Wilmington Universitycollege Of Technologysyllabusfaculty Memb ✓ Solved

The focus of this course includes: 1) The top management’s strategic perspective for aligning competitive strategy, core competencies, and information systems; 2) The development and implementation of policies and plans to achieve organizational goals; 3) Defining the systems that support the operational, administrative, and strategic needs of the organization, its business units, and individual employees; 4) Approaches to managing the information systems’ function in organizations, including examination of the dual challenges of effectively controlling the use of well-established information technologies, while experimenting with selected emerging technologies; and 5) The role of the CIO.

Students develop an understanding of the strategic use of information technology from a business perspective at the enterprise level. They are expected to understand the internal management of information systems services from the point of view of the CIO and to examine alternative strategies and tactics available to management to achieve goals. Working students and students with post-baccalaureate experience will be able to examine the current and potential impact of information and information technology on all aspects of their position, firm, and industry.

A variety of learning activities will be employed including, but not limited to the following: Chapter readings from the text: Students should read and be familiar with the chapter material and be prepared to discuss the material when called upon to do so. Case analysis and discussions: Text cases will be assigned and examined.

Paper For Above Instructions

Information Technology (IT) policies and strategies play a crucial role in aligning an organization’s technological capabilities with its overall business objectives. This paper will explore the significance of IT in business strategy, examining the role of governing bodies and the impact of emerging technologies, as well as the function of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in modern organizations. Each section will delve into critical elements that shape IT governance and how organizations can effectively utilize IT resources to gain a competitive edge.

Understanding the Role of IT in Business Strategy

Information technology is fundamentally intertwined with business strategy in the contemporary corporate environment. The strategic application of IT allows organizations to create value and leverage their resources more effectively. For instance, IT enables businesses to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and improve customer relationships (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014). By effectively integrating IT into business strategies, organizations can achieve greater operational efficiency and better meet the needs of their customers.

The alignment of IT capabilities with business strategies is essential for organizations aiming to remain competitive. The Strategic Alignment Model (Henderson & Venkatraman, 1993) emphasizes this alignment, ensuring that IT supports the strategic goals of the organization while fostering a continuous evolution of business processes in response to changing market conditions. As organizations navigate through various levels of strategic alignment maturity, understanding these relationships becomes paramount.

The Role of Governance in IT

Effective governance in IT encompasses the frameworks, processes, and structures that direct and control IT resources in alignment with organizational objectives. Governance not only ensures compliance with regulations and internal policies but also facilitates decision-making concerning the acquisition and deployment of IT resources (Weill & Ross, 2004). One critical aspect of IT governance is the development and implementation of a strategic plan that outlines how IT will be employed to achieve business goals.

Organizations must also communicate effectively regarding IT initiatives. Communication strategies must be designed to ensure all stakeholders understand the importance of IT in achieving business objectives, thus fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. The ability to make informed decisions about IT resource allocation requires a clear understanding of organizational types and their corresponding governance frameworks (Lapkin et al., 2006).

Emerging Technologies and their Impact

Keeping pace with emerging technologies is vital for businesses seeking to maintain a competitive advantage. The technology life cycle poses challenges and opportunities for organizations, necessitating that they quickly assess new technologies for adoption (Christensen, 1997). Failing to embrace technological advancements can hinder an organization’s growth, making it essential for decision-makers to remain informed about trends and innovations in the IT landscape.

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data analytics present unique opportunities for organizations to enhance their operational efficiencies and innovate their service offerings (Schmidt & Cohen, 2013). Organizations must identify which technologies align with their strategic goals and assess the implications of adopting these technologies on existing processes and human resources. Resistance to change and organizational inertia are common obstacles that leaders must navigate as they implement these new technologies (Kotter, 1996).

The Role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO)

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) plays a pivotal role in an organization's IT governance and strategy. As technological advancements continue to shape business landscapes, the CIO is tasked with overseeing the alignment of IT initiatives with the broader corporate strategy. The evolution of the CIO role reflects increasing demands for leadership, strategic vision, and effective communication, as they bridge the gap between IT capabilities and organizational goals (Peppard & Ward, 2016).

CIOs must possess a unique blend of skills that encompass both technical expertise and business acumen. Attributes such as strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to manage change are crucial for CIOs navigating their organizations through digital transformation (Ransbotham et al., 2016). As leaders in change management, CIOs are responsible for fostering a culture that embraces innovation while maintaining operational stability.

This evolving function of the CIO is not only vital for ensuring effective IT governance but also for leveraging technology as a means to resource optimization, risk management, and enhanced decision-making across all organizational levels (Henderson & Venkatraman, 1993).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the strategic use of information technology is essential for organizations aiming to achieve their business objectives. The role of governance, effective communication, and the emergence of new technologies shapes IT policies and strategies necessary for maintaining a competitive edge. Moreover, the function of the CIO is critical, encompassing responsibilities that influence not only IT strategy but also the overall direction of the organization in an increasingly digital landscape. Organizations that prioritize these elements are better positioned to navigate the complexities of modern business and thrive in the face of ongoing technological evolution.

References

  • Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The second machine age: Work, progress, and prosperity in a time of brilliant technologies. W. W. Norton & Company.

  • Christensen, C. M. (1997). The innovator's dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail. Harvard Business Review Press.

  • Henderson, J. C., & Venkatraman, N. (1993). Strategic alignment: Leveraging information technology for transforming organizations. IBM Systems Journal, 32(1), 4-16.

  • Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading change. Harvard Business Review Press.

  • Lapkin, A., et al. (2006). IT governance: A practical guide to optimizing performance, risk and value. Forrester Research.

  • Peppard, J., & Ward, J. (2016). The governance of IT: The relationship between the IT steering committee and the IT function. Journal of Information Technology, 31(3), 215-229.

  • Ransbotham, S., et al. (2016). Discipline and the role of the CIO: An empirical study of the temporal dynamics of CIO influence on IT performance in organizations. MIS Quarterly, 40(1), 229-244.

  • Schmidt, E., & Cohen, J. (2013). The new digital age: Reshaping the future of people, nations, and business. Knopf.

  • Weill, P., & Ross, J. W. (2004). IT governance: How top performers manage IT decision rights for superior results. Harvard Business School Press.