Diese Bachelorarbeit beschäftigt sich mit den Schnittstellen zwischen IT Betrieb und IT Projekten. Dabei wird insbesondre auf die Projektphasen und die Verbindung zwischen den ITSM Prozessen eingegangen. Folgende Fragestellungen stehen dabei im Fokus:
- Was ist IT Betrieb und was sind die größten Herausforderungen für den IT Betrieb?
- Was sind die speziellen Merkmale von IT Betrieb und IT Projekten?
- Welche Verbindung gibt es zwischen IT Betrieb und IT Projekten?
- Welche Leistung stellt der IT Betrieb den IT Projekten zur Verfügung?
This Work is about IT operations and IT projects. The first part of this thesis describes the general characteristics of IT operations. The next part describes the theory of project management by considering the different lifecycle phases. Additionally, focus is placed on special characteristics of IT projects in general and in particular within the project phases. In this context, development, testing and deployment of the project`s outcome must be given special consideration. Chapter 4 deals with the interfaces between IT operations and IT project based on preceding chapters. In addition to organisational aspects, common transition processes were introduced. A further focal point is the interface between IT operations and IT projects. Possible IT operations activities during the project phase and within the transition processes are described and listed. The thesis ends with a conclusion and provides alternative notions that may improve the cooperation between IT operations, projects and transition processes.In particular, answers will be sought for the following questions
- What is IT operation and what are the biggest challenges in IT operations?
- What are the special characteristics of IT and IT projects?
- What kind of relations between IT projects and IT operations exist?
- What kind of services are provided by IT operations during an IT project?
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
2 IT OPERATIONS
2.1 DEFINITION OF IT OPERATIONS
2.2 CORE PROCESSES FOR IT OPERATIONS
2.3 CHALLENGES IN IT OPERATION
3 IT PROJECTS
3.1 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
3.2 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PROJECT LIFE CYCLE
3.3 PORTFOLIO AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
3.4 CHARACTERISTIC OF IT PROJECTS
4 INTERFACES BETWEEN IT OPERATIONS AND IT PROJECTS
4.1 ORGANISATIONAL ASPECTS
4.2 TRANSITION PROCESSES
4.3 IT OPERATIONS ACTIVITIES DURING THE PROJECT LIFE CYCLE
5 CONCLUSION AND FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Objectives and Topics
This thesis examines the relationship and operational interfaces between IT projects and IT operations. The primary objective is to investigate how IT operations can be effectively integrated into the project lifecycle to ensure seamless transitions, maintain service quality, and prevent resource conflicts.
- Theoretical foundations of IT operations and core management processes.
- Characteristics of IT projects and challenges in project management.
- Interfaces between project delivery and ongoing operational support.
- Transition processes and the management of IT service handovers.
- Strategies for improving cooperation and transparency between project and operations teams.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Project characteristics
Similar to terms like “Strategy” or “Vision”, there is no unique definition for the term project, but a set of definitions from different organisations, educational institutions or scientific publications. The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines a project as “… a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.” The International Project Management Association (IPMA) describes a project as “… a temporary form of organisation for a relatively unique, short to medium term process that involves several organisational units in particular.” And the Oxford dictionary says that a project is “a collaborative enterprise, frequently involving research or design that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim”. In general, a project has a set of primary characteristics - it has a specific goal, it is temporary and therefore limited, it is unique and produces a unique outcome. In addition, a project is also described as complex and interdisciplinary due to the fact that it affects many different areas of responsibility in one organisation.
Summary of Chapters
1 INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the dual challenge of IT operations in balancing reliability with adaptability and defines the focus of the thesis on the connection between IT projects and operations.
2 IT OPERATIONS: This chapter defines IT operations, outlines key processes like event, incident, and change management, and discusses major operational challenges such as cost pressure and flexibility.
3 IT PROJECTS: This chapter explores the theory of project management, including the project lifecycle, portfolio management, and the specific characteristics and complexities inherent in IT projects.
4 INTERFACES BETWEEN IT OPERATIONS AND IT PROJECTS: This chapter analyzes the interplay between temporary project work and permanent operations, focusing on organizational aspects, transition processes, and specific operational activities throughout the project life cycle.
5 CONCLUSION AND FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS: This chapter summarizes the findings and suggests a holistic approach, termed "Operational IT implementation management", to better integrate projects into an operational context.
Keywords
IT projects, IT operation, transition, IT projects vs. IT operation, handover, ITIL, PMI, IT service lifecycle, project lifecycle, flexibility vs. stability, frameworks, IT organisation, change management, release and deployment management, service level agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this thesis?
The work investigates the integration of IT projects into the operational environment, aiming to bridge the gap between project delivery and sustainable IT service management.
Which key areas does the thesis cover?
It covers IT operational processes, project management theory, the specific characteristics of IT projects, and the critical interface between these two distinct environments.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze how to manage the transition from IT projects to IT operations to ensure that new services are supportable and that resources are allocated transparently.
Which scientific frameworks are utilized?
The work relies on established frameworks such as ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) and PMI (Project Management Institute) guidelines.
What is the scope of the main chapters?
The main body treats the theory of IT operations and project management separately before detailing their intersection through transition processes and project lifecycle activities.
Which terms characterize this study?
Key terms include IT service lifecycle, transition management, headcount leasing, and operational stability versus project flexibility.
How are "IT operations" defined in the context of this work?
IT operations are defined as the ongoing coordination and execution of activities required to deliver and manage IT services at agreed levels for business users.
What distinguishes IT projects from general projects?
IT projects are characterized by the invisibility and intangibility of their products, high complexity, and the frequent "moving targets" created by rapid technological advancements.
Why is the "transition process" critical?
Transitions are critical because they represent the handover phase where potential operational failures occur if the new service is not adequately designed for supportability.
What is the "Operational IT implementation management" approach?
It is a proposed holistic approach where projects are treated as an inherent part of IT operations from the outset, ensuring transparency and proper planning of operational service requirements.
- Quote paper
- Carsten Schneider (Author), 2014, Operational IT Implementation Management. Transition from IT Projects to IT Operations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/296318
