Development of an IT strategic planning capability for the digital age

The quest to 'digitize' has been identified by practitioners and academics as one of the key strategic decisions an organization must make in order to remain competitive in this fast moving highly digitized business landscape. However, organizations are struggling with IT strategic planning in this context whilst striking a balance between planning, developing and delivering on the IT vision of the organization whilst at the same time exemplifying 'agility' - a key characteristic of digitized organization. This research seeks to outline the key facets of IT strategic planning by examining the IT Strategic Planning critical capability of the IT Capability Maturity Framework" (IT-CMF") through a digital lens. It seeks to elucidate how IT strategy needs to evolve to remain relevant and effective. This output of research will be a roadmap for organizations to implement IT strategic planning in a digital environment in order for them to best position themselves for success and in order for them to remain competitive. A multi-method approach was adopted; firstly, a design science research approach was used to build and evaluate innovative artefacts. This phase engaged a group of subject matter experts (SMEs) from industry and academia with knowledge in IT strategic planning. The outcome of which was an 'IT Strategic Planning' capability developed as a key component of the IT Capability Maturity Framework" (IT-CMF"). The second phase, built upon this artefact and was supplemented by the relevant literature on IT strategic planning and how it has evolved with the emergence of digitization within the organization. Finally, a rigorous analysis and review of these two approaches was undertaken, by the same group of SMEs, resulting in the development of an IT strategic planning capability that was digitally relevant. This research is of particular importance to organizations and practitioners interested in digital transformation and the implications this may have for the development of their IT Strategic planning capability and digital strategy. It is also very relevant to academics and researchers who are interested in the development of IT/digital strategy demanded by digitization.