Research
objectives
We
have two: to be interesting and to be helpful.
The
latter is more important. We encourage clients to tell us what would be
helpful for them and will revise the research schedule accordingly.
Research
processes
Our
research process varies between types of publication and topic.
Snapshot
Research Reports are compiled simply on the basis of analysing
clients' completed questionnaires. These are quantitative reports, with a
small amount of comment reproduced alongside figures and tables.
Our
other research (e.g. Analyst Notes, Spotlight Reports)
typically involves a mix of telephone interviews, exchange (with clients)
of details of their practices, some quantitative analysis, perhaps a
literature/ web search, often plus an injection of consulting experience.
In
conducting research we only use analysts with a track record of
consulting experience with blue chip companies.
Buying
our research
Although
many of our clients choose to subscribe to one or other of our services,
some of our research publications are available on a one-off basis.
Subscriptions
are more cost-effective.
Analyst Notes
These
are short (4 or 5 page) pieces of analysis or overviews of key topics, or
key news items. Example
titles:
Managing freelance IT workers, or IT
contractors
Managing sickness absence in IT
Equipping the IT HR function for
success
Developing IT project management
capability
IT recruitment: what works best?
Compensation for standby working in IT
Getting more from senior technical
experts
Making global IT HR work
IT resource pools & resource
managers: the reality
Spotlight Papers
These look at key topics and are
20-30 pages in length. They distil consultant-level expertise and
up-to-date knowledge into readable and actionable papers and come with an
Executive Summary in PowerPoint format:
IT
People & Organization Review 2008:
A Review of
the IT Human Resources scene as we enter 2008
This Annual Review reviews the facts and
the trends in IT people and organization as we proceed into 2008, and
draws some conclusions about likely developments. It is
research based, and in extrapolating into the future identifies some
actionable steps that IT and IT HR leaders should bear in mind as they
formulate their priorities and plans.
Diaz Reference: 4016/1
Retention Bonuses:
The use of deferred bonuses
in IT
This unique Spotlight Paper gives some conceptual
frameworks that will help understand what deferred bonuses do, and do not
do. It also gives practical advice on
the characteristics, effects and design of retention bonuses.
Contents Page
as a PDF
Diaz Reference:
4001/2
Managing
performance at work:
10 points for
IT teams
This Spotlight Paper gives 10 points for IT
Human Resource managers and their senior IT colleagues in terms of
improving performance management in IT areas.
Diaz Reference: 4007/2
Briefings
and
Handbooks
These are
are practical guides on how to tackle specific issues -
including sample outputs to help you decide what is right for you. They give you consultant
expertise without the delay and cost involved - and also include some
telephone consultant
access so you can get advice on your specific situation. They are typically 100+
pages in length.
Structuring the IT Function:
Dilemmas and themes in
the design of the IT organization
CIOs and those who advise them have
very little to help them think through the process of structuring the IT
function. As well as the question of what will be most effective, there
are personal agendas and business interface issues to be tackled. This
Research Briefing reviews the principal structural dilemmas and options, and describes
a proven restructuring process.
Contents Page
as a PDF
Diaz Reference: 3009/2
Career Structures
for Systems People:
A Handbook
This is the definitive treatment of IT
careers structures and frameworks. There is no other product available anywhere
in Europe or further afield that is remotely like it. If you are considering developing a better
career structure, or introducing changes to your existing arrangements, you will
get value from this product.
Diaz Reference: 3007/2
Recognizing and rewarding the
senior individual contributor
Career paths and reward for
internal IT consultancy roles
The question of career structures and reward for
senior technical specialists is a familiar one. This Briefing, based on
extensive consulting experience, establishes some solid principals, helps identify the approach
and option most suitable for you, and gives examples of career paths for senior
individual contributors.
Contents Page
as a PDF
Diaz Reference:
3003/2
Snapshot Research
Reports
These are are
quantitative, concise and punchy (c. 10-20 pages in length) and
give the key statistics about what is happening in IT HR among blue chip
companies. They are available only to subscription
clients who participate - i.e. contribute data. The
following Contents pages allow you to
understand the general nature of Snapshot Research.
If you are interested in details
of a particular publication email us at: