard Business Review, July-August 2010), then how much more confusing is the role of management in an IT organization? Contradictions of IT leadership runs the gamut as is expressed in the below examples:

  • IT leaders manage organizations of various professions, with associated assessments and certifications. It is too easy at the first rank of management to assume that what is needed is the person who is the most professional of the function he or she is managing.
  • The ability to manage people is the main component to a leadership role, yet most of the professional and technical disciplines within an IT organization attract people with personality traits that do not lend themselves to people-management capabilities.

[read full article]

FEATURED ARTICLE:
SUPPORTING AGILE DEVELOPMENT AT THE ORGANIZATIONAL LEVEL

by ARZIKA guest writer, Charles (Chuck) Suscheck · Agile Coach · Pillar Technologies

Agile Success FactorsAgile Success FactorsCompanies using agile development must recognize that without the correct organizational philosophy, they won’t reap the benefits of agile.  Companies often don’t even realize that they are following a path that can limit agile adoption. This article is meant to point out the different organizational philosophies and provide guidelines for detecting a philosophy that does not support agile development.

Agile development is more than a collection of techniques; it’s a set of values with a key focus on people over process, team self organization, and emergent behaviors.  Companies that try to implement agile process without adopting a supporting organizational philosophy can be disappointed with the results.  Engaging people, not just mechanically adopting agile practices and techniques, is one of the most important, difficult, and overlooked aspects of agile development.
[read full article]

READ NEWSLETTER >>

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Midwest Technology Leaders is asking for nominations for the 2010 Corporate Commitment to Michigan (2CMICHIGAN) award, honoring corporate individuals who actively participate in community relations, organizations and other philanthropic activities to promote a healthy, highly-functioning Michigan. Nominations must be received no later than April 30, 2010. To nominate an individual for the Corporate Commitment to Michigan Award (2CMICHIGAN), please email: 2cmichigan@midwesttechnologyleaders.com.

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Categories include:
  • Innovation: Those contributing imaginative, cutting-edge solutions and strategies that will help transform and empower our community
  • Excellence: Persons contributing at the highest level of performance to create a positive impression on the State of Michigan
  • Action: Individuals who display extraordinary effort to make an impact in the community
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The 2009 2CMICHIGAN recipients include: Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive; Stephen Pickett, Vice Chairman, Oakland Family Services; and Ed Copley, Founder, Kid-Safe Network.
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The award will be presented during the Premier Awards and Networking Reception, at the conclusion of the Midwest Technology Leaders 2010 Symposium at the MGM Grand Detroit on May 26, 2010. To learn more about the Corporate Commitment to Michigan Award and view a complete list of past winners, click here.
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Midwest Technology Leaders is currently seeking nominations for the 2010 Midwest Collaboration Award (MCA). Started in 2005, the MCA looks to identify, create, support and honor impacting partnerships between Midwest companies and local individuals or groups benefiting the technology community.  As the regional economy has become increasingly more reliant upon technology, local communities, organizations and businesses have also come to have a vested interest in the role technology plays within their world. This award recognizes partnerships that have made a recognizable impact on the growth of the technology community. Nominations must be received no later than April 30, 2010 and can be submitted online at www.midwesttechnologyleaders.com/mtl-awards.
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Last years’ recipient of the MCA was Detroit Regional Chamber, West Michigan Strategic Alliance Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, Digerati, Media Genesis and Issue Media Group partnership. This collaboration was honored for its role in a national initiative to improve workforce conditions in Michigan. Nominations were submitted by the Michigan Business Community and voted on through Midwest Technology Leaders’ Corporate board.
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The award will be presented during the Premier Awards and Networking Reception, at the conclusion of the Midwest Technology Leaders 2010 Symposium at the MGM Grand Detroit on May 26, 2010. To learn more about the Midwest Collaboration Award or to download an application form, click here.
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