Mark R. Nelson, Ph.D.
THINK BIG, start small

 

Overview

With over fifteen years experience in developing and managing information technology resources, my expertise is in the cross-functional integration of information resources with the goal of aligning available information resources with organizational goals and objectives.  I am particularly interested in performance management, large-scale systems implementation, enterprise architecture, and marketing information systems.  Over the past few years I have been specifically focused on large-scale systems in the public sector and IT leadership. More recently I began developing expertise in digital content management issues in the context of course materials, like textbooks, in the higher education environment. I have experience in project management, information technology strategy development and implementation, business process reengineering, performance management, web development and design, and the development and implementation of training, decision support, ERP, and transaction systems.  I also have strong writing, presentation, group facilitation, teaching, and general communications skills.

Education

Awards and Achievement

 

Work Experience

Employment History

  • National Association of College Stores, Digital Content Strategist (May 2005 to present)
  • Lally School of Management and Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Assistant Professor (July 2002 to June 2005), Clinical Assistant Professor (August 2000 to June 2002); Received a dual appointment to the Information Technology Department, School of Science (January 2003 to June 2005)
  • The Hunter Group, Senior Higher Education Consultant (June 1999 to August 2000)
  • St. Michael’s College, Project Director (1998-1999); Special Assistant to the President for Technology (1997-1999); PC & User Support Specialist (1991-1993); Lab Manager (1990-1991)
  • Adjunct Lecturer (1994-1998, 2008), University at Albany ; Saint Michael’s College; University of Vermont
  • University at Albany , Research Associate (1995-1997); Project Management Associate (1993-1995)

Professional Experience

  • Digital Content Strategist :   Lead change as a key national strategy leader to the college store industry in the development and future implementation of education, initiatives, and potential business models related to supporting or enhancing the role of college stores in the distribution of digitally-delivered content and course materials. Successfully cultivated partnerships with publishers, other companies, and the college store community to develop and prototype new business models and strategies. Perform ongoing environmental scanning and information analysis about developments in higher education related to distribution of digital content, course management systems, and other technology-oriented initiatives. Provide industry-level education and serve as a proactive agent of change in the areas of innovation and emerging technologies.
  • Assistant Professor:   Engage in research activities that will lead to publication and presentation activity.  Instruct students in various courses (undergraduate, graduate and executive) and participate in designing new courses (e.g., Enterprise Information Architecture).  Serve on various committees and perform other service for the school.    Promoted from Clinical Assistant Professor to Assistant Professor in 2002.
  • Senior Higher Education Consultant:   Worked on performance assessment and management projects at multiple academic institutions.  Engaged in business development activities including proposal development and marketing strategy development and implementation.  Led development of a Performance Management and Institutional Effectiveness program that includes Balanced Scorecard and Baldrige (Excellence in Higher Education) Assessments.  Conducted market research on initiatives in distance learning, portal and self-service applications.  Assisted with other front-end project management activities including defining project scope, developing detailed project plans and constructing statements of work.
  • Project Director:  Served as the project director for a major reengineering and ERP software project for Saint Michael’s College. Created and led cross-functional project teams; monitored the project budget, timelines, and activities; maintained the project web site; and helped create and execute a public awareness campaign to build commitment from all constituencies.  Assisted in creating and implementing communication, training, documentation, and testing plans.  Supervised project-related activities of several staff members. 
  • Special Assistant to the President for Technology:   Served as a liaison between the College President and the faculty, staff, and administration regarding all issues related to technology at Saint Michael’s College.  Oversaw the resolution of select data and process problems on campus, particularly as they related to student address information.  Involved in the development of a college information systems plan and systems security policy.  Acted as a troubleshooter for the President’s Office in all matters related to the implementation of technology, handling ad-hoc projects as needed.
  • Adjunct Lecturer:  Taught all or part of multiple course sections for both undergraduate and graduate/MBA students, focusing on a variety of topics such as database systems, information resource management, systems analysis and design, reengineering, decision support systems, client/server computing, marketing information systems, database marketing, and the web.
  • Research Associate:   Assisted with the development of publication and course materials; and evaluated commercial decision support system software.  Supervised a rotating team of MBA students in their MIS field project course which included projects with Simmons Corporation, the New York State Office of Mental Health, the State University of New York Office of Policy Analysis and Planning, the New York State Department of Social Services, and Regalo, Inc.
  • Project Management Associate:  Assisted the project coordinator in management and coordination services for the several projects in operation at the Center for Technology in Government at the University at Albany (SUNY). Participated in the selection, planning, operation, and documentation of projects involving various technologies, including document imaging, decision support systems, and groupware.  Assisted with ongoing evaluation and development of the center’s operations, policies and procedures.
  • PC and User Support Specialist:  Designed, developed, and upgraded new and existing software applicatoins for other departments.  Assisted with LAN maintenance and troubleshooting; installed new computer systems; performed maintenance and repair on existing systems; and supervised and trained student assistants.  Oversaw the implementation of the automated library system and conducted individualized training with staff during installation of the software package on a VAX/VMS system.

