IT management and change at an energy firm: A teaching case on strategic alignment and business process management

Abstract

This teaching case illustrates how important concepts and tools of information system management practice and literature are used in a young firm, challenged by strong growth and the need to integrate business processes and information technology systems. The case is typical of many smaller organizations that are substantially different from large firms. Among others, the firm does not have a dedicated information technology unit. As most of our information technology management knowledge stems from research in large companies, the teaching case demonstrates and combines many proven information technology management methods, and how they can be applied in smaller firms as well. Students will learn about strategic alignment, business process management, work system theory, business process management, and notation, and user resistance during information technology-induced change projects in small- and medium-sized organizations.