For this Discussion, read the case study:
"WestJet Airlines: Information Technology Governance and Corporate Strategy" by Malcolm Munro and Sharaz Khan.
- Munro, M., & Khan, S. (2013). WestJet Airlines: Information technology governance and corporate strategy (Ivey Publishing Case Study No. 9B13E020).
This case study examines the efforts of WestJet Airlines to update its information systems to enhance the organization's competitiveness. The study focuses on the decision to hire an experienced CIO, how this individual developed an IT restructuring strategy, and how this individual worked to convince key stakeholders of the advantages of the new IT governance model.
Post your responses to the following Discussion prompts:
- When Cheryl Smith, the new CIO, arrived at WestJet, she was asked by the CEO to advise whether or not the company had an adequate IT infrastructure. What aspects of the WestJet IT situation did she assess in order to respond to the CEO's concern, and why do you think they are important?
- Summarize and critique Smith's assessment.
- Offer evidence/arguments that major changes in IT at WestJet were essential and that Smith's governance model would enable WestJet to achieve its strategic goal.
- Summarize the lessons you learned based on the experiences at WestJet. How might these lessons help your organization evaluate its information technology capabilities and best serve its business strategies and needs.