Questions and Answers

The SAIC Solution
J. Robert Beyster
February 22, 2007

Peter Economy (PE): Why did you decide to write the SAIC Solution?

Dr. Beyster (JRB): I thought that it needed to be done because there was no comprehensive review of the SAIC story, and that it would be a challenge for me to do it. An earlier manuscript was prepared years ago by an independent author, but for a variety of reasons it was never published. That manuscript was a very good and detailed history of SAIC up to a certain point, but then it stopped. The decision to write a new manuscript was entered into with some trepidation since I had never been that actively involved in writing a book before. As it turns out, we were able to finish the book in six months with help from a lot of people—including former and present employees of SAIC and board members and ex-board members.

PE: The manuscript was originally written in the third person. What was behind your decision to change the perspective to first person?

JRB: The book was difficult to read in the third person—it wasn't clear who that third person was. It turned out to be simpler to speak in the first person. We quoted people when we needed to use their remarks.

PE: The book is based on 12 key principles, including such things as employee ownership, freedom, experiment constantly, and more. How did you decide which principles to highlight in the book?

JRB: In 1987, we prepared the booklet called Principles and Practices of SAIC. The chapters in this book—with the exception of the last two chapters—are an expansion of what was covered in the booklet.

PE: What did you think about the actual writing process? Was it pretty much what you expected?

JRB: I didn't know what to expect, and I found it rather painful to try to coherently get my thoughts in order of the book. It was meticulous, time-consuming, and very detailed—you have to be sure to reference people, not plagiarize, and properly quote others.

PE: What was it like working with SAIC again?

JRB: Before we began the book, we checked with SAIC to see if they would be willing to help us and whether they were in favor of the book. They were quite willing to help and, in fact, did make a big contribution to getting material together for the book. Of course, the IPO occurred while we were writing the book, so we had to change a few things.

PE: How did your blog impact the project?

JRB: The blog was very helpful. A number of people volunteered to help us troubleshoot the manuscript. When we were looking for ideas, we simply used the blog to gather information. Also, I enjoyed reconnecting with many of my associates, and it would never have happened without the blog.

PE: Are you happy with the book?

JRB: I have to say yes, that being the first business book about SAIC. Others who are more objective than I am tell me that it reads well.

PE: Would you do it again?

JRB: Not for awhile.