Blog Post

The critical place of resourcing in your IT Operating Model

An operating model is a representation of how an organization delivers value to its stakeholders, both internal and external. When I think of an operating model, the key phrase that comes to mind is ‘value delivery’. If an operating model is built around the idea of delivering value to stakeholders, it means that we must establish what value is for an organization and its stakeholders and how to create and deliver the same.

To answer the question of value, we must be clear about the vision of the organization and how this translates into strategy. With clarity on the strategy, we then talk about the capabilities and/ or enablers required to deliver on the strategy. Practically all the time, Information Technology (IT) is a critical capability and enabler required to deliver on strategy and consequently value to stakeholders.

An operating model for an IT capability (or simply IT operating model) is a visual representation of how an IT function delivers value to the organization. The IT operating model would typically show the IT sub-functions, processes, governance, policies, performance metrics, resourcing (i.e. organization structure, including roles and positions) and tools required to support the IT organization. This post looks at the critical place of resourcing in an organization’s IT operating model.

Resourcing is important as a component of the IT operating model because we need people to do the work if IT will effectively support the business and help deliver value and organizational goals. Having the right technology talent can mean the difference between an effective partner to the business and one that frustrates the business. In a world where there is increasing competition for technology talent, having the right people can be a competitive advantage. Without adequately taking care of technology resourcing, an organization’s IT operating model is not complete and the IT organization would not function optimally.

How then can one go about resourcing the IT function? First we need to understand that IT is an enabler of business value. We then determine the specific capabilities that are critical for IT in our organization and that we must have to be successful. We then identify the role requirements for these capabilities and combine these roles into positions as may be required. With positions identified, we are then in a position to source for adequately skilled technology talent to fill these positions.

Obviously, the right person to fill a position is a function of what is best for an organization based on the organization's needs, and as captured within the job description. Sometimes, the right resource is available locally at the right price. At other times, one has to tap from a larger talent pool to get the right resource at the right price. Where this is the case, nearshoring or offshoring of technology talent is an option.

The use of remote workers to get work done is increasing and this is not expected to slow down as global boundaries shrink and the world increasingly becomes a global village. If you are having challenges with getting the right technology resources as required by your IT operating model, remote talent may be an option.

Do you need technology talents in your business to help move the needle? Talent Oases can help you source the right mix of talents while mitigating associated risks.

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