← Back to Skills Library

TIME Model for IT Product-line Leadership and Application Portfolio Management (APM)

Information Technology > Enterprise resource planning ERP

Description

The TIME Model is a strategic framework designed for Enterprise IT Product Line Heads to effectively manage and optimize an organization's application portfolio. Developed by Gartner, it categorizes software applications into four groups: Tolerate, Invest, Migrate, and Eliminate, based on their Technical Fit and Functional Value. This model aids in rationalizing application portfolios, reducing IT costs, managing risks, and ensuring that technology investments align with business strategies. By applying the TIME Model, IT leaders can make informed decisions about which applications to maintain, enhance, transition, or retire, ultimately supporting strategic goals and improving overall operational efficiency.

Expected Behaviors

LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

Individuals at this level have a basic understanding of the TIME model and its components. They can identify the purpose of the model in IT Product-line Leadership and recognize the importance of aligning technology investments with business strategy.

🌱
LEVEL 2

Novice

Novices can explain the application of the TIME model for evaluating software applications and describe criteria for categorizing them. They understand the role of technical fit and functional value and can identify key stakeholders in Application Portfolio Management.

🌍
LEVEL 3

Intermediate

At the intermediate level, individuals can apply the TIME model to categorize applications and analyze its impact on IT costs and risk management. They can develop basic plans for portfolio rationalization and effectively communicate the model's benefits to stakeholders.

LEVEL 4

Advanced

Advanced practitioners conduct comprehensive assessments using the TIME model and design strategic roadmaps for portfolio optimization. They integrate the model with other frameworks and facilitate stakeholder workshops to align decisions with business strategy.

🏆
LEVEL 5

Expert

Experts lead organization-wide initiatives to implement the TIME model, evaluate and refine it for specific needs, and mentor others in its use. They continuously monitor and adapt strategies to align with evolving business and technology landscapes.

Micro Skills

LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

Define what the TIME model is and its origin.
Explain the strategic importance of the TIME model in IT management.
Identify scenarios where the TIME model can be applied.
Discuss the benefits of using the TIME model for IT Product-line Leadership.
Define 'Tolerate' in the context of application management.
Define 'Invest' and its implications for application development.
Define 'Migrate' and the process involved in application transition.
Define 'Eliminate' and criteria for application decommissioning.
Explain the concept of technology-business alignment.
Identify the benefits of aligning IT investments with business goals.
Discuss potential risks of misalignment between IT and business strategies.
Provide examples of successful technology-business alignment.
🌱
LEVEL 2

Novice

Define the purpose of application evaluation in the context of IT Product-line Leadership.
Identify the key metrics used in the TIME model for evaluating applications.
Describe the process of gathering data necessary for application evaluation.
Illustrate examples of application evaluation using the TIME model.
List the characteristics of applications that fall under the 'Tolerate' category.
Identify the factors that make an application suitable for the 'Invest' category.
Explain the conditions under which an application should be 'Migrated'.
Discuss the reasons for placing an application in the 'Eliminate' category.
List the roles typically involved in APM within an organization.
Explain the responsibilities of each stakeholder in the APM process.
Discuss the importance of stakeholder collaboration in successful APM.
Identify methods for engaging stakeholders in the APM process.
Define 'technical fit' in the context of application evaluation.
Explain how 'functional value' is assessed for applications.
Discuss the relationship between technical fit and functional value.
Provide examples of how technical fit and functional value influence application categorization.
🌍
LEVEL 3

Intermediate

Gather relevant data on each application, including technical specifications and business value
Identify the technical fit of each application within the current IT infrastructure
Assess the functional value of each application in terms of business processes and outcomes
Assign each application to a TIME category based on its technical fit and functional value
Document the rationale for categorization decisions for stakeholder review
Evaluate the cost implications of maintaining applications in the Tolerate category
Estimate investment requirements for applications categorized under Invest
Assess migration costs and risks for applications in the Migrate category
Determine cost savings and risk reduction potential from eliminating applications
Prepare a report summarizing the financial and risk impacts of the TIME categorizations
Set objectives for application portfolio rationalization aligned with business goals
Prioritize applications for action based on their TIME categorization
Outline steps for implementing changes in each TIME category
Identify resources and stakeholders needed for executing the rationalization plan
Create a timeline for the rationalization process with key milestones
Prepare a presentation explaining the TIME model and its strategic importance
Highlight case studies or examples where the TIME model has been successfully applied
Address common concerns or misconceptions about the TIME model
Facilitate discussions to gather feedback and address stakeholder questions
Develop communication materials tailored to different stakeholder groups
LEVEL 4

Advanced

Gather and document detailed information on all applications within the portfolio
Evaluate each application's technical fit with current and future IT infrastructure
Identify dependencies and integration points between applications
Use quantitative and qualitative data to support application categorization decisions
Prioritize applications for investment, migration, or elimination based on strategic goals
Develop timelines and milestones for implementing changes to the application portfolio
Allocate resources and budget for application optimization initiatives
Create risk management plans to address potential challenges during implementation
Communicate the roadmap to stakeholders and obtain necessary approvals
Identify complementary frameworks that align with the TIME model, such as ITIL or COBIT
Map TIME model categories to relevant components of other frameworks
Develop integrated processes for continuous application evaluation and improvement
Ensure alignment between IT strategy and broader organizational objectives
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to leverage insights from multiple frameworks
Plan and organize workshops with key stakeholders from IT and business units
Present findings from the TIME model assessment and proposed optimizations
Encourage open dialogue and feedback to refine application portfolio strategies
Document stakeholder input and incorporate it into the final decision-making process
Build consensus and commitment to the agreed-upon application portfolio strategy
🏆
LEVEL 5

Expert

Develop a strategic plan for organization-wide TIME model implementation
Identify and engage key stakeholders across departments
Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the success of TIME model initiatives
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and collaboration
Facilitate regular progress reviews and adjust strategies as needed
Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas for improvement in the current TIME model framework
Gather feedback from stakeholders on the effectiveness of the TIME model
Research industry best practices and emerging trends in application portfolio management
Propose modifications to the TIME model to better fit organizational goals
Implement changes and monitor their impact on application portfolio outcomes
Develop training materials and resources on the TIME model
Conduct workshops and seminars for IT leaders on TIME model application
Provide one-on-one coaching sessions to address specific leader challenges
Create a community of practice for ongoing learning and support
Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make improvements
Establish a process for regular review of the application portfolio strategy
Analyze market trends and technological advancements impacting the portfolio
Engage with business units to understand changing business priorities
Adjust the application portfolio strategy to align with new insights
Communicate changes and their rationale to all relevant stakeholders

Skill Overview

  • Expert4 years experience
  • Micro-skills87
  • Roles requiring skill2

Sign up to prepare yourself or your team for a role that requires TIME Model for IT Product-line Leadership and Application Portfolio Management (APM).

LoginSign Up