Big IT for small companies

Abstract

Information technology-quick scan method (IT-QSM) helps a consultant or IT expert analyze the role of IT in a smaller enterprise and develop recommendations for improving its use. The method requires two investigators and is applied in a session that lasts a day. It merges qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis techniques to explore the manager’s views about aligning IT with organizational goals. The researchers send two sets of questionnaires to be completed by the manager and the IT leader. The questionnaires help reduce the time spent interviewing these key informants. The fieldwork begins with a brief presentation of the method to the key participants. Then the work continues with a private interview of the manager. The next step is to interview the IT leader to verify the information delivered by the manager, determine the frequency and level of contact between the leader and IT manager, and get a list of the IT systems used. The last two steps in the daylong quick scan are developing conclusions and recommendations and presenting them to the manager.