Information Technology (IT) alignment has been recognised as an essential but challenging endeavour for researchers and practitioners. It is even more challenging when organisations articulate and implement the changes that are necessary for a successful digital transformation. These involve strategic, tactical and operational planning, as well as structural and cultural adaptations.

The result of prior studies suggest that IT alignment facilitates the integration of new digital technologies, enables the implementation of flexible structures, and improves the value of new digital technologies. Thus, IT alignment plays an essential role in realising the anticipated outcome of successful digital transformation initiatives.

IT alignment and digital transformation continue to garner the interest of researchers and practitioners alike. However, there seems to be a lack of studies focusing on the public organisational context. This paucity of knowledge is a concern for scholars given the pronounced differences between public and private organisations.

The aim of this thesis project is to explore IT alignment and its role for digital transformation within the public sector. Besides examining the influence of organisational structure and stakeholder relationships on IT alignment, the research also looks into how IT alignment improves organisational agility. Organisational agility is one of the factors found to determine the success of digital transformation.

This is Gideon Mekonnen Jonathan’s PhD thesis projec, the full title is "Information Technology Alignment in Public Organisations:Towards a Successful Digital Transformation".
Lazar Rusu is the supervisor, and Erik Perjons is the co-supervisor.