Why You Need an Enterprise e-Strategy, Not Just a Portal

Background Notes and References

JA-SIG Meeting – Vancouver, BC

June 10, 2002

 

Jack McCredie

Associate Vice Chancellor & CIO

University of California, Berkeley

McCredie@uclink.berkeley.edu

 

Abstract

The thesis of this presentation is that a modern university needs a comprehensive strategy defining the role of information technology (IT) in accomplishing its mission. Although a portal may be an important component of this strategy, it should be considered within a broader planning context. I will use several examples (both positive and negative) from the e-Berkeley Initiative to illustrate the importance of developing a university e-Strategy.

Technology is only part of the solution!

Introduction

 

The primary reason for research universities to invest heavily in information technology in general, and Internet-based resources specifically, is to improve the quality of on-campus learning, teaching, research, and administration. Today faculty and students demand first-rate access to electronic information resources throughout the world, not just to local physical and electronic campus resources. Core functions such as networked access to library materials, advanced simulations, research data, and communications with colleagues around the globe are clearly basic to teaching and research missions. Many students include a serious evaluation of a campus’s electronic information infrastructure in their decisions about which school to attend. In addition, easy to use, flexible, online administrative applications help to manage organizations effectively.

 

Another important reason to make significant Internet-based investments is engagement with large external constituencies such as alumni, K-12 communities, non-resident students, and professionals throughout the world. Computer-based content for outreach and engagement is a current reality for many institutions.

 

Enterprise portals play an important role in enabling our constituents to navigate the complex electronic information infrastructures that are clearly as important to modern universities as their libraries. Coupled with powerful content management tools, an enterprise portal can become a key component in an organization’s information technology strategy. However, it is important not to put the cart before the horse – it is vital for each institution to develop a strategic shared vision about the role of IT in supporting its mission and goals. Management can then develop this vision into an e-strategy, a plan, and an IT budget for the college or university. 

 

The current e-business and portal environment in higher education – what do high-level managers see and think about portals and e-business?

 

·        Just for fun – Airplane Introduction to improper planning http://www.405themovie.com/Home.asp

·        Katz, R.N. & Associates, Web Portals & Higher Education, EDUCAUSE and NACUBO, Jossey-Bass, 2002

·        Chaotic environment – dot.com collapse, consolidation, more to come, the Gartner hype cycle.  http://www4.gartner.com/Init

·        Cost overruns and performance disappointments with enterprise administrative system developments. http://chronicle.com/free/2002/06/2002060601t.htm

 

Illustrative corporate disappointments from the UC Berkeley experience

 

 

The current UC Berkeley information technology environment

 

 

UC Berkeley portal initiatives – no enterprise portal yet, but several exploratory projects underway.

 

 

Strategic planning environment at UC Berkeley

 

 

More about the campuswide e-Berkeley initiative – vision and illustrative funded projects 2001-02

 

 

Illustrative Lessons learned