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Mis Lecture Note

The document provides an overview of managing IT in an organization. It discusses key topics such as: 1. Defining IT, information systems, and the factors that determine IT project success. 2. The functions of management including planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling resources. 3. Key aspects of managing IT including developing an IT strategy, establishing governance, maintaining infrastructure and security, providing services, and managing projects. 4. The importance of accountability, transparency, and productivity for IT specialists.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
50 views

Mis Lecture Note

The document provides an overview of managing IT in an organization. It discusses key topics such as: 1. Defining IT, information systems, and the factors that determine IT project success. 2. The functions of management including planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling resources. 3. Key aspects of managing IT including developing an IT strategy, establishing governance, maintaining infrastructure and security, providing services, and managing projects. 4. The importance of accountability, transparency, and productivity for IT specialists.

Uploaded by

aabdurrahaman647
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 17

YUSUF MAITAMA SULE UNIVERSITY, KANO

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

MIS3301 – managing IT in an organization


Compiled All Lecture Note

 An organization is a group of people working together to achieve a certain goal.


It involves the coordination of activities, allocation of resources, and establishment of
relationships within a framework that enables efficient and effective functioning.
Organizations can take various forms, including businesses, non-profit organizations,
government agencies, educational institutions, and more. They can range in size from small local
enterprises to multinational corporations or global entities. The primary objective of an
organization is to achieve its goals by utilizing available resources in a coordinated manner.
 IT: information Technology:
Refers to the use, development, and management of computer-based systems, software, and
networks to store, process, transmit, and retrieve information. IT involves the use of computers
and telecommunications equipment to handle information. This includes hardware components
such as computers, servers, routers, switches, and storage devices. Software plays a crucial role
in IT as well, encompassing operating systems, applications, programming languages, and
databases.
 Information System:
An information system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to gather,
process, store, and distribute information within an organization. It involves the use of
technology, people, processes, and data to support decision-making, coordination, control,
analysis, and visualization of information.
 Key factors that determines if a project will be successful
1. Operation
2. Finance
3. Technical Aspect
 Management:

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(Using what you have in an optimal way)
Management is the process of planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling resources to
achieve organizational goals and objectives. It involves making decisions, setting goals,
allocating resources, and directing and motivating individuals or teams to accomplish tasks
effectively and efficiently.
It involves the following:
1. Planning: is a crucial aspect of management that involves setting goals, determining the
actions required to achieve those goals, and developing strategies to accomplish them. It
involves analyzing the current situation, identifying opportunities and threats, and
formulating plans to address them.
2. Organizing: is another key function of management that involves arranging resources such as
people, materials, and equipment in a structured manner. It includes designing the
organizational structure, defining roles and responsibilities, establishing communication
channels, and creating systems and processes to facilitate smooth operations. Organizing
ensures that resources are allocated effectively and tasks are assigned appropriately.
3. Coordinating is the process of harmonizing activities and efforts across different individuals
or departments within an organization. It involves ensuring that all parts of the organization
work together towards achieving common goals. Coordinating requires effective
communication, collaboration, and integration of activities to avoid duplication or conflicts.
4. Controlling is the final function of management that involves monitoring performance
against predetermined standards or targets. It includes measuring actual results, comparing
them with planned objectives, identifying deviations or variances, and taking corrective
actions if necessary. Controlling helps in ensuring that activities are on track and objectives
are being met.
NOTE: IN MANAGEMENT, TIME AND FINACE ARE VERY IMPORTANT
 IT Regulatory Bodies in Nigeria
1. Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN): CPN is a regulatory body
established by an Act of Parliament in 1993. Its primary objective is to regulate the practice
of computing professionals in Nigeria. CPN sets standards for professional competence and
ethics among IT practitioners.

