Information Technology (IT)/Business Alignment as a Strategic Weapon: A Diagnostic Tool

Abstract:

This article presents a diagnostic for identifying a strategic profile for Business/IT alignments. Based on consulting and research over the past decade, we have observed executives who are dissatisfied with their IT program and project alignment strategies. Technical and process engineering projects rather than strategic IT-business alignments were favored. Not all IT initiatives can or should be dedicated to projects and programs that affect enterprise-wide change; however, prominent IT experts argue that CIOs are receiving pressure to align IT for strategic purposes due to competitive market forces. Two case studies illustrate the processes and benefits of aligning IT-based business outcomes at the project and program levels using the strategic diagnostic proposed here.

Keywords::

• IT Project Management
• Strategic Project Management
• Alignment
• Leadership