Optimise information technology (IT) to maximise business value in South Africa

Abstract

The extent to which the pervasiveness of technology and real-time information influences the dynamics of global change and corporate survival is no longer a debate, but a reality. The rate of change emanating from the digital revolution is becoming increasingly faster and organisations will have to adapt. Technology is not merely a business enabler, but rather the platform facilitating business and is a source of both disruption and future opportunities. If organisations are to prosper, they will need to become digitally fluent in order to maximise the value obtained from technology. This article positions the quintessential Information Technology (IT) components and their relative importance, drawing on the collective experiential knowledge of IT professionals totalling over 240 years. In order to gain understanding, insight and explore the depth, richness and complexity of the topic, a qualitative research methodology was followed which facilitated the gathering of contextual descriptions. To ensure meaningful results, ten senior executives from various organisations, who are well versed in technology, each with over fifteen year’s practical experience knowledge were selected to be interviewed. The study determined five key IT components, positioned with pertinent success factors and enabling frameworks that drive business value. Strategy encompasses scanning the environment for disruptive or enabling technologies and drives large scale innovation. Execution is a methodical approach to planning and guiding delivery from conception to completion to meet specific goals. The maintenance function includes the activities that are performed by an organisation to plan, design, deliver, operate and control IT services to meet customer requirements. Sustainability involves monitoring results to establish the value derived, but more significantly, to determine changes required to deliver value. Finally, governance underpins all IT components and relates to consistent management, policies, guidance, processes and decision-making with the relevant oversight and accountability. The study advises organisations to prioritise efforts on the IT components of execution and strategy, followed by governance and finally, on maintenance and sustainability. If organisations are to survive and prosper in a changing technological world, it is recommended that effective leadership underpin these IT components with an enabling culture and conducive environment for risk taking, learning and innovation.