During This Session We Looked At Several Topics On Strategy

During This Session We Looked At Several Topics On Strategic It Plann

During this session, we looked at several topics on Strategic IT planning and strategy. We examined researchers, models, and issues in the area, and as you get closer to starting your own dissertation, you will need to choose a topic in your first dissertation class, so it is essential to start preparing. This week, let us take a look at some topics to consider, and by the end of the week, we could have several ideas for dissertation topics. Since you have already examined several research articles, another way would be to examine previous dissertations in these areas. Go to the Dissertation Database, and locate an interesting topic on IT strategy, or examine a model presented this term. Here are some pointers that will help critically evaluate some viable topics.

Is the topic attainable for a first-time dissertation student? Is the problem rooted in the literature? Is the research empirical, i.e., is there a survey, is there an interview guide, has the data been analyzed via some statistical tool? Is there a theoretical model or framework discussed? Discuss the topic, the problem the model has been used in the research, and any present findings. Do not read the entire dissertation, as the abstract and chapter one introduction should give a clear understanding of the research.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction:

Strategic Information Technology (IT) planning is a crucial aspect of modern organizational management, ensuring that IT initiatives align with business goals to deliver value and competitive advantage. As aspiring researchers and doctoral candidates, it is vital to identify relevant and feasible topics within this domain for successful dissertation development. The process involves evaluating existing literature, models, empirical evidence, and previous research to determine appropriate research directions.

Understanding the Domain:

Strategic IT planning encompasses a range of topics, including IT governance, digital transformation, IT-business alignment, and technology adoption. Researchers have developed numerous models to explain and guide these processes, such as the Strategic Alignment Model (Henderson & Venkatraman, 1993) and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework (Tornatzky & Fleischer, 1990). As students prepare for their dissertation, reviewing previous research articles and dissertations in these areas provides valuable insights into the current landscape, gaps, and emerging themes.

Criteria for Selecting a Viable Dissertation Topic:

When choosing a dissertation topic in strategic IT planning, several critical criteria should be considered:

  • Attainability: The topic should be manageable within the scope of a first-time dissertation student. Complex topics requiring extensive longitudinal data or highly specialized expertise may not be feasible at this stage.
  • Relevance and grounding in literature: The problem should be well-rooted in existing scholarly work, demonstrating awareness of existing theories and findings.
  • Empirical evidence: The research should be empirically based, utilizing methods such as surveys, interviews, or case studies, with data analyzed through statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, or R).
  • Theoretical frameworks: Incorporating established models or frameworks strengthens the research's rigor and provides a theoretical lens for analysis.

Assessing Potential Topics:

To critically evaluate potential dissertation topics, students should examine recent dissertations or research articles, focusing on the abstract and the introduction chapters. These sections typically summarize the purpose, scope, and key findings of the study, providing sufficient understanding without requiring a complete read. For example, a dissertation exploring the implementation of the Strategic Alignment Model in healthcare organizations could reveal insights about how alignment practices influence organizational performance.

In addition, selecting a topic that addresses a current issue, such as digital transformation challenges in traditional industries or the impact of cloud computing on IT governance, can make the research more relevant and impactful. Moreover, ensuring access to data and resources is vital for empirical investigations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, selecting a dissertation topic in strategic IT planning requires a systematic review of the literature, models, and empirical studies. The chosen topic should be feasible for a first-time researcher, grounded in scholarly work, supported by empirical data, and aligned with theoretical frameworks. By critically assessing existing dissertations and articles, students can generate viable research ideas that contribute valuably to the field of IT strategy.

References

  • Henderson, J. C., & Venkatraman, N. (1993). Strategic alignment: Leveraging information technology for transforming organizations. IBM Systems Journal, 32(1), 4-16.
  • Tornatzky, L. G., & Fleischer, M. (1990). The Processes of Technological Innovation. Lexington Books.
  • Byrd, T. A., & Turner, D. E. (2001). An exploratory analysis of the value of the skills of IS personnel. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 48(4), 433-445.
  • Venkatraman, N., & Camillus, J. C. (1984). Exploring the concept of ‘fit’ in strategic management. Academy of Management Review, 9(3), 513-525.
  • Sabherwal, R., & Chan, Y. E. (2001). Alignment between business and IS strategies: A study of prospectors, analyzers, and defenders. Information Systems Research, 12(1), 11-33.
  • Greenwood, R. & Hinings, C. R. (1996). Understanding strategic change: The contribution of archetypes. Academy of Management Journal, 39(4), 1183-1210.
  • Vessey, I., & Ramesh, B. (2002). Enhancing the explanatory power of an IS alignment model. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 49(1), 77-90.
  • Maes, R., & Sels, L. (2009). Determinants of strategic information systems planning: Empirical evidence from Belgian firms. Information & Management, 46(3), 144-152.
  • Yoo, Y., & Alavi, M. (2001). Media and group cohesion: Relative role of media and cohesion in group decision making. Information Systems Research, 12(2), 155-174.
  • Riemer, K., & Beecham, S. (2011). Software process improvement and evolution: A systematic review. Information and Software Technology, 53(6), 577-593.

Related Assignments