An investigation into the impact of IT – business alignment on performance: A case of Zimbabwean state owned enterprises.

Abstract

The research was conducted using a quantitative research approach making use of a questionnaire as a research instrument. The specific objectives of the study were: i. Establish the relationship between IT governance and Business performance ii. Identify the benefits emanating from utilizing IT and business collaborations on ensuring IT/business alignment iii. Establish the effect of skills as a strategy for IT-Business alignment on business performance. iv. Establish the effect of communication as a tool for IT-Business alignment to business performance. v. Establish the knowledge of IT by Business and the knowledge of business by IT The objectives of this study were achieved to a greater extent. Literature review demonstrated the importance of Information Technology to an organization whose importance now mean more than just Information Communication Technology but rather transcends departments and functions within a business organization. Literature also indicated that in order for business organisations to realise the full value of the investment that would have been made in Information Technology infrastructure. The researcher used Zimbabwean State Owned Enterprises as the research case study. The target population comprised of IT Managers, IT Systems Administrators, IT Technicians, Departmental Managers as well as general employees among others. The researcher issued out 150 questionnaires and 128 were successfully completed and returned representing a response rate of 85% The findings of the inquiry indicated that IT – Business alignment had a positive impact to business performance in Zimbabwean State Owned Enterprise