COMP08130 2018 Strategic Technology Management
The main aim of this module is to provide an introduction to skills and knowledge needed for the strategic management of information technology. It begins by exploring how innovative technologies/technology trends can be identified, assessed, and incorporated into organisational strategies. In addition to benefits, legislative, security management and governance implications of emerging technologies are addressed.
The module begins with horizon scanning, where emerging technologies/technology trends are identified and their potential impacts on businesses and organisations identified. Innovation and hype cycles, innovation systems, business/IT alignment and IT strategic planning methods are introduced as mechanisms through which emerging technologies can be identified and their value to businesses analysed. The construction of business cases, and the role of the business analyst in this process are also introduced. The management implications of social, ethical and environmental impacts of new technologies are then considered. Topics here include ethics, legislation and compliance requirements, security management and an introduction to IT governance frameworks.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Utilise methods enabling the alignment of IT innovations with strategic business objectives.
Construct a business case, providing justification for the adoption of a new technology as well as identifying potential risks.
Identify governance implications (e.g. legislative compliance, security) of adopting innovative information technologies.
Describe IT governance approaches and mechanisms in areas such as compliance and security.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
- The main themes will be covered in lectures. Each theme will also be explored in group-based workshop sessions via a series of case studies using online resources and a problem-based learning approach.
Module Assessment Strategies
50% of the assessment comprises a research project where the main themes are applied in the conetext of a case study. This will be a staged assessment with marks allocated to an interim presentation.
50% of the assessment will be a formal examination.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat exam and/or project as applicable.
Indicative Syllabus
Utilise methods enabling the alignment of IT innovations with strategic business objectives.
- Horizon scanning: Hype and innovation cycles and emerging technologies/ trends.
- Assessing Technologies: Innovation systems and technological readiness levels.
- Identifying opportunities relevant to particular types of organisation/business
- Business analysis - analysing where business systems can be improved.
- Aligning IT strategy with organisational strategic objectives: how innovation in IT can shape organisational strategic objectives and generate value
- IT Strategic Planning methods: scenario planning; Porter's value chain; balanced scorecard; etc.
Construct a business case, providing justification for the adoption of a new technology as well as identifying potential risks.
- Justifying IT investment and constructing a business case - value, costs and risk.
- Justifying infrastructure investment
- IT valuation methods e.g. TCO etc.
Identify governance implications (e.g. legislative compliance, security) of adopting innovative information technologies.
- Areas of governance: e.g. strategic alignment, implementation, compliance, security, service management.
- Ethics, Legislation and compliance : identifying and addressing emerging issues.
- Security management: identifying and addressing emerging issues.
- Governance mechanisms : policies, procedures, training, organisational culture.
Describe IT governance approaches and mechanisms
- Governance frameworks : COBIT, CMMI, ITIL
- Agile governance and devops
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Research Project | Coursework Assessment | Individual Project | 50 % | Week 12 | 1,2,3,4 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 50 % | Week 12 | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Not Specified | Lecture | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Problem Based Learning | Not Specified | Workshop | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Research and project work | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Not Specified | Online lecture | 1.5 | Weekly | 1.50 |
Directed Learning | Not Specified | Directed Learning | 1.12 | Weekly | 1.12 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 4.5 | Weekly | 4.50 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2014-09-22 Business Analysis BCS
ISBN 178017277X ISBN-13 9781780172774
Business analysts must respond to the challenges of today's highly competitive global economy by developing practical, creative and financially sound solutions that will address business problems and grasp new opportunities. This excellent guide sets out the essential toolkit required. It is also ideal for students wanting to gain university and industry qualifications in business analysis and information systems, and is particularly beneficial for those studying for the BCS Professional Certificate in Business Analysis. Important additions in the third edition include expanded discussions regarding gap analysis and benefits management, the impact of Agile software development and an introduction to business architecture.
2016 The Strategic Management Of Information Systems Building a Digital Strategy
ISBN 047003467X ISBN-13 9780470034675
Module Resources
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Trade magazines/General Media
- www.computing.co.uk
- www.siliconrepublic.ie
- www.sbpost.ie
- www.informationweek.com
- www.cio.com
- www.gartner.com
- www.mckinsey.com
- www.technologyreview.com
Legislation , Professional Bodies
- www.enterprise‑ireland.ie/ebusiness
- www.dataprotection.ie
- www.ics.ie
- www.acm.org
- www.bcs.org.uk
Governance
- www.cobit.org
- www.itil.com
Other Resources
- www.innovation‑system.net
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