Question:
The Case for this module pursues the idea of the development of competencies through the use of information technology based on the overall strategy by examining the interesting convergence of civilian and military management. Two articles and a video from TED are of particular interest here.
The first suggests that the military is becoming much more like a business, at least in terms of its information and financial management:
Thomas Barnett: Let''s rethink America''s military strategy
Thomas Barnett (2005), Let's Rethink America's Military Strategy, TED 2005, Retrieved from
https://www.ted.com/talks/thomas_barnett_draws_a_new_map_for_peace.html
Wang, M. Y.D. (n.d.), Factory to Foxhole: Improving the Army's Supply Chain, retrieved from
http://www.naefrontiers.org/File.aspx?id=21911
IBM, (2008). Supply Chain Risk Management: Management A Delicate Balancing Act - IBM Global Business Services A multi-faceted view on managing risk in a globally integrated enterprise Retrieved from
http://domino.research.ibm.com/library/cyberdig.nsf/papers/2A4BBFF62659E48B852573A1007488DF/$File/rc24415.pdf
Both perspectives have much to recommend them. It is also true that the strategic environment in each of the two sectors differs significantly, and that the basic competencies of the military should therefore differ from those required for achievement of civilian purposes. But, it can be argued, the environment within which information technology is employed is largely similar. What do you think?
Case Assignment
When you''ve read through the articles and perused relevant items from the Background Readings and other sources that you may have located, please compose a short (4- to 5-page) paper on the topic:
Agree or disagree (pick one!): Planning for and implementation of information technology in civilian and military organizations based on the overall strategic goals require essentially similar organizational competencies.
Use information from the modular background readings as well as any good quality resource you can find. Please cite all sources and provide a reference list at the end of your paper.