Description
Review a selection of your colleagues’ posts from earlier in the week, focusing on the best practices and key activities that are necessary in successfully managing business information systems. By Day 7, respond to two or more of your colleagues in one or more of the following ways:
- Explain the similarities and/or differences between your own findings and those identified by your colleague. Why do you think your analysis of the case was similar to or different from your colleague’s?
- Share what you believe could potentially impede or enable an organization when aligning its IT and business strategy.
- Offer additional best practices or tools organizations could use in aligning IT strategy and business strategy. Explain why those are important and effective. What specific steps does an organization need to take to make sure it continuously monitors how well these strategies align?
Please be specific, and use citations and references as appropriate and necessary.
Vonda Shields
RE: Discussion 2 – Week 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
It is important for organizations to understand the role of information technology in
corporate strategy because it fosters best practices that drive success. In the case
study of this week’s discussion (Munro & Khan, 2013), Cheryl Smith, CIO of WestJet
understands the influence of information technology and the importance it has on
revenue generating operations for the company. Her internal assessment along with the
third-party analysis has helped to identify gaps in both the structure of their IT
organization and their organizational practices. Cheryl Smith can help managers at WestJet
better understand the role of information technology in corporate strategy by sharing and
synthesizing team ideas and observing new ways to improve their business strategy.
The best tools for aligning information technology (IT) with business strategy are as
follows: (Beveridge, 2011)
Organizations must understand the business by documenting all business process both
formal and uniform.
Acknowledge the culture, analyzing the structure of the organization.
Know the IT estate, IT assets, applications, and delivery channels.
Discover the value chains, identify and document touch-points between the business
and the IT estate.
Determine the Change Agenda by analyzing business strategy and influential factors
and identify the impact and implication for the IT estate.
Charting Technology Roadmaps, prioritize project, a realistic timeline, and optimize the
change agenda.
Translate the technology road-map into business unit plan, resource the technology
roadmap, and then implement the delivery framework.
Thus, Cheryl can help managers understand IT organization by structuring the
organization’s operation, implementing a mitigation plan developed with priorities
outlined to fit the needs of the company. The details of this mitigation plan must
communicate the accurately and in a timely fashion.
WestJet’s experience with aligning IT with business strategies creates a cohesive
organization. Some of the key takeaways to align IT with business strategies are
collecting an inventory of skills that each person holds, aligning those skills with areas of
need within the company. Classifying team members by skills allows IT to be more
responsive to business needs. According to Sabegh (2012), IT has become intertwined
with business in an inextricable manner and it is used in organizations intensively that
can result in long-term competitive advantages for them.
A capable IT architecture is crucial for organization to be able to react against upcoming
business pressures (Sabegh, 2012). Additionally, organizations take the following risk
when they do not invest in the resources necessary for maintaining alignment between
IT and business strategy. The evolving dependence on IT has also increased the
impact that IT non-alignment with business strategy can have on an organization’s
entire business.
References
Craig Symons. (2005). IT Strategy Maps: A Tool for Strategic Alignment. Forrester
Research. Retrieved from http://www.cmocioalign.org/resources/pdf/WP-StrategicAlignment.pdf
Munro, M. C., & Khan, S. (2013). WestJet Airlines: Information technology governance
and corporate strategy. Ivey Publishing Case Study No. 9B13E020. Retrieved
fromhttps://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/pl/23289610/43398102/908d0957ac35ed4202d
08f48f601a168
Sabegh, M. A. J. (2012). The role and relevance of IT governance and IT capability in
Business-IT alignment in medium and large companies. Business and Management
Review, 2(6), 16–23.
Arielle Keith
RE: Discussion 2 – Week 2
Information Technology plays a vital role in the functions of businesses today. It is important for
companies to understand how to utilize Information Technology for it’s benefits in the workforce.
Cheryl Smith, CIO of WestJet was tasked with relaying the importance of IT strategy to the
company at large. In this effort, Smith would be correcting a lingering issue with overworked
employees, a standardized IT process, and the improvement of guest services functionalities.
When researching ways on how Smith could help managers understand the importance of IT
strategy, I believe it is best to stick with the basics. As far as the overworked IT employees,
Smith could explain the importance of having a rotating schedule , as well as adhering to breaks
and lunches at the correct time to relieve staff. She could also recommend a proper template for
sending in IT tickets to help narrow down by importance and relevance IT needs to step in . As
far as guest relations, she could explain the importance of having an easy to navigate website in
which customers will not be confused on its navigation. (Munro & Khan, 2013) state “The
company’s game changer was to sharply differentiate WestJet from other airlines by making
seamless the entire guest experience from the first contact with WestJet to returning home”. I
would out emphasis on guest relations , confirming that from purchasing tickets, booking
additional accommodations , and boarding the jet that IT business systems were in place to
make the experience easy and pleasant.
