Achieving business-IT alignment: An action research on onboarding and learning in Globe Telecom

• Main Author: Velasco, Jose Ma. Escareal
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: Globe Telecom; Inc. > Information technology > Case studies; Telecommunication > Philippines > Information technology > Case studies
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/5308
• Institution: De La Salle University

This action research seeks to explore the impact of an onboarding and learning program in the Information Technology (IT) space and the subsequent needs of a highly technical role within an organization. In a fast paced, technology-driven industry, the Solutions Architecture team of Globe Telecom, Inc. (Globe) was faced with a scenario wherein there was no systematic process of onboarding newly-hired Solutions Architects resulting in inefficient delivery of solutions, delays in output, high variances vs. project implementation and negative perception. Coghlan and Brannick's four-step action research cycle and Bauer, et al.s Onboarding framework were used as guide in designing and implementing three cycles of Action Research. Three interventions were employed: the Technical Assessment Report (TAR) Cadence, Learning Sessions and the Buddy System. It was discovered through the course of this Action Research that quality checks through the TAR Cadence and the presence of management guidance assist in decreasing the negative perception of the organization while Learning Sessions proved that setting dedicated sessions for learnings allows for more in-depth discussions that are relevant to Solutions Architects. Buddy systems also work by reducing uncertainty of newcomers and building a team culture of collaboration. This study reveals that Onboarding and Learning are key strategies towards delivering a high-performing IT organization.