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Alex Cowan
Now more than ever, corporations are investing heavily in IT. The quality of these investments affect the daily work of millions, yet it’s not uncommon to see industry surveys where the failure rates for IT projects is over 50%. It’s possible to do better and it’s possible to do so consistently. In this two-week course, we’ll step through major challenges within corporate IT and how to address them with the disciplined use of design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
Read more
Now more than ever, corporations are investing heavily in IT. The quality of these investments affect the daily work of millions, yet it’s not uncommon to see industry surveys where the failure rates for IT projects is over 50%. It’s possible to do better and it’s possible to do so consistently. In this two-week course, we’ll step through major challenges within corporate IT and how to address them with the disciplined use of design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
Read more
Now more than ever, corporations are investing heavily in IT. The quality of these investments affect the daily work of millions, yet it’s not uncommon to see industry surveys where the failure rates for IT projects is over 50%. It’s possible to do better and it’s possible to do so consistently. In this two-week course, we’ll step through major challenges within corporate IT and how to address them with the disciplined use of design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
By the end of this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and taught by top-ranked faculty, you’ll be able to:
Use the Business Model Canvas to focus your company strategy and facilitate buy-in from stakeholders
Translate your work on the Canvas to specific charters in IT
Rapidly prototype strategically-aligned processes for implementation within your IT infrastructure
Please Note: This is a short-form course, two weeks in duration.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/kujnwx/customer
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What's inside
Syllabus
How do you define a customer-centric strategy you can actually execute?
To do strategic IT, you’ve got to have a strategy! Ideally, you need one that’s easy to understand and use as a clear basis for action. That’s what you’ll learn this week.
Read more
Syllabus
How do you define a customer-centric strategy you can actually execute?
To do strategic IT, you’ve got to have a strategy! Ideally, you need one that’s easy to understand and use as a clear basis for action. That’s what you’ll learn this week.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Helps learners understand how to build a customer-centric strategy that they can actually implement
Examines how to prototype IT solutions people actually want to use
Developed by the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and taught by top-ranked faculty
Part of a short form course series, two weeks in duration
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Reviews summary
Applying modern frameworks to it strategy
According to learners, the Customer-Centric IT Strategy course provides a valuable introduction to applying modern business frameworks like Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile to information technology strategy. Students found the concepts presented were highly relevant and offered a strategic perspective on improving IT project success. The course is appreciated for introducing practical tools like the Business Model Canvas and the focus on prototyping solutions that truly meet customer needs. However, due to its short, two-week duration, some reviewers felt the course provides a high-level overview rather than deep implementation details, suggesting it's best suited for those seeking a foundational understanding or managers needing a strategic viewpoint, rather than deep dives for experienced practitioners.
Suitable for those new or needing strategic perspective.
"This course is perfect for managers or those relatively new to these methodologies."
"For experienced strategists, some parts might feel a bit basic."
"It provides a strong foundation, though more advanced learners might need supplemental resources."
Concise due to short, two-week format.
"It's a good introduction, but definitely stays at a high level."
"The short duration means you get an overview, not a deep dive."
"I felt the course covered a lot quickly, sometimes wishing for more detailed examples."
Introduces useful, applicable frameworks.
"Learning to use the Business Model Canvas for IT initiatives was incredibly helpful."
"The prototyping concepts were simple but effective for validating ideas quickly."
"I found the tools presented to be immediately applicable to my daily work."
Applies business methodologies to IT strategy.
"The course provides a great overview of how to integrate Lean Startup and Agile thinking into IT strategy."
"I appreciated learning how to apply design thinking principles specifically within an IT context."
"This course gave me a solid framework for rethinking our approach to IT project planning."
Concepts connect directly to real-world IT challenges.
"The course content is very relevant to the challenges we face in corporate IT today."
"I can see how to apply these strategies to improve our project success rate immediately."
"The focus on customer-centricity is exactly what's needed in IT now."
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 Customer-Centric IT Strategy with these
activities:
Review Business Model Canvas
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the Business Model Canvas and its application in strategic IT planning.
View
The Invincible Company: How to Constantly...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapters 1-3 of Business Model Generation.
-
Identify the key elements of the Business Model Canvas.
-
Complete the Business Model Canvas for your own IT organization.
Design Thinking Exercises
Show steps
Practice applying design thinking principles to IT solutions and processes.
Browse courses on
Design Thinking
Show steps
-
Identify a problem or challenge within your IT environment.
-
Brainstorm and prototype multiple solutions.
-
Test your solutions with users and gather feedback.
Project Charter Template
Show steps
Create a project charter template that aligns with the principles covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Project Charter
Show steps
-
Research best practices for project charters.
-
Identify the key components of a project charter.
-
Develop a template that includes these components.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Agile Development Tools and Techniques
Show steps
Explore and practice using agile development tools and techniques in a practical setting.
Browse courses on
Agile Development
Show steps
-
Enroll in an online tutorial or workshop on agile development.
-
Implement agile principles in a real project or case study.
Case Study Discussion Groups
Show steps
Engage with your peers to discuss and analyze real-world IT case studies.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
-
Join a study group or create your own.
-
Select a case study to discuss.
-
Meet regularly to analyze the case study.
Lean IT Project
Show steps
Apply the principles of Lean IT and Agile to plan and execute a real-world IT project.
Show steps
-
Identify a problem or opportunity in your IT environment.
-
Develop a Lean IT charter and project plan.
-
Implement the project using agile principles.
