ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY IN UGANDA
Faculty: MITM
Year: One
Semester: One
Lecturer: Dr. Umar Yahya
Task: Group Coursework
Name: Farhan Ahmed Warsame/ Okello David
Reg.no: 224-065193-29992/224-065193-31990
Paper code: MIT1101: ICT FOR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
PART B
Using the same organization studied in Assignment I, complete the following (note: choose 1
of the 2 organizations since you are now in groups of 2): -
a) Draft an ICT Strategic Management Framework for the organization. Emphasis should
be put on highlighting how each of the Framework element aligns well with the
organization’s strategic transformation agenda.
b) Identify 03 of the several emerging technologies that could be leveraged by the
organization in its pursuit of transformation. Discuss the implementation considerations
that the organization must take into account, in order to realize the intended
transformational outcomes as these technologies are rolled out.
c) Discuss the extent to which the organization is adopting E-Administration, and provide
your expert insights on the way forward for the organization.
Draft an ICT Strategic Management Framework for the organization. Emphasis should
be put on highlighting how each of the Framework element aligns well with the
organization’s strategic transformation agenda.
Case Study: Excel Insurance Company Limited (EXICO)
Below is a draft ICT Strategic Management Framework that EXICO can adopt to align its ICT
initiatives with its strategic transformation agenda. The framework is divided into Eight key
areas as listed below:
o Leadership and Governance
o Strategy and Investment
o Infrastructure and Technology
o Business Systems and Applications
o IT Business continuity
o Cybersecurity and Risk Management
o Monitoring and Evaluation / Project management
Each element highlights its alignment with the organizational transformation goals for EXICO.
1. Leadership and Governance
This Strategy establishes an oversight and accountability for ICT initiatives, ensuring
alignment with organizational goals.
Alignment: By involving top leadership in decision-making, this element ensures that ICT
projects directly support strategic transformation objectives, such as ICT Strategy and
Planning, Risk Management, ICT Procurement Policy, Process and Procedures, Performance
Measurement, ICT Resource Management, Monitoring and Compliance and ICT Sourcing
Models. For Example, EXICO needs to form an ICT steering committee to prioritize projects
that align with strategic goals like automation or sustainability.
2. Strategy and Investment
This framework focuses on creating a comprehensive ICT strategy and allocating resources
effectively.
Alignment: Ensures ICT investments prioritize high-impact projects, like system upgrades and
digital tools that advance transformation goals such as enhanced customer experience and
streamlined processes.
3. Infrastructure and Technology
Refers to the hardware, software, networks, and cloud capabilities that support ICT operations.
Alignment: Ensures proper planning in the utilization of various technologies such as Data
centres, Virtualisation, Capacity Management, Communications and Network Management,
Data Storage, IT Asset Management, Systems Acquisition, Systems Design and Development.
For Example, a robust, scalable infrastructure that supports digital initiatives, enabling the
adoption of transformative technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud computing to achieve strategic
goals.
4. Business Systems and Applications
The framework encompasses strategic structure that guides the implementation, management,
and alignment of business applications and systems with an organization's objectives. This
framework ensures that ICT systems effectively support operational needs and strategic
transformation efforts.
Alignment: Processes such as Software Acquisition, Software Design and Development,
Software Maintenance and Management, Business Process Analysis, Integration, Software
Scoping and Requirements Definition, Testing and Implementation, Change Management,
Version Control. For Example, Acquisition of Tools like ERP and CRM systems streamline
operations and decision-making, while effective data management provides insights critical for
innovation and transformation.
5. IT Business continuity
Provides a structured approach for organizations to ensure the uninterrupted operation of
critical IT services during and after disruptive events. It integrates business continuity planning
(BCP) with ICT strategies to mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and support rapid recovery.
Alignment: Disaster Recovery, Contingency Planning, Backups, Replication, Redundancy,
Data Recovery, Emergency Response.
6. Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Ensures the protection of digital assets and the mitigation of risks.
