Infonomics - Specialising in IT Governance

Company Directors Conference 2004

The Company Directors Conference for 2004 was held in Port Douglas, Queensland, on 5-7 May.

The conference theme - "Alternatives - Beyond Imagination" lent itself well to an opening session presented by Mr Ray Kurzweil, author of "The Age of Spiritual Machines".  Ray took the 500 plus delegates on a wondrous exploration of the future that is being delivered to us right now, through an ever increasing rate of development in science and technology.  For a fascinating hour, take a look at the webcast of Kurzweil's presentation.

Kurzweil's comments also helped set the scene for discussion of our key interest - IT Governance.  On Friday, 7 May, some 70 delegates gathered at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures (could a more fitting location have been found) for a forum discussion entitled "IT Governance - who cares and does it matter?".

Brian Mitchell FAICD, Managing Director of Oracle Corporation opened the session, citing research recently commissioned by Oracle, highlighting the increasing need for boards to exercise diligence in all areas of Corporate Governance.

Marianne Broadbent FAICD, Associate Dean of he Melbourne Business School and until recently leader of the global research and development team for Gartner Executive Programs.  Marianne introduced IT Governance as a fundamental component of Corporate Governance.  See Marianne's presentation here.

Christina Gillies MAICD, a full time non executive director whose board roles include Centrelink, Oakton, Sealcorp, Commsecure and Multiple Sclerosis Australia described how organisations such as Centrelink and Bendigo Bank are implementing Corporate Governance of Information Technology.  See Christina's presentation here.

Infonomics Principal Mark Toomey wrapped up the session with a briefing on the Australian Standard for Corporate Governance of Information and Communications Technology, and then introducing the Business Change and Technology Governance Lens - a tool that assists Directors to explore the IT situation in their organisations.  See Mark's presentation here.