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2. The National Computer Society (NCS). The NCS is actually a professional association for
computer professionals and practitioners in Nigeria. It is recognized as the umbrella body for
all computer professionals in the country.
Others are:
i. National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) etc
 Accountability and Transparency of an IT Specialist
 Accountability
Accountability is been able to state the spending, uses, policy of people, Hardware,
Software etc in an organization.
As an IT manager, you should be accountable of all activities in the IT department, for
example, you should be able to properly scheduled the lift of staff in the department
(Policy), able to know the uses of hardware and software, know their total numbers, and
if there is spoilage of any, be able to record it. All these is to help organization achieves
it objectives, you worked towards the organization aim, not organization to work
towards your aim.
 Transparency
An IT specialist most be OPEN in all activities in the organization, Transparency is key
factor that help organization achieve its goal.
 Productivity of an IT specialist
We say an IT specialist is productive if he can achieve optimal outcome within a shortest time.
Therefore, Productivity and Time worked hand-in hand.
This is obvious, for example, an IT specialist manger of a particular higher institution in Nigeria
was given the task to consult with his Technical Staff and developed a kind of student-lectures
interactive website, were students can take classes, and submit assignment from their comfort,
and lectures can drop lectures video and handout. During the Covid 19 pandemic. Now let
analysis the task
The aim of this organization is adjust their calendar, such that after the Covid break,
student can proceed with examination immediately. This is critical requirement, because, TIME
is important asset to every organization.
The task was completed long time after the covid break, and the organization find is very
less important. Undo, its accurate, but DID NOT MEET THE ORGANIZATION REAL NEED.

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Hence, such manger is not productive.

 Here are some key aspects to consider when managing IT in an organization


1. IT Strategy: Develop an IT strategy aligned with the organization's overall business strategy.
Identify technology initiatives that can drive innovation, enhance productivity, and deliver value
to the organization.
2. IT Governance (Local and state regulations and standard across the globe)
Establish clear governance structures and processes to make informed decisions regarding IT
investments, priorities, and risks. Define roles and responsibilities, establish policies and
procedures, and ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

This help to mitigate(Reduced) Risk.


Here, you need to set priority.
 IT Investment: under IT governance, IT investment is defined:
This has to do with money to purchase hardware, software, etc OR the spending need to
achieve a goal
3. IT Infrastructure
Maintain a robust and reliable IT infrastructure that supports the organization's operations. This
includes hardware, software, networks, servers, and data centers. Regularly assess and upgrade
the infrastructure to meet changing business needs and leverage emerging technologies.

4. Security and Privacy

Implement strong security measures to protect the organization's data, systems, and networks
from cyber threats. Develop and enforce security policies, conduct regular risk assessments, and
educate employees about cyber security best practices. Ensure compliance with data privacy
regulations and safeguard customer and employee data.

Involves, enforcing:
Physical Security or Virtual Security
5. IT Service Management

Implement IT service management practices to deliver high-quality IT services to internal users.


Establish service level agreements (SLAs), track and measure service performance, and
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continuously improve service delivery through incident management, problem management, and
change management processes.

In IT SM, it should address the below:

i. Incident management: managing series of problems


ii. Project Management: e.g how to manage hardware failure, power outage etc
iii. Change Management Process: how do you plane for upgrade.
 Implementation Techniques
i. Phased implantation: change are done phase by phase
ii. Direct: Deploy change directly without testing
iii. Pilot: Sampling on small group of people b4 deployment
iv. Parallel: the new system will run together with the old system, then the old
system will be gradually retired.
6. IT Project Management

Effectively manage IT projects by defining project goals, scope, timelines, and resource
requirements. Use project management methodologies to plan, execute, and monitor projects,
ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and with the desired outcomes.

A project most has:

*Start *End *Goal *Resources (Money, Time, Equipment, People etc)

Its involves:

1. Defining the project goal: aim of the project


2. Defining the project Scope
3. Defining the project Timeline
4. Defining the project Resource Required.

7. Vendor Management
Vendor: Any Person that renders software services
Work closely with technology vendors and suppliers to ensure they meet the organization's needs
and deliver value. Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and monitor vendor
performance to ensure service levels and contractual obligations are met.

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Two Categories of vendors:
i. Hardware Vendors: Servers, switches, Access Point, Routers, Cooling equipment, Power
Equipment, Network configurators
a. Servers are computer systems or software programs that provide services or resources
to other computers, known as clients, over a network.
b. Switches are electronic devices that are used to connect multiple devices within a
network. They are responsible for forwarding data packets between devices on a local
area network (LAN).
c. Access Point: is a device that acts as a central hub for connecting wireless devices to
a wired network.
d. Router: acts as a central hub that connects multiple devices within a network, such as
computers, smartphones, printers, and servers.
e. Network configurators: are tools or software applications that are used to configure
and manage computer networks.
ii. Software vendors: Configuration of Hardware equipment’s, OS, Utility etc.
Example of IT vendors:
i. Microsoft: Microsoft is one of the largest and most well-known IT vendors in the world.
They offer a wide range of software products, including operating systems (such as
Windows), productivity suites (such as Microsoft Office), and development tools (such
as Visual Studio).
ii. IBM: IBM, or International Business Machines Corporation offer a diverse portfolio of
products and services, including hardware (such as servers and mainframes), software
(such as the IBM Watson AI platform),
iii. Cisco Systems: Cisco Systems is a leading vendor in the networking and
communications space. They specialize in providing networking equipment, such as
routers, switches, and firewalls
iv. Oracle: Oracle Corporation is primarily known for its database management systems
(DBMS) but also offers a wide range of other IT products and services.
v. Ubiquity vendors: provide various technologies and services. Ex of its product include:
Network Switches, Security Cameras, Network Management Software etc