  

Publication Experience

Publications

  • M. Nelson, "New Year's Resolutions for the Digital Revolution," The College Store, January/February 2008.
  • M. Nelson, “IT Engagement in Research: A View of Medical School Practice,” Research Report, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, January 2008.
  • M. Nelson, “E-books in Higher Education: Nearing the End of the Era of Hype?” ECAR Research Bulletin, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, volume 2008, issue 1, January 8, 2008. Reprinted in EDUCAUSE Review, March/April 2008.
  • G. Salaway, J. B. Caruso, and M. R. Nelson, “The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology 2007,” ECAR Research Study Series, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, volume 6, September, 2007.
  • M. Goodyear and M. R. Nelson, “Leadership Strategies for Large-scale IT Implementations in Government,” in Transforming Public Leadership for the 21 st Century, eds. R. S. Morse and T. F. Buss, Washington, DC: National Academy of Public Administration, 2007.
  • G. Salaway, R. N. Katz, J. B. Caruso, R. B. Kavavik, and M. R. Nelson, “The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2006,” ECAR Research Study Series, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, volume 7, December, 2006.
  • M. R. Nelson, “Emerging Technologies in Digital Content Delivery,” ECAR Research Bulletin, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, volume 2006, issue 20, September 26, 2006 .
  • M. R. Nelson, “Digital Content Delivery Trends in Higher Education,” ECAR Research Bulletin, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, volume 2006, issue 9, April 25, 2006.
  • M. R. Nelson, “Assessing and Communicating the Value of IT,” ECAR Research Bulletin, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, volume 2005, issue 16, August 2, 2005 .
  • M. R. Nelson, “Breaking Out of the IT Silo: The Integration Maturity Model,” ECAR Research Bulletin, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, volume 2005, issue 6, March 22, 2005.
  • M. R. Nelson , “Understanding Large-scale IT Project Failure: Escalating and De-escalating Commitment,” in Handbook of Public Information Systems, 2 nd edition, ed. G.D. Garson, March 2005.
  • M. R. Nelson, “Leading Innovation: Innovation climate and IT Unit Effectiveness,” ECAR Research Bulletin, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, volume 2004, issue 19, September, 14, 2004.
  • R. Katz , J. Penrod, B. Kvavik, J. Pirani, M. Nelson, G. Salaway, “Information Technology Leadership in Higher Education: The Condition of the Community,” ECAR Research Report, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, February 2004.
  • M. R. Nelson, J. Mikullitz, A. Frank, J. Westney, "Investing in an Energy Management System:  The Case of Quality Care Nursing Home," Annals of Cases on Information Technology, Volume 6, January 2004.
  • M. R. Nelson , “Characteristics of Effective IT Leadership in Higher Education: It’s a Matter of Style,” ECAR Research Bulletin, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, October, 2003.
  • M. R. Nelson, “ Alignment Through Cross-Functional Integration,” in Strategic Information Technology: Opportunities for Competitive Advantage, ed. Raymond Papp, January 2001. Refereed Chapter.
  • R. A. McDonald, P. W. Thurston, Jr. and M. R. Nelson, "A Monte Carlo Study of Missing Item Methods," Organizational Research Methods, Volume 3, Number 1, January 2000.
  • M. R. Nelson, "Bank Marketing and Information Technology:  A Historical Analysis of the Post-1970 Period," International Journal of Bank Marketing, Volume 17, Number 6, December 1999.
  • S. Dawes and M. R. Nelson, “Pool the Risks, Share the Benefits: Partnerships in IT Innovation,” in Technology Trends, ed. J. Keyes, New York , NY : John Wiley & Sons, 1995.
  • P. Bloniarz and M. R. Nelson, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Title Imaging Project , CTG Project Report 94-1, Center for Technology in Government, November, 1994.
  • T. Pardo and M. R. Nelson, Groupware Technology Testbed , CTG Project Report 94-2, Center for Technology in Government, November, 1994.

