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The Document Methodology is written for anyone who is trying to manage, operate, understand or change a relatively complex set of business processes supported by an information system on a computer network. Each of the six chapters in this book is supported by a process model and includes details of the model and its implications for improving business. The purpose of these models is not to capture detail for a major system design but to demonstrate the essence of how to connect and integrate enterprise processes using a document view. The Document Methodology |
Copyright 2007 by Jim I. Jones / email: jimijones@aol.com
The running case study near the end of each chapter, refers to manufacturing. This is because at a process level, it is difficult to be completely generic. But, the Document Methodology itself is highly generic and applicable to a wide range of industries.
Each chapter concludes with a "Coffeehouse Conference" oriented around the principles of a philosopher whose thoughts are still relevant today - Adam Smith on wealth, Socrates on knowledge, Descartes on process, Locke on quality, Kant on systems and Lao Tsu on change.
Each chapter builds on the previous chapter:
- Chapter 1 introduces the elements (axioms) of the
methodology.
- Chapter 2 categorizes knowledge as value added
documents.
- Chapter 3 defines a project view of process with the
categorized documents as milestones.
- Chapter 4 shows that capturing the resultant statistics
provides the facts to manage people.
- Chapter 5 describes a framework to leverage technology
for systems that support core processes.
- Chapter 6 introduces innovative change by applying the
methods defined in the first five chapters.
Comments
about the book:
David J. Dirks - Program Manager in Xerox Professional Services and former CIO Quanterra, Inc.
"The gains which can be made from managing our business processes using
the tools and techniques of knowledge management are huge. They represent the
last, largely untapped ways we can not only improve our financial picture,
but also fundamentally improve all aspects of business performance. THE
DOCUMENT METHODOLOGY and the five axioms not only provide a uniquely clear
understanding of the issues but also a concrete, usable methodology to realize
the potential."
W. Douglas Foran - Director of Sales, Xerox Document Management Technology
"The Document Methodology represents the transitional technique for companies and their suppliers to develop a coherent view of their business and its value to the consumer. As companies move toward increasingly collaborative webs for delivering products and services to the market, The Document Methodology may be the only way to describe and manage the enterprise."
Robert J. Haglund - past General Manager of GM's Indiana Transmission Division
"The document methodology (DM) provides one view of enterprise that is comprehensive; not narrowly focused on one glib goal like JIT or DFT. DM is not abstract. It illuminates the processes of the business with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Virtually every senior manager is in a position he inherited. He probably did not create the business processes over which he has responsibility and, without DM, he probably has a very limited understanding how his organization really works."
Sheila Hosenfeld - President of Publishease, a technology marketing publishing company
"Anyone who wants to eliminate paper or understand the real role of documents in making business run smoothly should read this book."
James E. MacDonald - Manager Engineering/Manufacturing Computer Systems, EDS
"..excellent. The coverage is quite comprehensive. The charts are robust."
Amos J. Meyer - past VP of portfolio management Chase Bank and theoretical physicist
"incredibly comprehensive"
Dr. Kenneth R. Morrison, Professor of Industrial Engineering, GMI Engr. & Management Inst.
Many people are talking about reengineering. No one has seen that documents are the missing link to provide a coherent, comprehensive view of enterprise; you did.
Tom Starr, Xerox Industry Consultant for Manufacturing
Dr. Jones' book is a must read for anyone attempting to maximize the intellectual assets of their company. Dr. Jones' methodology demonstrates how a document strategy can enhance workflow, increase productivity, reduce costs, improve communication and strengthen customer service.