Strategic alignment of information technology and business
Date
2016
Authors
Coetze, Maarten Jacobus Petrus
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Abstract
The importance of information technology (IT) strategic alignment with organisational goals is
considered and discussed. Internal and external factors that affect this alignment are
identified. A method to strategically align business and IT is developed.
A case study methodology was used, which relied on both quantitative and qualitative
methods. The focus of the case study is the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical
Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. The research
identified current IT alignment barriers and the special requirements of this domain by
conducting interviews, using questionnaires and focusing on relevant strategic documentation.
Data from the case-study environment was used to identify strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats.
The researcher identified a lack of commitment on the part of management both within the
School and in the broader University to the University’s strategic objectives as the main
obstacle to IT and business strategic alignment. A revised IT strategic plan is developed for
the School.
Description
A dissertation Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of
Master of Science Engineering (Industrial Engineering)
University of the Witwatersrand
2016
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Citation
Coetzee, Maarten Jacobus Petrus (2016) Strategic alignment of information technology and business, University of the Witwatersrand, https://hdl.handle.net/10539/25974