Week 5 - Final Paper Strategic Information Technology Plan

Growth and expansion in any company are often led by the increase in demand across a region. FHLBank Atlanta presence is felt in eight regions in Atlanta a testament to the increasing demand for the services that it provides. This is in line with the fact that the company faces its social responsibility by supporting community initiatives in the flexibility of services. At the same time, in the provision of credit and allowing for profitability to be integrated within a people services, the company is making most of the people needs a priority hence factor of ethical responsibility. However, there is also the fact that demand is prominent that allows the cooperative to e babel to have an international presence that helps it fund the rest of its ventures. The fact that there is continuity in the flow and return to the international market means that the demand is being met and also it is increasing hence profitability for the company to maintain its stale position in that market.

Strong Competitive Response

In recognition of the fact that sustainability and improvement of value addition is one of the main actions in the company’s implementation strategy as mentioned in their promise for prosperity to its clients, the company shows a great drive in being among the most competitive ones in the market. Its position in the international financial sector also places it as one of the more string financial entities in the regions as a position that allows its acquisition of funds. This is supported by its need to increase in its technological awareness and inclusion of its mobility of service through mobile application services that help guide the customer to be specific in their needs.

However, several improvements in the company make it a strong competitor in the fact that the services are made better by enhancing the assistance given. A good example is the newly improved Member Products and Services Guide that has been updated in 2019. This makes the company more aware of its clients and their needs hence more inclusiveness in recognition of service delivery strategies. AT the same time, new customers are invited to have AHP assistance t products hence ease of accessibility that makes them attractive to the targeted demography.

Sustainability of Potential Competitive Advantage

Based on the First Quarter 2019 Operating Highlights, the company is well on its way in continuing on its path for growth. While there is a decrease in the ROE by about 0.3%, this shows a small reduction compared to the last year’s performance and an indication of a sustainable trajectory of growth (FHL Bank Atlanta, n.d). At the same time, the fact that reporting is made early on and readily available, it creates s an opportunity for the company to quickly identify the gaps in the implementation and in this way, adjust their strategy to fit a more effective path to success (Bharat, A. & Zillur, 2016).

On the other hand, when looking at the investor report, there is the fact that a minimum requirement is needed meaning that the company can sustain its activities as of now with no required input from them. This shows a competitive advantage in the market that makes it more trustworthy for investors and also for loyalty creation to its clients as part of the indication for longevity in being competitive in the financial market.

However, the promising aspect of the company sustaining its competitive advantage is seen in eh fact that there is the constant improvement of services, the inclusion of technical advancement and getting into customer-friendly position such as ease of accessibility of information. This makes them more approachable and likely to maintain a demand for their service. Similarly, the fact that there is constant inclusion of the community is one of the driving forces that makes it a homegrown company and hence a loyalty program that is guaranteed through sentimentality. This is an added advantage to the fact that the reliability of different product makes it more balanced to the changing business environment.

Ability to Create Standards

In its diversity and inclusion statement, the company shows dedication to increasing diversity and provision of equity of service and treatment of people. This is promised with consistency in providing safety in their practices better treatment of the minorities, women, and people with disabilities hence a management level factor that takes into account protection mainstreaming. In this way, activities within the company offer a high standard for treatment for its customer that is unique and well thought out. The fact that the services are not given as different product shows and inclusivity factor that is true to its Equal Opportunity Policy Statement and their commitment to the practice of business ethics and principle.

Factors that could block the success of an Innovation

Even though the positivity in the company is taking the chance to enhance its service provision, some risks and threats come into question. The economic trajectory is guided by the socio-political situation within the country. Increase in eth conflict at home and an increase in the concerns of the public raised by political standing may affect performance over time as an external influence (Sriminangga & Samopa, 2017). This is guided by the threat of change in political governance that may change the regulation in place, which in turn may affect the lending capacity of the bank. This puts a strain on the relationship with its customer and hence, the demand for services delivered. Additionally, putting their unaudited reports out to the public is a liability that poses a considerable risk in the management of controls. While it is a risk that shows the integrity of services, human errors are common and when encountered, could jeopardize the reputation of the company, in the end, damaging the loyalty given.

Conclusion

The discussion highlights the fact that there is an increasing need for centralization of communication and service delivery by the company. Presence in the international market, increasing need and application of mobile services, and expansion opportunities show that the company is aware of the impact of technology and its importance to their services. Therefore use of the mobile application and AHP shows that they have a turnaround that means that IT will be prominent in their future endeavors. Therefore belonging to Quadrant 2, IT will be prominent in the future planning for centralization of activities and communication.

References

Bharat, A. & Zillur, R. (2016) Information technology investment strategies: a review and synthesis of the literature. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management 28(9), 1073-1094.