Version 1
: Received: 24 October 2024 / Approved: 25 October 2024 / Online: 25 October 2024 (17:12:49 CEST)
How to cite:
Sithole, S.; Grahn, T.; Pillay, D.; Thango, B. Aligning IT and Business Strategies: Achievements and Challenges – A Systematic Literature Review. Preprints2024, 2024102056. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2056.v1
Sithole, S.; Grahn, T.; Pillay, D.; Thango, B. Aligning IT and Business Strategies: Achievements and Challenges – A Systematic Literature Review. Preprints 2024, 2024102056. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2056.v1
Sithole, S.; Grahn, T.; Pillay, D.; Thango, B. Aligning IT and Business Strategies: Achievements and Challenges – A Systematic Literature Review. Preprints2024, 2024102056. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2056.v1
APA Style
Sithole, S., Grahn, T., Pillay, D., & Thango, B. (2024). Aligning IT and Business Strategies: Achievements and Challenges – A Systematic Literature Review. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2056.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Sithole, S., Divaashan Pillay and Bonginkosi Thango. 2024 "Aligning IT and Business Strategies: Achievements and Challenges – A Systematic Literature Review" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.2056.v1
Abstract
Aligning Information Technology (IT) with business strategies is crucial for improving operational efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, SMEs face unique challenges in achieving this alignment due to limited resources, technical expertise, and a rapidly changing technological landscape. This systematic review aims to assess the achievements and challenges of IT-business alignment in SMEs from 2014 to 2024, with a focus on the impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain. A systematic search of Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus databases identified 63 relevant papers. Studies were selected based on their relevance to IT-business alignment in SMEs, and both quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and analyzed to identify key trends, achievements, and challenges. The review found that 74% of SMEs reported improved operational efficiency and 68% experienced enhanced innovation opportunities due to effective IT-business alignment. However, 59% of SMEs identified resource limitations as a significant barrier, while 45% highlighted a lack of technical expertise. Additionally, 35% of SMEs faced organizational resistance to change. Emerging technologies such as AI and IoT contributed positively to IT alignment in 60% of cases, though 30% of SMEs noted challenges related to cybersecurity and skills gaps. IT-business alignment is essential for SMEs to enhance productivity and remain competitive in a dynamic technological environment. While the integration of emerging technologies shows promise, SMEs continue to face significant barriers, including resource constraints and technical skills shortages. Tailored frameworks, industry-specific policies, and targeted training programs are needed to help SMEs overcome these challenges. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of IT-business alignment and explore strategies to increase its accessibility and effectiveness.
Business, Economics and Management, Business and Management
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