8. IT Budgeting and Cost Management

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Develop an IT budget that aligns with the organization's financial goals. Monitor and control IT
expenses, optimize resource allocation, and identify cost-saving opportunities without
compromising service quality or security.
9. IT Support and Training
Provide user support and training to enable employees to effectively use IT systems and
applications. Establish a help desk or support center to address user queries and issues promptly.
Offer training programs to enhance employees' IT skills and promote technology adoption.
10. IT Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the IT department. Encourage
employees to explore emerging technologies, identify opportunities for process automation or
optimization, and contribute ideas to improve IT services and operations.

 Telecommunication
Networking:
** Network: A network is a collection of interconnected devices (Node), such as computers,
servers, routers, switches, and other hardware components, that are linked together to facilitate
communication and data sharing. It allows multiple devices to share resources, exchange
information, and collaborate effectively.

** Network Devices: the device that interconnect networks are networks devices
They are: Routers Switches, Hubs, and Bridges
Individual entity is called node (anything that you can assign address IP address to is known as
node), and anything with IP address can be networked, e.g door, windows, cups, heaters etc
Network equipment such as AP, Routers etc are usually shared resources.
** IP address : They uniquely identifies a node in a network
IP V4: about 4 million IP`s, uses 32 bits
IP V6: uses 128 bit
** Needs for Networking:
i. Sharing of Technology Resources
ii. Sharing of Data
iii. Distribution of Data Processing

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iv. Market out-rich: e.g. use of social media for marketing, etc
 Project and IT project Management
** A project is any activity that has a begging, and an end, and its required a particular resources to
achieve an aim. It is a onetime exercise; the goal is the production of product or services
A project can also be defined as a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service.
It typically is a one-time initiative that can be divided into related activities that require coordination and
control, with a definite beginning and ending
** Project Management:
The application of resources, tools, to control, coordinate, and plane a project. It involves skills,
knowledge, etc.
is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to a broad range of activities in order to
meet the requirements of a particular project.
** Program:
A program is a group of projects managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits not available from
managing them individually
** Program Management Office:
A Program Management Office (PMO) is an organizational unit with full-time personnel to provide a
full range of standard approaches to project management support and services that are utilized across
projects.
** IT portfolio management
An organization’s IT portfolio usually includes investments in new IT applications as well as IT
infrastructure investments (i.e., networks, servers, storage equipment, data warehouses) to support these
applications
is typically the responsibility of a committee of senior business leaders and IT leaders who approve and
prioritize IT project requests for an entire organization and then monitor progress on approved IT
projects until they are completed.
** The project sponsor role is typically played by a business manager who financially “owns” the
project (i.e., the person who “writes the check” for the project). The sponsor oversees in the
development of the initial project proposal, including an assessment of the feasibility of the project.
** Project Champion:
In essentially all situations, the champion role needs to be played by a business manager, not an IT
manager, for the following reason: A manager with high credibility among the business users who will
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be impacted by the new system solution will be best able to prepare workers for the process and
workflow changes required.

 ASSIGNMENT
Enterprise and Managerial Systems
 Transaction Processing Systems.
 Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
 Decision Support System (DSS)
 Knowledge management systems (KMSs)

Components of Project Planning


 Scheduling
 Budgeting
 Staffing

Q1. ENTERPRISE AND MANAGERIAL SYSTEMS

1. Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)


Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) are enterprise and managerial systems that play a crucial
role in managing IT within an organization.

These systems process the thousands of transactions that occur every day in most organizations,
including sales; payments made and received; inventory shipped and received; hiring, firing, and paying
employees; and paying dividends. These systems ensure the efficient and accurate processing of large
volumes of transactions, providing real-time information for decision-making and supporting the overall
operations of the organization.

