Strategic Alignment and Information System project portfolio optimization model

Abstract

With the evolution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Information Systems (IS) have become complex and difficult to control in the absence of definite necessary accompanying measures and lack of adherence of all stakeholders. Thus, a serious problem has faced organizations: how to develop Information Systems that provide both a better alignment with the organization's business strategy and a better added value? In this paper, we propose an optimization model that addresses this problem by providing a strategic alignment (SA) approach of IS projects while maximizing the value of projects. Strategic alignment is evaluated according to a well defined process that determines strategic axes, operational objectives, processes and functions of the information system to be developed according to a target of functional architecture. The project value is calculated according to criteria that each organization could define (estimated financial benefit, risk control, environmental efficiency, etc.). The model allows for determining IS project portfolio by taking into account the synergy created by projects that are located in the same portfolio, the constraints related to projects and resources.