Digital Transformation Governance
Purpose
With the formation of the Data Collection and Digital Infrastructure Committee (DCDI), and new unit for Digital Transformation under Business Services, an era of Digital Project Governance has been established at UNBC. This newly formed Governance model aligns with the READY Strategic Plan from 2023, focusing on facilitating all forms of digital transformation, from intake process, project selection, prioritization and approval.
Objectives
The main objectives of the DCDI are to:
Ensure that digital project decisions are being made in alignment with strategic and tactical priorities of the University;
View digital projects as an investment to the institution;
Enable broad consultation, transparency, accountability and communication in the planning and decision-making processes around investments and priorities;
Identify, understand and mitigate risks;
Establish consistent and comprehensive monitoring, reporting, and tracking of projects.
In short, establishing DCDI and a framework for project portfolio management helps ensure that UNBC is working on the right things in the right way that minimizes risk and increases the value and chance of successful outcomes.
Digital Transformation projects require ‘upfront’ planning to ensure that the University is making informed decisions and minimizing risks that may divert resources from high priority and strategically important projects, or create inefficiencies with re-work and unnecessary complexity.
Digital Transformation Decision Framework
With broad representation from administrative, academic and research areas of UNBC, the decision framework is composed of four elements:
DCDI Action Group – Provides oversight to the DCDI Committee and assigns resources, allocates budget, and re-prioritizes projects when necessary.
DCDI Committee – Provides oversight, review, and approvals on project proposals. The committee also gives recommendations and guidance to the Action Group when necessary. The committee addresses challenges, prioritization constraints, and alignment with institutional goals.
Digital Transformation Unit – Maintains the digital portfolio management, in coordination with ITS, and provides project support to teams as needed. The unit also facilitates the project approval process within the DCDI and gives monthly progress reports on activities project activities.