Thepaper should begin with a brief company overview and then discuss a problem or opportunity they face with respect to technology. Several alternatives should be considered and the majority of the paper should focus on the anticipated benefits as they pertain to strategic alignment and the achievement of competitive advantage.
Begin with an executive summary, a high level overview of the issues discussed. This section should be no more than 150 words and should discusswhat is(are) the specific problem(s).
Next, provide background on the history of the organization, type of business, products/services provided, management structure, financial status (including annual sales), strategic planning, organizationalculture, economic climate and any other information that you feel are necessary to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the background of the company. It is strongly suggested that you provide as much financial and organizational data in the form of tables, figures, and/or graphs that would allow the reader an enhanced understanding of the organization discussed in the case. Additional financial and organizational data (e.g. material from Sidebar 1-3 on pp. 198-99) can be included in the Appendix at the end of the case.
Next, set the stage by describing the technology utilization, advancements, management practices and philosophies, etc. of the organization prior to initiation of the IT project/experience described in the case as well as the players involved, their role and status within the company.
Provide a detailed overview of the project/experience described in the case in terms of technology concerns, technology components, management, technology resources and constraints, and other organizational concerns, as well as any other information that would provide a comprehensive description of the IT project/experience to the reader. Furthermore, describe any related issues (e.g., cultural, philosophies, opinions, etc.) practiced within the organization that have impacted the IT project/experience planning, implementation and overall management.
In detail, describe some of the challenges and problems that the organization is/was facing/faced at the start/completion of the IT project/experience. Furthermore, it would be helpful tothe reader if you describe the current (today’s) status of the aforementioned challenges and problems related to the IT project/experience.
This section should be written in a way that readers could be engaged in discussion of the possible solutions for solving the problems facing the organization. Be sure to focus on the strategic use of technology within your organization. Focus on the strategic alignment model and assess how the company is currently using ITand what it should do with respect to use of IT to address the problems/challenges facing the company. Pay particular attention to the company’s current state of IT as well as their future or intended state(e.g. an “as is” and “to be” assessment) as youanalyze the firm’s strategic alignment perspectives
. Explore the key stakeholders in the company. This can include employees, customers, competitors, management, etc. Focus on how IT affects each of these stakeholders and what their role is with respect to business and technology processes and infrastructure.
Suggest some alternatives the company can pursue to solve the problems/challenges they are facing. Provide a justification (process improvement, cost saving, etc.) for each suggested alternative.
Chooseand justifyof one the alternatives from above as your recommended solution.
Finally, focus on the results and/or benefits that the company can expect to achieve when the IT is implemented. Referring to the firm’s strategic alignment perspective,focus on what the company should expect to gain from the use of IT and how it will affect them in the future (e.g. how will it provide them with a competitive advantage).