Information system alignment and its impact on technology transfer: The case of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

Alobaidly, Sulaiman (2017) Information system alignment and its impact on technology transfer: The case of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Doctoral thesis, Northumbria University.

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Abstract

Information Systems (IS) alignment is one of the most significant areas of concern in terms of priority for both the Information Technology and the Management fields. In this context, many scientific research organisations face the challenge of integrating their IS with organisational strategic objectives. This research aimed to develop a practical model of IS strategic alignment, that can be adopted by scientific research and development (SR&D) organisations in order to improve technology transfer activities. The research involved a single exploratory case study of an SR&D organisation in Kuwait, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). Thirtyseven respondents from the research management, IS management, and planning and support groups of KISR, namely, the scientific research senior managers, IS senior managers, and consultants, respectively, were interviewed concerning issues related to the organisational, strategic, and IS domains. Semi-structured interviews have been designed as a data collection method. The study has utilised certain data analysis techniques including template analysis, coding and classification, and interpretive analysis methods. In the analysis of the external and internal contexts, briefly, Kuwait’s IT plan was discussed, along with the challenges, and in detail, the description and analysis of KISR’s strategic plans. Twenty-two factors were identified and have emerged in this study which have effects on IS alignment. The key contributions, including a critical and comprehensive survey of IS strategy literature has led to the identification of factors that may affect IS alignment. A conceptual framework was designed to enable a better insight of the IS alignment challenges. A practical road map was developed in this study to guide and direct SR&D organisations in achieving IS alignment effectively and efficiently. This road map is aimed at bridging the gap between theory and practice for organisations. The proposed practical road map will help KISR and other SR&D organisations to achieve both successful and feasible IS strategic alignment to enable effective technology and knowledge transfer.

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