Managing an IT function is very different from developing or supporting technical IT solutions. General management skills are helpful to the IT manager, but results from this course demonstrate that a management course designed specifically for the IT professional is invaluable.
There are five key modules covering IT strategy, project excellence, communicating technology, operational and crisis management, and commercial acumen. These are the 5 management skills that have been identified as consistently enabling business results and career success for all IT managers.
Course Objectives of Excellence in IT Management
Develop an effective IT strategy
Increase project delivery rates and manage a portfolio of projects
Lead effectively in a technical crisis
Set clear IT contract objectives
Effectively negotiate technical agreements
Course Outline of Excellence in IT Management
Day 1
Business and IT strategy
Business strategy
What is strategy?
Solving the problems of business strategy
Leading approaches to creating a top-level strategy
Case study ‘Setting corporate direction’
IT strategy
A proven process for IT strategy
Aligning IT strategy to business priorities
Balanced scorecard IT objectives
Enterprise architecture in IT strategy
Looking for a better way — optimizing IT strategy
Strategic plans — plot on a page
Communicating strategy
Day 2
Project excellence
The advanced project, program, and portfolio management
Validating project business cases using investment appraisals and sensitivity analysis
IT project management wisdom — lessons learned from successful and failed projects
Effective project governance and reporting
Project portfolio management guidelines
The first 90 days
Making an impact — the first 90 days
Strategic importance and tactical urgency
Case study ‘Priorities of the new IT director’
Business change leadership
The emotional cycle of business change
Guidelines for successful change projects
IT's a unique role in business change management
Day 3
Communicating technology
Communication skills
The art of communicating technology
Presenting IT to non-technical audiences
Creating a compelling technology message — IT’s an elevator pitch
Handling difficult (IT) situations — forum theatre and role play
Group debate — What has IT ever done for us?
Business relationship management
Business relationship scenarios
The POSTMAN technique for identifying priority business requirements
The advanced use of questioning strategies – opening and closing dialogue
Methods of influencing outcomes
Day 4
Operational and crisis management
Continual Service Improvement (CSI) models
Overview of different frameworks, including ITIL, Six Sigma and Lean IT
Techniques of root cause analysis
CSI examples and guidelines
Crisis leadership
Preparing for major (technology) incidents
Managing major incidents
Leading in crisis — the art of communication
Roleplay ‘Handling difficult situations’ — media simulation
