John Parkinson Archives - CFO

My 2017 Tech Watchpoints

My 2017 Tech Watchpoints

Internet of things, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence — they're all worth watching in 2017 and beyond.

By John Parkinson | January 12, 2017

Forecasting: Looking for Weak Signals

Forecasting: Looking for Weak Signals

Forecasting the future is a tough act, but there are strategies and signals available that create a useful framework.

By John Parkinson | January 4, 2017

10 Questions for Technology Optimists

10 Questions for Technology Optimists

It's useful for optimistic technophiles to ask hard questions about just what contributions technology is really making.

By John Parkinson | November 9, 2016

When Will We Be Able to Trust the IoT?

When Will We Be Able to Trust the IoT?

Regardless of all the buzz around the Internet of Things, the promised connectivity won't mean much until it works all the time.

By John Parkinson | March 28, 2016

There’s No Excuse for Poor Customer Service

There’s No Excuse for Poor Customer Service

Yet, listen to this tale of woe. Then ask yourself whether your company paying enough attention to customer service.

By John Parkinson | July 2, 2015

What Kind of Problem Solver Are You?

Workplace Issues

What Kind of Problem Solver Are You?

The right approach or combination of approaches can change how you see a problem and deal with it, and make the difference between success and failure.

By John Parkinson | April 15, 2015

Finance: Processing Like It’s 1995

Finance: Processing Like It’s 1995

The finance department used to be an early adopter of technology. How can it overcome its present inertia?

By John Parkinson | February 19, 2015

What Does the Cloud Really Cost?

What Does the Cloud Really Cost?

Moving to the cloud takes some investment as well as a total revamp of an organization's IT budget.

By John Parkinson | February 13, 2015

Out of Place

As business models evolve away from a dependence on the concept of a fixed “place,” companies will have to adapt.

By John Parkinson | December 10, 2014

What to Do When ‘Best’ Practices Aren’t

Risk Management

What to Do When ‘Best’ Practices Aren’t

Following accepted best practices is usually a good idea, but sometimes it's anything but.

By John Parkinson | August 22, 2014

Who Will Be the Data Keepers?

Who Will Be the Data Keepers?

As Big Data grows bigger, more complicated, and more difficult to deal with, the choice of which data get retained and which discarded becomes pivotal.

By John Parkinson | June 12, 2014

When a Process Can’t Fail, Be Brilliant About the Basics

When a Process Can’t Fail, Be Brilliant About the Basics

Three must-haves: 'high-availability' system designs, checklists and team performance bonuses.

By John Parkinson | April 2, 2014

The Role of Intuition in a World of Big Data

The Role of Intuition in a World of Big Data

Running a business solely on "gut feel" is not sustainable, but neither is basing all decisions on the data.

By John Parkinson | January 29, 2014

Paying the ‘Attention Tax’ on Automation

Workplace Issues

Paying the ‘Attention Tax’ on Automation

Although companies are relying more on automated processes, businesses can’t function without the human element.

By John Parkinson | January 9, 2014

Why We Loathe Reports

Why We Loathe Reports

Companies need accurate and timely information to run their business efficiently, and retrospective reports aren’t cutting it.

By John Parkinson | December 4, 2013