Individual Initial Case Study Analysis

COURSE CODE: ISYS2424 Information Systems Strategy and Governance

Professor: Nguyen Thi Thu An

Name: PHAM Thi Thuy Duong
Student Number: s3836551

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ISYS2424 Information Systems Strategy and Governance

Table of Contents:

Table of Contents
Table of Contents:.................................................................................................................................2
Introduction............................................................................................................................................3
The Issues at Hefty................................................................................................................................3
The Plan for Collaboration between IT and Business...................................................................4
The IT Strategy for Business Value...................................................................................................6
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................6
Bibliography............................................................................................................................................7

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ISYS2424 Information Systems Strategy and Governance

Introduction
Considering the case study of Hefty Hardware, the organization intended to operate a Savvy
Store business strategy is facing challenges. The strategy aims to improve customer
experience through digital information and multimedia, which requires a lot of IT’s help.
However, there appears to be a significant disconnect between IT experts and the managing
directors of business lines. In this paper, I identified the existing shortcomings and analysed
the partnership of IT and Business at Hefty Hardware. In the end, I also stated the plan to
solve the collaboration problem between the two departments to successfully deliver the
Savvy Store program.

The Issues at Hefty

In order to accomplish the overall corporate objectives, Hefty Hardware's IT and business
departments must work together to coordinate and integrate their efforts. The case revealed multiple
concerns between the Business and IT teams. The IT team's performance demonstrated a lack of value
contributing to Hefty Hardware, and they were unable to work harmoniously with the Business team
to implement the new business strategy in achieving the firm's goals and objectives.
1. Communication problems
○ There is a knowledge gap between the two departments: the Business team
was perplexed as to how such technologies could be utilized in marketing,
why it was a great concept, and they were unable to comprehend all of the
technical terminology presented by IT.
2. Steering committees need trained
○ IT folks lack the necessary presentation skills to put forth their idea of using
mobile technology for promotion and marketing purposes to the business.
○ Business people lack of understanding of technical terms
3. IT and Business has no harmony
○ IT strategy and infrastructure were not developed based on business goals and
objectives.
○ CFO feels that IT folks are clueless of Hefty Hardware's basic business
functions, and warehouse operations is an example.
4. Rigid organization

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○ The business group refused to support the mobile application project as the
CFO believes that the presence of kiosks and cash machines within the store is
sufficient (Smith & McKeen, 2015).
5. Bad time management and planning
○ It takes awhile to deploy any form of technology to the field.
○ Over budget projects
○ The right people are not involved in business strategy sessions
○ IT does not cooperate in reaching out to the business to explore solutions.
6. Seem to be toxic and disrespect of others
○ Unaware of basic business functions of the IT team
○ CFOs have stated “We don’t feel IT is contributing to creating new business
value for Hefty.” (McKeen & Smith 2015)
7. CIO under-staffed.

The Plan for Collaboration between IT and Business

In order to make Hefty Hardware successful in implementing projects that maximize profits
for the organization, the integrated communication and engagement between the departments,
department managers and line personnel need to be upheld excellently. First and foremost,
there should be an investment in developing Business and IT a tight integration relationship,
trust and respect. To do so, the firm should arrange at least face-to-face meetings between the
departments one a week, host team-building activities, and gather feedback to the members
(Rabinett 2016). Not only IT and business departments, but all departments in the firm,
should be involved.
Team-building activities should be implemented into the training program to encourage
employees to play, speak, and work as a group, followed by an exchange of positive
thoughts, feedback, ideas, and perspectives among members of the team (Sanyal & Hisam
2018). Additionally, improving interdepartmental connectivity is critical. The firm might
need to operate knowledge transfer sessions to help business people grasp IT terms and IT
people understand business procedures and business models; and develop communication
skill training to assist IT personnel in explaining their strategic goals and plans in a clear
manner. This process will benefit the firm regarding the language barriers and shortage of
knowledge on the part of the business and IT section separating the two departments which
clearly affect implementation of the projects. They could not communicate properly since the

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two departments' languages were dissimilar. Cheryl's trouble understanding IT terms that
have nothing to do with marketing and business is proof of this.
Overall, ‘Business and IT leaders are working toward the same goal of sustainable business
success’ (Seal 2019). Either IT leaders or business teams should invite the other one to
discuss the organization's business demands, issues, and goals so that the IT team can
understand how the business is progressing with clear and succinct company's strategic
goals and then IT can assist to improve speed, effectiveness, and advancement (Edwards
2019). As it was claimed, IT plans were not developed based on company goals and
objectives, therefore different specialists appear to want to have their own way without
considering other distinct viewpoints.

