Wiring Watkins University: Does IT Really Matter?

Abstract

This case describes the “wiring” of Watkins University (a fictional name for a real Midwestern university) between 1997 and 2003 as the university responded to competitive pressures in the higher education market. After describing the University and the competitive challenges it faced, the case takes the student into a strategy session between the organization’s CFO, CTO and Provost as they review progress on four key initiatives: Web based teaching, student laptop program, a Web based ERP implementation and a proposed “one card” system. Questions are raised as to acceptance of the technology, the impact of these initiatives on the organization’s strategic posture and competitiveness, IT budget planning, and future steps for the organization to take.