Information Systems and Technology as Strategic Business Partner: Using the Business Disruption Impact Assessment Methodology to Uncover Teck Highland Valley Copper's Technology Needs

There is a consensus that Information Systems and Technology (IS+T) needsto become a partner of the business by understanding its needs and expectations and offering solutions that create value. At Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (THVC)—one of Teck’s largest mines and Copper producer mixed perceptions about the value delivered by Teck’s Enterprise IS+T exist. Although users understand the importance of utilizing the services and expertise from Enterprise IS+T, solutions are seen as being implemented without fully understanding the Site’s “customer” needs. On the other hand, Enterprise IS+T sees the actions by THVC as failing to align with Teck’s strategic focus and misusing resources. This situation has created a complex IS+T environment that is difficult to sustain and with tangible risks for the Teck Resources Ltd. IS+T environment. The goal of this thesis is to respond to the question of how to best meet THVC’s IS+T needs with the services provided by Enterprise IS+T so that the effort, cost, and quality of the solutions proposed are best suited to THVC. To respond to this question a detailed and objective examination of THVC’s Business Critical Functions, Critical Applications and Technologies, and users’ needs was conducted using the Business Disruption Impact Assessment methodology. The results of this assessment uncovered a number of areas that Enterprise IS+T focus on and provide practical recommendations for THVC. The findings of this thesis may be used as an example by other IS+T professionals to uncover the actual needs and expectations of their businesses as a means to position IS+T as a true business partner.