The Need for Change in Information Systems

Although many organizations and entities sometimes resist change, it is essential to note that change is inevitable ( Benn et al., 2014). Most importantly, organizations have to embrace technological changes because that is the only way they can remain competitive in the market niche they operate in. The Series of assignments and projects contextualize the above assertions. Investigating information system change in an organization using the 5W1H approach has been a profoundly enriching experience. While there are some challenges experienced in the process, skills acquisition, and improved critical thinking are the dominant outcomes. The contribution of leadership to the adoption of change, the need for change in information technology, the importance of project timelines, and who the change is for are indispensable aspects I learned throughout the specific course assignments. One of the most fundamental lessons I learned is the indispensable role of project managers and an organization’s leadership in cementing change in the information system. It is without a doubt that revamping an organization’s information system is likely to benefit all stakeholders. However, I learned that without significant input from the leadership and project managers, employees are likely to resist the change. The administration and project managers are mandated with explaining the need for change, goals vision, and mission ( Benn et al., 2014). The need for change has to resonate with the employees for them to buy into the idea. They are also tasked with putting in place the necessary resources to ensure change implementation. The need for change in information system where necessary is another important lesson learnt. In my research undertakings associated with the project, I realized that data-driven decision-making in organizations is the new norm. At the same time, I realized that data remains to be useless if there are no avenues that can be used to make sense of it. The change in an information system is hence highly significant, especially if an organization wants to take advantage of big data-related benefits. There is, therefore, a need to ensure an information system that is up to date. Most importantly, it has to organize data in a way that is meaningful as well as easy to retrieve. Without exact timelines, I realized that it is possible to drift in the thought of an institution of change without achieving significant milestones. My ‘WHEN’ project description undertaking prompted me to think about crucial project deliverables as well as timelines. Besides, it is necessary to think about the finances required ( Finkler et al., 2018). I learned that it is not just enough to allocate time for different project undertakings randomly. To ensure proper resource utilization, it is vital to keenly analyze project needs and hence, decide the appropriate time for completion. Most importantly, I learned that project deliverables are critical in ensuring project managers do not deviate from the primary goal of a project. The results, hence, prove whether there are desirable outcomes or not. To proceed with the project, there is a need to acquire more information about the transformational management of information systems. The need to collect more information about the topic is evident now than ever. I will use secondary sources, for example, peer-reviewed journals to understand the dynamics that influence change in the information system of an organization. Where possible, I will conduct surveys and distribute questionnaires about the topic. Besides, I will interview some project managers I know about the challenges and opportunities in Instituting information system change. With such information, I will make informed decisions on how to gauge the impact of the project on an organization when implemented. The most critical undertaking would be creating a blueprint of the new information system and finding a way to gauge its ultimate impact on the organization. Most importantly, planning and strategizing about implementing the project will be significant inclusions in the next step. 

References 

Benn, S., Edwards, M., & Williams, T. (2014). Organizational change for corporate sustainability. Routledge. 

Finkler, S. A., Smith, D. L., & Calabrese, T. D. (2018). Financial management for public, health, and not-for-profit organizations. CQ Press.