Creating an Agile and Responsive IT Organization

Presented by IT @ Ohio University - Zanesville

AGILE

Characterized by quickness, lightness, and ease of movement;

nimble.

RESPONSIVE

Answering or replying; responding. Readily reacting to suggestions,

influences, appeals, or efforts

DISCLAIMER

The goal of I.T. in Higher Ed. Supporting the learning environment. Meeting the legitimate I.T. needs of the

academic and administrative frontline operations. STUDENTS – FACULTY – ADMIN OPs

Bottom line: we are a support service. Therefore; We must build a diverse

team to accomplish our goals.

HomegrownI.T.

A personal perspective.

Project Successes

Why Use Technology? Saves Time Improves Quality of Product Reduces Cost

Successes: Data Warehouse Lower Learning Curve

Dean’s Lists Probationary Student List Class Lists SCHEDULE PROGRAM

Benefits Decreased time Do as we need on our own time schedule

Successes: Waiting List Transformed existing “paper” system. Benefits:

More efficient for advisors and staff More efficient for students Better statistics Change from phone calls to e-mail

notification

Successes: Faculty Evaluations Changed to use of mark-sense forms

scanning Employed “header” sheets to stamp in

class identifiers Changed header sheet to computer-

generated pre-slug forms Benefits:

Saves lots of time and cost

Benefits & Challenges

Benefits Sometimes it is more practical to train a

frontline employee in IT operations than it is to train an IT employee in frontline operations.

It builds a better relationship with the frontline operation, because you have someone that speaks the language and may already have a relationship with that department.

It creates strength from diversity on your IT Team.

Challenges You have to invest time & training in

the individual. As with any other hire: you have to

pick the person with the strengths you need.

Don’t try to cheat. If you need a highly skilled IT worker, then hire a highly skilled IT worker.

Conclusion Your goal is to support the learning

environment. Building a talented, diverse team is one

key to that goal. Look at frontline operations staff to

provide additional expertise to your IT staff.

THANK YOUCopyright [McKown, Tumblin & Wilson] [2005]. This work is the intellectual property of the author. Permission is granted for this material to be shared for non-commercial, educational purposes, provided that this copyright statement appears on the reproduced materials and notice is given that the copying is by permission of the author. To disseminate otherwise or to republish requires written permission from the author..