IT Conference 2008

9:00-9:45

Registration and Tea and Coffee

9:45-10:00

Welcome by Chair
John Tate, IT Consultant

10:00-11:00

Opening Plenary: Accounting is already a virtual world – do we now need it in 3D?
Prof Clive Holtham, Professor of Information Management, Cass Business School

There has been a huge growth in interest and in controversy about 3D virtual worlds such as Second Life. However, it is usually overlooked that all computer systems are already 2D virtual worlds. So too are even paper-based accounting systems. This challenging presentation examines the limitations and potential for accountants of both 2D and 3D virtual worlds.

11:00-11:30

Break

11:30-12:20

1A - Turn the Bleeding Edge into the Leading Edge - How to Manage the Risks of Emerging Technologies
Kieran McDonagh, Newton IT

Many charities need to consider emerging technologies to extend the reach of their communications while restricting their IT costs. Newton will describe an approach that helps to manage the risks in balancing these competing pressures.

1B - Sharepoint Case Study - Christian Aid's Collaborative Intranet
Sarah Robson, Head of Information Systems, Christian Aid

In 2005 Christian Aid put in a truly collaborative Intranet based on SharePoint 2003. Hear Sarah tell the story of its successes and challenges.

12:20-13:10

2A - Navigating the Sourcing Jungle
Bob Darby, Director of Information Services, Barnardos

With so many sourcing options in today’s complex ICT environment it easy to get lost. This practical session will help you determine your most advantageous route through the sourcing jungle.

2B - Selection and implementation of a new finance system
Tim Pons, Financial Controller and Russell Holinshead, Strategic Business Support Manager, RSPB

RSPB recently implemented a new finance system across all their offices. Tim and Russell will be giving a case study of this roller-coaster experience.

13:10-14:20

Lunch

14:20-15:10

3A - IT risk and the Art of Mitigation
Simon Jennings, Head of IS and Purchasing Strategy, Oxfam

Most organisations dependance on IT to operate, means that any IT change brings with it risk. Whether it is infrastructure , application project , or supplier change, how do you take appropriate steps to mitigate the risks?

3B - Case Study: New Media and Web 2.0
Bertie Bosrédon, Head of New Media, Breast Cancer Care

The New Media department at Breast Cancer Care operates like an in-house digital agency. Bertie will show how his team operates and how Breast Cancer Care are using web 2.0 to improve support for people affected by breast cancer and increase awareness.

15:10-16:00

4A - Accounting for IT in the 21st Century
Chris Tiernan, Managing Partner, Grosvenor Consulting Services

Originally, IT automated clerical tasks. Today, IT is about doing business differently. Which management methods now maximise what we achieve from our limited funds? How does value arise from IT?

4B - Future of Communications: A Case-study of Videoconferencing at Medecins sans Frontiers UK
William Jones, Networks & IT Officer, MSF UK

A non-technical presentation on the benefits and difficulties associated with implementing this communication technology in a diverse, multi-national office and field environment.

16:00-16.30

Break - Tea & Coffee

16:30-17:15

How will Climate Change Policy Impact IT?
Francis Rottenburg, Carbon Management Team, Carbon Trust

IT in various forms consumes at least 2% of UK generating output and it could be double that. Very few IT systems have been designed around energy efficiency and are therefore very well placed to help organisations meet the climate change challenge. Energy cost and legislation will have major impacts on IT operating costs over the next ten years.

17:15-17:30

Summary of Conference
Closing words by Chair

17:30-19:00

Reception & Networking