2009 Capstone Abstracts
Identification of Organizational Cultural Factors That Impact Knowledge Sharing
Michael J. Campbell, Program Manager, Search, Scripps Networks Digital
The purpose of this literature review is to identify organizational cultural factors that impact knowledge sharing. In organizations able to cultivate a knowledge-sharing work environment, employees share ideas as a natural part of the job function, rather than something they are forced to do. The selected literature reveals six key social factors that impact knowledge sharing including trust, autonomy, power politics, care, competence leverage, and collaboration; and two key motivational factors including incentives and motivation.
Information Sharing Strategies that Successfully Expand the Knowledge Base Within a Small Non-Profit Organization and Increase the Potential to Deconstruct Project Silos
Alesha Fox, Lead Program Specialist, Educational Policy and Improvement Center
This literature review examines information sharing systems for use in a project-oriented non-profit organization to expand the organizational knowledge base, resulting in the potential to deconstruct project silos. Companies that work in a fast-paced project environment run the risk of creating project silos (Curran, 2002), which segregate employees by task and prevent them from understanding the larger scope of the project (Mohrman, 1999). Systems examined include group decision support strategies, databases and computer based technologies.
Key Stages of Disaster Recovery Planning for Time-critical Business Information Technology Systems
Travis S. Luckey, Director of Information Technology, VTM Group
When disasters interrupt services provided by vital information technology (IT) systems, many businesses never recover (Decker, 2005). This review of literature published between 2001 and 2008 identifies key stages for consideration when performing IT disaster recovery (DR) planning to ensure business viability if disasters occur. Planning stages, presented as a guide for IT professionals, include Project Initiation, Conducting a Business Impact Analysis, Developing a DR Plan, Testing a DR Plan, and Maintaining a DR Plan.
The author of this study is a recipient of the AIM Director's Distinguished Capstone Award.
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Use of Enterprise Architecture Tools to Improve the Requirements Gathering Process of IT Projects
Kaushik Mandal, Business Analyst
The purpose of this literature review is to identify ways that the application of enterprise architecture tools might enhance the initiation phase, also known as the enterprise analysis phase, of the requirements gathering process. Selected literature is examined from three areas: IT project management, requirements gathering, and enterprise architecture. The advantages and disadvantages of using specific tools, including the Zachman Framework, are discussed in relation to business processes and the needs of the business analyst.
Implementation of Effective Change Management for Successful Integration of Health Information Technology (HIT) Systems in Hospitals
Pattarin Mekanontchai, IT Manager, Thompson Metal Fab, Inc.
The purpose of this literature review is to examine change management strategies that Chief Information Officers (CIO) and Chief Medical Informatics Officers (CMIO) need to understand to best implement Health Information Technology (HIT) systems to effectively produce health services in hospitals. Two systems are examined: Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE). Leadership is the essential ingredient. Three key methods are identified to combat resistance to change: communication, collaboration, and empowerment.
The author of this study is a recipient of the AIM Director's Distinguished Capstone Award.
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The Impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on Computer Forensic Procedures in Public Corporations
Jeremy Mullis, IT Manager, Trailblazer Studios
The purpose of this literature review is to examine the impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on development of internal security policies and computer forensics strategies. Focus is on selected literature, published between 1999 and 2009, relating to public corporation computer forensics and electronic record retention. Literature reveals that corporations must be able to preserve electronic records, respond quickly to incidents and provide correct information required by law, or risk vulnerability during an audit or investigation.
Retaining IT Employees by Reframing Organizational Culture: Factors to Consider Beyond Financial Incentives
Michael A. Pritchard, Senior Integration Engineer, Smile Reminder
Competition among employers is increasing for productive IT employees. By understanding organizational culture, managers can identify why employees leave an organization and ways to retain employees. Money and financial incentives should not be the primary source for motivating employees. Use of intrinsic motivators will have a greater affect on employee satisfaction and retention. Technical employees want a balanced mix of salary and an organizational culture that promotes challenging and meaningful work.
Reducing IT Costs and Increasing IT Efficiency by Integrating Platform-Virtualization in the Enterprise
Erik Rasmussen, Network Administrator, Harland Financial Solutions
Selected literature, published between 1999 and 2009, is examined in relation to reducing IT cost and increasing IT efficiency through implementation of platform-virtualization within the enterprise. Virtualization can reduce IT cost through server consolidation, test and development agility, licensing consolidation, standardization, and/or power and physical space consolidation. It can also increase IT efficiency through centralized administration and/or security, support of legacy systems, reduction of server downtime, and/or providing the staff training on a new technology.
Key Components of an Information Security Metrics Program Plan
Scott E. Schimkowitsch, Senior Security Specialist, Harland Financial Solutions
An information security metrics program can provide organizations with a resource to manage, monitor, control, or improve aspects of an information security program. A set of five key components necessary to include when developing a plan for an information security metrics program is presented. Components are framed in relation to criteria from Chew et al. (2008), and include associated tasks designed to a) increase accountability, b) improve information security effectiveness, and c) demonstrate compliance.
