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3 This chapter provides a brief overview of the purpose, intended audience, and structural breakdown of the Guidance. Purpose and Intended Audience The purpose of this Guidance is to provide the user with a roadmap for understanding how to achieve an optimum IT delivery method, while considering the specific airport attributes. Although this Guidance can be used across airports of all sizes, the primary focus is on small airports. The structure of this Guidance was designed so it can be used as a point of reference for a specific subject or as thorough guidance on developing and implementing an overall airport IT strategy. This Guidance provides the following three key objectives: ⢠An assessment process to determine airport attributes and IT maturity level. ⢠Definitions and explanations of systems and services applicable to the airport industry with the IT delivery methods for each. (Note: Some of the systems presented are not typically utilized at a medium or small airport today; however, discussion on these systems is included based on an assumption of future applicability.) ⢠An evaluation process to align business needs and the IT delivery methods available based on previous evaluation. This Guidance was developed to provide the airport professional who is responsible for the IT function with the necessary information and guidance in making appropriate decisions for IT delivery. It was also developed to provide the airport executive and other division leaders with an understanding of various IT solution options. Organization Following this chapter and preceding the appendices, the main body of the Guidance is divided into the following three chapters. Chapter 3 provides information to guide the user in assessing and understanding primary attributes that have a significant impact on the evaluation of alternative IT delivery methods. To that extent, Chapter 3 focuses on key differentiators and IT maturity levels of small airports. In addition, it presents discussions on different airport profiles, common as well as outlier. Chapter 4 presents alternative IT delivery methods and practices relevant to small airports. It addresses recent airport IT trends and the importance of collaboration, provides a high-level C H A P T E R 2 Overview
4 Alternative IT Delivery Methods and Best Practices for Small Airports discussion on strategic technology alignment, and then focuses on IT delivery methods relative to human resources, applications/systems, and infrastructure areas. For each of these areas, the Guidance addresses applicability according to each IT maturity level. Chapter 5 provides helpful navigational tips for the in-depth material provided in the appendices. The appendices provide greater detail for the topics addressed in the Guidance and a functional tool in the form of a structured set of templates. These templates guide the user through a step- by-step process of defining appropriate IT delivery methods based on a strategic evaluation of his/her unique stakeholder needs and the overall airport goals. For further investigations into the subject matter, a list of useful resources is also provided. To derive the greatest benefit from this Guidance, the user needs to understand how to navigate the document to find relevant information. To that extent, Table 1 provides a quick reference for where to start to achieve the desired results. Desired Results Where to Start High-level understanding of airport IT best practices 1. Chapter 3, Understanding Small Airport IT 2. Chapter 4, Delivery Methods and Practices of Small Airport IT Alignment of the technology program with the airport managerâs business objectives 1. Chapter 4, Delivery Methods and Practices of Small Airport IT; Strategic Technology Alignment 2. Chapter 4, Delivery Methods and Practices of Small Airport IT; Human Resources 3. Appendix E, Strategic Planning and Business Case Development Guide IT organizational structure/ staffing/project delivery methods 1. Chapter 3, Understanding Small Airport IT 2. Chapter 4, Delivery Methods and Practices of Small Airport IT; Human Resources 3. Appendix B, Human Resources Specific IT application/ system options 1. Chapter 4, Delivery Methods and Practices of Small Airport IT; Applications/Systems 2. Appendix C, Applications/Systems Specific IT infrastructure 1. Chapter 4, Delivery Methods and Practices of Small Airport IT; Infrastructure 2. Appendix D, Infrastructure Business Case for IT initiative 1. Chapter 3, Understanding Small Airport IT 2. Chapter 4, Delivery Methods and Practices of Small Airport IT; Strategic Technology Alignment 3. Appendix A, Strategic Technology Alignment 4. Appendix E, Strategic Planning and Business Case Development Guide Table 1. Guidance quick reference.
