Objectives
The primary goal of this long-term plan is to address the issues that are currently present in The Clarion School for Boys, Inc., and to make sure that it keeps track of all the latest technologies that are necessary. Another essential aspect that should be noted is that it is necessary to increase the number of available PCs because it is evident that it is a cause of numerous problems. It should be said that it is a significant issue because it reduces the speed of most operations. Another factor that is worth noting is that the system has several strengths, but some aspects are in need of improvement.
Analysis of Environment
It needs to be said that several challenges that would prevent the implementation of new technologies are currently present in the organization. For example, it is paramount to note that Superintendent resists changes, and prefers approaches that are more traditional (Brown, DeHayes, Hoffer, Martin, & Perkins, 2011). However, it is evident that the efficiency of the current approach is doubted by supervisors, and they agree that improvement is necessary.
It is likely that the implementation of this plan will have a positive impact on the environment in the organization, and it will be more supportive of new technologies. It is paramount to understand that it is extremely likely that new policies that are introduced or economic situation may have a significant impact on the business, and this factor should not be overlooked. It is paramount to take necessary measures to make sure that user data stays confidential, and this issue needs to be addressed.
Information Technology Action Plan
First of all, it is essential to ensure that technologies are promoted on the territory of the educational facility with a use of such tools as radio and posters. Also, it is imperative to make sure that standardization is considered, and software programs by one developer should be chosen. Another aspect that should not be disregarded is the normalization of databases because it will address such important issues as redundancy of data and consistency (Fong, 2015).
Approximately twenty PCs should be purchased, and Microsoft Office suite should be installed on each one. It may also be necessary to update operating systems to Microsoft Windows 10 to make sure that the speed of operations is efficient and latest updates are received. Two trained professionals should be hired to ensure that no issues with hardware occur. An introduction of Wi-fi network is also necessary, but it is important to limit the access to make sure that individuals are not distracted. One of the facilities should be used to store valuable data to make sure that it stays confidential, and a new computer classroom may also be needed.
Resource and Funding
It needs to be said that the organization has access to significant amount of resources that can be utilized in this case. It is imperative to take necessary measures to make sure that the amounts of funds that are spent are reasonable and to minimize any possible losses. Also, it should be said that it is not an easy task to justify investments in emerging technologies in most cases, and it is especially true for educational facilities. However, it needs to be said that such spending is reasonable in this case because it will help to increase the speed of most operations.
Implementation Plan
It needs to be said that the implementation is a critical stage, and it is paramount to take necessary measures to make sure that no issues with scheduling are present. Another aspect that is worth noting is that monitoring is an essential part of the process because it can help to identify any possible issues that occur, and they can be addressed promptly to avoid severe complications that may result is enormous losses. It should consist of five stages. First of all, a range of activities that are related to planning and preparation should be considered. The design is also another phase that should not be overlooked, and it should be followed by prototyping. Also, the system needs to be tested to make sure that no issues are present, and it can be successfully implemented after that.
Organizational Change
One of the most significant aspects that should not be overlooked is that it is necessary to create an environment that would support the process of change. It should be understood that it is extremely likely that some technologies that are introduced may be disruptive, and it is necessary to keep track of latest trends in the industry. The process may consist of five stages. First of all, it is vital to scope the change, and it should be followed with a creation of the overall vision. Also, it is paramount to make sure that employees are committed, and change infrastructure needs to be established. The last phase should be focused on sustaining the changes that are implemented.
Training
It is paramount to note that training is an essential part of the process in most cases. It needs to be said that it is entirely possible that many employees lack the necessary knowledge to use latest technologies, and it may be critical to conduct training needs analysis to identify any issues. It is extremely likely that practice will be required, and it may take a lot of time (Barbazette, 2006). Microsoft Office courses can be taken online, and this type of training has become incredibly popular over the last few years. However, the help of trained professionals may be needed, and it increases the expenses significantly. Assessments with a use of surveys may be necessary to identify if the process is successful, but it should be said that immediate effect is not guaranteed.
References
Barbazette, J. (2006). Training needs assessment. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Brown, C. V., DeHayes, D. W., Hoffer, J. A., Martin, W. E., & Perkins, W. C. (2011). Managing Information Technology (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Fong, J. (2015). Information systems reengineering, integration and normalization (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Springer.