Aligning IT and business strategy: an Australian university case study

Abstract

Alignment with business objectives is considered to be an essential outcome of information technology (IT) strategic planning. This case study examines the process of creating an IT strategy for an Australian university using an industry standard methodology. The degree of alignment is determined by comparing the strategic priorities supported by both the IT and university strategic plans, using Sharrock’s ‘four agendas’ framework. The significant differences between the two strategies are examined and explained, revealing the need for IT strategic planning methodologies to include a framework to measure business alignment.

Keywords:

• alignment
• business
• information technology
• strategy