Problem:
You have been appointed Information Technology manager of a company in which IT systems are viewed as expensive and misaligned with the business strategy. Recent IT implementations have overrun their budget and schedule, and the company's board is considering outsourcing its IT support function. In addition, an important merger with a competitor must take place in the near future, if at all possible. Fears have been expressed that the IT systems of the competitor company may not be compatible with your own company's Systems.
Q1. Describe how you could achieve and maintain alignment between IT systems and the business strategy, using Portfolio Management techniques.
Q2. Show how you could use Gate Methodology to ensure that new IT projects would be delivered on time and to budget.
Q3. Describe the risks of IT Outsourcing and suggest ways to overcome these risks.
Q4. Show how you would carry out a Due Diligence exercise to investigate the board's fears of incompatibility between the merging companies.