Conference & Invited Presentations, Panel Sessions, and Proceedings

    • M. R. Nelson and R. Moen, “The CIO/CTO Workshop: IT Leadership,” Association Technology Conference & Expo 2008, Washington, DC, February 1, 2008.
    • M. R. Nelson, “2007: At the Digital Tipping Point?” California Association of College Stores (CACS) annual meeting, Anaheim, CA, November 7, 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, “2007: At the Digital Tipping Point?” invited keynote address, Campus Stores Canada meeting, Halifax, NS, November 4, 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Digital Content Delivery: Are we there yet?” invited keynote address, Kaboom! Meeting, Charlotte, NC, September 28, 2007.
    • E. Rich, M. R. Nelson, A. Whitmore, “IT Project Management, Concept Modeling, and Blind Dates,” poster session, International Systems Dynamics Conference (ISDC), Boston, MA, August 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, “College Stores, Digital Content and Innovation,” invited presentation to American Booksellers Association (ABA) Day of Education, BookExpo America, Brooklyn, NY, May 31, 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Digital Content: Are We Nearing the End of the Era of Hype?,” Large Stores Group (LSG) annual meeting, Albuquerque, NM, April 20, 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, “The Evolving Business Model(s) of Learning Content,” invited panelist for an executive panel, Learning Impact Conference, Vancouver, BC, April 18, 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, Written and Oral Testimony, Textbook Study Field Hearing III, U.S. Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, Portland, OR, April 13, 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, “NACS Digital Content Update,” CAMEX, Orlando, FL, March 24, 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, “What’s Happening with Our Core Product?” Private Stores Group (PSG) Conference, Hilton Head, NC, March 3, 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Preparing for a Future with Digital Content,” invited presentation to Independent College Store Association (ICBA) annual meeting, San Antonio, TC, February 24, 2007.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Strategy in Not-for-Profits: Case of the College Store Textbook Industry,” invited guest lecture, Lally School of Management and Technology, Troy, NY, February 12, 2007.
    • R. N. Katz and M. Nelson, “Sustaining Innovation,” Discussion Session, EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research (ECAR) Symposium, Carefree, AZ, December 7, 2006.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Digital Content – Threats or Opportunities,” invited presentation to College Stores Canada annual meeting, Winnipeg, MB, November 5, 2006.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Digital Content Update: <Insert Subtitle Here>,” invited presentation to NACS Past President’s Meeting, Albuquerque, NM, October 20, 2006.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Approaching the Future: Digital Content Delivery,” invited presentation to Alabama Association of College Bookstores annual meeting, Huntsville, AL, October 25, 2006.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Digital Content Delivery: What is NACS Doing?” Large Stores Group (LSG) annual meeting, Park City, UT, April 20, 2006.
    • M. R. Nelson, G. Shapiro, R. Caruthers, D. Zurretti, “Technology in Teaching and Learning,” panel presentation and moderator, Large Stores Group (LSG) annual meeting, Park City, UT, April 20, 2006.
    • L. Gasaway and M. R. Nelson, “From Bindings to Bytes: Digital Content Delivery on Campus,” ConTEXT, Reno , NV , April 8, 2006.
    • J. Moore-Evans, M. R. Nelson, S. Stefan, “Taking the College Store ‘To Infinity and Beyond!’”, Campus Computer Resellers Association (CCRA) Annual Meeting, invited panelist, Reno, NV, April 7, 2006.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Managing Information for Learning in a Digital Environment,” invited presentation to the SunGard Higher Education Executive Summit, Orlando , FL , April 2, 2006.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Digital Content Delivery: Leveraging Emerging Trends and Opportunities,” CAMEX, Houston, TX , March 4, 2006.
    • T. Anderson and M. R. Nelson, “Competing with Free: New Opportunities in Course Material Delivery,” Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA) Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, February 17, 2006.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Research Seminar: Digital Content Delivery,” EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research (ECAR) Symposium, Carefree, AZ, December 7-9, 2005.
    • G. Bird, M. R. Nelson, and V. Jones, “From Bindings to Bytes: The Evolution from Paper to Digital and What It Means for Bookstores,” invited panelist for the Campus Stores Canada annual national symposium, Vancouver, BC, November 5-8, 2005.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Charting the Digital Future,” invited presentation to the Campus Stores Canada annual national symposium, Vancouver , BC , November 5-8, 2005.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Charting the Digital Future,” invited presentation to the New York State College Stores Association Annual Meeting, Syracuse , NY , October 25-26, 2005.
