Ofosu, D.2020-03-122020-03-122019-07http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh/handle/123456789/35242MPhil. Management Information SystemsApplication 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.enIT-BusinessEducation SectorInformation TechnologyThesis