Strategic Position of Projects

IT project portfolios are currently under-review for reducing investment. Portfolio reviews are a healthy process. Visibility into the business case financials and support for the current business strategy are key inputs to enable the discussion. Exercising this (even if painful) will increase your process maturity, eventually leading to an increased return on the portfolio. ...

... "if the project really is strategic -- if it involves the executive team and will enable transformation across the business -- then it is by definition more than an IT project ... " ...

Via Computerworld: Project Portfolio Management

Perspectives on Role of IT

Canadian survey looks for input on skills shortage and offers perspective on the role of IT. Execs see IT in a run-the-business role while IT pros aspire for greater business impact. ...

... "The survey found that most executives view system upkeep and maintenance as the most important role for IT, but three-quarters of IT professionals want a chance to play a larger and more strategic role in their organization. " ...

Via Ottawa Business Journal: Survey

Government IT Strategy Sees Smart Island

Malta sets new IT strategy to create a smart island. ...

... "In terms of the new strategy, the government wanted to see IT in every aspect of life, with the country exploiting all the opportunities which IT offered and all the people benefiting from these gains. " ...

Via Times of Malta: Smart Island

PMO Organize for Transformation

The program management office is seen as an organizational model for transformation. In this situation, four operating teams are under the leadership of the PMO - delivery, process, visibility, and communications. This office will provide oversight of the various project teams deployed to achieve the transformation. ...

... "Higher Education Ministry has set up the programme management office (PMO) in line with its recent launch of the National Higher Education Strategic Plan ... " ...

Via The Malaysia Star: Transformation

Project Goal Alignment

Aligning your project to goals is necessary to properly position the project for success. Sharing that understanding of the alignment across your team provides insights that otherwise may not be clear to IT staffers - helping them to improve their strategic perspective of the business. ...

... "Whenever you're uncertain about the bottom-line why of an IT project, refresh your knowledge of the company's priorities and goals by talking to your manager. A big-picture perspective is a prerequisite to making meaningful contributions to your firm. " ...

Via Computerworld Australia: Differentiate Yourself in IT

Strategic or Tactical Role: A Choice

Doing tactical technology support is a good place to learn the inner workings of the IT organization and the daily-issues confronted by the business, but shifting focus to value creation through projects is an exciting and rewarding career track. ...

... "In addition to the direct financial costs of late delivery of IT projects, the report suggests that fire-fighting has a negative human impact in terms of IT managers' self-perception and morale. " ...

Via CRN Australia: Fight Fires

Don't Align, Synchronize

Forrester defines a new role for IT in the strategy of a business. ...

... "But achieving a state of 100% alignment will no longer be possible - if it ever was - as firms evolve over the next five years toward business technology (BT), the pervasive technology use that drives business results. " ...

Via Forrester Research: Alignment

Strategic Focus Area

Use clearly articulated goals and objectives to focus product teams on innovation. ...

... "What takes a significant amount of time, psychic energy and attention in the idea to product process is trying to figure out what is strategic and important in a wide range of business opportunities and focusing on just those things. " ...

Via Innovate on Purpose: Strategic Focus When Innovating