Ross & Weil - Chapter 6 (One Project At The Time)

Question 1

What is a big-bang implementation?

Answer 1

Tear out existing, functional processes and systems and replace them all at once. Often risky and expensive with bad success track record.

Question 2

What is a one project at a time strategy?

Answer 2

Business project should not only meet their short term business goal, but also help implement the companies architecture.

Each project implements a piece of architecture

Question 3

What are the benefits of one project at a time?

Answer 3

1. Architecture is not an ivory tower but a useful model on how to do business
2. Foundation for execution becomes increasingly robust
3. Cost cutting and risk reducing by incremental implementation of projects (and EA)

Question 4

What is the IT engagement model?

Answer 4

The system of governance mechanisms assuring that business and IT projects achieve both local and company-wide objectives.

Question 5

What are the three aspects of the IT engagement model?

Answer 5

1. Company-wide IT governance
2. Project management
3. Linking mechanisms

Question 6

How does the IT engagement model look like?

Answer 6

You have 3 rows and two columns:

Two columns are Business (left), IT (right)
The rows are: Enterprise level, Business Unit level, Project level

Between Enterprise level Business and IT you have ‘Company-wide IT governance’.
Between BU level Business and IT you have ‘Linking Mechanisms’
Between project level Business and IT you have ‘Project Management’.

Question 7

What are the three linkages in the IT engagement model?

Answer 7

1. Business Linkage
   (Business side: Between Enterprise level and Project Level)
2. Architectural Linkage
   (IT Side: Between Enterprise level and Project Level)
3. Alignment Linkage
   (Between IT and Business side: BU level)

These linkages are the important aspect of the IT engagement model.

Question 8

Which 6 stakeholder groups are in the IT engagement model?

Answer 8

1. Business - Enterprise level Management
2. Business - Business Unit level Management
3. Business - Project Team level Management
4. IT - Enterprise Level Management
5. IT - Business Unit level management
6. IT - Project Team level Management

Question 9

What is IT Governance?

Answer 9

The decision rights and accountability framework for encouraging desirable behaviors in the use of IT

Question 10

Which 5 decisions areas are included in IT Governance?

Answer 10

1. IT Principles
2. IT Architecture
3. IT Infrastructure Strategies
4. Business Application Needs
5. IT Investment & Prioritization

Question 11

What are linking mechanisms?

Answer 11

Mechanisms that connect company-wide governance and projects

Question 12

What is the Business Linkage?

Answer 12

Ensuring that business goals are translated effectively into project goals.
Can contain:
- Project Portfolio Management
- Change programs
- Reviews and audits
- Best practices

Question 13

What is the Architecture linkage?

Answer 13

Links IT Governance decisions about architecture with project design decisions.

Establishes and updates standards, reviews for compliance and approves exceptions.

Question 14

What is the alignment linkage?

Answer 14

Ensure ongoing communication and negotiation between IT and Business concerns. Linkage between business goals and IT constraints

Question 15

When is there effective engagement ?

Answer 15

If all three types of linking mechanisms are implemented.

Question 16

Which (engagement) principles ensure that IT governance, project management and linking mechanisms lead to succesful engagement?

Answer 16

1. Clear & Specific Goals about standardization/integration
2. Incentives to meet company goals
3. Formal enforcement
4. Early intervention and prevention in projects
5. Transparent 2-way communication.