1. Introduction
This portfolio focus on what I have learned during the whole IT Strategy and Control paper, a critical reflection of this paper would be provided. This reflection includes the key points, support reference and the demonstration of my own understanding about the paper itself and all of my personal understandings are based on the learning outcome of this paper. In the first part of this portfolio, I would discuss all the key IT Operations Management framework which have been introduced in the paper, the analysis of the processes based on my own understanding would be given. In the second part, analyze processes required for aligning IT infrastructure and operations with the business goals of an organization would be talked about, and I would focus a business organization which has been mentioned in the caselets as a sample. In the third part, some critical evaluate operational IT organizations and their processes against the studied models would be listed and analyzed. In the last part, the recommendations and analysis of my own would be given against those organizations (caselets) which have some problems and current issues arising from the implementation of the IT framework.
2. Key IT Operations Management frameworks
In this part, I would analyze and demonstrate two key IT management frameworks (ITIL and COBITS) combine with what I have learned in this paper. The concept of IT Operations Management would be given associates to my personal view, and I would
The company is served by an IT infrastructure comprising of an amalgamation of off the shelf software and components and locally developed applications and middleware. The hardware infrastructure is by and large robust and capable of withstanding any current operational peaks. The infrastructure employs a high level of redundancy and good recovery and password management systems, so there is little risk of high business impact in the case of IT issues. No architecture document exists and minimal change control is executed.
planned expansion into the east coast. One of the threats identified was the vulnerability of the
IT Organizational Restructure is necessary for the current IT department to be developed into a CIO organization. Outlining a new framework and identifying roles and responsibilities will help to shape an effective organization to be in a better situation to support the company’s goals. It will also better align the current and future IT investments and
Jeannine Johnson explains some of the different feelings and emotions the speaker is feeling in the poem "Facing It" by Yusef Komunyakaa. She said, "In his poem, Komunyakaa, a recipient of the Bronz Star, recalls viewing the Vietnam Veterans memorial in Washington, D.C., and the many conflicting sensations he feels in it's presence" (pg 118). When he comes to the memorial it brings back different kinds of feelings for him. Not only is he dealing with the thoughts of war, but also of how realizing he isn't there anymore. He is feeling both comfort and discomfort while coming baxk to the wall.
The major goal is to integrate Information Systems/Information Technology with the corporate strategy to use information for better governance and management. This has improved with the connectivity and networking and also the shrinking cost- performance ratios in technology. IT governance thus is a result of the complete merger of computer and communications technologies, like data processing and high advancement in networks, and integrated systems. (Bloomfield; et al, 2000) To this extent the software of the stand alone systems have to be converted to a single functional system for all requirements and the system involves the creation of a network with the following functionality:
The implementation of “10-Point Plan for IT Modernization” began as Teri’s big initiative to upgrade the information technology infrastructure. An assessment on typical IT infrastructures we look at the organization, technological, and the strategy overall. In order to begin implementing new plans, the current infrastructure and architecture must be assessed, a design and model for the new system must be created and then the strategy to implement the new
| Manage the project and contribute to the project requirements. Authorize any changes to the project. Oversee all project work as it relates to the project plan, budget, and schedule. Manage communications between all parties involved.
Financial management for IT services (ITSM) is an IT service management process area for control of expenses. Also, many financial managers strive to save money by scrutinizing the cost of IT. For instance, ITIL offers a suite of efficiency driving tools which can help businesses identify where they can offer huge cost management. With ITIL management can be configured to implement cost reduction strategies to reduce cost. Therefore the aim of a financial manager is to promote IT services is to give accurate and cost effective stewardship of IT assets and stewardship of all IT assets and resources used in providing IT services. The IT depart is used to planning, controlling, and recovering plan, control and recover costs expended in providing that the IT service negotiates and agrees on the service-level agreement (SLA) (Conger, Dattero, Galup, & Quan, 2009).
The increased number of IT investment is applied in organization. It is clear that information technology has become the competitive fact in world business. Collaboration is the new trend in business world. No one can deny the importance of information technology application. Besides the profits outcome, the impacts of information technology deployment also create commitment, trust and value. Advanced information system can improve each steps of business process. It enables people to share information, performance task simultaneously and making decision efficiently. IT companies designed different products to satisfy each step of business operation in terms of manufacturing and human resources. Seminole should apply this new IT infrastructure to business operation. Firstly, company can use the transaction processing systems (IPS) to keep track of all business activities and transaction of the organization such as payroll and employee record keeping. IPS also shows all information from internal and external operation. Secondly, Business intelligence systems are designed for decision-making support. Management information system (MIS) is a system that helps managers to keep track of company performance status, which purposed for decision-making and evaluation. Decision-support system (DSS) is purposed for future business decision-making. Thirdly, Enterprise application systems are designed for integrating business process from different functions, such as supply chain
McKeen, James D; Smith, Heather (2012). IT strategy: Issues and practices (2nd ed.). Boston: Prentice Hall. Kindle Edition.
Alignment of an enterprise’s goals with its IT1 and IS1 systems has been a challenge ever since IT became a business enabler. Proposing an IT alignment requires a thorough understanding of the business goals of the enterprise and the knowledge that alignment is an iterative process which requires constant measurement and honing (Chan, 2002). Enterprises often face the problem of balance of priorities between IT and Business objectives. This report deals with one such case that faced alignment and prioritization hardships resulting in an unclear approach to achieve a corporate strategy.
The main problems with the existing system and goals for the future system identified as below:
ITIL is short for IT Infrastructure Library, it was developed in the UK, and belongs to AXELOS, a joint venture between the British Government and Capita plc . It is a widely accepted IT service management approach. ITIL provides a cohesive set of practices, drawn from both public and private sectors. It is supported by a qualifications scheme, accredited training organizations, and implementation and assessment tools. ITIL is a framework that was designed to standardize the IT services of a business, such as, its selection, planning, delivery, and support. Its goal is to improve the efficiency and predictability.
Frenzel (2004) claimed that to be successful, a firm’s IT management team must take action on the following critical areas: business management issues; strategic and competitive issues; planning and implementation concerns; and operational items. If for any reason, the organisation experiences difficulties in the above areas, the manager will need to set goals and objectives to overcome and prevent these issues.
The Author has analysed the company based on the information that has been gathered and aims to make an IT plan. This IT plan would include current and proposed IT systems and its processes. The new IT systems may include CRM, CPFR and web based approach for payroll management.