In this coursework, your main task is to formulate an Information Systems (IS) strategy for the ‘planned’ organisation described in the appendix and produce a report detailing your IS strategy.
For the purposes of this coursework, the following are expected from all reports to demonstrate that the proposed IS Strategy is based on thorough research/analysis of various factors that are relevant to this organisation (for example environmental or technological factors).
1 Using the information given in the appendix and the findings from your own research and analysis, produce a revised description of the organisation.
You should also include mission statement, business objectives, products/services, the partners, the key activities etc. You can use a template such as Business Model Canvas for this. Feel free to revise any part of the description as a result of your analysis and research.
Conduct strategic analysis, present your results and main findings.
To formulate your IS strategy, you will need to conduct strategic analysis. You are required to do this by selecting and applying no more than TWO strategic tools/models. You can choose any tools (excluding SWOT). Justify your choices of tools/models briefly. Your findings, for example, can be presented in the form of threats, challenges and/or opportunities which can then be used to inform your IS Strategy.
2 Conduct research into growing or emerging technology trends and analyse/evaluate their suitability for the organisation.
You are required to conduct research into growing/emerging IT trends. The purpose of your research is become aware of growing/emerging IT trends; evaluate their suitability to your organisation; analyse if they can have strategic benefits; and finally decide how they can inform your IS Strategy. For the purposes of this coursework, considering the suitability of any TWO of the growing or emerging trends for your IS strategy is sufficient. You are expected to justify your choices and the strategic use of the TWO trends you have chosen.
A description and justification of your proposed IS strategy for the chosen organisation.
Your strategy should at least include the following three main elements:
(i) What specific components (i.e. platforms, systems software, business applications, data, hardware etc) are you proposing and how are they going to be organised?
(ii) Use: Where will they be used? For what purposes? How will they help ‘strategically’ to your chosen organisation?
(iii) Management: How do you propose to manage and source (e.g. insource or outsource) the components and/or resources that are part of your IS strategy?
A critical evaluation of your IS strategy and its feasibility.
Critical understanding, through reflection, analysis and evaluation, of key and wider issues, challenges or risks that the proposed IS strategy poses.
- demonstrate an understanding of the linkage between the business strategy and the IS/IT strategy.
- demonstrate an understanding of broader issues relating to the Introduction and Management of Information Systems.
- select and apply an appropriate range of tools and techniques to any business to determine the strategic potential of IS.
- evaluate current/emerging technologies/trends relevant to IS strategy formulation.