University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Patterns in information technology portfolio decision making: an inductive approach

Karhade, Prasanna P.

Content Files
3_Karhade_Prasanna.pdf

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/14753

Description

Title
Patterns in information technology portfolio decision making: an inductive approach
Author(s)
Karhade, Prasanna P.
Issue Date
2010-01-06T17:49:21Z
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Shaw, Michael J.
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Shaw, Michael J.
Committee Member(s)
  • Mahoney, Joseph T.
  • Chandler, John S.
  • Subramanyam, Ramanath
Department of Study
Business Administration
Discipline
Business Administration
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Date of Ingest
2010-01-06T17:49:21Z
Keyword(s)
  • IT Portfolio Management
  • Decision Rules
  • Routines
  • Evolution of Routines
  • Decision Trees
  • Induction
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.
Graduation Semester
2009-12
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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/14753
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2009 Prasanna Karhade

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