Identify Critical Factors
Identify the factors that are critical for achieving the IT Division's vision.
| Introduction |
| Activities |
Introduction
The IT Division must identify those actions that need to occur in order to enable it to achieve its goals. These actions are collectively known as critical factors. Many of these critical factors are not necessarily in the direct control of the IT Division and must be brought to management's attention in the Strategic Plan. The critical factors can become significant risks to the IT Division accomplishing the stated goals.
Activities
To identify the critical factors, the Strategy Team performs the following activities:
1. Determine Critical Factors
Purpose:
To develop an agreed upon list of the most essential factors to be managed.
Description:
As part of the same facilitated session that identified the goals and subgoals, the attendees identify the factors that they deem most critical to the successful implementation of any initiatives to achieve the goals. Although each goal and subgoal should be examined, it is appropriate to establish one single list of critical factors rather than associate them with each individual goal or subgoal in the final plan. This accounts for any interaction that the factors may have with one another.
Some items the attendees may consider as part of the overall brainstorming sessions are:- Critical Factors represent the variables or conditions that significantly affect achieving the goals. Because this is subjective, the rationale (i.e. impact) of not successfully managing the factor may be used to solicit whether it is important enough to focus on.
- Critical factors should be kept to a few well chosen ones; long lists begin to divert attention.
- Critical factors can include those within the control of the IT Division, as well as some that the IT Division may not be able to control (e.g., advocacy groups, demographics, regulations, and technological advances). The level of control or influence should be indicated as appropriate to help management assign the proper organizational responsibility for managing, or minimally, tracking these factors to provide early insight. Consider whether the IT Division has the authorities, capital structure (e.g., facilities and equipment), or other mechanisms to deal with the Critical Factors.
- Some discussion on the root cause of the Critical Factor may be necessary to help management begin to understand how to effectively deal with it, such as whether it:
- Originates within legislation, regulation, or court order
- Also affects the HS Agency's vision and mission
- Has a positive or negative political and or economic impact, such as losing TANF funding due to program performance constraints
- Reflects key policy and investment decisions
- Affects key users or providers of information and their perceived importance of accessing or providing that information