Chapter 6 Mini Case - Strategic Information Systems Planning at CFCU
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New Jersey Institute Of Technology *
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Information Systems
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Dec 6, 2023
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Chapter 6 – Strategic Information Systems Planning at CFCU
What do you see as the major pitfalls of the current manner in which the information systems
budgeting, and prioritization process is run?
Major pitfalls I see plaguing the company’s information systems budgeting and prioritization process
entail:
A lack of Strategic Focus:
The Director of Technology has been challenged with modernizing the
company’s archaic technology infrastructure. However, the company has not properly established a clear
strategic plan, which would have outlined the overall vision, objectives, strategies for achieving said
objectives, key stakeholders involved in the process, and a plan for implementation. Comments made by
the Senior VP of Marketing indicates that the company is being more reactive than proactive in its
technology upgrade approach.
Limited Resources:
As the Director of Technology expressed frustration in having to justify every digital
technology investment, it is evident that the IT modernization process is not being viewed as a capital
investment that will bring value to the organization, but rather as a line item on a budget sheet. Because
there isn’t a strategic plan in place, adequate funding has not been allocated by the CFO to support this
effort.
Conflicting Priorities:
It is evident that there is a lack of cohesion and partnership among various
members of the executive team. Because there isn’t a strategic focus regarding this IS modernization
effort, the process isn’t being viewed as a top priority across the company. As a result, priorities of other
functional departments appear to be taking precedence, and the available funding for the Technology
Department is only enough to address basic needs (i.e. keep the lights on).
What do you believe are going to be the major challenges you will encounter on this
assignment
?
Major challenges I anticipate I will encounter on this assignment entail:
Realigning the Key Stakeholders:
Several members of the executive team are not on the same page as it
pertains to the IS modernization effort. As a result, the first challenge will be to refocus the team, and
demonstrate why investing in the company’s IS infrastructure should be a top priority. There will likely be
some resistance at first, as various members of the executive team may not perceive the value of IT the
same way. However, when IT systems are implemented and leveraged appropriately, a company can
improve their customer service, attain, and maintain competitive advantage and improve operational
efficiency.
Determine Requirements:
Another major challenge will be to determine the requirements of the IT
systems. Part of realigning the key stakeholders will entail determining what IT capabilities are needed
and where. Which ones will need to be companywide, and whether standardization or flexibility is the
approach. Identifying customer needs will also be critical to determining what systems are required to
support those needs.
Determining Financial Resources:
Financial resources earmarked for IS infrastructure should be treated
as a capital investment, one that brings value to a company. However, because funding within a company
is often constrained, another challenge will be determining how much the company should spend on IT
infrastructure and identifying the source of that funding.
What should be your next step as you get to work tomorrow morning?
As I go into work tomorrow morning, my next step will be to schedule a level setting meeting with all the
key stakeholders, including the CEO of the company. The objective of this meeting will be to get
everyone on the same page with what the company is looking to accomplish, and begin discussing the
development of a strategic plan.
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