IT Decision Paper
John_matt
it_decision_paper_hints.docx
Project Description:This will be the project you proposed in the ITSP #2 assignment. Briefly describe the project, what functions it will perform and users of the project.
Strategic Alignment:Ensure that the strategies that you noted explicitly state clear alignment to the business strategic objectives and IT strategy. (You will relate this alignment with strategic objectives to high-level benefits of the project in Section 5.)
IT Portfolio Alignment: Include the time frame for all planned systems. Note what systems are impacted by this new system, timeline for implementation. Where does the system fit in the IT Portfolio? Does it take priority over other projects and why?
IT Architecture: Will the project be developed and stored on company servers, the cloud? Will it interface with other terminals with centralization at company headquarters? Will it interface with other systems? Provide detail in this area.
Benefits: To ensure you complete this section correctly, discuss the relationship to the business strategies and strategic alignment discussed in section #2 above. Ensure they are clear and measurable. How can the CIO measure their successes? What business improvements would you expect when these benefits are realized? (You will relate these benefits to specific performance measures in Section 8.)
Requirements: Ensure you explicitly state and discuss the business driver and high-level requirements. To make this section more clear, label the requirements as meeting the objectives of (1) business/user, (2) IT/system, (3) system performance. They should be specific, clear and measurable. A requirement is related to the system and something the system must accomplish. Specifics will allow them to be measured and evaluated to determine success.
· CIO view: Business requirements and the elegant art of ‘no’, Michael Krigsman: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/projectfailures/cio-view-business-requirements-and-the-elegant-art-of-no/11949
Cost Estimation: Only one cell should be checked off. Justify why you chose the noted cell in the introductory paragraph. Provide specifics. Depending on the project you choose, it could be a small or large project. Depending on the systems it will integrate with (potentially involving the terminals and customers), it may be straightforward or very complex. Elaborate in your verbiage the justification of your choice. Include discussion on why the project wouldn’t fall into the other cells in the table.
Performance Measures:I n the table, to make your response more clear, ensure the measure of the benefit is well described. For example, if a benefit to the business is reduced resource costs through system integration, a measure could be the reduction in number of hours that employees are doing manual data entry. If mobile tracking and dispatching functions are improved, a measure could be the decrease in the amount of loaded miles due to mobile tracking and improved driver communications.
System Development: This should not be a generic discussion of the steps, but detailed examples on how the steps are applied to the RR case/project. What type of implementation will you use? Will it be a direct cutover? Phased approach? Parallel implementation? Would you use another method, such as prototyping, RAD, agile, spiral, or waterfall methods?
· IT Governance Online, SDLC – System Development Life Cycle: http://www.itgovernanceonline.com/it-governance/sdlc-system-development-life-cycle/
· Reducing Risk and Increasing the Probability of Project Success. C Murphy (includes Waterfall Methodology, Iterative Development, Change Management and Business Continuity): http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/reducing-risk-increasing-probability-of-project-success.php
· A Quick and Simple Introduction to Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) – Why, What, How? Zyxware Technologies, Tany: http://www.zyxware.com/articles/2037/a-quick-and-simple-introduction-to-software-development-life-cycle-sdlc-why-what-how
Any introductory paragraphs should be presented thoroughly and not just simple statements like “The requirements for the solution are noted below”. Explain the content that is presented in the table.
General Information on writing Decision Papers: Writing a Decision Paper: http://www.studyguide.org/essay_decision_paper.htm
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March 21, 2016
