Alignment of IT Strategy in Civilian & Military Organizations Strategy

Alignment of it strategy in civilian and military organizations' strategy
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Alignment of it strategy in civilian and military organizations' strategy
1.0 Introduction
For many centuries, nations have continued to struggle to adapt powerful weapons in their militaries to as a gesture of capacity to protect their territories and concur weaker nations. The tactics and strategies developed in military operations by countries are mostly been based on innovative powerful weapons and enhanced communication systems that enhance automation in combat wars and how they are managed (Barnett, 2005). Countries that fail to adopt such strategies are defeated and succumb to invasions by their opponents (Beers et al., 2012; Adamsky & Bjerga, 2010; Khosrowpour, 2010). A parallel of this can be drawn from the current globalization of businesses where companies across the world are competing in international markets using technology as a leverage to their competitiveness. Before organizations move to take a position in global market competition, first they have to get on the level footing with larger companies which have already established the necessary technologies in their structures. Another way is through enhancing their products in terms of functionality with top innovation compared to that of competitors. Just as in the case of military, business organizations that fail to adhere to this kind of strategy succumb to defeat or end up being dissolved by their competitors. The use of technology especially Information Technology in business operations as a strategy is critical in both business organizations and in the military (Beers et al., 2012; Keller, 2008). This paper seeks to discuss how planning for and implementation of information technology in civilian and military organizations based on the overall strategic goals require essentially similar organizational competencies.
2.0 Planning for and implementation of IT in civilian and military organizations
2.1 Operations and Administration
Most businesses make sure they correctly align their IT strategies to business strategies to achieve the desired goals. Alignment of IT with business operations optimizes the significance of IT values to the organization. Similarly, in the military, the modern warfare environment demands and highly relies on IT strategies in all military operations (Liles et al., 2012). Current military formations are even more complex and require advanced coordination between different agencies, military groups and multiple coalitions. IT alignment in the military takes the form of all military operations from the political environment, operational environment and logistics section. IT strategy is deeply embedded in every level of military operations starting from the strategic level, operational level, tactical level and technical level (Beers et al., 2012).
In business, organizations are now involved in different markets across the globe with dynamic market characteristics influenced by varying political, legal structures, social and economic factors. Businesses enter new markets through different means such as mergers and acquisitions, franchising and opening branches and new production and manufactu...