Approach to managing remote IT sites with central administration

IT Scenario

A recent study determined that "dealing effectively with information and communication technology in the information society is a complex task and the human dimension is often under-estimated" (Broos, Cronje, 2009, p. 286). If what the study determined to be true, is true, then an out-of-date Central Administrative site for a large organization could lead to serious rifts in communications, and therefore lead to even larger, and more serious problems for the organization overall. It is important to understand that information technology can be a leading component in the search for a process that leads to successful business implementation. One methodology that can be used to successfully integrate information technology into the business process is called 'organization and method' (O & M). A recent report describes O & M. As "an intellectual discipline studied and promoted in Britain in the middle years of the twentieth century as a way of improving the efficiency of offices" (Wilson, 2008, p. 322). According to the same study, organization and method; "stressed designing and implementing systems that used every element of office operations in the most efficient manner" (Wilson, p. 322).

If the scenario facing the student is one that includes outdated hardware and software, then the approach used by the student should include upgrading all the office operations in the most effective way. Using the O & M. approach would allow the student the opportunity to evaluate the needs of the business, determine the goals and objectives, and construct a plan for reaching them. This type of evaluation is made much more difficult by the fact that the involved IT organization has 40 remote sites. It is highly likely that each site has similarities with the other sites, but each site would also have specific needs according to the local circumstances.

Efficiently managing the different sites will necessarily include a strong central message and implementation plan, while still allowing for flexibility based on locale, demographics and geographics of each site.

The first step in accomplishing this task would be to meet with the various managers. This can be accomplished individually as well as collectively. Hosting a meeting at the central location in which the managers are required to bring the most up-to-date information regarding their systems (hardware and software) would be essential. An evaluation of that information can then take place with input from those most likely to understand its limitations and capabilities.

One recent article states that "ensuring clinicians are skilled in the use of new technologies is essential, particularly if they are to describe the clinical requirements to system developers, and help implement the use of these new technologies" (Warm, Thomas, 2011, p. 35); this holds true in this scenario as well. An evaluation of the managers (or clinicians) that are the hands-on users of the systems is therefore essential as well.