The alignment of business and information technology within a tertiary education institution through the use of IT-governance: a study conducted at the University of Pretoria

Abstract

Organizations grow and develop rapidly due to general demand and globalization, along with new technologies, regulations and business models. This leads to information systems becoming more intricate and complex. As a result, emphasis is placed on the standardization and integration of processes within organizations. In determining how the standardization of certain processes influence the governance structure in a Higher Education Institution (HEI), a study needs to be conducted on how the institution aligns Business with IT through the use of IT Governance. A case study is performed at the University of Pretoria (UP), where the IT Service Department focuses on using the Enterprise Architecture (EA) ‘light’ version to direct IT practices during a System Renewal Project and the restructuring of the IT Service Department. Enterprise Architecture is applied to support multiple business functions and business changes. EA also maintains the flow of data throughout different business sectors. Business Enterprises make use of governance mechanisms and IT Governance to define and obtain the desired behaviour when using IT and in determining decisions and decision rights. The governance framework offered by EA allows for correct development of information systems, ensures that value is added to the business and focuses on aligning Business and IT. However, Higher Education Institutions have a somewhat different approach to implementing Enterprise Architecture, than private and profit-seeking companies, with the aim of aligning Business and IT. This document provides a theoretical background on what Business-IT alignment is, and how it contributes as a driver for doing EA. This leads to an evaluation on how Higher Education Institutions apply EA and as a result of this application a different approach to Business-IT alignment is investigated. The role of IT Governance within this new approach is identified, as well as stipulating the importance of EA maturity. An evaluation on EA, Business-IT alignment, IT Governance and EA maturity is completed and placed within the context of the University of Pretoria. In the aim of determining how UP aligns Business and IT through IT Governance, a method is developed, with reference to The Open Group Architecture Framework’s Architecture Development Method (TOGAF ADM), to determine and confirm the use of governance structures, governance mechanism and principles at UP. Selected tools include the use of guidelines provided by Ross, Weill and Robertson (2004, 2006), along with the selection of an EA Maturity Model for evaluation of EA maturity at UP. Validation occurs through the application of the developed and selected tools from the research methodology. Project objectives thus far have all been met. To conclude the research project, recommendations are made and constraints are identified, that where experienced throughout the duration of the project.