Forget Strategy: Focus IT on Your Operating Model
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Abstract
Most companies try to maximize value from IT investments by aligning IT and IT-enabled business processes with business strategy. But strategy rarely offers sufficiently clear direction for development of stable IT and business process capabilities. To make IT a proactive rather than reactive force in creating business value, companies should define an operating model. An operating model specifies the necessary level of business process integration and standardization for the company, defining critical IT and business process capabilities. This briefing explores how a company’s operating model guides IT investment and enhances business agility.
About the Author
Jeanne W. Ross, Principal Research Scientist, MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)
MIT CENTER FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH (CISR)
Founded in 1974 and grounded in MIT's tradition of combining academic knowledge and practical purpose, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading increasingly digital and data-driven organizations. We work directly with digital leaders, executives, and boards to develop our insights. Our consortium forms a global community that comprises around seventy organizations.
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