Why An IT Strategy Is Vital For The Contemporary Firm

By Dawson Flemming


IT strategy encompasses several different aspects of technology management. The most important facets are cost management, risk management and human capital management. Robust leadership is needed from the Chief Technology Officer to implement these facets, as is the ability to work with the heads of the legal, budget and other departments.

Putting things down in writing is said to be one of the keys to success in any type of planning. It provides a focus for staff and gives them something to consult if ever they need the goals of their department reaffirmed. The key to making plans is to make sure they contain a fair degree of flexibility. The reason is because times changes, and so do a businesses priorities. This means that an information technology strategy has to be flexible enough to take into account these changes.

If you run a company that outsources technology to other firms then you'll probably need business technology management, also known as BTM. Generally, a firm that has BTM usually provides document services, database services and mailing services for other companies. BTM allows them to run these services more efficiently.

Human capital management (HCM) aims to treat humans as assets and not just employees. The main thrust of the idea is that employees, as assets, can increase in value if they are given ongoing training and told exactly what is expected of them. A system of constant feedback towards staff is essential if HCM is to be effective.

An aspect of information technology planning that is often underrated is ERM, also known as enterprise risk management. It involves controlling, organizing and planning the finances in order to avoid future losses. This includes not only those risks connected to accidental losses, but to those connected to operational and strategic losses. The idea is to balance risk-taking with sound financial decisions that make money.

Outsourcing is an important part if business. However, if you have outside firms doing some of the work for your company then you'll probably need a VRM, a vendor risk management. VRM plans focus on minimizing the risk that outside contractors can pose for your business, especially ones dealing with sensitive and secret information.

A vital part of any planning is cost management. Firms will often apply this to certain projects as well as to their entire business. Projects are often easier because the numbers are usually smaller than the overall budget of the firm. The actual costs of the project are monitored against the projections, which should help keep costs down and provide an indication of how to keep costs of future projects down.

A winning IT strategy is usually a combination of constant monitoring of staff and budgets coupled with feedback on whether the performance meets the firm's goals. Ideally, heads of departments in charge of employees, investing, accounting and contracting will buy into the vision and sell it to staff.




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