Optimizing M&A Execution with CRISP™
Traditional tools are holding organizations back.
Optimizing M&A Execution with CRISP™ is a forthcoming book by Cris Casey, creator of CRISP™, targeted for release in Q1 2026.
The book explains why even the most sophisticated organizations struggle to execute efficiently, despite experienced teams, proven frameworks, and robust systems. The content exposes how traditional planning, reporting, and change management tools inherently limit execution speed, accuracy, and accountability.
Material in the book re-frames execution as a communication problem, solved by embedding clarity, ownership, and timing directly into deliverables. Structured communication, measurable exchanges, and visible progress become the organizing principles for M&A initiatives.
Chapters draw from decades of field experience executing complex initiatives, most involving M&A activity. The result is a practical, communication-centric alternative to conventional program and project management approaches that often create additional work and noise.
Copies of Optimizing M&A Execution with CRISP™ are included with every active CRISP™ license. Standalone copies will be available on Amazon after publication.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Establishing a Connection
- The Cost of Getting It Wrong
- What Is CRISP™?
- Why This Book
- What We Will Cover
- A Word of Caution
- What You Can Expect
- Foundation
- Underlying Concept
- What’s in a Name?
- Underlying Neuroscience
- Cultural Requirements
- Operating Assumptions
- Governance
- Organizational Structures
- People and Roles
- Issue Resolution and Elevation/Escalation
- Protocols and Process
- Tactical Field Guides (TFGs)
- Key Artifacts
- Milestone Schedule
- Nexus Point Exchange (NPX)
- Colleague Roster
- Employee Matrix
- Application Matrix
- Request List
- TSA (Transition Service Agreement) Worksheet
- “Helper” Artifacts
- Where Are the Charter, RACI Matrix, GANTT Chart, or Dependency Key Artifacts?
- Key Events
- Overview
- Foundational Initiative Phases
- NPX Data Population
- Producer–Consumer NP Consensus Sessions
- Steering Committee Sessions
- Functional Interactions
- Transition Services Agreement Administration
- Knowledge Transfer
- Implementation
- Pre-Adoption Activities
- Existing IMOs
- New IMOs
- No IMO
- Colleague/Stakeholder Initial Level-Setting
- Role of Service Desk(s)
- 3rd-Party Players
- Technology Platform Prep
- Key Suppliers
- Transition
- Close
- Summary
- Appendices
- Appendix A: Lexicon
- Appendix B: The Neuroscience Behind CRISP™
- Appendix C: Underlying Communication Logic
- Appendix D: Seminal Influences on This Book