IS/IT Governance

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/is-it-governance

Introduction

**Course Review: IS/IT Governance on Coursera** In today's digital age, organizations are increasingly reliant on information technology (IT) to drive their objectives and strategies. However, with these significant investments often comes uncertainty and risk. If you’re looking to navigate the complex landscape of IT governance effectively, the IS/IT Governance course on Coursera is a profound option that promises to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge. ### Course Overview The IS/IT Governance course focuses on the principles and practices essential for managing substantial IT investments. It emphasizes the importance of aligning these investments with organizational goals while systematically evaluating their risks and returns. This course will cover everything from the basics of IT alignment to the intricacies of change management, providing a rounded foundation for both current and aspiring IT professionals. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **IT Alignment** The first module addresses the critical need for aligning IT investment decisions with an organization’s overarching goals and strategies. Here, you will learn about frameworks and methodologies for ensuring that IT initiatives contribute positively to business outcomes. The module lays the groundwork for understanding how strategic alignment impacts return on investment (ROI). 2. **Evaluating IT Investments** Building upon the foundational knowledge of IT alignment, this module dives into the evaluation of individual IT investments. You will learn to assess the risks associated with large IT expenditures and how to incorporate these risks into your decision-making process effectively. This section is especially useful for decision-makers seeking to rise to the challenge of managing substantial investments responsibly. 3. **Evaluating IT Investments (Continued)** As organizations tend to invest in multiple IT initiatives annually, this module provides insights into portfolio management of IT investments. You will gain skills in evaluating a collective of investments, understanding performance metrics, and learning about cost recovery methods through user charges. This is crucial for those in financial and managerial roles overseeing IT budgets. 4. **Change Management** One of the most compelling aspects of IT governance is ensuring user adoption of new systems. This module covers the drivers of successful IT implementation and addresses the fact that various IT systems may require tailored strategies for effective adoption and integration. Knowledge acquired here will empower you to minimize resistance to change within your organization. 5. **Course Project** The course culminates in a practical project that enables participants to synthesize and apply the knowledge gained in a real-world context. This hands-on component fosters a deeper understanding of the topics covered and encourages collaborative learning among peers. ### Why Take This Course? The IS/IT Governance course is ideal for a variety of professionals: CIOs seeking to enhance their governance skills, project managers tasked with overseeing IT projects, and even students keen on a career in IT management. By completing this course, you will leave with actionable insights, tools, and frameworks to not only make informed decisions regarding IT investments but also to lead your organization toward a more structured IT governance model. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the IS/IT Governance course on Coursera for anyone involved in IT decision-making or governance. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application prepares participants to tackle real-world challenges effectively. If you are looking to hone your skills in IT alignment, investment evaluation, and change management, this course is a valuable investment in your professional development. Not only does it provide a comprehensive understanding of IT governance, but it also empowers participants to leverage technology in a way that aligns with their organization's goals, ultimately fostering success in the digital landscape. Enroll today and take the first step toward mastering IT governance!

Syllabus

IT Alignment

Firms make significant investments in IT. However, the returns from these investments are varied. In this module we will learn how to align IT investment decisions with the goals and strategies of the organization.

In this module we will learn how to evaluate individual IT investments. Large IT investments face significant risks. In this module we will also learn about how to incorporate risk in the IT investment decision.

A firm may make multiple IT investments in a given year. In this module we will learn how to evaluate a portfolio of IT investments. In this module we will also learn about how to charge users for IT investments.

Firms don’t derive value from IT investments, if users don’t adopt new IT systems. In this module we learn the different levers firms can use to increase the adoption of IT innovation. We will also learn how different IT systems may require different strategies for the implementation of IT systems.