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Two Speed IT

How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective

Antoine Gourévitch, Vanessa Lyon, and Eric Baudson

Transform or disappear, the Darwinism of IT: In order to adapt to a digital world, a two-speed IT is needed.

Despite the importance of IT in today’s digital world, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) often struggle to get their voices heard by executive committees.

Faced with this challenge, IT departments are being forced to reinvent themselves to adapt their companies to the fast paced evolution of technology. The Boston Consulting Group has developed a business approach that allows IT to shed off its appearance of a heavy cost center and to adopt a new, more realistic persona as a quality service provider, partnering with users and the management.

Would you be a professional, a student in engineering, a student in a business schools or would you just be interested in digital transformation and its implications on IT, Learn with three BCG experts why and how to manage an IT department as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Start here!

IT and the CIO in the Digital World

There is a gap between what we observed about IT in companies and what is actually needed. Some best practice examples will be given.

Steer the Balance Sheet

The first new role of the CIO in the digital world is to manage both the P&L and the balance sheet to position IT as a business partner.

Market and Sell Products

Being a business partner starts with deciding what IT sells and what IT does not sell.

Run the Factories

Building applications and running operations require the adoption of a "factory mind-set."

Manage Human Resources

In a digital world, “strategic workforce management” is the name of the game.

Transform or Disappear

In this final module, we will see that IT must continually transform itself to adapt to an ever-changing environment. We will take a look at how that should be done: there are rules to make this happen.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how to position the It department as a business partner, which is advantageous for learners who want to become leaders

Taught by recognized experts from BCG, which can increase confidence in the course

Examines the importance of It in the digital world, which is highly relevant to modern business

Provides a framework for transforming It departments, which benefits learners who need specific guidance

Covers topics such as steering the balance sheet and marketing and selling products, which are crucial for It professionals to master

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Reviews summary

In-depth business concepts in technology

According to students, this course covers high-level business concepts in technology from a CIO perspective. Learners say it helped them understand the challenges CIOs face and how to meet these challenges. Review excerpts mention how the course uses cartoons as slide materials in a truly original way and that professors are renowned professional consultants showing their personal tricks after working for top-class companies. Reviewers also mention the videos could be improved by only having English-speaking presenters and that subtitles were not useful. Be advised that reviews indicate that the assessments require peer reviews and that getting enough reviews in time can be difficult. Overall, these reviews indicate that this is a quality course with engaging presentations that can benefit students interested in a CIO career.

Course uses cartoons as slide materials in a unique and engaging way.

"A course designed with empathy and love, using cartoons as slide materials in a truly original way."

Instructors are renowned professional consultants who share their knowledge and experience.

"Professors are renowned professional consultants showing their personal tricks after working for top-class companies and that is a valuable gift from their side."

Helps you understand business concepts in technology from a CIO perspective.

"This course gave me a lot of insight to have a good CIO perspective."

"Now I have a better approach to give CIOs what they really need."

"Concepts given are first class and providing a bird's view about how to introduce, implement and manage digital technologies and existing IT processes."

Some videos have French audio which can be difficult to understand.

"It would have been better to have only English-speaking presenters in the videos."

"The French audio I had to totally focus on reading the subtitles."

Assessments require peer reviews, which can be difficult to obtain.

"Course requires some assessments to be submitted by attendees which need to be reviewed by other course attendants."

"This is not a very active course; therefore generally the due time passes before you get sufficient reviews from attendees."

"Then you need to reset due times again, post in forums begging for user reviews, etc."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective with these activities:

Volunteer at a local IT organization

Show steps

Giving back to the community by volunteering allows you to build practical IT experience and network with professionals in the field.

Show steps

Find a local IT organization that you can volunteer with
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend volunteer training and orientation
Start volunteering and providing assistance

Find a mentor who can provide guidance on your IT career

Show steps

Connecting with mentors will help you based on their experience and insights on a career focused on IT.

Show steps

Identify potential mentors who work in your field
Reach out to potential mentors and ask for their guidance
Set up regular meetings with your mentor

Review the basics of IT management

Show steps

Performing this overview will help you integrate new knowledge received during the course with already established skills and knowledge.

