| dc.description.abstract | Organizations may align IT to business strategy so as to realize business objectives such as improved efficiency/tum-around time and maximum return on investment. However, due the rapid changes in business environment and technology; objectives may not be met. Due to the fact that it may be difficult to foresee such disruptions while setting business and IT strategies the study sought to investigate on the challenges of it alignment to business strategy. The study used descriptive survey; it was deemed the best strategy to fulfill the objectives ofthis study.
The population of the study consisted of all the 45 commercial banks that are dully registered with Central Bank of Kenya by 2010. Out of these 32 companies successfully responded. Questionnaires were used to collect the primary data; it was administered mostly to the managers in charge of IT -business alignment. The study targeted IT or strategy development managers of the commercial banks under study since they were in charge of IT and strategy formulation in the compames. Data collected was analyzed by descriptive analysis.
Data analysis used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software while the tables were used to summarize responses for further analysis and facilitate comparison. This generated quantitative reports through tabulations, percentages, and measure of central tendency. The study revealed that competitive advantage and improved performance were important benefits of information technology in their organization. It was found out that IT department was perceived by the management as a contributor to the alignment of IT to business objectives.
Adoption of improved information technology (IT) had benefits to the organization. This benefits include gaining competitive advantage above the competitors, improved performance, faster decision making, growth in revenue and innovation and creativity. It would also enable the commercial banks to meet future needs as well as help address customer needs collected via research and development in their organization in their agenda to achieve alignment of IT to business objectives.
By way recommendation, there is need for the IT leadership to understand the business strategy, establish organizational objectives, determine the IT model that best fit their organization and further assess the alignment process. The top level management teams must remain involved in communicating, illustrating, and reinforcing the value and results of ITlbusiness alignment. There is also need for IT audit engagement so as to accelerate or prioritize quantifiable IT organizational alignment and IT improvement process. | en_US |