TPS are typically used in operational levels of an organization, where they capture, process, store, and
retrieve transactional data. They are responsible for ensuring the integrity and reliability of data by
enforcing data validation rules and maintaining data consistency. TPS also provide mechanisms for data
backup and recovery to prevent data loss in case of system failures or disasters.

As a manager, you do not need to know the details of these systems. You only need to have an
understanding of a transaction processing system’s general nature, importance, and complexity.
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Therefore, we will limit our discussion to two representative transaction processing systems for single
business functions—payroll and a sales order entry system.

 In managing IT within an organization, Transaction Processing System is essential for several reasons:

1. Operational Efficiency: TPS automate and streamline the processing of daily transactions,
reducing manual effort and minimizing errors. This improves operational efficiency and enables
employees to focus on more value-added tasks.

2. Decision Support: TPS provide real-time transactional data that can be used for decision-making at
various levels of the organization. Managers can analyze trends, identify bottlenecks, and make informed
decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.

3. Integration with Other Systems: TPS integrate with other enterprise systems, such as Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) systems or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. This
integration ensures seamless flow of data across different functional areas of the organization, enabling
better coordination and collaboration.

4. Compliance and Audit: TPS maintain a detailed record of all transactions, which is crucial for
compliance with regulatory requirements and internal audits. These systems provide an audit trail that
can be used to trace the origin and processing of each transaction.

5. Scalability and Performance: TPS are designed to handle large volumes of transactions efficiently.
They can scale up to accommodate increasing transaction loads without compromising performance or
data integrity.

 The primary functions of Transaction Processing System include:

1. Data Capture: TPS capture transactional data from various sources within the organization, such as
point-of-sale terminals, online sales platforms, or manual entry systems. This data is then processed and
stored for further analysis and reporting.

2. Data Processing: TPS process the captured data by performing various operations like calculations,
validations, and transformations. These processes ensure that the data is accurate, consistent, and ready
for storage or retrieval.

3. Data Storage: TPS store the processed transactional data in databases or other storage systems. The
data is organized in a structured manner to facilitate efficient retrieval and analysis.

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4. Data Retrieval: TPS provide mechanisms to retrieve stored transactional data based on specific criteria
or queries. This allows users to access relevant information quickly for decision-making purposes.

5. Reporting: TPS generate reports based on the stored transactional data. These reports can be
customized to meet the specific needs of different stakeholders within the organization.

6. Security: TPS implement security measures to protect sensitive transactional data from unauthorized
access or manipulation. This includes user authentication, data encryption, and access control
mechanisms.

2. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is a comprehensive software solution that integrates
various business processes and functions within an organization. It is designed to streamline and
automate operations, enhance efficiency, and provide real-time visibility into different aspects of the
business. In the context of managing IT in an organization, ERP systems play a crucial role in integrating
and managing IT resources, ensuring smooth operations, and facilitating effective decision-making.

 Key Features and Functionality of ERP Systems:


1. Centralized Data Management: ERP systems provide a centralized database that stores all relevant
information related to different departments and functions within an organization. This includes data
related to finance, human resources, supply chain management, customer relationship management,
manufacturing, and more. By centralizing data management, ERP systems eliminate data silos and
enable seamless information sharing across the organization.
2. Process Automation: ERP systems automate various business processes by standardizing workflows
and eliminating manual tasks. This automation reduces the risk of errors, improves operational
efficiency, and enables employees to focus on more strategic activities. For example, an ERP system can
automate the procurement process by generating purchase orders based on predefined rules and
inventory levels.
3. Integration of Business Functions: One of the key advantages of ERP systems is their ability to
integrate different business functions. For instance, when a customer places an order, the ERP system
can automatically update inventory levels, generate invoices, initiate production orders if necessary, and

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track the order status until delivery. This integration ensures smooth coordination between departments
and eliminates data inconsistencies.
4. Real-time Reporting and Analytics: ERP systems provide real-time reporting capabilities that allow
managers to access up-to-date information about various aspects of the business. These reports can
include financial statements, sales performance metrics, inventory levels, production schedules, and
more. Additionally, ERP systems often include built-in analytics tools that enable managers to analyze
data trends, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions.
5. Supply Chain Management: ERP systems play a crucial role in managing the supply chain by
optimizing inventory levels, tracking shipments, and facilitating collaboration with suppliers. By
integrating supply chain processes, organizations can reduce lead times, improve order fulfillment rates,
and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
6. Human Resource Management: ERP systems also include modules for managing human resources,
such as employee records, payroll processing, performance evaluations, and training management.
These modules help streamline HR processes, ensure compliance with labor regulations, and provide a
centralized platform for employee data management.
7. Security and Data Protection: ERP systems incorporate robust security measures to protect sensitive
business data. This includes user access controls, encryption of data at rest and in transit, regular
backups, and disaster recovery mechanisms. By implementing these security measures, organizations
can mitigate the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to critical information.

