Full life cycle framework in it governance, Other Management

Assignment Help:

The full lifecycle framework

The objective of this section is to introduce the full lifecycle approach proposed by Berghout et al. (2002). This framework  deals  in an effective manner with project dynamics and management learning issues throughout  the full lifecycle representing a chance for organizations willing to improve their state of IT costs and benefits management. This framework is one of the available methods which include informal assessments and that does not underestimate IT complexity. Next, the full lifecycle framework will be presented for introductory purposes.

IT projects are complex, since managing costs and benefits of IT projects involve risks and uncertainty. Risks and uncertainty decrease during the project. However, at the same time, possibilities to change the information systems also decrease. This phenomenon is called the 'IT management paradox" (Berghout et al. 2002). For example, when IT is already in use, risks are lower, even so, the possibilities are lower to adapt operational systems to new requirement (Ibid.). Moreover, from a cost/benefit view, the activity of exploiting IT represents 60%-80% of the overall lifecycle costs while the possibility to limit these costs or increase benefits is very small (Ibid.). Consequently, not only the development costs but the complete lifetime of IT costs should be evaluated in order to avoid building information systems that will not deliver enough benefits during its exploitation (Ibid.).  

1149_Full lifecycle framework.png
Figure 1: Incomplete benefit analysis (Berghout & Nijland 2002)

A lifecycle approach could help organizations with the assessment of "project dynamics" and the introduction of "management learning" in order to improve the state of management of cost/benefit in organizations. "Project dynamics" means that an organization might evaluate a project at any of several stages during its development and implementation: evaluation becomes a continuous and dynamic process. Thus, project should not only be evaluated at the initial stage but also through the stages of its lifetime (Farbey et al. 1999). "Management learning" means that a certain organization learn lessons from prior projects. As a result, relevant experiences can be reused for developing realistic and more accurate expectation for the approval of new IT investments (Ibid.).   

Different approaches to lifecycle management exist and recognize the importance of managing IT investment throughout their full economic lifecycle (Swinkels 1997; Willcocks 1994; Thorp 1998. See similar full lifecycle propositions in appendix 8: Willcocks et al. 1997; Cio.de 2003). The full lifecycle management approach by Berghout & Nijland (2002) has been selected for this research because it is an effective scientific based approach for dealing with project dynamics and management learning issues. The full lifecycle management approach consists of several methods and techniques to manage information systems along the system's lifecycle (Ibid.). One of its techniques is the IT governance quick scan that can be used to visualize how organizations handle IT cost/benefit management.

The traditional full lifecycle comprises three major lifecycle activities: planning stage, development stage and exploitation stage. In 
the planning stage the relevance of IT is examined in comparison to other possible business investments, new IT investments are 
identified and their individual importance among all potential IT investments is established.  In the development stage, the prioritized 
investment proposals are designed, built, tested and implemented. Finally, in the exploitation stage, the information systems are 
operated, controlled and maintained (Berghout & Nijland 2002). 
Berghout & Nijland (2002) expand the traditional full lifecycle by including new stages within the lifecycle activities (see 
figure 19 below) . The planning stage includes the prioritization of IT against non-IT and the prioritization between IT investments. 
The development stage focuses on designing, building, testing and implementing of information systems investments. The exploitation 
stage involves operating, maintaining and discarding operational information systems. The phase abandon indicates that IT does not 
live forever. The different lifecycles stages have diverse costs and benefits and their calculation at each stage requires a profound 
understanding from the performance of the other lifecycle phases. 
814_Full lifecycle framework1.png
Figure 2: Three major lifecycle activities (Berghout & Nijland 2002)
In principle, evaluation will take place in each of the stages previously mentioned and involves different stakeholders such as 
strategic management, IT management and line management. Firstly, a top-down, bottom-up and inside-out evaluation is conducted 
for identifying interesting IT investments. Secondly, the evaluation continues in the justification stage by prioritizing investments. 
Thirdly, the evaluation continues during the development stage by managing the costs, benefits and time schedule of projects. 
Fourthly, the evaluation occurs during the exploitation stage by controlling functionality, by allocating costs and by managing 
benefits. The evaluation in each stage is important because it provides useful information about the state of cost/benefit 
management of present IT projects and because it allows organizations to create valuable knowledge for future IT projects 
549_Full lifecycle framework2.png
Figure 3: The Full Lifecycle Management in practice (Berghout et al. 2002)

The full lifecycle framework could make an important contribution for scholars and practitioners willing to obtain more benefits from IT. In chapter 2, it has been shown that CobiT 5 aims the realization of benefits from IT, for example , with the IT related goals "realise benefits from IT enabled investments and services portfolio" (CobiT 5 2012). Comparable to ISACA, the full lifecycle framework also pursues the realization of IT benefits. Furthermore, the full lifecycle framework includes additional aspects such as project dynamics and management learning issues which might improve the actual state of cost/benefit management in many organizations.


Related Discussions:- Full life cycle framework in it governance

Explanation of public relations, Problem Explain the key tools availabl...

Problem Explain the key tools available to carry out the public relations function. Explanation of Public relations Developing Media Relations Launching Media Tours

L c descriptive rules - british museum cataloguing rules, L C Descriptive R...

L C Descriptive Rules:   Library of Congress. Rules for Descriptive cataloging at the Library of Congress Adopted by the American Library Association. - Washington, D.C.: Libra

Business process Modeling, Assignment: Model every process (in Microsoft Vi...

Assignment: Model every process (in Microsoft Visio 2010-2013) you identify in this dialogue except when explicitly mentioned that you should not. Project Africa Case Patrick Wiz

Quality definition, Q uality definition The  initial  step  of  projec...

Q uality definition The  initial  step  of  project  quality management  is  to  define quality.  The project manager and the team must identify and define the quality standar

Library catalogue : objectives purposes and functions , OBJECTIVES Li...

OBJECTIVES Library catalogue is an important tool in a library and cataloguing is one of the most important activities of a library. In this Unit, you are introduced to a few

Grunig-hunts public relations model, Problem 1 Strong employee relation...

Problem 1 Strong employee relations equals solid organizations. Companies that interact effectively with workers financially outperform those that don't. Identify and descri

Evolution of catalogue , EVOLUTION OF CATALOGUE : The custodial respon...

EVOLUTION OF CATALOGUE : The custodial responsibility assumed by the libraries of the early stages obligated on them the functions of acquisition and conservation entailing al

Demerits of dictionary catalogue, Demerits of dictionary catalogue: Th...

Demerits of dictionary catalogue: The alphabetical arrangement of entries in one sequence is at once the strength and weakness of a dictionary catalogue. The subject entries g

Finishing - binding processes, Finishing: Finishing is the final proce...

Finishing: Finishing is the final process of making the binding more artistic and attractive. This includes: preparation of the leather covering  imaginative design f

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd