Refinement of the operational model and strategy for the it regional center of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eastern Finland
Laukkarinen, Olli (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024090224649
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024090224649
Tiivistelmä
This thesis explores the optimization of IT administration within church organizations, with a particular focus
on the IT department and Regional Center of Eastern Finland, referred to as IITA. The study evaluates three
distinct alternatives for IT operational models: maintaining the current operational model, partially outsourcing
IT services, and increasing cooperation through a potential merger with another IT regional center, in this
case the Regional Center of Central Finland.
The research utilizes SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associ ated with each alternative. Key criteria for the comparative study were cost, efficiency, and usability/accessi bility. Data and information for this study was obtained through internal documents, unofficial interviews, and
secondary sources such as relevant literature and case studies.
Findings indicate that maintaining the current operational model is cost-effective in the short term but faces
challenges related to an aging workforce and outdated systems. Partial outsourcing offers high-quality services
and specialized expertise but incurs higher costs and risks associated with loss of internal control. The poten tial merger, while initially challenging and resource intensive, promises significant long-term benefits through
cost savings, resource sharing and improved service standardization.
The thesis concludes that the merger with the IT Regional Center of Central Finland presents the most advan tageous long-term strategy for IITA, balancing cost efficiency with improved operational effectiveness and service quality.
on the IT department and Regional Center of Eastern Finland, referred to as IITA. The study evaluates three
distinct alternatives for IT operational models: maintaining the current operational model, partially outsourcing
IT services, and increasing cooperation through a potential merger with another IT regional center, in this
case the Regional Center of Central Finland.
The research utilizes SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associ ated with each alternative. Key criteria for the comparative study were cost, efficiency, and usability/accessi bility. Data and information for this study was obtained through internal documents, unofficial interviews, and
secondary sources such as relevant literature and case studies.
Findings indicate that maintaining the current operational model is cost-effective in the short term but faces
challenges related to an aging workforce and outdated systems. Partial outsourcing offers high-quality services
and specialized expertise but incurs higher costs and risks associated with loss of internal control. The poten tial merger, while initially challenging and resource intensive, promises significant long-term benefits through
cost savings, resource sharing and improved service standardization.
The thesis concludes that the merger with the IT Regional Center of Central Finland presents the most advan tageous long-term strategy for IITA, balancing cost efficiency with improved operational effectiveness and service quality.