Alignment: Cybersecurity measures protect critical ICT systems and data, ensuring continuity
and trust during transformation efforts such as e-commerce expansion or customer data
digitization. For example, Access Management, Authentication, Audit, Remote Access,
Incident Management, Reporting and Response, Physical and Environmental Security,
Network and Communications Security.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
Focuses on assessing ICT performance and its impact on organizational objectives.
Alignment: Regular reviews of ICT initiatives ensure alignment with the transformation
agenda, allowing for adjustments to maintain relevance and achieve desired outcomes right
from Initiation, Planning, Execution, Reporting, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing
Conclusion
These elements collectively provide a structured approach to align ICT initiatives with an
organization’s strategic transformation. By addressing leadership, investment, infrastructure,
skills, and security comprehensively, the framework ensures a cohesive and sustainable
transformation.
Identify 03 of the several emerging technologies that could be leveraged by the
organization in its pursuit of transformation. Discuss the implementation considerations
that the organization must take into account, in order to realize the intended
transformational outcomes as these technologies are rolled out.
Here are three emerging technologies that EXICO can leverage for transformation, along with
key implementation considerations:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
o Potential for Transformation:
AI and ML enable predictive analytics, process automation, and personalized user
experiences, driving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. For example,
AI-powered chatbots on EXICO Website can streamline customer service, and ML
algorithms can optimize tailored service and products.
o Implementation Considerations:
✓ Data Quality and Availability. The organization must ensure access to high-
quality, structured data for AI models to perform effectively.
✓ Ethical Use and Bias Mitigation: Develop frameworks to avoid bias in AI
applications, ensuring fairness in decision-making.
✓ Skill Development: Invest in upskilling employees to use AI tools effectively.
✓ Infrastructure Readiness: Implement scalable computing resources, such as
cloud platforms, to handle the computational demands of AI.
✓ Integration with Existing Systems: Ensure AI tools are interoperable with the
organization's legacy systems.
2. Cloud Computing
o Potential for Transformation:
Cloud computing can enable organizations to store, manage, and process data
flexibly and cost-effectively. It supports remote work and scalable application
deployment.
o Implementation Considerations:
✓ Security: Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and secure
sensitive data.
✓ Vendor Selection: Choosing reliable cloud providers that align with business
needs (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
✓ Migration Strategy: Develop a phased migration plan to move legacy systems
to the cloud.
✓ Disaster Recovery: Leverage cloud-based backups for business continuity.
3. Internet of Things (IoT)
o Potential for Transformation
IoT connects devices to collect and exchange data in real-time, driving smart
operations. For example, IoT-enabled sensors can optimize energy usage in
buildings, track inventory in warehouses, or improve predictive maintenance for
machinery.
o Implementation Considerations
✓ Cybersecurity: Protect IoT networks from vulnerabilities by implementing
robust encryption and regular software updates.
✓ Data Management: Develop strategies for handling large volumes of IoT-
generated data, including storage, analysis, and privacy concerns.
✓ Network Infrastructure: Invest in high-speed, low-latency connectivity (e.g.,
5G) to support real-time IoT applications.
✓ Interoperability: Ensure IoT devices and platforms can seamlessly integrate
with existing systems and protocols.
✓ ROI Assessment: Calculate the costs of deploying and maintaining IoT
infrastructure against expected efficiency gains.
Summary
By leveraging AI, cloud computing, and IoT can enable organizations to enhance efficiency,
transparency, and innovation. However, successful implementation requires careful planning,
addressing technical, regulatory, and operational challenges. Aligning these technologies with
specific transformation goals ensures maximum impact while mitigating risks.
Discuss the extent to which the organization is adopting E-Administration, and provide
your expert insights on the way forward for the organization.
E-administration refers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to
enhance the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of administrative processes within
an organization. The extent of its adoption varies across organizations depending on several
factors such as size, resources, technological readiness, and strategic priorities. Below is an
evaluation framework, followed by expert insights on the way forward.
