IT Strategy Case Study: The Role of IT in Business Success


Discover how IT can become a strategic business partner with this IT Strategy Case Study, highlighting key steps and outcomes in IT-business alignment.


This IT Strategy Case Study delves into the journey of a major footwear company's IT department as it transforms into a key business partner. It covers the strategies implemented for aligning IT with business objectives, establishing robust IT governance, and adopting best practices in IT service management. This case study serves as an invaluable guide for organizations aiming to elevate the role of their IT departments in driving business success.

In the rapidly evolving business landscape, the integration of IT strategy with company objectives is more crucial than ever. This IT Strategy Case Study unfolds the journey of a renowned footwear company, facing the challenge of transforming its IT department from a traditional support role to a strategic business partner.

Initially, the IT department was grappling with the common challenge of misalignment with broader business goals. This disconnect not only hindered the efficiency of IT operations but also limited the department's ability to contribute to the company's strategic objectives. The need for a paradigm shift was evident, one where IT could play a pivotal role in driving business growth and innovation.

The case study meticulously details the strategic steps taken by the company to bridge this gap. It highlights the implementation of a comprehensive IT governance model, tailored to align IT initiatives with business priorities. The transformation journey included restructuring IT processes, adopting new service management practices, and fostering a culture of collaboration between IT and other business units.

A critical aspect covered in this case study is the measurable impact of these changes. Post-transformation, the company witnessed significant improvements in operational efficiency, cost savings, and, most importantly, an enhanced capacity for innovation and strategic decision-making. The IT department successfully transitioned into a valuable business partner, contributing directly to the company's competitive edge and market success.

This case study on aligning information technology capability with business needs will help you understand the following:

  • What is the role of IT in the business?
  • How can the IT Organization drive business success?
  • How to transform IT Capability to better align with business needs?
  • What are the critical building blocks of IT Capability?
  • How to align IT Capability with business strategy and requirements?
  • How to follow a structured approach to business IT alignment?

This IT Strategy Case Study serves as an insightful resource for businesses and IT leaders aiming to replicate similar success. It underscores the importance of aligning IT strategy with business goals and provides a practical blueprint for achieving this alignment. The case study not only demonstrates the potential challenges but also illuminates the path to a solution, making it an essential read for those looking to enhance the strategic role of IT in their organizations.

CIOs can utilize this IT Strategy Case Study as a practical guide to address several real-world challenges they encounter in aligning IT operations with business objectives. The case study provides insights into transforming an IT department from a traditional support role to a strategic business partner, a common challenge for many CIOs.

By studying the steps outlined in the case study, CIOs can learn how to effectively bridge the gap between IT and business strategies. This includes adopting a comprehensive IT governance model that aligns IT initiatives with business priorities, an essential step for CIOs looking to ensure that their IT investments and projects directly support the company's overall goals and objectives.

Additionally, the case study highlights the importance of restructuring IT processes and adopting new service management practices. CIOs can apply these insights to optimize their IT operations, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where IT departments are under pressure to do more with less, ensuring operational efficiency while driving innovation.

Another key takeaway for CIOs is the emphasis on fostering a culture of collaboration between IT and other business units. This case study showcases the benefits of such collaboration, including improved decision-making and innovation. CIOs can use these insights to develop strategies that encourage closer working relationships between IT staff and other departments, breaking down silos and fostering a more integrated approach to business challenges.

Lastly, the case study's focus on measurable impacts, such as cost savings and enhanced capacity for strategic decision-making, provides CIOs with valuable benchmarks. They can use these benchmarks to set and evaluate their own goals, demonstrating the value of IT not just as a cost center but as a strategic contributor to the business.

In summary, this IT Strategy Case Study offers CIOs a detailed roadmap for transforming their IT departments, aligning IT with business strategies, and demonstrating the strategic value of IT in achieving organizational goals. CIOs can learn to follow a structured approach (IT principles, IT Strategy, IT Plan, IT framework, IT processes, IT governance...) to partner with the business to create value for their stakeholders and shareholders. MUST Read!




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