In reviewing my companies own IT strategy compared to those of WestJet, I certainly appreciate
the effort we put in . As I work in Member Care, our systems are integral to our work, if our
Symitar is down, we can not unblock debit cards, place travel notifications , or place fraud
reports. It is a terrible disservice and completely disrupts our business day when our systems
are out of order. In my eight months at the company, I have only witnessed two major
shutdowns of our main system that lasted for an hour. Our IT team was extremely swift in
solving the issue , which in turn made our customers happy and made out day easier. If ever
there is an issue with a lock out with a system , a replacement of software, or a reset of a major
system, the IT department at Delta Community is on hand . I feel confident in saying my
company has a great resource for IT and it has been integral in our business strategy.
In using tools to align IT with business strategy , I researched an interesting tidbit. (ICIMSA,
2016) states , The successful implementation of innovation in services requires the existence of
necessary resources. There resources include business strategy, knowledge, information
technology, skills of employees, the structure of the organization and ccommunication of
customers. With this is mind, i believe to ensure It and business strategies are in alignment,
companies must first maintain each individual department , stay up to date with the latest
services and applications , and maintain the latest trends in business.
Regarding the risk that can take place if companies do not invest in the resources to align IT
and business strategy, I can think of several. Disgruntled customers from failing systems, apps,
computer issues, and mobile issues on the companies website, internal employees unable to
utilize systems, overworked IT workers when shifts aren’t laid out properly… there are several
things that may occur if emphasis is not placed on creating harmony with IT and business
strategy. In my own workplace, there are strong leaders who head the IT departments, when
issues do arise they are handled swiftly and properly. I believe if companies take advantage of
strong and trusted leadership as well as utilize IT business strategy, it will allow the company
itself to flow smoother.
Reference
Munro, M. C., & Khan, S. (2013). WestJet Airlines: Information technology governance
and corporate strategy. Ivey Publishing Case Study No. 9B13E020. Retrieved
fromhttps://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/pl/23289610/43398102/908d0957ac35ed4202d08f48f601
a168
The Impact of Information Technology and the Alignment between Business and
Service Innovation Strategy on Service Innovation Performance. (2016).2016
International Conference on Industrial Engineering, Management Science and
Application (ICIMSA), Industrial Engineering, Management Science and Application
(ICIMSA), 2016 International Conference On, 1. https://doiorg.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1109/ICIMSA.2016.7504042
The WestJet Airline Case Study
Smith might allude to the primary reason for WestJet to contract her: the airline’s
inability to effectively codeshare with other airlines in the Sabre reservation systems (Munro &
Khan, 2013). Smith should, however, allude to the findings of the IT benchmarking experts at
the start of her employment. Comparison with other similar industry players shed light on the IT
limitations of the company. The limited number and specialization levels of the available IT
talent (most were described as ‘generalists’) (Munro & Khan, 2013) are convincing avenues to
further explore. Also, the fact that only half of IT systems, operations, and procedures were
industry-standard, in an industry that is edging towards IT dependency should be another
effective argument angle. The company’s crude IT budget/planning process also limited the
growth and expansion of the IT departments to match industry standards. The two main IT
concerns should also serve as motivating factors: the high-risk placing of WestJet’s data center
close to a runway and the unavailability of IT support 24/7, in the increasingly IT-dependent
field (Munro & Khan, 2013). She might also allude to other airlines that are gaining market
share and, in the process, improving revenue as a result of incorporating IT strategies such as
Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and the like. She can compare such information
with the company’s growth rate at the commencement of her contract. She might compare the
company’s market share gain with other airlines, and emerging IT-sensitive companies, as well
as analysis of possible IT, causes that led to Air Canada’s decline.
Incorporation of better IT strategies results in a faster and more efficient system,
which, increases the efficiency of service delivery. If IT is not effectively implemented in ITsensitive fields such as online streaming and the flight industry, any company, whether Netflix or
WestJet, will be overlapped, in terms of market share and revenue, with other IT-trend-compliant
companies. This alignment of IT and business strategy is the reason for Netflix’ success; it is the
reason why it abandoned DVDs and entered the streaming market. WestJet’s downfall might
resemble the gradual decline of Cable TV as a result of the growing trend of streaming services.
The best technique to align IT and business strategy is conducting a market
analysis. Exploring consumer needs, preference, reasons for the failure of competitors explores
market trends, and market needs. Satisfying these needs and not what executives ‘think’ will
improve service delivery makes the difference between a successful business and the opposite.
