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For many years companies have been investing in enterprise systems and IT initiatives but they are now struggling to achieve the desired results. It takes a long time to make the best of your enterprise systems so businesses must stop looking for the next technology ´silver bullet´ and instead maximize the value of existing IT investments.

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Foreword Preface The Technology Wave, Organizations and Economic Reality Enterprise Systems: The Technology We Already Have Biological Evolution: Osmosis, Growth and Adaptation Mastery is a Long Conversation Building Organizational Capabilities for the Long Conversation The Next Technology Wave Practical Implications Index End notes Selected Bibliography

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´Today´s corporations succeed or fail, in part, according to their ability to manage enterprise systems (large and complex computerized systems with cost typically in the millions of dollars). The Long Conversation examines how organizations learn not only to live with enterprise systems, but also achieve goals beyond those they set out to achieve. This book closes the gap between rhetoric and practice. It provides tools to manage the dialogue (and learning) that takes place in diffusing new technological capabilities, growing mastery, and adapting the organization´s business model. It is a must read for those who are interested in enterprise systems implementation.´ Dr Ramiro Montealegre, Professor of Information Systems at the University of Colorado, Boulder, USA

´In our constantly changing complex business world, IT/Enterprise Systems are an excellent asset which can offer great added value to an organization. Implementing such IT and getting the most out of it however can be a long and difficult path with lots of obstacles on the way. One can easily get lost in the maze of technical possibilities. Therefore, especially when ´rolling out´ such IT at different legal entities of a global operating business, it is of vital importance also to focus on people and processes. The Long Conversation gives a concise overview plus practical hints on how not to lose track and how to keep focused on the issue. Case studies from different industry sectors make it easy to get valuable help and guidance.´ Frank Seeger, Head of Logistics, Bayer Health Care, Madrid

´ a vital and long overdue book to help Executives understand that deriving value from technology investment is not just about technology, but about the organizational behaviours and processes that give substance to the IT infrastructure.´ Professor John Beckford, Loughborough University & Beckford Consulting, UK

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