    • M. R. Nelson, “What Textbooks Could Become…” invited presentation to the Rocky Mountain Skyline Bookstore Association Annual Meeting, Breckenridge, CO, October 11-13, 2005.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Libraries and Bookstores on the College Campus,” invited presentation to the Rocky Mountain Skyline Bookstore Association Annual Meeting, Breckenridge, CO, October, 2005.
    • M. R. Nelson and Y. Liu, "Opportunities for the Future of IS -- Management and Development of Large-scale Systems Projects," Gordon B. Davis Research Symposium, Management Information Systems Research Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, May 13-14, 2005.
    • M. R. Nelson and T. Ravichandran, “Repeating Failure in Large-scale Government IT Projects: A Taxing Story,” Proceedings of the 10th Annual Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), New York City , NY , August 2004.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Critical Insights on the Strategic Management of Information Technology: From Automobiles to Zombies,” invited presentation, New York State Department of Transportation IT Manager Executive Development Seminar, through Information Technology Management, Inc., Troy, NY, July 22, 2004.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Repeating Failure in Large-Scale IT Projects,” Computer Science Department, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester , VT , February 17, 2004 .
    • M.R. Nelson, “IT Leadership in Higher Education,” EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research (ECAR) Symposium, San Diego , CA , November 19-21, 2003.
    • Review of Business Performance Measurement: Theory and Practice, by Andy Neely, Cambridge Press. Interfaces, Volume 33, Number 4, July-August 2003.
    • M. R. Nelson, , "Service-Driven Expectations for the Next Century,” Closing Keynote Address, 100th Anniversary Convention, New York State American Automobile Association, Lake George, NY, July 22, 2003.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Re-engineering and Document Management Technologies: Some Lessons Learned,” invited presentation, Partners Retreat, Westbrook Technologies Inc., Hartford , CT , June 2, 2003 .
    • M. R. Nelson and T. Smith, “Re-escalation Cycles in Large Scale Government Information Systems,” Information Technology and Organizations: Trends, Issues, Challenges and Solutions, Proceedings of the 14 th Annual Information Resources Management Association Conference (IRMA 2003), Philadelphia , PA , May 2003.
    • M. R. Nelson and D. Thomas, “Discovering the Causes of IT Project Failures in Government Agencies,” Information Technology and Organizations: Trends, Issues, Challenges and Solutions, Proceedings of the 14 th Annual Information Resources Management Association Conference (IRMA 2003), Philadelphia , PA , May 2003.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Using the Balanced Scorecard to Align the IT Function,” invited presentation, Applied Technology in Business Program Fall Conference, Oakland University , Rochester , MI , October 12, 2002.
    • P. Chanvarasuth, M. R. Nelson and T. Ravichandran, “Exploring Re-escalation Cycles in Systems Implementation: Extending Project Escalation and De-escalation Theories,” Asian-Pacific Decision Sciences Institute (APDSI) 2002 Conference, Bangkok , Thailand , July 2002.
    • M. R. Nelson and T. Ravichandran, “Understanding the Causes of Information Technology Project Failures in Government Agencies,” AMCIS 2001, Boston , MA , August 2001.
    • L. Mohan and M. R. Nelson, “Performance Measurement Systems and Academic Planning: Implementation Experience,” SCUP-35 National Conference, Society for College and University Planning, Denver , CO , July 2000.
    • M. R. Nelson and R. Johnson, “The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Institutional Vision Into Key Performance Indicators,” Association of Institutional Research Annual Meeting, Cincinatti , OH , May 2000.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Using the Balanced Scorecard as a Tool for IT Management in Higher Education,” Pacific Northwest Regional Meeting of Small College CIOs, Tacoma, WA, March 3, 2000.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Using the Web as a Project Management Tool,” presentation at the 1999 New England Regional Datatel Users Group, July 1999.
    • M. R. Nelson, “Integrating Information Resource Management with Marketing in Retail Banking,” presentation at the 8th Annual Information Resources Management Association Conference, Vancouver , Canada . May 1997.
    • M. R. Nelson, “We Have The Information You Want, But Getting It Will Cost You! Held Hostage By Information Overload,” Crossroads of the ACM , September 1994. Reprint requested by Intelligence Magazine, December 1996, and for the Annual Conference of the Georgia Association for Institutional Research, Planning, Assessment, and Quality, March 1997.
    • R. A. McDonald, P. W. Thurston, Jr. and M. R. Nelson, “A Monte Carlo Study of Missing Item Procedures,” 1996 Southern Management Association Meeting: Research Methods Track. Awarded best overall doctoral student paper and best student paper in the Research Methods Track. November 1996.

