Lecture 8: IT-Business Alignment and Services

Question 1

How must business and IS domains be aligned with each other in order to increase business performance?

Answer 1

Select the appropriate alignment perspective that suits condition and business objectives

ex. UPS –> strategy is based on IT –> service level

Question 2

Defining Business-IT Alignment

Answer 2

Business-IT alignment is the degree of fit and integration among business strategy, IT strategy, business infrastructure, and IT infrastructure.”

it requires business units to support each other mutually and thus instead communicate

Question 3

Explain SAM

Answer 3

strategic fit:

Strategical integration and operational integration

Question 4

4 alignment perspectives

Answer 4

Business strategy —> IT strategy (service level)

Question 5

3 components to build enterprise alignment

Answer 5

1. strong internal IT capabilities
   - Saas - agile - SOA
2. engagement opportunities
   - Trust and common understanding
3. Tools for coordinating interdependencies
   TCO - total cost ownership

Question 6

Inhibitors EA alignment

Answer 6

Lack of close working relationship

IT fails to meet its commitments

Question 7

enablers of EA alignment

Answer 7

• support from senior and Non-IT executives

- IT should participate in the creation of business strategies

Question 8

Give an example of case enterprise wide alignment could support overall goal of cost-reduction

Answer 8

TCO report in a German bank