Extent of E-Administration Adoption
o Automation of Routine Processes, many organizations have adopted e-
administration tools to automate repetitive tasks such as payroll management, leave
applications, and procurement processes. For Example, Use of Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP) systems for unified operations.
o Digital Communication and Collaboration, Adoption of tools like Microsoft Teams,
Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, and intranet portals for improved communication and
collaboration. For instance, Virtual meetings are replacing in-person administrative
discussions.
o Document Management Systems (DMS), Implementation of digital repositories for
storing, sharing, and retrieving administrative records. For example, Cloud-based
document management systems like SharePoint or Google Workspace make
document sharing and approvals seamless.
o Service Delivery Platforms such as e-portals to offer services such as online
complaints, inquiries, and self-service options for employees or customers.
o Integration with Government E-Systems for compliance and reporting, such as tax
filings and regulatory submissions.
Challenges in Adoption
Despite progress, organizations often face barriers that limit the full adoption of e-
administration
o Limited ICT Infrastructure, Some organizations lack advanced infrastructure to support
e-administration.
o Resistance to Change, Employees may resist transitioning from manual processes to
digital systems.
o Cybersecurity Concerns, Growing risks of data breaches discourage organizations from
adopting digital solutions.
o Financial Constraints, High initial costs of implementing e-administration tools.
Expert Insights on the Way Forward
o Invest in Scalable Infrastructure, Organizations should prioritize investments in
scalable and reliable ICT infrastructure to accommodate future expansion. Example,
Implementing cloud-based services to ensure scalability and cost-effectiveness.
o Capacity Building, Regular training programs should be conducted to familiarize
employees with e-administration tools and overcome resistance to change. Example,
Providing hands-on workshops on using ERP and CRM systems.
o Focus on Cybersecurity, Enhance data protection by deploying robust cybersecurity
measures, including firewalls, encryption, and regular audits. Example, Partnering with
cybersecurity firms to implement end-to-end security solutions.
o Adopt Incremental Implementation, Gradual rollout of e-administration systems allows
for testing, employee acclimatization, and refinement. Example, Begin with automating
payroll and HR processes before expanding to other administrative functions.
o Leverage Emerging Technologies, Integrate advanced technologies like Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain for tasks such as predictive analytics and secure
record management. Example, AI-powered chatbots to handle administrative inquiries.
o Promote Change Management, Develop a robust change management strategy to align
organizational culture with the shift toward e-administration.
o Performance Monitoring, Regularly evaluate the impact of e-administration on
organizational efficiency using key performance indicators (KPIs). Example, Tracking
reduced processing times for administrative approvals.
By adopting these strategies, organizations can harness the full potential of e-administration to
achieve higher levels of efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness, ultimately supporting
their broader strategic transformation goals.
References
1. Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2017). Machine, Platform, Crowd: Harnessing Our
Digital Future. W. W. Norton & Company.
2. Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management Information Systems: Managing
the Digital Firm. Pearson.
3. McKinsey & Company (2021). "The Future of Digital Transformation." Available at
www.mckinsey.com.
4. Gartner Research (2023). "Top Emerging Technologies to Watch in 2023." Gartner
Insights.
5. ISO/IEC 38500:2015. Governance of IT for the Organization. International Standards
Organization.
6. Weill, P., & Ross, J. W. (2004). IT Governance: How Top Performers Manage IT
Decision Rights for Superior Results. Harvard Business Review Press.
7. Deloitte Insights (2022). "Tech Trends 2022: A New Horizon for Transformation."
Available at www2.deloitte.com.
8. Accenture Technology Vision (2023). "When Atoms Meet Bits: The Foundations of
Our New Reality." Available at www.accenture.com.
9. World Economic Forum (2023). "Global Risks Report 2023." Available at
www.weforum.org.
10. Harvard Business Review (2021). "The Transformative Role of AI in Business
Operations." Available at www.hbr.org.
