Issues for IT Governance in a Large Not-for-Profit Organization: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper reports on the implementation of IT Governance in a not-for-profit healthcare organization. The motivation behind such an undertaking was partly the need to run the IT Division as a business aligned to the strategic goals of the organization, and partly to be able to demonstrate the professional accountability of the IT decision-making investment process. Certainly, top management's support for the roll out of IT Governance was related to the latter motive. In this case study the organizational gains in focusing on best value for the investment dollar, accountable time-frames and cost- controls, were real. As such, the move enhanced the professional status of the IT Department. However, the organizational structure imposed by IT Governance provided such transparency that the IT Department additionally achieved more widespread participation and buy in from the wider business.