IT Strategic Planning | Networking Capacity and Infrastructure Building
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Information Technology Strategic Planning Model

In partnership with Booz, Allen & Hamilton, a premier management consulting firm, the Technology Transfer Project (TTP) developed a blueprint for an information technology planning model to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as other institutions, bring focus and direction to their plans to enhance the academic environment through the use of technology. Corporate management strategies have been incorporated with the special academic technology needs of HBCUs to develop a model that addresses the identified critical areas: strategy, organization, finance, technology, teaching, and training.

Strategic Planning Process

Key Components of a Technology Strategic Plan

Component Major Categories Description
Introduction Mission Statement Provide direction and a means to measure ultimate project success
  Long Term Goals / Strategic Priorities Define and prioritize goals of key areas
  Strategic Plan Overview Identify key members, scope, timeframe and deliverables of the plan
Needs Assessment Current State Determine the current environment, key issues, constraints and level of technology usage that affect campus I/T strategy
  Future State Plan the future based on the needs of the School and corporations
Technology Requirements Technology Determine gaps between the current state and the goals and the key components to accomplish in infrastructure, hardware and software
  Teaching Determine gaps and key components in instructional technology
  Training Determine gaps and key components in technical training
Governance I/T Organizational Structure Establish I/T functional areas and define organizational structure
  Roles and Responsibilities Definition Define the roles and responsibilities of each I/T positions
  Key Skills Identify the technical skills required for I/T upgrade
  Key Processes Understand the major processes in the organization
Funding Funding Gap Assessment Determine the gap between upgrade costs and available funds
  Funding Approach Identify funding opportunities and key selling points
  Funding Sources List individual donors and foundations/corporations to solicit funds
Implementation Pilot Plan Select and run pilot groups and modify final plan based on pilot results
  Worksteps, Timeline, Resources Establish a work plan, timetable and task force for implementation
   Change Management Guidelines Establish guidelines for introducing and managing change during the development and implementation of the technology strategic plan

Strategic Planning Model
Baseline Survey and Best Practice Findings in Critical Areas

Groups Key questions Best Practice Findings
Strategy

Is there a strategic plan?

 Existing strategic plans updated periodically
  What incentives are offered to faculty? Formalized faculty incentives such as grants
  Is there a plan to work with outside vendors? Formalized partnership programs
Organization Is there a CIO? Consolidated CIO position reporting to the president
  What is the ratio of I/T staff to students? I/T staff to student ratio > 1:100
Finance What is the I/T budget as a percentage of overall? Technology budget is above 3.5% of total school budget
Technology What percentage of campus buildings is wired? 100% of buildings, wired including dormitories
  What is the availability of e-mail? All students automatically receive e-mail accounts
  What is the availability of internet access? All wired computers on campus provide internet access
  What is the ratio of available PCs to students? > 1:1.5 (including public and student owned PCs)
  What percentage of faculty have PCs? 100% of faculty have PCs
  What percentage of students own PCs? More than 75% of students own their own PCs
Teaching Is there a formal faculty group to advocate instructional technology? A formal faculty group exists, meets regularly, and has the support of key administrators
  Is there a dedicated I/T support group for faculty? A formal group composed of I/T staff, TAs and students
  What percentage of classes use WWW? More than 50% for on-line material or on-line work
   Is there any non-traditional technology usage? Usage in simulation, interactive learning and multimedia
Training Is there software and internet training offered? Extensive training courses offered throughout the year

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IT Strategic Planning | Networking Capacity and Infrastructure Building
Faculty Development Initiatives | Student Development Opportunities