World Class IT
Metis Strategy’s World Class IT Assessment is designed to provide a comprehensive, 360-degree view of IT’s performance and to help evaluate where the greatest sources of value and the greatest exposure to risk lie. We have implemented this methodology at a wide range of leading IT departments within Fortune 500 companies, and we are proud to say that our clients have literally painted the collateral of our methodology on their walls, and made it a starting point for the IT strategic planning process.
- Step 01 World Class IT Framework
- Step 02 World Class IT Assessment Process
- Step 03 Recommendations Based On World Class IT Assessment
How it Works
1. People
This is really the foundational principle. Without the right people doing the right jobs at the right time, it will be nearly impossible to achieve excellent performance.
2. Infrastructure
We like to say that this is the principle that separates proactive organizations from reactive ones. If infrastructure is not reliably performing its tasks, the IT organization will become stuck in reactive mode, constantly fighting fires. If systems and hardware work reliably, then a larger portion of the organization can think about the future.
3. Project & Portfolio Management
This is the engine through which new capabilities can be brought to bear on behalf of the company. It is important to ensure that projects are delivered on-time, on- budget, and on target, and that the portfolio collectively supports the objectives of the business.
4. IT & Business Partnerships
It is important that first and foremost, the different parts of IT from business analysis to development and QA through to support and all other aspects of the IT department communicate effectively and efficiently. It is equally important then that IT develop a partnering relationship with the business. If the three prior principles are done well, then IT should earn a place at the strategy setting table, driving different parts of the business strategy.
5. External Partnerships
Outsourcing is becoming crucial to corporations, and managing these relationships to ensure that value is achieved is critical. In the fourth principle, the organization has learned and contributed to the discussion about what is strategic and what is not. Once that is clear, then it will be easier to determine which aspects of IT might be better managed by external partners or vendors.
-
Principle 1: PeopleRecruit, Train and Retain World Class IT EmployeesSkill InventoryWorkforce PlanningClear Titles Roles & ResponsibilitiesMeaningful EvaluationsCompensation & RecognitionCareer PlanningCultureTrainingRetentionRecruiting
-
Principle 2: InfrastructureBuild and Maintain a Robust IT InfrastructureInfrastructure RoadmapSystems Set Up TimeMaintenanceRetirementSecurityBusiness Continuity/Disaster RecoveryHelp Desk/Service Desk
-
Principle 3: Project & Portfolio ManagementField an Effective Project Development and Portfolio Management ProcessIdea GenerationPrioritizationBudgetingPortfolio ManagementProject Management and ExecutionQuality AssurancePerformance ReportingPost-Project Analysis
-
Principle 4: IT & Business PartnershipsEnsure that IT Partners within the Department and with the BusinessIT-Business CommunicationsIT-Business Strategic AlignmentInnovationIT StrategyCross-IT Communications
-
Principle 5: External PartnershipsDevelop a Collaborative Relationship with External PartnersVendor SegmentationProcurementVendor Management
Sub-principles
Our deliverables typically include the following:
- A grade for each principle and sub-principle.
- Comments on which principles and sub-principles are solely within IT’s ability to influence, and which require changes on the part of the business, for instance, in order to reach the highest performance levels.
- Quotes from the various participants (unattributed to maintain anonymity), providing ideas of what the various types of participants had to say as they participated in this process.
- Detailed recommendations for the near and long term for all principles and sub-principles.
- External best practices related to those areas that are in greatest need (An overview of this is the second page of the attachment, but we provide detailed descriptions of the people, processes, tools, and metrics employed by the best organizations in line with the best practice research provided).
- Metrics to use for each of the principles and sub-principles to ensure that progress can be tracked on a regular basis.
