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GG Freightways (GGFRT) IT Strategic Plan, Part 1 Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “GG Freightways Case Study” and all the course content from Weeks 1 and 2. Purpose of this Assignment This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply the course concepts to begin development of an Information Technology Strategic Plan (ITSP) to support the strategic direction of GG Freightways (GGFRT). This assignment specifically addresses the following course outcomes to enable you to: · identify, define, and explain the concepts of information technology governance and management IT Strategic Plan for GG Freightways Lance, the new CIO at GGFRT, has asked you to write an IT Strategic Plan that he can use to guide the direction for his organization. The ITSP will be developed in two parts. This assignment covers Part 1; Part 2 will be covered in the next class assignment. Together, they will form an ITSP that has been tailored to the course material covered in this class. You may work for an organization that has an ITSP, and it would be a good idea for you to look at it, but it will likely be structured a little differently from this one. Each organization develops an ITSP that will work for them. Assignment You will develop Part 1 of the ITSP for GG Freightways (GGFRT), using the outline below. Each of the topics to be included in your outline is covered in the course content readings assigned thus far. In addition to the course materials, at least two external resources (resources other than those provided in the class) must be used. Two or more cited references will earn top credit. Use a separate References page to list just the references you have cited. Remember to use the APA formatting rules and correctly cite and reference your sources with APA format. Use the Grading Rubric to be sure you have covered everything. Please use this outline to build your IT Strategic Plan. Use the numbering and headings shown below. Part One 1. Business Statement – Summarize in one paragraph, in your own words , the business of GGFRT. Include the locations of the company/terminals/maintenance facilities, fleet information/details (breakdown), and current/future financial climate/goals (with cost savings). Refer to Case Study. 2. Business Strategic Objectives - In the Case Study, the management team has identified three (3) new strategic objectives.  Using the following table (copy/paste it into your assignment), List/fully state the three (3) objectives, then, in your own words , in full sentences, add a brief explanation to each one.  Next add a new strategic objective of your own - one that you consider important to the current and future health of GGFRT’s business. In the explanation (for the new objective only ), it should also add a statement of how the management team would improve the business of GGFRT. It can be one of the three federal/state regulations that the company wants to remain in compliance with, or a new one that you choose. Write a brief introductory paragraph prior to the table. The paragraph must come first before your table, to explain what the table is providing. The format below should be used for the presentation of this section: Business Strategic Objective (BSO) (enter number 1, 2, 3, 4 only) Fully State the Objective (from the case study); for the new objective, it should not discuss IT. Explanation (in your own words for each BSO; for the new objective only, also incorporate how the management team would use the new objective to improve the business of GGFRT. None should discuss any relationship to use of IT 1 2 3 4 (new objective) 3. IT Mission and IT Vision Statements – Write two short paragraphs with separate IT mission and IT vision statements for the Information Technology Department at GGFRT. Label one “a. IT Mission Statement:” and one “b. IT Vision Statement:” . The format should be: a. IT Mission Statement: (stated in full sentences) b. IT Vision Statement: (stated in full sentences) Use what you learn from the case study to create your own idea for the IT Mission Statement (current IT goals) and use the case study situation at GGFRT to write the IT Vision Statement for the IT department (future IT goals). (These should be general statements from the IT Department’s perspective and not note specific systems being planned for the near, or long-term future and general company operations). Refer to the course materials on mission and vision, particularly the reading on "Creating a Future Vision for the Chief Information Officer". If you need help on a mission statement, do a little research on the web; you will find many examples of IT mission statements. 4. IT Governance – Using the course content materials and the case study, describe, following the format below for each section, how the IT governance process should work for GGFRT. Lance wants to engage the other senior leaders, so include: a. who the participants are, b. what each of their roles are on the governance board (why each is a member of the governance body, not their general roles in the company), c. what specific governance methodology should be established/justification (i.e. COBIT, ITIL, etc.; documents in various weeks’ content), discussing your choice based on projects/case study d. what general responsibilities the governance body would have, and e. how they would prioritize IT projects to include (1) prioritization tool, (2) general criteria that is being considered for determining project importance, specific systems being planned should not be noted as the priority). Refer to the course materials on governance, and you should supplement those documents with external research. IT Governance methodologies are covered in Week 5’s course content. 5. Inventory of Current IT Systems – Using the information in the Case Study, you will use the table provided to describe the current systems in use (not the systems being planned or in process of being completed, servers and PCs are hardware, not systems) and the IT resources allocated to their support (these are personnel in the IT Department only as well as equipment that hosts these systems) . Copy and complete the table below, creating additional rows as needed to cover all current systems at GGFRT (if needed), then write a brief introductory paragraph prior to the table. The paragraph must come first before your table, to explain what the table is providing. Current System Function/ Description Strategic Goal aligned to (business strategic objective from part 2 of this assignment; if compliance noted as business goals were not used, they can still be incorporated in this table. Business Unit/ Department Business Benefits IT Resources only (people, equipment supporting this system) The "right" and "wrong" answers depend on whether you correctly incorporated the course concepts from the course content materials and addressed all parts of the assignment. The content of the mission and vision statements you create is not as important as that it makes sense considering the course content and the Case Study. Use the Rubric below to be sure you have covered all aspects of the assignment. Formatting Your Assignment · Avoid quotation where possible by paraphrasing ideas and findings from your sources into both your own words and writing style. Changing a few words but including most of the wording and structure from the original text of your sources is not acceptable. Verbatim text directly from sources is not acceptable, even if cited. The work of the ideas and the writing needs to be your own. If you do use verbatim text, you must use quotation marks even if you have cited the source. · Formatting: 1” margins, 12-point Times New Roman font. · Create a title page that includes: The company name, title of assignment, your name, Course and Section number and date. A running header and abstract are not necessary; however, please include page numbers. · Use the numbering format in the assignment instructions above, for these sections: 1. Business Statement 2. Business Strategic Objectives (table format) 3. IT Mission and IT Vision Statements a. IT Mission Statement b. IT Vision Statement 4. Governance a. who the participants are, b. what each of their roles are on the governance board (why each is a member of the governance body, not their general roles in the company), c. what specific governance methodology should be established/justification (i.e., COBIT, ITIL, etc.; documents in various weeks’ content), d. what responsibilities the governance body would have, and e. how they would prioritize IT projects (prioritization tool, criteria that is being considered for determining project importance) 5. Inventory of Current IT Systems · Write a short concise paper: Use the recommendations provided in each area for length of response. It’s important to value quality over quantity. · Content areas should be double spaced; table entries should be single spaced. · To copy a table : Move your cursor to the table, then click on the small box that appears at the upper left corner of the table to highlight the table; right click and COPY the table; put the cursor in your paper where you want the table and right click and PASTE the table. · Ensure that each of the tables is preceded by an introductory sentence that explains what is contained in the table, so the reader understands why the table has been included (if included in the instructions). · Use at least two resources with APA formatted citation and reference. Any course content should be from the class reading content, not the assignment instructions or case study itself. For information on APA format, refer to Content>Course Resources>Writing Resources. · Begin a Reference Page for resources required for this assignment. Use APA format for your reference page. · Running heads are not required for this report. · Writing should always be in third person. · Compare your work to the Grading Rubric below to be sure you have met content and quality criteria. · Submit your paper as a Word document, or a document that can be read in Word. Keep tables in Word format – do not paste in graphics. The paper should be uploaded to the ITSP #1 assignment folder. · Your submission should include your last name first in the filename: Lastname_Firstname_ITSP1 GRADING RUBRIC: Criterion 90-100% Far Above Standards 80-89% Above Standards 70-79% Meets Standards 60-69% Below Standards < 60% Well Below Standards Possible Points Business Statement 5 Points The summary description of the business in the Case Study is complete, clear and concise and sets the stage for the remainder of the ITSP; demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 4 Points The summary description of the business in the Case Study is clear and concise and sets the stage for the remainder of the ITSP. 3.5 Points A summary description of the business in the Case Study is provided. 3 Points The summary description of the business in the Case Study is unclear, not concise, and/or does not set the stage for the remainder of the ITSP. 0-2 Points Little or no summary description of the business in the Case Study is included. 5 Business Strategic Objectives 9-10 Points This section includes an effective and well-written introductory paragraph that is applicable to the Case Study and the table that follows. Three (3) business strategic objectives are listed and fully stated. One new objective, highly relevant to the Case Study, is listed, also fully stated, and clearly relates to how the management team will improve the business; work demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 8 Points This section includes an appropriate introductory paragraph that is applicable to the Case Study and the table that follows. Three (3) business strategic objectives are listed and are fully stated. One new objective, relevant to the Case Study, is listed; it clearly relates to how the management team will improve the business. 7 Points This section includes an introductory paragraph that applies to the Case Study. Three (3) business strategic objectives from the Case Study are listed. One new objective, relevant to the Case Study, is listed; it relates to how the management team will improve the business. 6 Points Fewer than three (3) business strategic objectives are listed or they are not drawn from the Case Study; the table lacks an introduction; the new strategic objective is not relevant to the Case Study; and/or new strategic objective does not relate to how the management team will improve the business. 0-5 Points Few or no business strategic objectives are listed; the table lacks an introduction; a new objective is not added; and/or objectives are not related to the Case Study. 10 IT Vision and Mission Statements 18-20 Points IT Vision and Mission Statements are clearly written and highly relevant to the Case Study and demonstrate strong understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 16-17 Points IT Vision and Mission Statements are clearly written and relevant to the Case Study and demonstrate understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 14-15 Points IT Vision and Mission Statements are both included and are relevant to the Case Study. 12-13 Points IT Vision and Mission Statement do not cover both vision and mission, are not relevant to the Case Study, or are lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis and/or critical thinking. 0-11 Points One or both IT Vision and Mission Statements are not included, and/or do not relate to the Case Study, and/or are poorly written and do not convey the information. 20 Governance 23-25 Points The Governance Section presents a well-supported and convincing explanation of a governance process for the business in the Case Study that engages other senior leaders in the organization. This section includes a thorough discussion of all five (5) topics: participants, roles of participants, what governance methodology should be established/ justified along with a cited source, responsibilities of the governance body, and the prioritization criteria/tool/ process for IT projects; is highly applicable to and appropriate for the Case Study; and demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 20-22 Points The Governance Section presents a good explanation of a governance process for the business in the Case Study that engages other senior leaders in the organization. This section includes a clear discussion of four (4) topics: participants, roles of participants, what governance methodology should be established/ justified responsibilities of the governance body, and the prioritization criteria/tool/ process for IT projects; and is clearly applicable to and appropriate for the Case Study. 18-19 Points The Governance Section addresses how the CIO will engage the other senior leaders and includes three (3) topics: who the participants are, what their roles are (why they are members of the governance body), what governance methodology should be established, what responsibilities the governance body would have, and how they would prioritize IT projects (criteria/tool/ process). 15-17 Points Governance section does not include all required content (two (2) or less) (participants, roles, methodology, responsibilities, and prioritization criteria/tool/ process for IT projects); is not applicable to or appropriate for the Case Study. 0-14 Points Little or none of the required information is presented in the Governance section and/or it is not relevant to the Case Study. 25 Inventory of Current IT Systems 18-20 Points This section includes an effective and well-written introductory paragraph that is applicable to the Case Study and the table that follows. The completed table contains all required information accurately extracted from the Case Study and demonstrates thorough understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 16-17 Points This section includes an appropriate introductory paragraph that is applicable to the Case Study and the table that follows. The completed table contains all required information accurately extracted from the Case Study and demonstrates understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking. 14-15 Points This section includes an introductory paragraph that applies to the Case Study. The completed table contains all required information extracted from the Case Study. 12-13 Points This section is somewhat incomplete (lacking in introduction or required table, or table content is incomplete); is not applicable to the Case Study; or is lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis and/or critical thinking. 0-11 Points Little or no information is provided on the Inventory of Current IT Projects; table is missing; and/or information presented does not apply to the Case Study. 20 External Research 9-10 Points Two (2) or more sources other than the class materials are incorporated, are substantive, and are used effectively. Sources used are relevant and timely, contribute to the analysis, and support conclusions. References are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style. 8 Points At least one (1) source other than the class materials is incorporated and used effectively. Source(s) are relevant and contribute to the analysis. References are appropriately incorporated and cited using APA style. 7 Points At least one (1) source other than the class materials is used and properly incorporated into the text. Reference is cited using APA style. 6 Points A source other than the class materials may be used, but is not properly incorporated, and/or is not relevant or timely; and/or APA style for references and citations is not followed. 0-5 Points No external research is incorporated, or reference listed is not cited within text. 10 Report Format 9-10 Points Report is very well organized and is easy to read. Very few or no errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; presented in a professional format. 8 Points Report reflects effective organization; has few errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; presented in a professional format. 7 Points Report has some organization; may have some errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling. 6 Points Report is not well organized, and/or contains several grammar and/or spelling errors. 0-5 Points Report is extremely poorly written, has many grammar and/or spelling errors, or does not convey the information. 10 TOTAL Possible Points 100 Winter, 2021 5 Running head: GG FREIGHTWAYS (GGFRT) IT STRATEGIC PLAN GG FREIGHTWAYS (GGFRT) IT STRATEGIC PLAN 7 GG Freightways (GGFRT) IT Strategic Plan Ayomide Ajayi IFSM 301-7382 03/30/2021 Part One 1. Business Statement- a. GG Freightways (GGFRT) is a shipping and delivery business organization and has been operation for over 30 years. The company operates in major cities throughout the southwestern region of the United States. The company’s headquarter is situated in Los Angeles, California. b. The company has 8 terminals in total and they are in the following areas: Los Angeles CA, San Diego CA, San Bernardino CA, Bakersfield CA, Scottsdale AZ, Phoenix AZ, Tucson AZ, and Las Vegas NV. Additionally, it has two maintenance facilities in San Bernardino CA and Scottsdale AZ. c. On the other hand, the company has a fleet section which consists of; 400 delivery vehicles (average of 50 per terminal) which include: 80 tractor/semi-trailer units, 160 box trucks and 160 panel vans. d. Financial posture of the company indicate a total annual revenue of an estimated $35,000,000 while the current economic climate is noted to be stable while at the same time being highly competitive. Meanwhile, 8% represents the future financial profit goals with 8% in cost-saving. 2. Business Strategic Objectives- The company management team has identified three new strategic objectives namely as freight tracking, improve the percent of load miles in their fleet, provide warehousing services, and collaborations. Freight tracking, improved the percent of load miles in their fleet, provision of warehousing services, and collaborations are key business strategic objectives that will ensure the company is able to dispatch or share information with the concern customers in addition to improving delivery, cost reduction efforts, and create new opportunities (Hampton, 2015).  Business Strategic Objective The Objective Explanation Freight tracking The first objective is freight tracking which will enable the company to track the whereabouts of cargo movements both in the terminals and on the trucks and the essence is to deliver customers with accurate delivery schedules. GGFRT operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and tracking of cargo will include shipment information such as origin, destination, product description, weight, and number of packages. This will enable coordination of events and dispatching of information to the concern party. Improve the percent of load miles in their fleet The company want to improve the percent of loaded miles in their fleet and the main goal to be achieved by this strategic objective is cost reduction as coordination of pickup and delivery of cargo in the same geographic area will enhance truck optimization. Improving the percent of load miles of their fleet is important to the company as this will result in reduced waste whereby trucks do not return without cargo on their return trip. Provide warehousing services The company anticipate to provide warehousing services for customers who want to improve delivery time to their customers. For instance, companies who manufacture products locally can arrange storage services with the company so as to facilitate quick pick-up and local delivery. Provide warehousing or storage services for customers who want to reduce delivery time to their customers Collaboration Collaboration is the other added strategic objective and it is involves creating and developing partnership with other industry-based stakeholders and the essence is to share information, research exercises, and complementary services. Dynamic data and asset sharing platforms with other cargo companies so that trucks and assets can be shared in the event they are operating in the same route. In addition, truck that breakdown on transit can transfer their load to other empty trucks of other companies operating in the same route. 3. IT Mission and IT Vision Statements a. IT Mission Statement- We are determine to employ the best freight services and rapid movements of goods. We trust the efficiency and effectiveness of our employees, stakeholders, and technological platform will transform the confidence of our customers. b. IT Vision Statement- our vision is to drive our freight services into a new level second to none. 4. Governance- a) The participants who be involved in the development of the desired and most appropriate governance plan include the Chief Financial Officer, system and network administrators, members of third-party service providers, volunteering customers, system users, enterprise-based IT system developers, and external IT security experts (Williams, 2016).  b) The governance body will include the chief information officer, IT security administrators, and IT security advisors or experts. The chief information officer will be responsible for resource allocation, ownership of the entire security plan, coordination of tasks, and effective management of all employees in the department, and enforcing policies. On the other hand, IT security administrators will be delegated with deployment of all security tools and practices, monitoring current activities, risk management, allocating roles and access rights, and reporting deficits or violations. Finally, the IT security consultants will be utilize for advisory roles and coordination of compliance requirements as well as conducting impartial audits. c) COBIT is the specific governance methodology that should be established in the organization because it presents the organizations well-defined framework for developing IT management guidelines, security and privacy policies, audits, risk management, enforcement, forensic efforts, and financial audit and reporting requirements (Williams, 2016).  d) The responsibilities of the governance body include approving and validating the established IT management guidelines, setting up the baseline code of conduct and acceptable/unacceptable behavior components, conducting audits and risk assessments, enforcing and sanctioning, and reporting discrepancies or malicious activities. e) Prioritization of IT projects will depend on how they enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the organization’s operations. For instance, mobile application system is vital in enhancing access to information and resources will on the go and it has to be highly prioritized. However, projects that will improve IT security are to be prioritized highly in order to avert security incidences (Williams, 2016).  5. Inventory of current IT systems- GGFRT is current technology products for finance and accounting reporting systems, fleet management system, mobile application system, and route and freight tracking system. They are utilized in the organization to coordinate information and resources as well as underway and scheduled operations. Current System Spring 2019 Function/ Description Strategic Goal Business Unit/ Department Business Benefits IT spring ‘19 Precise Financial Reporting System Financial reporting Ensure accountability Accounts Improved profit margins Staff, systems, and external auditors Fleet management system Coordinate truck maintenance Improve service delivery Operations Improved movements Drivers, automobile dealers Route optimization and freight tracking system Dispatch management Reduce costs Operations Coordination of movements Operations staff, drivers, management systems, customers Mobile marketing application Digital marketing Improve market presence Sales and Marketing Mobility and productivity Sales and marketing staff, social networks, emails, and partners Management reporting To extract information from precise financial reporting system Daily reporting and current status reports Operations and Finance Urgent monitoring of current activities and support immediate decision making Interface system between the route optimization/freight tracking system and precise financial reporting system, staff, spreadsheet applications. Automated inventory systems Track products Scheduling Customer relationship Support customer services Customer systems, staff, data centers, networks. References Hampton, J. J. (2015). Fundamentals of enterprise risk management: How top companies assess risk, manage exposure, and seize opportunity. Silbey, S. S., & American Academy of Political and Social Science. (2015).Organizational challenges to regulatory enforcement and compliance: A new common sense about regulation. Los Angeles: SAGE. Top of Form Williams, B. L. (2016). Information security policy development for compliance: ISO/IEC 27001, NIST SP 800-53, HIPAA standard, PCI DSS V2. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.