This article was written for BDO’s business briefing for Autumn 2003. The article is reflective of a common theme that we find – businesses often resort to writing software as a first resort rather than a last resort, and end up working even harder to make their business work. It’s not that I’m against homegrown software, but I do see it cause enough grief that I suggest clients have a Bex and a good lie down before developing their own software. The article is also published at http://michealaxelsen.com/blog/publications/articles/when-the-systems-tail-wags-the-organisations-dog/. Enjoy.
BDO Kendalls
Planning paramount for high growth companies
Recently, BDO Kendalls published its quarterly business briefing. An article I co-wrote (with Sharyn Richardson, an Associate at BDO Kendalls in Brisbane) discussed the issues of business growth and its impact on planning for capability within the business.
The article is reproduced in full below.
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While the importance of planning is generally impressed upon companies that want to grow, companies growing exponentially in the current boom economy cannot undervalue the planning process to ensure their growth remains sustainable. Â
Growth is generally seen as a positive for any business, but the consequences on businesses processes, systems and infrastructure is often overlooked, leaving many business owners struggling to keep up. Simply, quick growth may mean that some areas of your business will not work as well as they used to or they may not work at all.
Q400
Last week (last Tuesday) BDO Kendalls was a major sponsor of the annual Q400 event. This is a countdown of the top 400 Queensland businesses, and is organised by the Queensland Business Review.
I was on the stand at the Brisbane Powerhouse – in our funky BDO Kendalls t-shirt (thanks Ange!) – and in the crowd, listening to people such as Robert Gottliebsen and friends (including of course our own managing partner, Tony Schiffman!).
A photo of our booth from the day are shown below:
Information Security – a practitioner’s perspective
While John Halliday is busy holidaying (at least, I think he is busy holidaying – that’s what he told me) I tonight stepped into his shoes to help BDO Kendalls host the monthly meeting of the Australian Information Security Association.
Tonight’s presentation was held in the BDO Kendalls training rooms, and it was very well received. Mark Phillips of Suncorp presented on their IT Security Awareness program, which is a novel thing for what is usually a fairly technical presentation. However – since I could understand it! – I enjoyed the presentation immensely. There were lots of good hints and tips that would really apply to any awareness program – whether it be information management, information security, or workplace health & safety.Â
The big tips were to keep a clear message, consistently delivered, and to start small and test, develop, and change according to feedback received. Oh, and to give away iPods and remember to address WIIFM – the answer to your target audience’s question, ‘what’s in it for me?’.Â
Thoroughly enjoyed the presentation.
Career Watch – me six years ago
Six years ago (!) I was profiled in the CPA Australia journal – in their career watch section, nothing too special. It was in order to promote the IT Specialisation for CPA Australia (technically, I am a ‘Certified Practising Accountant (Specialist in Information Technology); my full handle is a bit cumbersome.
I decided I probably should record it for posterity – see how we’re travelling so to speak.
For the record, Horwath Brisbane Chartered Accountants merged with BDO Kendalls in November 2002 – which is why the names have changed. Incidentally, at least one good reason to merge is the apparent difficulty people have always had with Horwath (here it’s been reproduced as Howarth, and on my first day at Horwath I got a rude shock from a client who pronounced it as ‘whores & whores’ (and they weren’t trying to be rude))!
Fortunately I think I can say confidently that we are developing a niche systems consulting area of the firm, although perhaps not in the direction I thought we would go six years ago!
Career Watch – Micheal Axelsen (30) [editor: well, I was then!]
Micheal Axelsen, B. Comm (Hons), CPA, MinfmSystems, is MD of Horwath Business Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, in Brisbane. He is a specialist in IT, and holds a Master of Information Systems.
How did you specialise in IT? I tutored in information systems (IS) at University of Queensland in 1991. In 1996 when I qualified as CPA, I knew IS was more appealing. I pursued my MinfmSystems degree and knocked on doors until Bruce Hatcher of Horwath gave me a job.
Who has been the major influence on your career? Charles Rheault (my old boss at Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School). He taught me the value of looking after staff, that those with talent should contribute to the community, and to always keep a sense of humour in a crisis. He also taught me the value of eating pizza when working late.
What is the best career advice you have ever had? ‘The patient has the disease’ – you need to be objective, and if you are going to have a long successful career, you need to have balance and be able to draw a line between work and home.
Who do you admire in business? Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. He was ill in the mid-80’s and was brave enough to walk away from day-to-day involvement (with a considerable amount of cash in his pocket!) and change his lifestyle.
Where will you be in 10 years? Professionally, I hope Howarths has developed into a niche systems consulting firm. Personally, I hope to have attained this elusive ‘balance’.
This article has been posted through to my publications section.