Abstract: Business strategy, a road map telling us how the business plans to be successful, does not guarantee success. Strategy execution requires business processes that do what the strategy calls for--and do it well. In today's automated world, these business processes rely on business systems. Therefore, a direct link exists between the success of business strategy and business systems. Poor systems are a frequent reason for the failure of a business strategy.

Abstract: Channel master business is good. Everyone likes increased volume. But the impact of this business can be bad for the bottom line. How can manufacturers meet the demands of the channel master and preserve their business?

Abstract: Jamcracker, an ASP providing business services for HR management, expense management and sales force automation solutions has announced a new program to increase sales. Jamcracker’s Channel Program offers sales and implementation training to its new channel partners.

Abstract: If there's a disconnect between your channel and your marketing team, neither will reach their full potential. In this column, you’ll see how involving your channel in the positioning process is a key ingredient in successful marketing and sales.

Abstract: It’s not enough to develop a strategy for your enterprise; real success comes from effective execution of that strategy. Prioritization, improvement, and control are the key steps involved in enterprise strategy execution. But before leaping right into deployment, you might need a few more details. Learn how planning your objectives and fixing performance gaps gives you control of improvement gains—now and in the future.

Abstract: The new competitive differentiator in retail is the ability to effectively sense, shape, and fulfill customer demand through the customer’s channel of choice. The seamless shopping experience—providing what customers want, when they want it, in the way they want it—has come to the forefront. That’s why well-executed cross-channel retailing is essential to success, no matter what your vertical.

Abstract: The divide between strategy development and strategy execution can be overcome by creating balanced scorecards. Prioritize your objectives to determine which are most critical. Then cascade objectives and metrics down and across the organization, creating linked and related—but not identical—scorecards for each critical area. These and five other tips for scorecarding success will move you in the right direction.

Abstract: Oracle's vision of a complete collaborative e-Business solution requires a database strategy, an application server strategy, and an e-business strategy. Will users buy into this vision?

Abstract: SSA Global's Client Forum has reinforced our impression that the vendor's product strategy is an effective strategy that addresses the realities of today's market. However, the execution is not without challenges. Although we found confusion on the part of a few, customers appeared supportive of the SSA strategy.

Abstract: For years, Catalyst International was a leading public WMS/SCE vendor before missteps by its previous management team caused serious problems in strategy and execution. Over the past few years Catalyst's turnaround strategy has returned it to growth and profitability. As a result, it has recently been acquired by ComVest, a wealthy, private investment firm. This development may indicate private equity investors' renewed interest in this market and might validate the company's turnaround strategy that began in late 2001. Still, the question remains whether the anticipated infusion of capital from ComVest will enable Catalyst to become a consolidator and rejoin its mightier direct competitors in the industry's upper echelon.

Abstract: As marketing budgets shrink and companies in the corporate services industry aim to leverage their Web sites as less expensive alternatives to traditional marketing tools, Web-site strategy is becoming more important. Web-site strategy must focus on enhancing credibility, strengthening existing relationships, generating leads, and more. Get tips on how to create a Web-site strategy that will help you achieve these goals.

Abstract: One of the most effective and efficient ways to develop a successful marketing position for B2B software is to begin with the sales channel, especially if you have limited time and resources.

Abstract: Executives and middle management are constantly faced with determining policy, process, and technology around managing one or multiple channels. What is critical to successful channel management?

Abstract: Great Plains has established very strong branding and penetration within the Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SME) segment of the ERP market, with a large and loyal customer base and a uniquely developed, extensive partner channel within the industry. A long presence on Microsoft's platforms ensures that R&D money has been spent on enhancing product functionality in accordance with the voice of customers and/or the market trends.

Abstract: With the emergence of the Internet, the business environment has changed for many organizations, and will change to an even greater extent in the future. Indeed, in an increasingly dynamic and global environment, the Web has become an important source of competitive differentiation for companies of all sizes. In this comprehensive white paper, you’ll find out how to design a Web channel strategy that works for you.

Abstract: To be reliable, cost and profitability analysis must be underpinned with an activity-driven view of how an organization’s products, customers, and channels consume resources and incur costs. However, activity-based costing (ABC) contributes to more reliable customer, product, and channel profitability analysis. In fact, without this foundation, such analyses are critically flawed, and can result in inappropriate decisions and choices.

Abstract: IT initiatives driven within silos, where each department maintain its own project management office, inhibits the overall cohesiveness and effectiveness of corporate strategy. This document outlines best practices to centralize and deliver a scalable and robust project management framework strategy.

Abstract: A customer relationship management (CRM) system is inherently valuable for supporting customer acquisition and retention by gathering data from each contact with customers and prospects. Collecting data, however, cannot be isolated from a strategy for actually using that data. Here is an overview of how to evolve the focus of a data strategy to specifically suit both the acquisition and retention phases.