A Case Study of Improving Information Technology Governance in a University Context

Abstract

Abstract. The objective of this study is to explore the criteria of effective information technology governance processes employed in universities and their impact on the diffusion of appropriate technology to the base level users. From this analysis, we hope to develop a set of best practice guidelines for IT governance and related processes in respect of universities. This will realize significant benefits by providing a reference model or benchmark based on the key characteristics of IT governance that are most effective in achieving high levels of IT and business goal alignment, effective use of IT resources, and IT risk management.A large Australian university that is currently undergoing a major restructure of its IT governance process was selected to be the subject of this case study involving interviews and a survey of internal stakeholders. The results indicate there are still some problematic issues, but overall there is a perception of significant improvement in key areas of IT governance. Additionally the recognition by the university that IT governance is an ongoing process seems indicative of an IT governance structure that is rapidly improving in all accepted measures of effectiveness. A healthy sign of a good governance structure in this case is the IT governance-aware attitude of key members of the executive management.The survey results illustrate the effect IT governance constructs may have on the diffusion of technology in larger organizations where key business functions, such as research, rest substantially at the individual level. In this case a lack of lower-level consultation is perceived by staff as an impediment to the diffusion of technology appropriate to meeting user IT needs.

Information technology governance practices based on sufficiency economy philosophy in the Thai university sector

“…This research is intended to develop the formal practices for IT governance with initiatives for the higher education sector in Thailand. We have discovered that universities in many countries attempt to clarify the suitable solution for institutional IT governance in their own country ( JISC, 2007;Fernandez and Llorens, 2009;Hicks et al, 2010 2. To consider the benefits of the organization and stakeholders gaining from the IT investment (Kantabutra, 2006;JISC, 2007).…”

Application of IT Management Frameworks in Higher Education Institutions

“…The results of the analysis of the author's organization, derived from the opportunities and threats of ITSM, together with studies on the implementation of IT governance and ITSM suggest that there are a number of benefits from the adoption of frameworks such as ITIL or CobiT [13][14][15][16][17].…”

Effective IT Governance in Higher Education Institutions: The Conceptual Model

“…The IT governance mechanisms adapted from researcher [1] in general and significant prior studies in the context of HEIs in particular [4]. The following hypotheses development based on previous studies in IT governance research and their development.…”

“…Researchers like [4] conducted a case study in large Australian university to explore the criteria of effective of IT Governance. The study initially employed a qualitative approach, collecting data through interviewing of key personnel.…”

“…Organizations with ineffective IT governance will suffer due to poor performance of IT resources such as inefficient operating costs, inaccurate information quality, even the decease the performance of its IT department. Past literatures indicated that there have been linking between effective IT governance and organizational performance [1], [2], [3], [4].…”