Introduction The purpose of this article is to establish that the most effective way a CIO to accomplish a strategy for strategic planning is a “bottom up” approach. However, many organizations of today underestimate this operational consideration and not support this theory. The article will show why this is problematic for the overall good of the organization. Furthermore, this document will develop the concept that even though many organizations use a top down approach –this concept often lacks positive results. Additionally, this article will examine and explain how the right solution through the use of strategic thinking prior to launching any kind of IT strategic planning is the key to an effective planning objective. Lastly, this
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One of the major problems being that there are so many variances and choices. Additionally, there are so many people that must be pleased with those choices. Therefore, the entire process is not easily accomplished. A CIO tasked with creating an IT strategic plan or overseeing the planning of this plan could do well for the organization and everyone involved by simply avoiding many of the pitfalls associated with general strategic planning (as it pertains to IT planning). Some of the pitfalls include, but are certainly not limited to: just having a plan, disregarding the risks involved in the final product, and lacking any type of metrics which will gage the effectiveness of the planning and ultimately the plan itself. These are general concepts, but that are also some problematic areas that fall into the pitfall arena when it comes to strategic planning for IT. For example, using the top down approach to IT planning, in doing so the organization will automatically develop gaps and conflicts (Scott, 2011). Also, a top down approach to IT planning strategy is all about one person or one group of selected individuals. A top down approach misses out on the use of “tacit” knowledge which is the backbone of a learning organization. For IT strategic planning this would be a detrimental act. A final pitfall to avoid is that a CIO must understand the …show more content…
This is not to say that this is the only approach available to be used in IT strategic planning. However, it is the only approach which could be used regardless of the organization’s size, type and industry specialty with great success. This cannot be said of other approaches which leaves much of the members of the organization out of the planning process entirely. Another reason why this approach is the best for any given organization is because it actually forces the planner to think ahead if done properly. Thus, avoiding many of the mistakes of a faulty plan. For example, a bottom-up approach eliminates the pitfall of being reactive instead it promotes being proactive. It also eradicate the “fire house” effect of leading. Meaning running from one crisis to another. This is why the strategic thinking is done one a wide scope with input from the entire organization. This method or approach also will empower the leadership to make better and more informed decisions on a regular basis through the collection and usage of tacit knowledge. Perhaps one of the biggest factors for a COI to consider pertaining to IT strategic planning is how to bring all the pieces together in
One of the major problems being that there are so many variances and choices. Additionally, there are so many people that must be pleased with those choices. Therefore, the entire process is not easily accomplished. A CIO tasked with creating an IT strategic plan or overseeing the planning of this plan could do well for the organization and everyone involved by simply avoiding many of the pitfalls associated with general strategic planning (as it pertains to IT planning). Some of the pitfalls include, but are certainly not limited to: just having a plan, disregarding the risks involved in the final product, and lacking any type of metrics which will gage the effectiveness of the planning and ultimately the plan itself. These are general concepts, but that are also some problematic areas that fall into the pitfall arena when it comes to strategic planning for IT. For example, using the top down approach to IT planning, in doing so the organization will automatically develop gaps and conflicts (Scott, 2011). Also, a top down approach to IT planning strategy is all about one person or one group of selected individuals. A top down approach misses out on the use of “tacit” knowledge which is the backbone of a learning organization. For IT strategic planning this would be a detrimental act. A final pitfall to avoid is that a CIO must understand the …show more content…
This is not to say that this is the only approach available to be used in IT strategic planning. However, it is the only approach which could be used regardless of the organization’s size, type and industry specialty with great success. This cannot be said of other approaches which leaves much of the members of the organization out of the planning process entirely. Another reason why this approach is the best for any given organization is because it actually forces the planner to think ahead if done properly. Thus, avoiding many of the mistakes of a faulty plan. For example, a bottom-up approach eliminates the pitfall of being reactive instead it promotes being proactive. It also eradicate the “fire house” effect of leading. Meaning running from one crisis to another. This is why the strategic thinking is done one a wide scope with input from the entire organization. This method or approach also will empower the leadership to make better and more informed decisions on a regular basis through the collection and usage of tacit knowledge. Perhaps one of the biggest factors for a COI to consider pertaining to IT strategic planning is how to bring all the pieces together in