As your final assignment, you will analyze how IT is positioned in your organization to support your “proposed strategic recommendation for your focal firm (Nike)” that you developed for J596.
Deliverable & Submission You will need to submit two documents:
The Final Project you submitted for J596 (Nike) (this will not be graded in any way, shape or form – it is just a reference for us to understand the frame of reference for your IT recommendations).
A three-page document containing the following:
Page 1: What is your overall recommendation regarding IT investments in your focal firm? Your overall recommendation should address the following:
Should your focal firm emphasize risk management or a first-mover advantage?
How relevant (or not) is IT for the success of your focal firm (give specific examples)?
What areas covered in the course are specifically relevant for your focal firm?
Page 2: With regards to your “proposed strategic recommendation for your focal firm”, address the following:
What specific IT capabilities will be needed to help execute your proposed strategic recommendation?
Page 3: Create a whiteboard of your framework for understanding IT management issues:
This course has provided you with an overview of the key aspects of IT management and demonstrated the potential for IT to be a strategic asset. As you walked in Jim Barton’s shoes, worked on the assignments, or listened to the various lectures, you have probably picked up on key learnings (much like he did with his whiteboard) points on each topic we discussed.
Assume that you are trying to communicate the gist of the course to one of your colleagues (peer or superior, within your business function or outside) at work. What are the key takeaways from this course, how they relate to what you already knew, and how what you learned can potentially contribute to your (or your colleagues’) profession as you progress in your career.
Using the above paragraph as context, create the equivalent of Jim Barton’s whiteboard, i.e., one that represents YOUR framework for understanding IT management issues and the relationships, if any, among these concepts. Your graphic needs to be captured in one page. Any acronyms you come up with can be listed in an additional page.
Evaluation
Completeness of Response
In order to receive full credit, answers suggest exceptional preparation. Ideas offered were highly substantive, reflecting major insights that strongly influenced the course of the discussion. Points here will be removed for incomplete thoughts, partially answered questions, and rushed answers.
Outcome Organization
Thoughts are clearly organized and concise. Detail is provided to meet the completeness criteria, but long rambling responses are not provided. Answers to questions are stated upfront and then followed by supporting evidence and thoughts.
Outcome Formatting
Requirements: Three page (max), single spaced, Calibri 11 pt font, 1-inch margins. Please do not exceed the limit of pages. For any references, use a superscript notation in the body of your memo and a fourth page to list the references. Appendix pages may be used and do not count toward the page limit.