Exploring IT-based solutions to these needs is the best way of aligning consumer needs and
business strategies, in a manner that keeps up with existing trends.
Munro, M., & Khan, S. (2013). WestJet Airlines: Information technology governance and
corporate strategy (Ivey Publishing Case Study No. 9B13E020). Retrieved
from https://hbsp.harvard.edu/tu/c800c13e
Purchase answer to see full
attachment
RE: Discussion 2 – Week 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
It is important for organizations to understand the role of information technology in
corporate strategy because it fosters best practices that drive success. In the case
study of this week’s discussion (Munro & Khan, 2013), Cheryl Smith, CIO of WestJet
understands the influence of information technology and the importance it has on
revenue generating operations for the company. Her internal assessment along with the
third-party analysis has helped to identify gaps in both the structure of their IT
organization and their organizational practices. Cheryl Smith can help managers at WestJet
better understand the role of information technology in corporate strategy by sharing and
synthesizing team ideas and observing new ways to improve their business strategy.
The best tools for aligning information technology (IT) with business strategy are as
follows: (Beveridge, 2011)
Organizations must understand the business by documenting all business process both
formal and uniform.
Acknowledge the culture, analyzing the structure of the organization.
Know the IT estate, IT assets, applications, and delivery channels.
Discover the value chains, identify and document touch-points between the business
and the IT estate.
Determine the Change Agenda by analyzing business strategy and influential factors
and identify the impact and implication for the IT estate.
Charting Technology Roadmaps, prioritize project, a realistic timeline, and optimize the
change agenda.
Translate the technology road-map into business unit plan, resource the technology
roadmap, and then implement the delivery framework.
Thus, Cheryl can help managers understand IT organization by structuring the
organization’s operation, implementing a mitigation plan developed with priorities
outlined to fit the needs of the company. The details of this mitigation plan must
communicate the accurately and in a timely fashion.
WestJet’s experience with aligning IT with business strategies creates a cohesive
organization. Some of the key takeaways to align IT with business strategies are
collecting an inventory of skills that each person holds, aligning those skills with areas of
need within the company. Classifying team members by skills allows IT to be more
responsive to business needs. According to Sabegh (2012), IT has become intertwined
with business in an inextricable manner and it is used in organizations intensively that
can result in long-term competitive advantages for them.
A capable IT architecture is crucial for organization to be able to react against upcoming
business pressures (Sabegh, 2012). Additionally, organizations take the following risk
when they do not invest in the resources necessary for maintaining alignment between
IT and business strategy. The evolving dependence on IT has also increased the
impact that IT non-alignment with business strategy can have on an organization’s
entire business.
References
Craig Symons. (2005). IT Strategy Maps: A Tool for Strategic Alignment. Forrester
Research. Retrieved from http://www.cmocioalign.org/resources/pdf/WP-StrategicAlignment.pdf
Munro, M. C., & Khan, S. (2013). WestJet Airlines: Information technology governance
and corporate strategy. Ivey Publishing Case Study No. 9B13E020. Retrieved
fromhttps://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/pl/23289610/43398102/908d0957ac35ed4202d
08f48f601a168
Sabegh, M. A. J. (2012). The role and relevance of IT governance and IT capability in
Business-IT alignment in medium and large companies. Business and Management
Review, 2(6), 16–23.
Arielle Keith
RE: Discussion 2 – Week 2
Information Technology plays a vital role in the functions of businesses today. It is important for
companies to understand how to utilize Information Technology for it’s benefits in the workforce.
Cheryl Smith, CIO of WestJet was tasked with relaying the importance of IT strategy to the
company at large. In this effort, Smith would be correcting a lingering issue with overworked
employees, a standardized IT process, and the improvement of guest services functionalities.
When researching ways on how Smith could help managers understand the importance of IT
strategy, I believe it is best to stick with the basics. As far as the overworked IT employees,
Smith could explain the importance of having a rotating schedule , as well as adhering to breaks
and lunches at the correct time to relieve staff. She could also recommend a proper template for
sending in IT tickets to help narrow down by importance and relevance IT needs to step in . As
far as guest relations, she could explain the importance of having an easy to navigate website in
which customers will not be confused on its navigation. (Munro & Khan, 2013) state “The
company’s game changer was to sharply differentiate WestJet from other airlines by making
seamless the entire guest experience from the first contact with WestJet to returning home”. I
would out emphasis on guest relations , confirming that from purchasing tickets, booking
additional accommodations , and boarding the jet that IT business systems were in place to
make the experience easy and pleasant.
