Using I.T. (information technology) to drive business value

Abstract

In order for Information Technology projects to deliver business value, attention must be paid to more than just hardware and software. This research paper examines some of the other factors that must be considered when implementing I.T. project to ensure that I.T. drives business value.Four central factors emerged based on current literature as being crucial to ensuring that I.T. delivers business value. These factors being; a) Business strategy must drive I.T. strategy, b) process design is an important aspect of I.T. c) organisational learning and development is fundamental to I .T. projects, d) due consideration must be given to unique situations and institutional voids. A questionnaire was developed to measure these factors and administered to respondents across many differing industries, job positions and age groups. This data was then statistically analysed to see trends amongst respondents.This research shows that in order for I.T. to deliver business value, a holistic view of I.T. must be taken. I.T. must begin with business strategy and end with business enablement and include attention to people, processes, communications and environment. By ensuring to include these aspects in I.T. projects companies can be assisted to ensure that their I.T. investment actually delivers business value.