Making the Business Case

Question 1 Making the Business Case 20 points
“Making the Business Case” for a technology solution or innovation is probably the most important thing you will take away from this class. This is an important skill. Some of you need to work on this as you learn more about the financial skills needed. After doing this assignment for class, I think you have learned some things you may not have understood the first time. So – we will try this again. This time – think of a technology solution t
o solve a business problem for an emerging market (reverse innovation). If you are from another country this will be easier because you know about local issues. If not, chose a country and do some research to come up with an idea. Use the same framework as you used for the exercise we did earlier for the assignment, but you can explain the parts and show the financial justification in this word document. Some things to remember:

1. The framework:
   Business Context
   Business Problem
   Technology Solution
   Financial Justification
   Qualitative Benefits.
2. Explain cost savings, additional revenue generation or both.
3. Make any assumptions you need. You may need to explain why the need for this innovation in this country or how you came up with the idea.
4. You can make a comparison before and after or if new innovation, show how it will impact the current situation, etc.
5. Do not forget the Total Cost of Ownership (these are all the associated costs such as maintenance, training, etc.).
6. Your case can be simple – it does not need to be complex to show considerable savings / benefits.
   There are many examples from what I presented in class. You will find these in the BB tab Course Content – this is where the slides are located for all the classes.

Question 2 The CIO and the C-Suite 20 points
For a company you choose (it might be one you want to work for, will interview with, currently work now, or just a company you are interested in) research the C-Suite and determine the structure and roles of C-level executives in the company. Describe the CIO role and reporting structure and the relationships you think the CIO has with other C-level leaders. You may describe in words or with a diagram and words. Name the company. There is a database in the library that provides this information.

Question 3 Waves of Technology over Time 20 points
Suppose you have been asked to speak at the monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce in the Washington D.C. area. Your audience will be business managers and executives from a range of industries. You have been asked to talk about the emerging technology landscape – the 5 technologies you believe will have the most impact on business in the next decade and why. Follow this with what you believe will be the 5 most pressing social or consequential issues including privacy, ethical, security, etc. based on these technological advancements. There is so much change right now (including COVID-19) companies do not know where they should focus their resources and time. This is broad but at the same time you have to prioritize. Do not use a list straight from some article. I want you to think and synthesize.
You can decide the title for your talk. I want you to give me your five main points for each part of the talk and a brief reason why it is one of your points. You do not need to write the speech. I want to know what your thoughts are. Make sure that the points integrate. After you write this answer come back to it later and think about it again from the audience perspective. Will they walk away with some value that will make a difference?
Put this in your back pocket after this class is over. You might need it.

Question 4 20 points
Emerging Technologies and Digital Transformation
Every company today is in some phase of Digital Transformation. Emerging technologies are at the core of these new digital strategies. CIOs have indicated in several surveys that this is the number one issue on their agenda for 2021.
As the CIO of a major Fortune 500 company that has global operations, you have been asked to lead the effort in your company for developing an emerging technology strategy. Your strategy will depend on the company and industry you are in.

1. Decide the company (give the name) and a brief description of the industry.
2. What technologies will be central to your strategy and how will you implement these?
3. What justification will you use for your recommendations (such as hype cycle, alignment with the overall strategy, etc.)?
4. What will you recommend to the C-Suite?
   This question is open ended – you can decide how you will structure your answer. My questions are to guide you in your response.