MQM2MSA-Managing Strategic Alignment of Business and IT

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: sharm.manwani@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is the first of the IT Strategy specialisms for the Digital Apprenticeship programme and builds on the core modules. (See Context at end of document)

Managing Strategic Alignment (MSA) covers the business and technology strategic alignment of the enterprise. It utilises both academic and professional sources to provide integrated perspectives, supported by theory and applicable in practical contexts.

This module builds the knowledge and skills to gain a strategic perspective of the digital transformation of an organisation at the enterprise level. It introduces the digital initiatives portfolio which is explored at a more detailed level in the Digital Business Strategy module.

Aims:

This module has the aim to enable course members to develop and critically evaluate business systems and technical strategies to help organisations transform in a fast-moving digital world:

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• To develop an understanding of why enterprises create a strategic alignment of business and IT capabilities – and the consequences of failing to do so


• To build a solid knowledge foundation of the components of business and technical strategies and how they interact in a holistic framework


• To appropriately select from a portfolio of business IT alignment tools and apply these for digital transformation, engaging with professional colleagues and executives

Assessable learning outcomes:

On the completion of the course, the students will be able to:

• Perform strategic analysis of an organisation’s systems, including structure and effectiveness


• Make proposals for systems rationalisation, systems integration and other improvements


• Develop technology strategies aligned with business priorities with different options


• Develop and implement technology lifecycle roadmaps


• Select and apply appropriate tools for managing strategic alignment

Additional outcomes:

An understanding of how strategy and business design can be used to identify and enable digital transformation initiatives. This leads to the module on Digital Business Strategy.

Outline content:

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The modules in in two main parts – business systems strategy and technical strategy.

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Business Systems Strategy

• Document existing information systems (IS) in the context of current operating model


• Identify IS needs arising from new and evolving business operating models


• Develop a strategy to close the gap between ‘as is’ and ‘to be&r squo; perspectives

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Technical Strategy

• Develop technical strategies aligned with business priorities


• Assess different technical options to deliver the technical strategies


• Develop technology roadmaps considering implementation approaches.

Global context:

This module recognises that enterprises often operate multi-nationally and provides this perspective through published global business IT research

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This 12 week module will use a blended learning approach including Henley seminars, structured work-based learning and independent study. Formative assessments will support the initial learning.

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Course members will engage with their organisation to gather information through guided fieldwork which, together with the use of course academic and professional material, contributes to a summative assessment. This work-based assignment will be introduc ed at an early stage and is designed to reinforce the skills and knowledge learning outcomes.

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Reflection is an important part of the module, both on the study material and the overall reflection on how the module supports work-based goals. This contributes to the end-point assessment of professional discussion.

WORKLOAD

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This is a 12 week module which meets the Appren ticeship standard of 20% off-the-job learning at 7 hrs/day one day per week. Although face-to-face Henley seminars are 21 hours, a broader definition of contact hours is shown which equates to off-the job learning.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One individual coursework assignment, c. 3000 word report submitted at end of module.

Formative assessment methods:

Completion of pre-assignment exercises.

Participation in and contribution to the in-class seminars.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Students will be required to obtain a mark of at least 50% overall based on the coursework.

Reassessment arrangements:

Students will be required to submit a new report to achieve the pass mark, and the mark will be capped to 50%.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 27 August 2020