Knowledge resides both within the firm's human capital and in its network of relationships with key external partners. Such knowledge involves not only technical skills and technologies but also project management, client relationship management, and business innovation.
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Organizing Tactic |
Description |
Comments |
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Internal capability centers |
The IT function identifies critically valued IT competencies, including technical, account management, project management, and other IT management skills. IT professionals are assigned to skills centers, with each skill center assigned to raise the level of competence with a specific skill. The coach of each skill center is responsible for the training and competency enhancement of the IT professionals assigned to that skill center. IT professionals are assigned to specific project teams whenever those skills are required; at the completion of the project, they return to their skill center for further training or assignment to another project. |
About 30% of the firms in our study used this approach. |
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Joint venture |
Knowledge generation occurs through a subsidiary organization that is funded in collaboration with other business firms. As the joint venture generates knowledge, valuable knowledge is assimilated into the IT function. |
About two firms used this option. |
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Cooperative Alliances |
Knowledge generation occurs through collaborative activities with IT vendors or consultants. |
About 20% of the firms used this option. |
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Memberships |
Knowledge generation occurs through memberships in knowledge-creating or knowledge-disseminating organizations such as Gartner, Research Board, or the Advanced Practices Council. |
About 15% of the firms used this approach |
