ABSTRACT
In the light of increasing competition, many organisations have started to use IT not only for performance improvement and cost reduction, but also to open up new markets and/or gain an advantage over their competitors. With a better understanding of IS/IT at the executive level, IS/IT strategies are being aligned with business strategies with the aim of deploying advanced systems in support of innovative business processes that best achieve the business objectives. This alignment process requires a careful and balanced approach between the level and complexity of the enabling technology and the required level (expected) process change within the organisation. Achieving this balance is a difficult process which requires highly skilled professionals who fully appreciate the strategic needs of the business and the benefits and functionalities that advances in IT can bring about to achieve the business strategy.