Show steps

Review notes and materials from previous IT management courses or certifications
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your current understanding
Attend a refresher workshop or online course on IT management

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Learn about the latest trends in IT

Show steps

Keeping up to date with the latest trends in IT will help you better understand the concepts you will learn in the course and how they are applied in practice.

Show steps

Read articles and blog posts about IT trends
Attend webinars and conferences on IT
Follow thought leaders in IT on social media

Create an IT budget and resource plan

Show steps

Building out an IT plan will help you appreciate the complexities of managing and understand the financial aspect of IT that you will learn more about in the course.

Show steps

Identify the IT resources needed for your organization
Estimate the costs associated with each resource
Develop a plan for acquiring and managing these resources
Present your plan to stakeholders for feedback

Join a study group or online forum for IT professionals

Show steps

Participating in study groups or online forums gives you the opportunity to collaborate and learn from other students to enhance your understanding beyond this course.

Show steps

Find a study group or online forum that is relevant to your interests
Introduce yourself and start participating in discussions
Ask questions and share your knowledge

Develop a plan to improve IT operations in your organization

Show steps

Developing a detailed plan to improve IT operations will help you integrate concepts you learn in the course and apply them to real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on IT Operations

Show steps

Identify areas of IT operations that need improvement
Research best practices for IT operations
Develop a plan to implement improvements
Present your plan to stakeholders for feedback
Implement your plan and track your progress

Write a white paper on a topic related to IT

Show steps

Writing out a white paper and providing details on a specific topic will help you understand the concept thoroughly and demonstrate proficiency in the topic.

Show steps

Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is relevant to the course
Research the topic thoroughly
Write an outline for your white paper
Write the first draft of your white paper
Edit and revise your white paper

Career center

Learners who complete Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are responsible for the overall management of an organization's information technology (IT) systems and resources. They develop and implement IT strategies and policies, and manage IT budgets and staff. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" can help CIOs learn how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Officer

IT Director

IT Directors are responsible for the overall management of an organization's IT department. They develop and implement IT strategies and policies, and they manage IT budgets and staff. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" can help IT Directors learn how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Director

IT Consultant

IT Consultants help organizations plan, implement, and manage IT systems and solutions. They provide advice on a variety of IT-related topics, such as hardware, software, and networking. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" can help IT Consultants learn how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for managing specific areas of an organization's IT department, such as network infrastructure, data center operations, or software development. They develop and implement IT strategies and policies, and they manage IT budgets and staff. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" can help IT Managers learn how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and Information Systems Managers plan, organize, and direct computer-related activities within an organization. They develop and implement IT strategies and policies, and manage IT budgets and staff. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" can help Computer and Information Systems Managers learn how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Systems Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use a variety of statistical and data mining techniques to identify trends and patterns in data, and they develop reports and presentations to communicate their findings to stakeholders. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan, execute, and manage IT projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, budget, and timeline, and they track project progress and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for IT Project Managers who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts plan, analyze, and define the needs of an organization in relation to business information systems. They write specifications for software programs and ensure that the programs meet the needs of the organization. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. They ensure that databases are secure, reliable, and efficient, and they work with other IT professionals to develop and implement IT strategies and policies. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate an organization's IT systems and processes to ensure that they are secure, compliant, and efficient. They identify risks and vulnerabilities, and they make recommendations for improvements. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for IT Auditors who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are secure, reliable, and efficient, and they work with other IT professionals to develop and implement IT strategies and policies. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for Network Administrators who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems. They install and configure software, and they troubleshoot hardware and software problems. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for Systems Administrators who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement IT strategies and policies. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for Software Developers who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Security Analyst

Security Analysts protect organizations from cyberattacks and data breaches. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they monitor networks and systems for suspicious activity. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for Security Analysts who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect organizations from cyberattacks and data breaches. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they monitor networks and systems for suspicious activity. The course "Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective" may be useful for Information Security Analysts who want to learn more about how to manage IT as a business in order to transform a company and adapt it to a digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Two Speed IT: How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective.

The Digital Transformation Roadmap

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Provides a comprehensive guide to digital transformation, covering key concepts, strategies, and case studies. It offers valuable insights into how businesses can adapt to the digital age and thrive.

Two Speed IT

How Companies Can Surf the Digital Wave, a BCG Perspective

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

In-depth business concepts in technology

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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