In leading change and performing this integrator role, the issues with which the CFO has to deal include: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation and fine tuning; streamlining and re-engineering the financial supply chain; shared services/managed services/outsourcing issues; establishing a Value Based Management (VBM) culture; and moving to the "next level" with decision support, managing intangibles, and improving corporate integrity/governance.

External forces (threats and opportunities) are the primary drivers of this agenda. Identify one of these current or emerging forces and discuss how this force specifically affects the CFO's role. How are these forces likely to affect the role of the CFO in 1, 3, 5, years?

Have the financial market dislocations of the past few years changed your views?

If so, how?