Measuring strategic alignment between information technology clients and vendors

Abstract

One key aspect of technology management is managing relationships with technology vendors. This paper presents a model for measuring strategic alignment between a firm and its Information Technology (IT) vendors. A survey instrument based on the model was used to measure strategic alignment between an IT department and its vendors at an American University. Overall, alignment of the IT department with its vendors was at “Established” level or healthy. The highest alignment was in the “value” area, and the model identified the “skills” area to have a major misalignment. The application of the alignment model created a rich picture of the relationship between IT and its vendors and resulted in specific recommendations for improving the strategic alignment.