This case study shows how a CIO translated IT strategy into coordinated execution by addressing the leadership and coordination challenges that emerge at scale.
What Is This Bonus Case Study?
This bonus case study is a companion to the main IT operating model example. It focuses specifically on how the operating model was brought to life—the leadership decisions, sequencing, and coordination required to move from intent to execution in a large, complex organization. Rather than documenting the operating model itself, this case study explains the journey behind it.
How This Case Study Is Different from the Main Example
The primary example shows what an IT operating model for implementing strategy at scale looks like when fully formed. This bonus case study focuses on how it was implemented.
- The main example documents the end-state operating model.
- This case study captures the leadership moves, sequencing, and choices that made that model executable.
It is designed to complement—not replace—the main example.
Why This Case Study Matters
Designing an operating model is one challenge. Getting it adopted, understood, and used across many teams is another.
This case study matters because it shows how a CIO addressed the real-world realities of scale:
- Multiple stakeholders with competing priorities
- The need to establish governance without slowing execution
- Translating strategy into plans people could actually act on
- Building alignment without relying on constant escalation
It provides insight into the implementation side of strategy that is often missing from formal models.
What You’ll Learn From This Case Study
By reviewing this case study, you’ll gain clarity on:
- How governance was established early to support—not hinder—execution
- How stakeholder input was coordinated without losing decision clarity
- How strategy was broken down into measurable plans of action
- How leadership attention was focused on coordination, not micromanagement
- How consistency was achieved across teams as scale increased
These lessons are drawn from real decisions and trade-offs, not hindsight theory.
How to Use This Bonus Case Study
This case study is best used alongside the main operating model example:
- Before implementation: to anticipate coordination challenges and sequencing decisions
- During implementation: to guide leadership actions and communication
- After implementation: to reflect on what worked and what to adjust
It is especially useful for CIOs preparing to move from strategy definition into execution.
What It Helps You Apply
This case study helps you apply the operating model by:
- Translating structure into day-to-day leadership actions
- Anticipating where coordination typically breaks down
- Avoiding common implementation missteps
- Reinforcing the behaviors needed to sustain execution at scale
It turns the operating model from a reference artifact into a lived practice.
Access the Bonus Case Study
Review the companion case study to see how a CIO implemented strategy at scale—and apply those lessons alongside the main operating model example.
