As before, the Case for this module asks you to prepare a 3-5 page essay using the writing style, format and referencing methods described in the course Graded Activities and Writing Guides (see the Module One required supplemental readings). As you read and become more familiar with the definition and work-a-day elements of 360 degree positive organizational politics, some of the stigma you may have previously attached to such behavior will likely fall away. As an IT manager, you are possibly responsible for a unit, groups and individuals. To achieve your IT mission, goals and objectives you will likely also require the involvement of other units, groups and individuals outside your direct control. Creating the necessary influence to achieve your assigned tasks is the domain of positive organizational politics. Certainly the negative, self-serving or ''backstabbing'' elements of politics are not going to disappear. Yet, as an IT manager, it is YOUR personal responsibility to build the necessary relationships and influence, throughout the organization, to achieve unit success. Failure to do so will mean you are unlikely to get invited to decision-making sessions, are not at the front of the line for organizational resources and are possibly relegated to a ''Mr. Fix-it'' role. This is in sharp contrast to the vital strategic and operational contributions an IT unit CAN make in today''s fast-paced, highly competitive and information-rich world. The point for an IT management professional...your ability to contribute at a high level to your organization''s success IS NOT automatic. Others would no doubt like your seat at the table. Strange as it may sound, you must go beyond technical prowess and build the organizational political relationships and influence necessary to EARN the right to contribute at higher levels. The circumstances of this Module Four case are that you have recently outlined an IT project to the CIO which you believe will have important operational consequences for the overall organization. The CIO is sympathetic to your message and believes it has strong merit. Yet, current budgets are tight and there has even been a recent, small corporate downsizing. However, the CIO is willing to work with you to tackle finding the necessary support and funds to move the project forward. She/ he asks you to prepare a 3-5 White Paper which highlights a plan to gain the necessary POLITICAL backing to move the project forward and ensure the necessary resources to see it through. As you leave the CIO''s office he/ she chuckles and notes that; "Now we will see if you are as good at influencing others as you are at dreaming up these great IT projects!" The title of your White Paper might well be: Influencing Others: Parallel Political Planning for Making IT Projects Happen! In your essay you may wish to consider (but not be limited by) such issues as: • Why is a political analysis a useful task to complement technical project considerations • How does an IT manager approach potential project sponsors to gain both short and long term support • Are there precedents and examples in your work experience as well as any literature you can find to support the value of ''political planning'' • What social and/ or personal interaction skills might be useful to both developing and implementing a political plan • Please note once again that this paper is to be a detailed ''political plan'' for gaining the necessary influence and support to go forward with your technical project. It IS NOT a report on the details of your IT project! Please note these issues are not questions to be lined up and answered with bullet points. They are simply things to think about as you formulate your own ideas about the topic. The expectation is that you will create an original paper, in narrative form, from your own unique views. Remember to follow the Graded Activities and Writing Guidelines