The use of new technology in an enterprise will require specific expertise and updated system development processes. There is concern that IT is not properly sourced. Which of the following should be the FIRST course of action?
Correct Answer: D
The first course of action when the use of new technology in an enterprise will require specific expertise and updated system development processes is to assess the gap between current and required staff competencies.
This course of action involves identifying the skills, knowledge, and abilities that are needed to implement and manage the new technology, and comparing them with the existing capabilities of the IT staff. By assessing the gap between current and required staff competencies, the enterprise can determine the extent and nature of the sourcing challenge, and plan for appropriate solutions, such as training, hiring, or outsourcing. According to one source1, "A competency gap analysis is a process of identifying the difference between what is required for a person to perform their role effectively and what they actually possess." The other options are not the first course of action when the use of new technology in an enterprise will require specific expertise and updated system development processes, but rather some of the steps or outcomes that can follow or result from the gap assessment. Performing a risk assessment on potential outsourcing is a step that involves evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of delegating some or all of the IT functions related to the new technology to an external service provider. This step can be done after assessing the gap between current and required staff competencies, and identifying outsourcing as a viable option. Updating the enterprise architecture (EA) with the new technology is a step that involves incorporating the new technology into the holistic view of the enterprise's IT environment, including its goals, principles, standards, policies, processes, technologies, and systems. This step can be done after assessing the gap between current and required staff competencies, and ensuring that the new technology aligns with the enterprise's strategic objectives and business requirements.
Reviewing the IT balanced scorecard for sourcing opportunities is an outcome that involves measuring and reporting on the performance and value of IT sourcing activities and outcomes. This outcome can be done after assessing the gap between current and required staff competencies, and implementing the chosen sourcing solution. References := What is Competency Gap Analysis? Definition & Examples