Factors Influencing the Achievement of IT-Business Alignment in Developing Economies: Evidence from Ghana’s Public Institutions of Higher Learning
Date
2019-07
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
Application of IT in institutions of higher learning has become unavoidable and remains
constantly increasing. Many institutions are investing heavily in IT in order to stay competitive.
Studies have however shown that majority of these investments do no deliver value. The higher
education sector is believed to be one of the sectors with high IT investment wastage. It is for
this reason the concept of IT-Business alignment which involves finding harmony between IT,
and business strategy and objectives has become a concern for both IT and Non-IT executives.
Despite the popularity of the concept, review of available literature shows the concept is not only
less popular in developing economies and the education sector but also factors influencing its
achievement remain underexplored. It is for this reason that studies which attempt to identify
factors influencing the achievement of IT-Business alignment and generate new knowledge have
become necessary.
The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of IT, the state of IT-Business alignment, as
well as factors influencing the achievement of IT-Business alignment in Ghanaian public
institutions of higher learning using Schlosser and Coltman's (2012) IT-Business alignment
dimensions model as a lens. Based on the assumptions of the interpretivism research paradigm
and qualitative research principles, a two round online Delphi survey was employed to elicit
responses from persons in IT leadership position in Ghanaian public institutions of higher
learning. These persons were purposively selected in line with the principles of Delphi
Technique Findings show that publicly owned Ghanaian institutions of higher learning have well-structured
IT functions and are investing heavily in IT just like other sectors. IT-Business alignment is also
greatly achieved in most of their core operational areas despite few challenges. Factors identified
to influence the achievement of the various dimensions of the concept include: IT and Business
artifact mapping, IT Success, Decentralization of IT function, IT-Business Partnership, Closing
IT-Business communication gap through cross functional skill/knowledge acquisition, Mutual
trust and respect. Other factors include: Common understanding and appreciation of institutional
goals, Technical skills and knowledge of IT staff, Cross-functional knowledge and skills of IT
and non-IT staff, Top management commitment, Leadership skills of IT executives, Future-Proof
IT investment, and Investment in desired future environment.
This study has contributed to research by extending Schlosser and Coltman's (2012) IT-Business
alignment dimensions model further to include an environmental dimension thereby broadening
the understanding of factors that influence the achievement of the concept. In terms of
recommendations, IT staff should seek business knowledge in order to understanding the
implications of their actions on the performance of their institutions. Likewise, Non-IT staff
should also be interested in gaining knowledge and skills IT as this help them understand the
value of IT investments. Secondly IT-Business alignment should be an organization-wide
concern not just a tactical issue.
Key limitations of this study include the scarcity of IT-Business alignment literature in the
context of developing economies as well as the higher education sector, time constraint, and
narrow research scope. Future studies should consider widening the net to include privately
owned institutions of higher learning. And in terms of methodology, a different methodology
may perhaps produce different results.
Description
MPhil. Management Information Systems
Keywords
IT-Business, Education Sector, Information Technology