Strategic Alignment of Information Technology Projects and Project Success

155 Pages·2017·1.18 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2017
Strategic Alignment of Information Technology
Projects and Project Success
Joan Barnes
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Management and Technology

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Joan Barnes

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Tim Truitt, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Dr. Charlotte Carlstrom, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Dr. Rocky Dwyer, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2017
Abstract
Strategic Alignment of Information Technology Projects and Project Success
by
Joan Barnes

MBA, University of Phoenix, 2002
BS, Arizona State University, 1998

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University
August 2017
Abstract
Alignment of information technology (IT) projects remains a concern for business
executives and negatively impacts IT investments through failed projects. Drawing from
the theory of systems thinking and the concept of holism, the purpose of this correlational
study was to provide executive leaders with information about influences associated with
the independent variables of project alignment and performance outputs, and the
dependent variable, project success rates. Accordingly, the research question addressed
the relationship between the 2-predictor variables and the outcome variable. Data
collection involved a nonprobability, purposive sample of 49 credentialed project
managers from Arizona who completed an online survey. Results from multiple linear
regression analysis indicated statistically significant relationships between the predictor
variables (F (2, 46) = 111.08, p < .001). The regression model predicted 82% of the
variation resulted from the independent variables. The study’s findings provide corporate
leaders with a better understanding of project alignment, performance outputs, and
project success rates from the operations perspective of project management
professionals who contribute to the organization’s competitive advantage through the
implementation of strategic IT projects. The positive social change implications of this
study include increased organization benefits, such as substantiated IT investments and
higher profits. Increased project success rates substantiate IT investments through
improved customer satisfaction and financial performance. Improved financial
performance leads to higher profits, which leads to higher wages. Higher wages
contributes positively to society-at-large through an enhanced quality of life.
Strategic Alignment of Information Technology Projects and Project Success
by
Joan Barnes

MBA, University of Phoenix, 2002
BS, Arizona State University, 1998

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University
August 2017
Dedication
Jesus is Lord! I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my
help (Psalm 121:1). My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth
(Psalm 121:2). Giving all glory and honor to God, Jesus Christ who provided physical
and mental strength, time, funding, perseverance, and people of encouragement during
this challenging journey. God is my Strength and Power (2 Samuel 22:33). Without
God, I can do nothing. Further, dedication of this dissertation acknowledges the love of
my family. I thank my daughter, Yumeka Rhodes, who supported me throughout this
experience with encouragement, belief, love, and numerous instances of solitude needed
for critical thinking and conducting research. I thank my sister, Linda Ross, whose own
doctoral journey opened the door to this opportunity of continued learning, professional
growth, and an experience of personal capability and enhanced confidence. Thank you.
Table of Contents
List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv
List of Figures ......................................................................................................................v
Section 1: Foundation of the Study ......................................................................................1
Background of the Problem ...........................................................................................1
Problem Statement .........................................................................................................3
Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................3
Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................4
Research Questions and Hypotheses .............................................................................4
Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................5
Operational Definitions ..................................................................................................6
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ................................................................6
Assumptions ............................................................................................................ 6
Limitations .............................................................................................................. 7
Delimitations ........................................................................................................... 7
Significance of the Study ...............................................................................................8
Contribution to Business Practice ........................................................................... 8
Implications for Social Change ............................................................................... 9
A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ................................................9
Systems Science .................................................................................................... 11
Project Alignment ................................................................................................. 25
Performance Outputs ............................................................................................ 34
i
Project Success...................................................................................................... 37
Transition .....................................................................................................................45
Section 2: The Project ........................................................................................................46
Purpose Statement ........................................................................................................46
Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................46
Participants ...................................................................................................................48
Research Method and Design ......................................................................................49
Research Method .................................................................................................. 49
Research Design.................................................................................................... 51
Population and Sampling .............................................................................................52
Ethical Research...........................................................................................................56
Data Collection Instruments ........................................................................................58
Data Collection Technique ..........................................................................................65
Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................67
Study Validity ..............................................................................................................69
Transition and Summary ..............................................................................................73
Section 3: Application to Professional Practice and Implications for Change ..................74
Introduction ..................................................................................................................74
Presentation of the Findings.........................................................................................75
Descriptive Statistics ....................................................................................................76
Inferential Statistics .....................................................................................................86
Analysis Summary .......................................................................................................90
ii
Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................91
Applications to Professional Practice ..........................................................................92
Implications for Social Change ....................................................................................93
Recommendations for Action ......................................................................................94
Recommendations for Future Research .......................................................................95
Reflections ...................................................................................................................96
Conclusion ...................................................................................................................96
References ..........................................................................................................................98
Appendix A: Survey Instrument(s) ..................................................................................123
Appendix B Permission to Use an Existing Survey.........................................................137
Appendix C: Permission to Use an Existing Survey .......................................................138
Appendix D: Permission to Use an Existing Survey .......................................................139
Appendix E: E-mail Invite for Survey Participants .........................................................140
Appendix F: Permission to Use Member Distribution List .............................................141
Appendix G: Arizona State University IRB Policy: Use of E-mail Distribution
List .......................................................................................................................142
Appendix H: Study Instrument Constructs ......................................................................143
Appendix I: Power Analysis Protocol Using G* Power 3.1.2.9 ......................................144

iii
List of Tables
Table 1. Literature Review Source Content ...................................................................... 10
Table 2. Descriptive Statistics of Response Distributions for Study Variables ................ 78
Table 3. Tests of Normality of Individual Study Variables .............................................. 78
Table 4. Correlation Among Study Variables................................................................... 81
Table 5. Collinearity Statistics for Variable Relationships ............................................... 84
Table 6. Analysis of Variance Table (ANOVA) .............................................................. 88
Table 7. Regression Analysis Summary ........................................................................... 88
Table 8. Regression Analysis Summary (Alignment) ...................................................... 88
Table 9. Analysis of Variance Table (ANOVA) Alignment ............................................ 89
Table 10. Regression Analysis Summary for Predictor: Alignment ................................. 90

iv