Analysis of ICT Strategic Alignment In a Public Organisation

Abstract

This thesis pertains to the discussion of Strategic Alignment which, if notimplemented properly, can cause the failure of the information technology (IT) projects in an organisation. While some public sector organisations are able to deliver their IT projects on time and on budget, few of them report on project performance and how they actually identify and measure the benefits supposedly arising from those projects (Gershon 2009). IT projects typically involve organisations committing substantial resources and funds, and so project failure can result in not just loss of the funds invested, but also of the benefits that would have accrued directly had the project implementation been better informed.IT governance strategies and objectives shape Strategic Alignment (SA)perspectives, which in turn affect the management of IT projects. Hence, SA is a key subject in this thesis. It should be noted that the current trend is to align IT with business as equal partners, not to align IT to fit into a predetermined business strategy. The study identifies strategic ICT alignment issues that contribute to the success of IT projects. Using a local government in Australia as a case study, the study investigates 14 IT projects and highlights how strategic alignment perspectives generate public value through IT projects. The research undertaken in this study has shown that the delivery of IT projects on time and on budget is an inadequate measurement for value realisation from IT. The outcome must also be assessed through alternative measures and governance feedback mechanisms. The crucial issue that this research investigates is the role of Strategic Alignment (SA) in the success of IT projects in public organisations. It is essential to consider the IT SA perspectives that can be utilised to increase the understanding needed for a better achievement of value realisation in a public organisation. This research develops a conceptual framework as a model of assessment and provides recommendations for its application.

Date of Award	6 Oct 2012
Original language	English
Supervisor	Keith Duncan (Supervisor) & Iain Morrison (Supervisor)