The challenges of information technology (IT) governance in public universities over time

Abstract

Using an in-depth case study, this paper examines challenges that the IT Governance of a public university responds to over time. Our findings indicate the traditional model of IT Governance did not enable the organization to manage their IT resources to match their operational IT needs over a 10 year period. A more process orientated model of IT Governance including organizational drift may be more appropriate to explain the changes over time. To be governed responsibly, the organization over time needs to use their information technology in a manner that is consistent with organizational strategy. The study demonstrated that the best way forward for public universities may be to adopt IT and corporate governance models that allow their management to examine their needs to meet the challenges of matching their IT purchases to their operational needs.