In Enterprise Technology, the Business Owner for enterprise services such as PeopleSoft, Learning Management Systems and Classrooms is frequently a senior level staff member not in UIT. The Business Owner is the person representing a University college/division/unit/entity responsible for defining the business needs of the service, the operational service levels need, and for allocating financial and human resources to the provision of the service.

What does a Business Owner do?

The Business Owner plays a strategic role and is not engaged in the day-to-day activities of managing the service. Rather, they focus on the big picture. They define the vision and roadmap. They have the knowledge and authority to make strategic decisions and clear the path of political and financial obstacles. They communicate to key stakeholders and work closely with the Service Owner, who is responsible for developing a roadmap that aligns with the vision.

What are the general responsibilities of a Business Owner?

• Provides high-level business requirements and works closely with the service owner during the design phase. Prior to launch, they validate that the service meets the expected business outcomes.
• Ensures the service aligns with industry direction, standards, and best practices
• Represents the service in business strategy discussions and provides strategic advice to the service team
• Reviews and approves (if acceptable) identified service risks and mitigations
• Controls and prioritizes all business requests, such as those for feature enhancements, ensuring limited resources (both staff and dollars) are spent on high-value requests
• Reviews and approves communications for key stakeholders and the business during “Major” service incidents
• Owns the service roadmap