ABSTRACT
Keywords: Alignment, Enablers and Inhibitors, Information Technology, IT, Planning, Strategic Alignment, Strategy, Top Management
The effective management of information technology (IT) organizations in the dynamic business and technical environment of the twenty-first century demands that senior IT managers be proactive with senior functional (e.g., marketing, R&D, finance) managers to develop IT and business strategies that are aligned. IT and business management must be continuously aware of the opportunities to transform the firm by leveraging technology. This is especially true if the firm is to sustain competitive advantage. The process for developing strategy must demonstrate the opportunity for IT to enable or drive business strategy, and operational effectiveness and efficiency. Strategic alignment is the key framework for creating effective IT strategies. Alignment addresses both how IT is in harmony with the business and how the business should or could be in harmony with IT.
