Powering Digital Transformation Through a Scalable IT Operating Model

CASE STUDY - LEADING GLOBAL UNIVERSITY

CUSTOMER

Leading Global
University

TECHNOLOGY

Digital Transformation
Cloud Enablement
IT4IT Operating Model

BUSINESS AREA

Information Technology
Programme Delivery
Digital Strategy

University computer classroom supporting digital learning

The Requirement

The university had an established corporate strategy focused on growth in student numbers and services. That growth increased demand across facilities, professional services and IT. The IT function therefore needed to transform how technology services were planned, governed and delivered.

Priorities included a secure and scalable cloud-enabled platform, stronger information management, effective delivery of strategic programmes, scalable service and security operations, improved business engagement, workforce development and a more effective digital workplace.

University lecture theatre representing a large and complex operating environment

The Challenge

The transformation had to be delivered while the university continued to run existing services. The IT function needed to absorb a wider operational scope, manage increasing demand with finite internal resources and create a realistic roadmap aligned to available budget and capacity.

It also needed broad engagement across IT, while balancing immediate technical-debt priorities against ongoing operational commitments and minimising disruption.

University team collaborating on digital transformation planning

Our Approach

Maxica used its flexible PMaaS resourcing model to provide an experienced Programme Manager. Working with the Chief Digital Information Officer, the first step was to frame the transformation in a Programme Definition Document, turning the digital strategy into a practical programme of change.

The team then assessed current and future IT operations and designed an operating model informed by The Open Group IT4IT Reference Architecture. This created a common structure for identifying capability strengths, gaps and priorities.

Technology professional reviewing digital programme delivery

Our Solution

A governance model was established to capture, assess and prioritise digital requirements. Strategic Theme working groups, each led by a senior responsible owner, were created to shape and deliver tranches of digital change.

The programme connected early requirement mapping with high-level solution design, product alignment, scoping, planning and business-case development. It also introduced clearer mechanisms for moving initiatives from idea and proof of concept into formal project delivery, supported by dashboards, service reviews and regular feedback.

University lecture hall representing institution-wide digital transformation

Benefits

  • Accelerated digital proof-of-concept and pilot activity.
  • Created a faster route from requirement mapping to high-level solution design and product alignment.
  • Strengthened pre-project scoping, planning and business-case development.
  • Improved integration between idea generation and formal project start-up.
  • Connected suppliers, internal teams and emerging technologies to deliver a large strategic pilot.
  • Improved execution insight through dynamic dashboards, monthly surveys and service reviews.
Collaborative university technology environment

Why it Worked

The engagement combined experienced programme leadership with a structured operating model and practical governance. Rather than treating digital transformation as a series of isolated projects, the university established repeatable mechanisms for demand capture, prioritisation and delivery.

Senior ownership through Strategic Theme working groups helped connect strategy to execution, while the PMaaS model provided additional capability without relying solely on constrained internal resources.

Maxica consultant discussing digital transformation

Learn More

If your organisation needs to turn a digital strategy into a governed, deliverable programme of change, Maxica can provide programme leadership, flexible delivery capability and practical transformation support.

Call us on 0333 700 2014

Email us on hello@maxica.com

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