  

 

Teaching Experience

Management Information Systems (undergraduate level):

  • MGMT-4240, Systems Analysis and Design
  • MGMT-4130, Enterprise IT Integration (formerly Enterprise Information Architecture)
  • MGMT-4140, Computer Information Systems
  • BSAD 143, (Object Oriented) Systems Analysis and Design
  • BU 211, Introduction to Management Information Systems
  • MSI 415, Database Systems
  • Undergraduate Research Program Advising/Mentoring
  • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows Advising

Management Information Systems (graduate level):

  • Radical Innovation and Information Systems, Special Summer Session of KAIST (Korean MBA Program)
  • MIS-1/MSI-522, Management Information Systems, Executive MBA Program
  • MSI 520, Database Systems, Weekend/Executive MBA Program
  • MSI 521, Introduction to Information Decision Systems
  • MSI 691, Field Projects in MIS, Assisted in managing student teams
  • INF523/PAD523/ISP523/CSI523, Database Systems

Other Management(graduate level):

  • MGMT-6040/6041, Creating and Managing an Enterprise (team-taught, 2-semester course)

Other Guest Lectures and Workshops:

  • MKT 480, Marketing Strategy and Implementation
  • MKT 604, Marketing Strategy (Marketing Information Systems module)
  • INF 701, Information Management
  • Case-based interviewing
  • Using NUD*IST/NVivo for qualitative research and analysis

 

 

Service Experience

Service (Field)

