Operation and IT Management

The relatively new "information lifecycle management" approach to data storage and use is receiving a great deal of attention these days. StorageTek defines it:

"Information lifecycle management (ILM) is a sustainable storage strategy that balances the cost of storing and managing information with its business value."

Like any management philosophy, this approach is new in some ways and not in others. But it does have some advantages in terms of explicitly addressing the relationship between data use and data storage. IT managers tend to concentrate on issues of storage and maintenance, while operations managers tend to be more concerned with the immediate use of the data. This occasional tension between needs embodied in organizational structure can be discouraging and potentially damaging. So if there is a way out, both operations and IT managers would like to see it. That's what this module is all about.

Here are two resources that give an overview of the information lifecycle approach:

Life Cycle Management (N.D.) Information Life Cycle Management. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://www(dot)life-cyclemanagement(dot)com/information-life-cycle-management.php

Jericho Forum (2009) COA Paper: Information Lifecycle Management. OpenGroup.org. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://www(dot)opengroup(dot)org/jericho/COA_Information_Lifecycle_Management_v1.0.pdf

And this solution from IBM:

IBM. Information lifecycle management: Efficiently manage information from creation through disposal. Retrieved Feb 21, 2012, from http://www-935(dot)ibm(dot)com/services/us/its/pdf/ods00056-usen-00.pdf.

IBM. Disposal and Governance Management: The foundation for information governance. Retrieved Feb 21, 2012, from http://www-01(dot)ibm(dot)com/software/ecm/disposal-governance/.

After reading these articles and reviewing other information from the Background and other sources, prepare a 3- to 5-page paper on the following topic:

Based on the readings and your experiences, how do you think information lifecycle management will affect coordination and conflicts between operations managers and information technology managers?

Assignment Expectations

Your paper should be from three to five pages. Take a definite stand on the issues, and develop your supporting argument carefully. Using material from the Background information and any other sources you can find to support specific points in your argument is highly recommended; try to avoid making assertions for which you can find no support other than your own opinion.

You will be particularly assessed on:

• Precision: Draw on a range of sources and establish your understanding of the historical context of the question. Carry out the exercise as assigned, or carefully explain the limitations that might have prevented your completing some parts. (Running out of time isn’t generally considered an adequate limitation.)
• Support for assertions: Use examples, citations (especially to the required readings), and elaboration to support assertions. Provide evidence that you have read the required Background materials.
• Clarity: Provide clear answers that show good understanding of the topic. Understand the module's purpose, and structure your paper accordingly.
• Breadth and depth: Make the scope of your paper relate directly to the questions of the assignment and the learning outcomes of the module.
• Critical thinking: Incorporate your reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business in a way that illustrates your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts. Read the Required Readings posted in the Background material plus others you find relevant. Providing informed commentary and analysis is vital—simply repeating what sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.