Question:
The case for this module is about understanding the development of IT strategies that support and are supported by business strategy. Given the large amount of investments in IT, companies need to get high IT business value. To do that, a good IT strategy is essential.
In the first reading, Smith et al. (2007) discuss five critical success factors that organizations must consider in creating an IT strategy within an organization. For example, they say that one of the most important factors is that “senior managers in high performing companies take a leadership role in IT decision making” (p.54). The authors discuss other factors that were identified in the focus groups conducted with IT managers from 15 different organizations. In addition, they present some of the best practices and challenges faced by those IT managers while developing their IT strategies.
Required Reading
Smith, H. A., McKeen, J. D., & Singh, S. (2007). Developing information technology strategy for business value. Journal of Information Technology Management, XVIII(1), 49-58. Retrieved from http://jitm.ubalt.edu/XVIII-1/article4.pdf
KPMG. (2014). Technology industry outlook survey. Retrieved from http://www.kpmg-institutes.com/institutes/global-enterprise-institute/articles/2014/06/2014-technology-industry-outlook-survey.html
Carr, N. (2003). IT Doesn”t Matter, retrieved from https://hbr.org/2003/05/it-doesnt-matter
Peppard, J., & Ward, J. (2005). Unlocking Sustained Business Value from IT Investments, California Business Review 48 (1) 52-69. Retrieved from http://www.r3now.com/literature/peppardward.pdf
Reviews and responses to the book at http://www.nicholascarr.com/?page_id=23
Case Assignment
When you”ve read through the required readings and other related material, scanned the websites, and thought about it carefully, please prepare a short (4-5 page) paper discussing the question:
“How can organizations create business value from IT investments?”
Submit your paper upon completion.
Use information from the modular background readings as well as any good quality resource you can find. Please cite all sources and provide a reference list at the end of your paper.
