Patterns in Information Technology Portfolio Decision Making: An Inductive Approach
Karhade, Prasanna P.
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/72303
Description
Title
Patterns in Information Technology Portfolio Decision Making: An Inductive Approach
Author(s)
Karhade, Prasanna P.
Issue Date
2009
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Shaw, Michael J.
Department of Study
Business Administration
Discipline
Business Adminstration
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Business Administration, General
Business Administration, Management
Abstract
This dissertation examines the structural properties of patterns in the decision-making processes used for information technology (IT) portfolio management with an emphasis on two key issues; (1) strategic alignment and (2) the mitigation of risks early-on during planning. Based on the cross sectional analysis of a large portfolio of decisions, I build on the Defender-Prospector-Analyzer typology and the corresponding IT strategies to develop theoretical profiles of decision models in alignment with these archetypes. I theorize key differences in decision models across these three strategic orientations and empirically test hypotheses by analyzing actual decisions for a large portfolio of IT initiatives in a unique, naturally controlled empirical setting. By examining decision-making processes over a two-year consecutive period, I systematically address risk mitigation during IT portfolio planning. I build on the logic of appropriateness, to propose an endogenous explanation for the evolution of these planning routines. Using an organizational routine as the unit of analysis; I propose their characteristics that are likely to explain the generation, deletion, retention and adaptation of these routines over time. I corroborate my hypotheses in a unique empirical setting using a three-stage methodology. This dissertation examines strategic alignment and risk-taking from an inductive perspective. Findings reported in this dissertation, based on minimal assumptions, indicate that a pattern-enabled approach to planning for IT portfolios can potentially alleviate the planning paradox. Decision trees I present offer insights for alignment and have substantial managerial implications for IT governance. Meta-routines presented in this dissertation---based on the evolutionary analysis of routines over a two-year period---give us a visual vocabulary for articulating the anatomy of dynamic capabilities. These findings have substantial implications for improving the maturity of IT portfolio management processes within organizations.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