In reviewing my companies own IT strategy compared to those of WestJet, I certainly appreciate
the effort we put in . As I work in Member Care, our systems are integral to our work, if our
Symitar is down, we can not unblock debit cards, place travel notifications , or place fraud
reports. It is a terrible disservice and completely disrupts our business day when our systems
are out of order. In my eight months at the company, I have only witnessed two major
shutdowns of our main system that lasted for an hour. Our IT team was extremely swift in
solving the issue , which in turn made our customers happy and made out day easier. If ever
there is an issue with a lock out with a system , a replacement of software, or a reset of a major
system, the IT department at Delta Community is on hand . I feel confident in saying my
company has a great resource for IT and it has been integral in our business strategy.
In using tools to align IT with business strategy , I researched an interesting tidbit. (ICIMSA,
2016) states , The successful implementation of innovation in services requires the existence of
necessary resources. There resources include business strategy, knowledge, information
technology, skills of employees, the structure of the organization and ccommunication of
customers. With this is mind, i believe to ensure It and business strategies are in alignment,
companies must first maintain each individual department , stay up to date with the latest
services and applications , and maintain the latest trends in business.
Regarding the risk that can take place if companies do not invest in the resources to align IT
and business strategy, I can think of several. Disgruntled customers from failing systems, apps,
computer issues, and mobile issues on the companies website, internal employees unable to
utilize systems, overworked IT workers when shifts aren’t laid out properly… there are several
things that may occur if emphasis is not placed on creating harmony with IT and business
strategy. In my own workplace, there are strong leaders who head the IT departments, when
issues do arise they are handled swiftly and properly. I believe if companies take advantage of
strong and trusted leadership as well as utilize IT business strategy, it will allow the company
itself to flow smoother.
Reference
Munro, M. C., & Khan, S. (2013). WestJet Airlines: Information technology governance
and corporate strategy. Ivey Publishing Case Study No. 9B13E020. Retrieved
fromhttps://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/pl/23289610/43398102/908d0957ac35ed4202d08f48f601
a168
The Impact of Information Technology and the Alignment between Business and
Service Innovation Strategy on Service Innovation Performance. (2016).2016
International Conference on Industrial Engineering, Management Science and
Application (ICIMSA), Industrial Engineering, Management Science and Application
(ICIMSA), 2016 International Conference On, 1. https://doiorg.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1109/ICIMSA.2016.7504042
The WestJet Airline Case Study
Smith might allude to the primary reason for WestJet to contract her: the airline’s
inability to effectively codeshare with other airlines in the Sabre reservation systems (Munro &
Khan, 2013). Smith should, however, allude to the findings of the IT benchmarking experts at
the start of her employment. Comparison with other similar industry players shed light on the IT
limitations of the company. The limited number and specialization levels of the available IT
talent (most were described as ‘generalists’) (Munro & Khan, 2013) are convincing avenues to
further explore. Also, the fact that only half of IT systems, operations, and procedures were
industry-standard, in an industry that is edging towards IT dependency should be another
effective argument angle. The company’s crude IT budget/planning process also limited the
growth and expansion of the IT departments to match industry standards. The two main IT
concerns should also serve as motivating factors: the high-risk placing of WestJet’s data center
close to a runway and the unavailability of IT support 24/7, in the increasingly IT-dependent
field (Munro & Khan, 2013). She might also allude to other airlines that are gaining market
share and, in the process, improving revenue as a result of incorporating IT strategies such as
Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and the like. She can compare such information
with the company’s growth rate at the commencement of her contract. She might compare the
company’s market share gain with other airlines, and emerging IT-sensitive companies, as well
as analysis of possible IT, causes that led to Air Canada’s decline.
Incorporation of better IT strategies results in a faster and more efficient system,
which, increases the efficiency of service delivery. If IT is not effectively implemented in ITsensitive fields such as online streaming and the flight industry, any company, whether Netflix or
WestJet, will be overlapped, in terms of market share and revenue, with other IT-trend-compliant
companies. This alignment of IT and business strategy is the reason for Netflix’ success; it is the
reason why it abandoned DVDs and entered the streaming market. WestJet’s downfall might
resemble the gradual decline of Cable TV as a result of the growing trend of streaming services.
The best technique to align IT and business strategy is conducting a market
analysis. Exploring consumer needs, preference, reasons for the failure of competitors explores
market trends, and market needs. Satisfying these needs and not what executives ‘think’ will
improve service delivery makes the difference between a successful business and the opposite.
Exploring IT-based solutions to these needs is the best way of aligning consumer needs and
business strategies, in a manner that keeps up with existing trends.
Munro, M., & Khan, S. (2013). WestJet Airlines: Information technology governance and
corporate strategy (Ivey Publishing Case Study No. 9B13E020). Retrieved
from https://hbsp.harvard.edu/tu/c800c13e
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