ITM301 Module 2

IT GOVERNANCE AND DECISION MAKING

Assignment Overview

In this case we investigate the technology-related decision making in organizations.

• We start by introducing the objective of governance specific to the information technology function and services.
• Next, we offer to you the fundamental battle in technology management—the constant tug-of-war between centralization and decentralization.
• We then provide several examples of how real-world organizations have reconciled their choices in how to structure themselves.
• Next, we present an overview of decision making processes and some of the methods for making decisions.
• Finally, we present insight into the complexity of real-world choices highlight the politics of information.

Before writing-up the Case paper, make sure you read and review the course materials assigned to Module 2.

Case Assignment

Using the “structure of governance focus area” found on Figure 1 in the following COBIT case study, write a 4-5 page report comparing and describing the IT governance structure and decision-making processes in your organization. Include a discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of your organization’s circumstances and present and justify one specific improvement you would make to either the structure or a process. Be sure to apply the concepts and use the terminology provided in the readings and case study. Follow the case study in terms of “finding derived value” and “next steps” to discuss your organization.

Please note that the ISACA website may give an error as you click on the URL, but it will still link you to the case.

ISACA (2015). Developing a governance framework for the global support organization at GlaxoSmithKline, using COBIT. Retrieved from http://www.isaca.org/Knowledge-Center/cobit/Pages/COBIT-Case-Study-Developing-a-Governance-Framework-for-the-Global-Support-Organisation-at-GlaxoSmithKline-Using-COBIT.aspx

Assignment Expectations

Your assignments will be graded following these expectations:

• The Case should be 4-5 pages excluding cover page and reference list.
• Precision: the questions asked are answered.
• Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic.
• Breadth and depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module.
• Critical Thinking: It is important to read the “required readings” posted in the background material plus others you find relevant. Your paper should include important concepts from these readings and incorporate YOUR reactions and examples that illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts.
• Your paper meets the page requirements not counting the cover page or the references pages.

IT GOVERNANCE AND DECISION MAKING

Working with the Excel Environment

Excel allows us to calculate numerical information using formulas. In Module 2, we learn how to use cell references to create formulas. In order to create a formula, we need to learn about Excel standard operators for formulas. These operators are a plus sign (+) for addition, a minus sign (-) for subtraction, an asterisk (*)for multiplication, a forward slash (/) for division, and a caret (^) for exponents. Excel uses = sign to start a formula, and that cell must be equal to the formula which is calculated for.

Source: http://www.gcflearnfree.org/excel2013/13

Excel 2013 uses features like the Ribbon and Quick Access toolbar to perform common tasks. The Ribbon in Excel 2013 uses a tabbed Ribbon system rather the traditional menu. Below is the description of the different tabs in Excel 2010-2013.

Understanding cell references

A cell is recognized by its address. The intersection of a columns and a row represent a cell address. For instance, column B and row 3 is the cell B3. The cell value is the value of what we calculate for a specific cell. For instance, if we B1 = 15, B2 = 25, then the value of B3 = B1+B2 or B3 = 15+25=40, therefore, the value of B3 = 40 as shown below.

In formula section we have, Fx =A1+A2

Please review the following link and watch the following section videos.

Refer to tutorials at http://www.gcflearnfree.org/excel2013

1. Formatting Cells [video 9]
2. Worksheet Basics [video 10]
3. Page Layout [video 11]
4. Printing Workbooks [video 12]
5. Simple Formula [video 13]
6. Complex Formulas [video 14]
7. Relative Absolute Cell References [video 15]
8. Functions [video 16]

SLP Assignment

Please note that SLP 2 Assignment has the following exercises and basic spreadsheet exercises from the Abacus Training site.

Use the table below to do the following.

= A1+A2+A3+A4

= B4 – B2

= C4/B2

= C3/5

A4^2

Write the cell address according above table for the following:

1. Use the below table to calculate the total for each item; however, instead of manual work, use the formula function. For example, to calculate each item, you need to do the following.

• Place = on the formula bar in the Total column
• Multiple Quantity X Unit Price in the Total column

After completing the Excel exercise above, please continue developing the Abacus Excel spreadsheet exercises located at http://triplecsa.fhost.com.au/Blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Basic-Spreadsheet-Concepts-Exercises.pdf and as noted below.

Exercise 1 - Sales for the Month

Exercise 2 - Sales and Produce Department

Exercise 3 - Mike's Stationery Order

Create an Excel file with designated folders 1-4 to develop the above exercises.

SLP Assignment Expectations

The SLP should be developed in Excel. Your assignments will be graded following these expectations:

• Precision: The questions asked are answered.
• Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic.
• Breadth and depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module.
• Critical Thinking: It is important to read the “required readings” posted in the background material plus others you find relevant. Your paper should include important concepts from these readings and incorporate your reactions and examples that illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts.