IT Metrics - IT Process Model

Any IT/IS department has to be organized in a way that every activity is properly manage by a set of processes which has been defined and agreed at management level.

The processes that are supported are naturally structured and/or divided in three main areas; Strategic layer, Tactical Layer and Operational Layer. Every company and its different IT functions has to make sure that a clear definition is in place and that all the processes are properly defined, documented and periodically reviewed.

This model recommends to initiate the process by defining an IT strategy (2-3 years time horizont) in a close and intimate relationship with the business strategy. This would be the starting point for the next two levels of the IT processes and their sub-tasks (i.e: the systems portfolio, change management, etc). The IT strategy and the related System Portfolio has to result from the business strategy itself, as opposed to certain clearly not recommended practices where the IT leaders decided to move a head with the definition of certain operational and tactical activities without knowing what the business is expecting from them in terms of strategic support to their operations.

In order for IT to become a "competitive business weapon" the IT management has to review the current way to manage most of their departments. Build the roof before having the walls is probably not a good idea in the construction industry nor in IT. This approach may save some time at the begining but will not provide a medium-long term profitable relationship business / IT nor the required IT capabilities for the business to invest on a sustainable manner regarding IT/IS .

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