A Critical Study of IT Transformation Practices to Achieve Business IT Alignment

Abstract: Transformation is the creation and change of a whole new form, function or structure.  IT transformation means a significant change of organization’s IT systems with an aim to achieve a state of alignment of IT strategy with business strategy. IT transformation of an organization from its legacy environment to the next generation of technology is one of the most complex and expensive changes an organization can undergo.

The objective of IT transformation is to build more efficient enterprise architecture and transform the IT organization into an effective business partner. It  is a process that results in a dynamic state of business IT alignment. There are many reasons why organizations should align IT with Business, like cost reduction, productivity enhancement, implementation of new business strategies or to gain competitive edge etc. A number of case studies have also shown how significant cost and performance efficiencies were achieved by organizations through business IT alignment (BITA).

Numerous studies, research papers and articles available in the public domain suggest that business IT alignment has remained a perennial problem for the industry with no standard solution. This study takes a critical look at various prevailing IT transformation practices and the key factors that lead to optimum business IT alignment. A survey was carried out to incorporate viewpoints of professionals from the Indian industry. 

Keywords: IT transformation, IT strategy, business IT alignment (BITA), perennial problem, IT practitioners and consultants