Developing an integrated conceptual model for portfolio-based IT management

Abstract

The 'Portfolio Approach' to managing Information Technology investments has become best practice for companies wanting to gain more value from IT. However, the relation to the IT management field remains elusive. Many attempts at IT management also appear isolated from the broader enterprise development processes. This thesis addresses this issue by arguing the need for an integrated and holistic view based on a 'soft systems' philosophy. Accordingly, the study aims to create a better understanding of IT management by creating a conceptual portfolio-based model for the development of large enterprises towards a softer and integrated view. The following question is analysed: What essential aspects should be demonstrated by a portfolio framework for managing the development of an enterprise with respect to its IT investments? The study therefore defines four critical orientations of interest. Holistic-oriented enterprise development refers to hard and soft aspects of the enterprise from an information and knowledge perspective. Proactive outcome-based enterprise development refers to enterprise development that is the result of and driven by outcomes. Management-oriented enterprise development refers to four ways of carrying out management of enterprise development: planning, negotiating, judging, and inspiring. Integration-oriented enterprise development refers to integration between approaches within an enterprise development model. This thesis used a single qualitative case study approach taking a broad high-level perspective on IT management, Enterprise Architecture and IT Governance.