CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY ALLIANCE
Conclusion
The CAA may not be utilizing available technology to confront competitive threats and achieve its key strategic goals. The CAA faces challenges such as lack of a functional IT department within the organization since it is supported through the IT structure at the respective software developer at its headquarters. As much as the organization runs through the available support structure, it may not be enough for the required technological standards for its day to day operations. Although the organization utilizes technology such as enterprise planning resource and others, it needs to incorporate technical applications that mainly enhance service delivery to its clients.
Therefore, the CAA needs to apply technology in tracking the location of its clients, monitoring therapy among its clients, collecting data about neglected children who need its help, and in its intervention processes. Technology can never be adequate. However, with a functional and independent IT department, the Alliance will source innovative personnel who will avail of appropriate software and applications as it needs. For the moment, the available IT solutions match the needs of the organization. The organization can get alerts on victims who need help as well as run its daily activities. However, the CAA is considering improving technology in the coming fiscal year.
We learn from the CAA that a partial IT structure can work for an organization, especially with adequate support. However, the structure that the CAA adopts may not be appropriate since it has to hire outsiders in case its technician is unable to solve the problem. The organization needs routine maintenance on the available technology and regular software upgrades, which is costly when outsourcing. However, routine maintenance and updates are a requirement for the organization to keep relevance in the competitive market. The best solution to CAA IT challenges is improving the use of technology within its daily operations by establishing a competitive IT structure and hiring innovative experts to maintain and ensure that the available systems are running. However, during the change process, the organization will need to ensure that each stakeholder, including financiers and donors, are conversant with the technological changes to maximize acceptability. The changes should be simple, easy to use, and cause no harm to the users other than being efficient and reliable.
Recommendations
We recommend that:
- The CAA should consider advocating for ways that limit political influence over its procedures and activities to minimize barriers due to political influence. This could mean pushing for specific policies and regulations.
- The CAA should put more emphasis on its most valuable services and improve the quality of the services it offers.
- The CAA should partner with other non-profit organizations such as educators to foster the cognitive development of neglected children it offers its services.
- The CAA should expand its scope to children with special needs.
- The CAA should enhance its social value by sourcing for external oversight and partnering with third-party regulation organizations.