 Benefits of ERP Systems in IT Management:


1. Improved Efficiency: ERP systems streamline IT operations by automating routine tasks and
providing a centralized platform for managing IT resources. This improves efficiency by reducing
manual effort, eliminating duplicate data entry, and enabling faster access to information.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: ERP systems facilitate collaboration between IT teams and other
departments within the organization. For example, when a new project is initiated, the IT department
can collaborate with the finance department to estimate costs, allocate resources, and track project
progress using the integrated project management module of the ERP system.
3. Better Decision-making: ERP systems provide real-time visibility into IT assets, expenses, and
performance metrics. This enables managers to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation,
budgeting, and strategic planning. For instance, by analyzing data on IT infrastructure utilization and

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maintenance costs, managers can identify opportunities for cost optimization or investment in new
technologies.

3. Decision Support System (DSS):

A Decision Support System (DSS) is an enterprise and managerial system that aids in the process of
decision-making within an organization. It is specifically designed to assist managers and other
decision-makers in analyzing complex problems and making informed decisions based on available data
and information.
The primary purpose of a Decision Support System is to provide support throughout the decision-
making process, from problem identification to solution implementation. It combines various
technologies, tools, and techniques to collect, organize, analyze, and present relevant data and
information to decision-makers. By doing so, it helps them evaluate different alternatives, assess
potential risks and benefits, and select the most appropriate course of action.
 Decision Support Systems are particularly useful in IT management within an organization due to the
complexity and rapidly changing nature of technology-related decisions. They can assist in various
aspects of IT management, including strategic planning, resource allocation, project management, risk
assessment, and performance evaluation.
One key feature of a DSS is its ability to handle large volumes of data from multiple sources. It can
integrate data from various internal and external systems, such as databases, spreadsheets, and external
market research reports. This allows decision-makers to have a comprehensive view of the situation and
make well-informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.
Another important aspect of a DSS is its analytical capabilities. It employs various analytical models
and techniques to analyze data and generate insights. For example, it can use statistical analysis to
identify trends or patterns in data, simulation models to predict the outcomes of different scenarios, or
optimization models to find the best possible solution given certain constraints.
Furthermore, a DSS often includes visualization tools that help present complex data in a more
understandable format. Graphs, charts, dashboards, and other visual representations can be used to
highlight key findings or trends, making it easier for decision-makers to grasp the implications of their
choices.

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 In terms of managing IT specifically, a Decision Support Systems can assist in several ways. For
instance, it can help in IT portfolio management by evaluating the performance and potential of different
IT projects or investments. It can also aid in IT resource allocation by analyzing the availability and
utilization of IT resources across the organization. Additionally, a DSS can support IT risk management
by assessing potential risks associated with technology-related decisions and suggesting mitigation
strategies.
Overall, a Decision Support System is a valuable tool for managing IT within an organization. It
provides decision-makers with the necessary information, analysis, and insights to make informed
decisions and navigate the complexities of technology-related choices.

4. Knowledge management systems (KMSs)

Enterprise and managerial systems play a crucial role in managing IT within an organization. One
such system is the Knowledge Management System (KMS). A KMS is a software-based system that
helps organizations capture, store, organize, and retrieve knowledge and information to support
decision-making processes and improve overall organizational performance.

A KMS is designed to facilitate the creation, sharing, and utilization of knowledge within an
organization. It provides a platform for employees to capture their expertise, experiences, and insights in
a structured manner. This knowledge can then be stored in a centralized repository, making it easily
accessible to other employees who may need it. By leveraging the collective knowledge of the
organization, a KMS enables employees to make better-informed decisions and solve problems more
effectively.

One of the key components of a KMS is knowledge capture. This involves identifying and extracting
knowledge from various sources such as documents, databases, emails, and even individual employees.
The captured knowledge is then organized and categorized using taxonomies or ontologies to ensure
easy retrieval. Metadata, tags, and keywords are often used to enhance searchability and enable users to
find relevant information quickly.