  • Co-Chair, International Special Interest Group Project on Digital Instructional Content Exchange (DICE/E-textbooks), IMS Global Learning Consortium, September 2007-present.
  • Program Co-chair, Innovate 2007, Tampa, FL, July 10-11, 2007.
  • Lead Organizer, Forum on New Modes of Information Delivery in Higher Education, Denver, CO, March 5-6, 2007.
  • Reviewer, Technovation: The International Journal of Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology Management, 2006-2007.
  • Reviewer, International Journal of Cases in Information Technology (IJCIT), 2006.
  • Reviewer, Organization Science, 2005.
  • Reviewer, National Science Foundation, Early CAREER Awards, Fall 2003.
  • Session Chair, Academy of Management Annual Conference.  2003:  TIM Division, one session.
  • Session Chair, Information Resource Management Association International Conference, 2003:  One session.
  • InfoSci-Online.com Advisory Board, appointed May 2002-2005.
  • Editorial Review Board, Annals of Cases on Information Technology, appointed September 2001.
  • Reviewer, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 2004.
  • Reviewer, Special Issue of the Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, January 2002.
  • Reviewer , Enterprise Architecture, Book by Course Technology, 2001-2003.
  • Reviewer, Academy of Management Annual Conference, TIM Division 2001-2005; OCIS Division 2003-2005. 
  • Reviewer, Hawaii International Conference on Systems Sciences, 2001-2003.
  • Reviewer, Americas Conference on Information Systems, 2001-2004.
  • Reviewer, Information Resource Management Association International Conference.  2001, 2003.
  • Section Editor, “Teaching Information Systems Using Active Learning Techniques,” under the ISWORLD Teaching Methods, Tools and Techniques section of ISWorld Net, 1997 – 1999.
  • Guest Co-Editor, Issue on Interdisciplinary Computer Science,  Crossroads of the ACM. September, 1997.

Service (University)

  • IT Advisory Council, Western Govenor's University, 2007 to present
  • Co-chair, 15th Reunion for Class of 1991, St. Michael’s College, 2006
  • Institute Search Committee, Dean of Enrollment Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2004-2005.
  • MBA Placement Oversight Committee, School of Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2003- 2005.
  • Institute Community Relations Committee, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2002-2005. 
  • Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, School of Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2002-2005.
  • Research and Professional Development Committee, School of Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Fall 2002.
  • Performance Planning Committee, School of Management , Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Fall 2000.
  • Educational Technology Committee, St. Michael’s College, 1997-1999.
  • MIS/Technology Steering Committee, St. Michael’s College, 1992-1993, 1997-1999.
  • Chair, St. Michael’s College Security Policy Committee (ad-hoc), St. Michael’s College, 1998.
  • Employee Wellness Committee, St. Michael’s College, 1998-1999.
  • Library Committee, St. Michael’s College, 1997-1998.
  • Language Lab Research Committee (ad-hoc), St. Michael’s College, 1997-1998.
  • Enrollment Task Force, St. Michael’s College, 1991.
  • Board of Trustees, (student representative), St. Michael’s College, 1990-1991.

Service (Community)

  • United Way of Northeastern New York, performance management assistance, Spring 2006; enterprise systems audit, Spring 2001
  • Student mentor, GenNEXT, Albany, NY, 2005-2006
  • President, Colonie Chapter of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), 2000
  • Three Week Volunteer Project in Botswana , Africa , 1998
  • Capital Region Information Service Work Group on User and Provider Policies, Albany , NY , 1994
  • Multiple additional one day volunteer projects on a continuing basis with a variety of different organizations

Professional Affiliations

  • Academy of Management, 1995 to present.
  • Association of Computing Machinists, 1989 to present.
  • Association for Information Systems, 1996 to present.
  • Decision Sciences Institute, 1995 to present.
  • EDUCAUSE, 1993 to present.
  • Informs, 2001 to present.
  • Society for Information Management, since 2007

Last Updated:  February 8, 2008