Trust is one of the fundamental factors that influence the effectiveness of the interacting
parties' relationships (Serrant 2017). Supported by Healthfield (2019), trust is the precursor
for a group to cooperate, ensuring that collective communication is effective, cohesive.
Looking at the given case study, mobile application projects led by CIOs cannot succeed
without the collaboration of CFOs as they are unwilling to combine into the firm. Aside from
improving the communication method described above, the IT department should conduct
extensive study on industry and technological trends that have been or are now performing
well, in order to persuade CIOs and create a competitive advantage for the projects and
organization.

Individuals' mutual respect must underpin all professional partnerships. Respectful behavior
and being treated properly will lay the groundwork for a partnership in which thoughts and
opinions can be freely exchanged. Respect also contributes to a positive workplace culture in
which staff members are satisfied, dedicated, engaged, and inspired to perform at the highest
ability (Deer 2020). After constructing a foundation of trust, Hefty Hardware staff should
adjust their way of thinking and expressing themselves when differences arise, as well as
providing feedback as the business team did not recognize and reward the accomplishments
of IT personnel in the company's business activities. Furthermore, alignment in between IT
and business groups at Hefty Hardware could be boosted if individuals resist the temptation
and attentively listen to and consider their colleagues' points of view.

Time-management is another vital aspect of all the business processes efficiently and
effectively. Departments with proficient time management abilities contribute to the

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formation and maintenance of a healthy and dedicated work environment (Sharma 2016). The
IT department must first focus on resolving fundamental institutional problems; develop
detailed plans by prioritizing goals, or use planning assistance tools; track time regularly to
assure progress and avoid stagnation, which further causes money losses; hire additional IT
staff to assist the IT team from experiencing any unneeded disruption, enabling the Hefty
Hardware to continue expanding.

Hiring a Business Relationship Manager (BRM) in the event that the company's efforts are
ineffective is another way for improving the poor connection between Business and IT. BRM
is well-versed in both business and IT, allowing it to efficiently engage between the two
areas. Hefty should also handle frequent manager changes and have a plan in place to keep
an appropriate leadership structure in place. For the firm to fulfill its goals, Hefty Hardware
can take steps in reviewing and implementing the strategic items including collaboration
between the business and IT divisions. Slow technological updates create a detrimental
impact on cross-functional contact, increasing complexity and inefficiency as technology's
role in an organization's strategy is increasing.

The IT Strategy for Business Value

Generally, the implementation of the Information Technology Strategic Plan is to extend
information technology to promote the organization's mission, to assist in the
accomplishment of desired goals noted in the Hefty Hardware Strategy, and to shape the
long-term direction of information technology (IT) innovation in order to obtain competitive
advantage for the business. The process starts with an examination of IT services and
consultations with relevant parties (departments, managers, IT staff). IT services, resources,
manpower, and financing will be examined carefully, and IT surveys will be utilized to
highlight areas that need improvement. A SWOT analysis should be done beforehand, which
is then used to define approaches to retain strengths, eliminate weak points, capitalize on
opportunities, and avoid risks.

Conclusion
It was nearly impossible for Hefty Hardware's IT and business departments to coordinate in
an attempt to reach the company's goals. Glen, the COO, has proposed a field trip with top

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managers from both teams which will be a great opportunity for the teams to strengthen their
collaboration before the project begins (McKeen & Smith 2015). This will help to improve
the already poor relationship between the two areas, allowing the new project to succeed.

Bibliography
Deer, M 2020, 'The importance of respect in the workplace', CPD Online College Knowledge
base, 2 October, viewed 9 November 2021, <https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-
base/business/importance-respect-workplace/ >.

McKeen, J. D., & Smith, H. (2015). IT strategy: Issues and Practices (third edition) Boston:
Pearson, pp. 98-101, #1-L10-1-001, Queen’s School of Business, reproduced by permission
of Queen’s University, School of Business, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Edwards, J 2020, '7 ways to effectively ensure IT-business alignment', CIO, 6 October,
viewed 10 November 2021,<https://www.cio.com/article/3583999/7-ways-to-effectively-
ensure-it-business-alignment.html >.

Heathfield, SM 2019, The secrets to developing trusting relationships in the workplace,

thebalance careers.com, 22 June, viewed 9 November 2021,
<https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-ways-to-build-trust-at-work-1919402>

Rabinett, D 2016, The Importance of Business Integration, Essential Business Services,

viewed 11 November 2021, <http://www.ebservicesva.com/wp-
content/uploads/2016/11/EBS_Business-Integration-6-FINAL.pdf >.

Sanyal, S & Hisam, MW 2018, 'The Impact of Teamwork on Work Performance of

Employees: A Study of Faculty Members in Dhofar University', Journal of Business and
Management, vol. 20, issue. 3, pp. 15-22.

Serrat, O 2017, Knowledge Solutions, 1st edn, pp. 627-632, Springer.

Sharma, VK 2016, 'Why is time management important in the workplace', Klient Solutech,26
August, viewed 10 November 2021,<https://www.klientsolutech.com/why-is-time-
management-important-in-the-workplace/ >.

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