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

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.