January 16, 2012
Information Technology (IT) is a critical element in the success of organizations. And many times IT is taken for granted, as long as technology applications, systems and equipment function reasonably well or organization expectations are minimal.
A well-managed, nimble and strategically focused IT department will positively impact your organization’s effectiveness, efficiency, competitive advantage and financial and organizational viability. This diagnostic and improvement tool will help you to review your IT function and improve it.
This tool provides a comprehensive approach for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your IT function; and then positioning you to make the correct improvements. It is not a mechanistic tool requiring structured and restrictive scoring and responses. IT functions and activities are much too complex and dynamic.
Review the improvement diagnostic categories below; and consider the extent you want to use them. You may want to tailor them to your specific organization circumstances and improvement objectives.
IT Improvement Diagnostic Categories * IT’s Position and Importance In the Organization * Direction and Management * IT Costs and Their Recovery * Staffing * Managing IT Assets * Supporting the Organization and its Departments * Network Capabilities * Measuring Performance and Using This Information * Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems * IT Project Management * Compliance Laws, Regulations and Organization Policy * Change Management * Innovation * Assessing and Managing Security Risks
IT’s Position and Importance In the Organization
If IT’s strategic position within the organization is weak, all IT functions and roles will be diminished from what they should be. IT’s responsibilities and activities should flow from, and support, the organization’s operating objectives.
All IT