IT Strategy Consulting
Show steps
Provide guidance and support to other IT professionals seeking to improve their strategic skills.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor others within your organization or network.
-
Share your knowledge and expertise on IT strategy and execution.
-
Provide constructive feedback and support.
Contribute to an Open Source IT Project
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the IT community by participating in an open source project.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify an open source IT project that aligns with your interests.
-
Join the project's community and contribute your skills.
-
Collaborate with other developers and contribute to the project's growth.
Review Business Model Canvas
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the Business Model Canvas and its application in strategic IT planning.
View
The Invincible Company: How to Constantly...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapters 1-3 of Business Model Generation.
- Identify the key elements of the Business Model Canvas.
- Complete the Business Model Canvas for your own IT organization.
Design Thinking Exercises
Show steps
Practice applying design thinking principles to IT solutions and processes.
Browse courses on
Design Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem or challenge within your IT environment.
- Brainstorm and prototype multiple solutions.
- Test your solutions with users and gather feedback.
Project Charter Template
Show steps
Create a project charter template that aligns with the principles covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Project Charter
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research best practices for project charters.
- Identify the key components of a project charter.
- Develop a template that includes these components.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Agile Development Tools and Techniques
Show steps
Explore and practice using agile development tools and techniques in a practical setting.
Browse courses on
Agile Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Enroll in an online tutorial or workshop on agile development.
- Implement agile principles in a real project or case study.
Case Study Discussion Groups
Show steps
Engage with your peers to discuss and analyze real-world IT case studies.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join a study group or create your own.
- Select a case study to discuss.
- Meet regularly to analyze the case study.
Lean IT Project
Show steps
Apply the principles of Lean IT and Agile to plan and execute a real-world IT project.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem or opportunity in your IT environment.
- Develop a Lean IT charter and project plan.
- Implement the project using agile principles.
IT Strategy Consulting
Show steps
Provide guidance and support to other IT professionals seeking to improve their strategic skills.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to mentor others within your organization or network.
- Share your knowledge and expertise on IT strategy and execution.
- Provide constructive feedback and support.
Contribute to an Open Source IT Project
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the IT community by participating in an open source project.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open source IT project that aligns with your interests.
- Join the project's community and contribute your skills.
- Collaborate with other developers and contribute to the project's growth.
Career center
Learners who complete Customer-Centric IT Strategy will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
IT Project Manager
IT Project Manager
IT Project Managers plan and execute IT projects to ensure that they are aligned with business objectives and delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful by providing you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage IT projects, including how to use design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
IT Architect
IT Architect
IT Architects design and implement IT solutions that meet the business needs of an organization. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful IT Architect, including how to use the Business Model Canvas to focus your company strategy and translate your work on the Canvas to specific charters in IT.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve business processes. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Business Analyst, including how to use design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers develop and manage products to meet the needs of customers. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Product Manager, including how to use the Business Model Canvas to focus your company strategy and rapidly prototype strategically-aligned processes.
IT Consultant
IT Consultant
IT Consultants provide advice and support to organizations on how to use IT to achieve their business goals. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful IT Consultant, including how to use design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
IT Auditor
IT Auditor
IT Auditors evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's IT controls and make recommendations for improvements. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful IT Auditor, including how to use design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
IT Security Analyst
IT Security Analyst
IT Security Analysts protect an organization's IT systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful IT Security Analyst, including how to use design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to extract insights that can be used to improve business processes and make better decisions. This course may be useful by providing you with the knowledge and skills to effectively analyze data and communicate your findings to stakeholders.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Software Engineer, including how to use design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Web Developer, including how to use design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. This course may be useful by providing you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage databases, including how to use design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course may be useful by providing you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage networks, including how to use design thinking, Lean Startup, and agile as a team framework.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve business processes. This course may be useful by providing you with the knowledge and skills to effectively analyze business needs and develop solutions.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test software applications to ensure that they meet quality standards. This course may be useful by providing you with the knowledge and skills to effectively test software applications.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software applications and other technical products. This course may be useful by providing you with the knowledge and skills to effectively create technical documentation.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/kujnwx/customer
Reading list
We've selected 11 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
Customer-Centric IT Strategy.
Save
Practical guide to design thinking, a powerful approach to innovation that can help you to solve complex problems.
Step-by-step guide to the Lean Startup methodology, which can help you to build and launch new products and services with less risk.
Save
Comprehensive guide to Agile software development, which can help you to deliver software faster and with higher quality.
Save
Visual guide to the Business Model Canvas, a tool that can help you to understand and improve your business model.
Practical guide to the Lean Product Development process, which can help you to create successful products and services.
Save
Practical guide to User Story Mapping, a technique that can help you to capture and organize user stories.
Classic work on innovation, which can help you to understand the challenges and opportunities of innovation.
Seminal work on the experience economy, which can help you to understand the importance of creating memorable customer experiences.
Practical guide to Value Proposition Design, a tool that can help you to create a compelling value proposition for your products and services.
Step-by-step guide to the Sprint process, a five-day process for solving critical business problems.
Classic work on design, which can help you to create products and services that are both useful and usable.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/kujnwx/customer
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Rating
4.6
Effort
Approx. 5 hours
Level
Introductory
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Institution
University of Virginia
Instructor
Alex Cowan
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English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Leading the Modern Day Business. It's comprised of three courses:
- Customer-Centric IT Strategy (viewing)
- Design Thinking for Innovation
- Digital Transformation
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