Strategic Management of Information Systems: Concepts and Best Practices

Introduction:

Strategic Information Systems Management (SIMS) focuses on leveraging information technology to achieve business objectives, providing valuable intelligence to support decision-making. Unlike routine reporting, a Management Information System (MIS) encompasses comprehensive systems that support various operational processes.

As information and communication technologies continuously evolve, the strategic management of information systems becomes increasingly vital for business management. Strategic Management Information Systems (SMIS) play a crucial role in administering and achieving business goals and strategies. They help in creating plans that enable firms to manage information strategically and adapt to market trends effectively.

Objectives:

Participants in this Strategic Management and Information Systems course will be able to:

• Explain how a Strategic Management System (SMS) integrates Information Systems (IS) to align with business objectives.
• Appreciate the role of management information within the Information Systems Strategy Triangle framework.
• Develop an actionable strategic information management plan that integrates all four IS architecture components: hardware, software, networks, and data.
• Understand how IS resources are governed and their role in strategic information management.
• Explore business intelligence, knowledge management, and analytics, focusing on their strategic application within organizations.
• Acquire competencies in formulating and executing IT portfolio management strategies that support the enterprise's vision.

Training Methodology:

• Classroom sessions
• Case studies
• Focus groups
• Workshops
• Simulations
• Role-playing
• Laboratory sessions

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Linking Systems to Strategy and the Organization

• Overview of business strategy tools.
• The role of strategic management information systems and their integration with organizational strategy.
• Developing a social business strategy and incorporating information systems strategy as a management practice.

Unit 2: Information Systems Strategy: Architecture and Infrastructure

• Translating strategic initiatives into actionable steps.
• Understanding foundational architectural concepts of an SMS.
• Importance of enterprise architecture in strategy.
• Utilizing virtualization and cloud computing in the context of strategic information systems.
• The social business perspective.

Unit 3: Cost Recovery of Information Systems

• Organizing to meet business needs using a maturity matrix.
• Expectations from IT organization and the role of the Chief Information Officer.
• Social business lens: Community management.
• Developing a business rationale for IT investments.
• IT portfolio management and valuation of IT investments.
• Coordinating information technology expenditures.

Unit 4: Organization of the IS Discipline Governance

• Governance of information technology.
• IT Governance and Security: Their role in strategic management.
• Consumerization of information technology.
• Impact of IT consumption by decision-makers on strategic decisions.
• Governance frameworks for managing IT decision-making and developments.

Unit 5: Business Intelligence and Knowledge Management

• Processes and strategic implications of knowledge management.
• Overview of business intelligence.
• Elements of business analytics and their contribution to information strategy management.
• The role of big data in strategy management.
• The power of social analytics and social graphs for strategic purposes.