Another important feature of a KMS is knowledge sharing. This involves creating mechanisms for
employees to share their knowledge with others in the organization. This can be done through discussion
forums, wikis, blogs, or social networking platforms. By encouraging collaboration and information
exchange, a KMS fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the organization.

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Implementing a KMS requires careful planning and consideration. Organizations need to define their
knowledge management strategy, identify the types of knowledge they want to capture and share, and
select appropriate technologies to support their objectives. They also need to establish processes and
guidelines for knowledge creation, capture, and sharing, as well as mechanisms for monitoring and
evaluating the effectiveness of the KMS.

For Example managing IT in an organization like YUMSUK, knowledge management systems (KMSs)
play a crucial role in facilitating the effective utilization and sharing of knowledge within the institution.

By implementing systems such as, document management system (for example), YUMSUK can
effectively capture, store, organize, and distribute IT-related knowledge. This would enable the
university to optimize its IT operations, improve productivity, and foster a culture of innovation and
continuous improvement.

Q2. MAJOR COMPONENTS OF PROJECT PLANNING

Project planning is a crucial aspect of managing IT in an organization. It involves the systematic process
of defining, organizing, and allocating resources to achieve specific objectives within a specified
timeframe. Three major components of project planning in the context of managing IT in an
organization are scheduling, budgeting, and staffing.

1. Scheduling:

Scheduling refers to the process of determining the start and end dates for various project activities and
tasks. It involves creating a timeline that outlines the sequence of activities, their dependencies, and the
estimated duration for each task. Effective scheduling ensures that project activities are completed in a
logical order and within the allocated time frame.

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One example of scheduling in Yusuf Maitama Sule University is the development and implementation
of an academic calendar. The university follows a structured timeline that outlines the start and end
dates of each semester, examination periods, holidays, and other important events.

Scheduling plays a vital role in IT project management as it helps in coordinating different tasks and
activities, ensuring that they are executed in a timely manner. It allows project managers to identify
critical paths, which are sequences of tasks that must be completed on time to prevent delays in the
overall project schedule. By identifying critical paths, project managers can allocate resources
effectively and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines. Additionally, scheduling helps in managing
dependencies between tasks, ensuring that one task does not start before its prerequisite task is
completed. This prevents bottlenecks and ensures smooth progress throughout the project lifecycle.

2. Budgeting:

Budgeting involves estimating and allocating financial resources required for the successful completion
of an IT project. It includes identifying all the costs associated with the project, such as hardware and
software expenses, personnel costs, training costs, infrastructure costs, and any other relevant expenses.
The budgeting process helps in determining the financial feasibility of the project and ensures that
sufficient funds are available to support its execution.

Budgeting is crucial in IT project management as it enables organizations to allocate resources


effectively and control costs throughout the project lifecycle. By estimating costs accurately,
organizations can make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and prioritize investments
based on their strategic objectives. Budgeting also helps in tracking expenses during the project
execution phase, allowing project managers to monitor and control costs. This ensures that the project
remains within the allocated budget and helps in avoiding cost overruns. Additionally, budgeting
facilitates financial accountability and transparency, as it provides a framework for evaluating the
financial performance of the project and enables organizations to make adjustments if necessary.

One example of budgeting as a project planning tool in Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, is the
construction of a new Law Faculty at main Campus. This project requires careful financial planning to
ensure that all necessary resources are available throughout the construction process.

3. Staffing:

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Staffing involves identifying and allocating the necessary human resources required for the successful
completion of an IT project. It includes determining the roles and responsibilities of team members,
assessing their skills and expertise, and assigning them to specific tasks based on their capabilities.
Effective staffing ensures that the right people with the right skills are assigned to appropriate roles,
enabling efficient execution of project activities.

Staffing is critical in IT project management as it directly impacts the quality and efficiency of project
outcomes. By assembling a competent and well-balanced team, organizations can leverage the expertise
of individuals to achieve project objectives effectively. Staffing also involves managing team dynamics,
fostering collaboration, and ensuring effective communication among team members. This promotes
synergy within the team and enhances overall productivity. Additionally, staffing includes identifying
any skill gaps within the team and providing training or hiring additional resources as needed. This
ensures that the project has access to the required expertise throughout its lifecycle.

For example

In Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, staffing as a project planning process typically involves
several steps. These steps include:

1. Identifying Staffing Needs


2. Recruitment
3. Selection
4. Assignment
5. Performance Management
6. Staffing Adjustments for example, Change of staff from MIS unit to computer Science
Department of the same university.

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